The city of Philadelphia is rich in history, attractions, and delicious cuisine. It’s home to the Liberty Bell, the famous Rocky staircase, and of course, the Philly cheesesteak. The city is perfect for anyone looking to go on a weekend getaway, or even a longer vacation.
While most visitors are drawn to Philadelphia for its museums and rich history, some are unaware that it also features a wide variety of mouth watering dining options. The city offers the perfect blend of classic, quality restaurants as well as some more unique eateries of equal merit. Though this list only scratches the surface of what Philly’s food has to offer, we’ve done our best to break down the best food options in Philadelphia by meal.
Breakfast
- Classic: Cafe La Maude offers French-Lebanese inspired dishes inside its family-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Their Berrylicious Pain Perdu is every sweet tooth’s dream, while the Foul Moudamas features homemade hummus for those who prefer a savory breakfast option.
- Unique: After its owner Marcos Tlacopilco was featured on Queer Eye, Alma Del-mar has made quite the name for itself. While the show made the restaurant famous for its Seafood soups, the menu also showcases an array of delicious breakfast options.
Lunch
- Classic: We would be remiss to discuss classic Philadelphian food without recommending a classic Philly Cheesesteak. It’s no secret this one of the area’s most famous meals, so it makes it an absolute necessity to grab while you’re in town. Located in South Philly, Tony Luke’s is a top-tier location for getting a top-of-the-line sandwich.
- Unique: Is steak not really your thing? Looking for alternate Philly style meat sandwiches? Search no further. John’s Roast Pork is the perfect alternative to get your filling in on a hot sandwich. Receiving the Best Roast Pork Sandwich award from Philadelphia Magazine, as well as national coverage on the Travel Channel, they are the place for everything pork.
Dinner
- Classic: Philadelphia’s entertainment and music history is well-documented throughout time. From the boxer Rocky, to its rich Italian opera and classical music, this cafe, Victor Cafe, and restaurant encompasses that historical culture all into one place. Whether you’re dining indoors or outdoors, live music will brighten up the environment as you dine at one of Philadelphia’s most treasured Italian restaurants.
- Unique: Imagine food stalls as far as the eye can see. This is the sight at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market, located in Center City. Boasting itself as one of the oldest and most famous public markets since its opening way back in 1893, this indoor market has dozens and dozens of stalls runned by family-owned and local businesses. This also the perfect place to grab dinner throughout your journey. Everything from chicken to sushi to breakfast, there is definitely something for everyone!
Dessert
- Classic: Bakery/cafe crossovers can be found all over Philadelphia, but few truly compare to A La Mousse, which have 3 locations across the city (Chinatown, South St, and Narberth). Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind custom cake, a signature crepe, or even a specialty latte, this shop can satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Unique: For more on-the-go dessert delivery, consider using a delivery app, like Gopuff, to bring your favorite sweets straight to your location at any time. Looking for a tasty snack while sightseeing some tourist attractions? Or maybe even looking to unwind after a long day of walking around the city? Have your favorite ice cream or candy bar delivered to your hotel. This speedy option is an easy way to adjust to your flexible travel schedule!
As we know, Philadelphia is full of many things. United States history, unrivaled sports teams, and of course, some of the tastiest food in the country. And as travel begins to open up across the nation, be sure to consider some of these places when visiting the City of Brotherly Love.
Have you been to Philadelphia and have a favorite local spot you love to rave about? Let us know your favorite places to eat too, we’d love to hear from you.
