Ghost kitchens, restaurants preparing delivery-only menus, became the new food craze over the course of the pandemic since Covid-19 guidelines shut down the majority of in-person dining. Here, in Philadelphia, established restaurateurs are continuing the trend in 2021. We compiled a list of some of the best shadow kitchens that will deliver right to your door.
Pete’s Place
Peter Serpico’s virtual kitchen is known for its homemade, restaurant quality noodles and for its schtick of being “kinda Korean." Originally born in Korea, Serpico was adopted and raised in the U.S. by Italian-American parents and the impact of his blended cultural backgrounds influenced the cuisine in his restaurant. The menu is modern with a refined edge and serves seasonal noodles, rice and soup using responsibly sourced ingredients. Try their Bibimbap, a steamed rice meal served with spinach, pickled bean sprouts, shredded carrots, slow cooked egg, chili sauce, and your choice of marinated tofu or ground pork. 604 South St., (215) 593-2232, petes.place/
Jackass Burrito
Recently launched under Stephen Starr’s restaurant group, Starr Restaurants, this ghost kitchen has already received acclaim for having the best burrito on the internet. Open Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Friday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Jackass Burrito brings some of the best Mexican cuisine to your doorstep with options to make your own burritos, rice bowls and quesadillas. They also serve an all-day breakfast menu for $11 where patrons can expect a meal consisting of scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, tater tots, salsa verde, salsa roja and crema. 2013 Chestnut St., (215) 372-2603, jackassburrito.com/menu/
Livy’s Plant Based
With three decades of cooking traditional cuisine under his belt, Chef Jose Garces is looking to the future with the creation of his first plant-based restaurant. Garces was inspired to shift towards conscience cooking by his daughter Olivia who is committed to a gluten-free and plant-based lifestyle. Livy’s Plant Based, Garces contribution to the ghost kitchen trend, is dedicated to revamping the stigma around a vegan diet for being bland and restrictive through his expansive menu of plant-based burgers. 3300 Fairmount Ave., 215.315.3195, livysplantbased.com/
Wing Wing Wing
This Starr Restaurant virtual kitchen is your one-stop-shop to have some of the best wings in Philly delivered to your house for family games nights or for heavy snacks at your next sports viewing. Wing Wing Wing serves six different types of wings varying in heat and flavor and all servings come in a jumbo size with a side of ranch or blue cheese. They provide options of barbecue, sesame soy and dry jerk spice wings, but those looking to be adventurous should try the dry nuclear spice wings. Make sure you complement this extra spicy treat with a glass of milk. 1210 Frankford Ave., 267.277.7657, wingx3.com
Rustika Pollo a la Brasa
Chef Jose Garces' Peruvian inspired ghost kitchen is known for its delectable rotisserie chicken. While traveling and studying the cuisine of South America, Garces learned the craft of pollo a la brasa, which is a labor intensive technique for cooking rotisserie chicken. It is traditionally served with a side of potatoes and various salsa. The 72 hour-long process is practiced within this kitchen that brings the tastes of South America to Philadelphia homes. Along with the main course, patrons can also order a side of yucca cheese bread with guava butter and cheese and chicken empanadas. 3300 Fairmount Ave., 267.284.7900, rustikapollo.com
Hunnies
Crunchy, juicy fried chicken awaits customers at this eatery by Glu Hospitality owners Derek Gibbons and Tim Lu. The dynamic duo behind Leda and The Swan, Vesper Center City, Vesper Dayclub and Germantown Garden has transformed the humble poultry into flavorful handhelds like the sweet and savory Hunnie's chicken and waffle sandwich and the homemade, smoky buffalo crispy chicken sandwich. For the plant-based patron, tofu can be subbed in for any item on the menu. 223 S. Sydenham St., 267.214.0086, hunniescrispychicken.com
Farina Pasta and Noodle
Craving carbs? This pasta and noodle ghost kitchen in West Philly will satisfy appetites with its extensive menu—think bold bolognese, dan dan, Thai peanut butter noodles, chicken ramen, creamy alfredo and pistachio pesto. Fresh pasta meal kits for two provide the perfect date night activity. Boil and stir your way to an easy and delicious romantic evening at home. Don’t forget to complete the meal with their aromatic garlic bread or warm cheese bread. 3300 Fairmount Ave., 484.533.7305, farinapastaphl.com
Photography by: Photo by Andrew Seaman
