Food Places in Philadelphia: 27 Spots That Don't Suck
Philadelphia has over 4,000 restaurants, and most of them are tourist traps charging $18 for mediocre cheesesteaks.
I spent three months eating my way through Philly while working remotely (RIP my waistline), and here are the 27 food places in Philadelphia actually worth your time and money. No fluff, just addresses, prices, and what to order.
1. Dalessandro's Steaks — The Actual Best Cheesesteak
📍 600 Wendover St, Roxborough
Forget Pat's and Geno's. This is where locals go for cheesesteaks.
What to order: Cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and fried onions ($13.50) Time needed: 20-30 minutes with line Cash only
The bread-to-meat ratio here is perfect, and they don't skimp on the ribeye. Get there before 11:30 AM or after 2 PM to avoid the lunch crush.
💡 Pro tip: Order "with" (onions) or "without" — don't ask for substitutions or you'll get the stink eye from everyone behind you.
Gear for This Trip
Compact multi-tool for travel dining — corkscrew, can opener, blade.
Keeps drinks cold 24hrs. Beats paying $8 for water at tourist spots.
Sleek enough for upscale restaurants. Triple-wall vacuum insulated.
Phone dies mid-reservation hunt? 5,000mAh lipstick-sized lifesaver.
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2. DiNic's Roast Pork — Better Than Cheesesteaks Fight Me
📍 Reading Terminal Market, 12th & Arch
This roast pork sandwich beat Bobby Flay on TV, and it's $14.75 of pure heaven.
What to order: Roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe Time needed: 15 minutes Line moves fast
The pork is brined for 24 hours and slow-roasted. The jus soaks into the Sarcone's roll. It's objectively better than any cheesesteak in Food Places In Philadelphia For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, this is worth knowing.
3. Federal Donuts — Fried Chicken + Donuts Done Right
📍 Multiple locations (1632 Sansom St is central)
Korean fried chicken meets doughnuts. Sounds gimmicky, tastes incredible.
Prices: Hot chicken sandwich $11, dozen donuts $25 Time needed: 10-15 minutes Best time: Early morning for fresh donuts
The chicken is twice-fried and crispy as hell. Get the strawberry lavender donut — I know, I know, but trust me.
💡 Pro tip: Order chicken and donuts together. The sweet-savory combo actually works, especially if you're hungover.
4. Zahav — If You're Spending Real Money
📍 237 St James Pl, Society Hill
Price range: $50-80 per person Reservation difficulty: Book 2-3 weeks ahead on Resy
Israeli cuisine that won a James Beard Award. The pomegranate lamb shoulder ($58) feeds two and takes 12 hours to cook.
Must-order: Hummus with tahini ($18) — sounds expensive for chickpeas, but it's transcendent Skip: The laffa bread is good but $8 seems steep
This is date night or special occasion territory, but it's the best fine dining in Philadelphia for the price point
5. Suraya — Lebanese Food + Killer Brunch
📍 1528 Frankford Ave, Fishtown
Price range: $15-30 per person Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 10 AM - 2 PM
The breakfast manakeesh ($16) is flatbread topped with zaatar, labneh, and a fried egg. Get the rose latte ($5.50) even if you think floral coffee sounds pretentious.
Dinner's great too, but brunch here beats any overpriced eggs benedict spot in Center City.
6. Angelo's Pizzeria Southwark — Not NYC Pizza Thank God
📍 736 S 6th St, Bella Vista
Price: Slices $3.50, whole pie $18-24 Time needed: 5 minutes for slices Open until: 2 AM weekends
Philly-style pizza — thinner than NYC, crispier than New Haven, better than both (I said what I said).
The upside-down pizza (cheese on bottom, sauce on top) is their signature move. Order the Heater if you want spicy pepperoni that actually has heat
7. Middle Child Clubhouse — Instagrammable That Doesn't Suck
📍 248 S 11th St, Midtown Village
Price range: $12-16 per sandwich Best item: Steak & eggs hoagie ($14)
Yeah, it's trendy. Yeah, people take photos. But the food backs it up The Schmiddy (smoked pastrami, fried egg, American cheese) is $13 and actually lives up to the hype. Get there before 9 AM on weekends or you're waiting 45+ minutes.
8. Paesano's — The Other Best Sandwich
📍 152 W Girard Ave, Fishtown
Signature: Paesano's Special ($16) — roast beef, rabe, fried egg, sharp provolone Time needed: 20 minutes with line Cash preferred
They only serve 6 sandwiches, and all of them slap. The Arista (roasted pork with broccoli rabe) is $14.50 and rivals DiNic's.
💡 Pro tip: Order online for pickup — the line on weekends is stupid long.
9. K'Far Cafe & Gallery — Philly's Best BYOB
📍 1924 Sansom St, Rittenhouse
Price range: $18-28 per entree BYOB: No corkage fee Cuisine: Middle Eastern/Mediterranean
Philly has 1,000+ BYOB restaurants (liquor licenses are expensive here), and this is the best mid-range option.
Get the lamb kofta platter ($24) and bring a bottle from the Wine & Spirits store three blocks away. Total dinner for two: $65-75 with wine.
10. Dim Sum Garden — $20 Feeds Two People
📍 59 N 11th St, Chinatown
Must-order: Soup dumplings (8 for $8.95) Total meal cost: $18-25 per person Time needed: 45 minutes with wait
The soup dumplings are hand-made and better than most spots in NYC Chinatown. The dan dan noodles ($6.95) are absurdly cheap and spicy as hell.
Cash only. No reservations. Go at 11 AM sharp or 2:30 PM to dodge crowds.
11. Hardena — Indonesian Food You Didn't Know You Needed
📍 1754 Welsh Rd, Philadelphia
Price range: $9-15 per entree Best dish: Rendang beef ($13.50) Location note: Northeast Philly, requires Uber
This is a trek from Center City ($25 Uber For food places in philadelph For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, this is worth knowing.ia, this is worth knowing.), but it's the best Indonesian food on the East Coast.
Order the rijsttafel (rice table) for two ($45) — you get 8 different dishes family-style. The sambal will clear your sinuses.
12. Fiorella — Italian BYO Done Right
📍 2201 Spruce St, Rittenhouse
Price range: $16-28 per entree Pasta: Made in-house daily Reservation: Book 1 week ahead
The ricotta gnocchi ($22) is pillowy and better than half the pasta I had in Italy. Bring a $15 bottle of wine and you're having a $40 date night that feels like $100 💡 Pro tip: Go during Restaurant Week (January and September) for $40 three-course meals.
13. John's Roast Pork — The OG Since 1930
📍 14 E Snyder Ave, South Philly
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:45 AM - 3 PM (CLOSED SUNDAY) Price: Roast pork $14, cheesesteak $13 Cash only
Been here since 1930, won James Beard awards, still doesn't take credit cards.
The roast pork is slow-cooked overnight. Get there before noon or they sell out. The cheesesteak here is also top-tier if you want both.
14. Monk's Cafe — 200+ Beers + Mussels
📍 264 S 16th St, Rittenhouse
Price range: $14-24 per entree Beer selection: 200+ bottles, 25 taps Best deal: Mussels ($18) + frites
The moules frites come with a massive pile of Belgian fries and your choice of 6 sauces. Pair with a Trappist ale ($9-14) and you're living.
Good laptop-friendly spot during weekday afternoons — WiFi is solid, outlets everywhere.
15. Terakawa Ramen — Best Ramen Under $15
📍 926 Race St, Chinatown
Price: Bowls $11-15 Best: Tonkotsu ramen ($13.50) Wait time: 30-45 minutes during dinner
The broth is milky-rich and they actually cook the egg properly (not rubber, not raw). Add garlic chips ($1) and black garlic oil (free).
Better than Momofuku and half the price. Fight me, New Yorkers.
16. Goldie — Vegan Falafel That Carnivores Love
📍 1526 Sansom St, Center City
Price: Falafel sandwich $9, tehina shake $7 Time needed: 10 minutes By: Same people as Zahav
I eat meat every day and this falafel sandwich is $9 of crispy perfection. The tehina milkshake sounds weird, tastes like halvah ice cream.
💡 Pro tip: Get extra pickled cabbage — it's free and makes the sandwich.
17. Vernick Food & Drink — Best Chef's Counter Experience
📍 2031 Walnut St, Rittenhouse
Price range: $35-60 per entree Chef's counter: 8 seats, no reservation needed (walk-in only) Splurge-worthy: Dry-aged duck ($48)
This is my pick for "special occasion but not stuffy." The chef's counter lets you watch the kitchen and ask questions. Order the toast with sea urchin and bone marrow ($22) — sounds bougie, tastes incredible.
18. Sang Kee Peking Duck House — Whole Duck for $40
📍 238 N 9th St, Chinatown
Signature: Peking duck whole ($40, feeds 3-4) Best deal: Roast pork noodle soup ($8.50) Time needed: 15 minutes
The Peking duck comes with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. At $40 For food places in philadelphia, this is worth k For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, this is worth knowing.nowing., it's the best value fine-ish dining in Philadelphia.
If you're solo, the roast pork over rice ($9.95) is a full meal and better than any food court
19. Pizzeria Beddia — Reservation-Only Pizza
📍 1313 N Lee St, Fishtown
Price: Pies $20-26 Reservation: Required, book on Resy Best pie: Cream sauce with onion and sausage ($24)
This was once voted best pizza in America. The hype is mostly deserved — it's excellent, but not "wait 6 weeks for a reservation" excellent.
If you can snag a same-day table, go. Otherwise, Angelo's is 85% as good with zero wait.
20. Lost Bread Co. — Bougie Breakfast Sandwiches
📍 1 S 20th St, Rittenhouse
Price range: $10-14 per sandwich Best: The Ramp ($13) — egg, mortadella, provolone, pickled ramps Open: 7 AM daily
Their bread is house-made and worth the extra $3 over a bodega breakfast sandwich. The iced coffee ($4) is also excellent — rare for breakfast spots Good remote work spot in the mornings before the lunch rush.
21. El Vez — Overpriced But Worth It Once
📍 121 S 13th St, Midtown Village
Price range: $15-28 per entree Happy hour: 5-7 PM weekdays (half-price guac and margs) Best deal: Taco Tuesday ($3 tacos)
Yes, it's a Stephen Starr restaurant (Philly's restaurant empire guy). Yes, it's too expensive for Mexican food. But the guac is made tableside ($16) and the margaritas are dangerous.
Go during happy hour or Taco Tuesday. Skip it otherwise unless someone else is paying.
22. Sabrina's Cafe — Best Brunch Under $15
📍 Multiple locations (910 Christian St is the original)
Price range: $10-16 per entree Must-order: Stuffed French toast ($13.95) Wait time: 60-90 minutes weekends
The portions are massive — the challah French toast is stuffed with cream cheese and strawberries and could feed two people.
💡 Pro ti For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, this is worth knowing.p: Go to the Powelton location (34th & Powelton) — same food, 50% shorter wait.
23. Merzbacher's — Old-School Jewish Deli
📍 1324 Locust St, Midtown Village
Price: Sandwiches $12-16 Best: Pastrami on rye ($15.50) Open: Breakfast through dinner
The corned beef is house-cured and the latkes are crispy. It's not Katz's, but it's $8 cheaper and has no line.
Get the matzo ball soup ($7) if you're hungover — it works.
24. Laser Wolf — Israeli Grill Worth the Money
📍 1903 S 1st St, Queen Village
Price: Prix fixe $58 per person Style: Skewers + salatim (salads) Rooftop: Amazing views of Food Places In Philadelphia
Same ownership as Zahav but more casual. The $58 prix fixe gets you unlimited salatim (Israeli salads), pita, and your choice of skewered meats.
The lamb chops are worth the splurge (+$12). Bring a date — it's romantic as hell.
25. Cheu Noodle Bar — Asian Fusion That Works
📍 255 S 10th St, Midtown Village
Price range: $12-18 per bowl Best: Coconut curry ramen ($16) Vibe: Loud, energetic, not romantic
The OG ramen ($14) has crispy chicken skin on top — sounds weird, tastes addictive. The bao buns ($12 for 2) are solid but skippable.
Good for groups. Terrible for quiet conversation (it's LOUD).
26. High Street on Market — Best Coffee + Pastries
📍 308 Market St, Old City
Price range: $4-12 Best: Almond croissant ($5), cortado ($4) Open: 7 AM - 3 PM weekdays
The bread program here is insane — everything's made in-house. The almond croissant has actual almond cream, not the weird paste most places use WiFi is good, outlets are plentiful. This is my go-to remote work spot.
💡 Pro tip: The breakfast sandwich on house focaccia ($11) is underrated.
27. Royal Izakaya — Late Night Japanese Bar Food
📍 780 S 2nd St, Queen Village
Price range: $8-18 per plate Open until: 1 AM weekdays, 2 AM weekends Best: Chicken karaage ($10)
This is where Philly chefs go after their shifts. The okonomiyaki ($14) is legit, and the sake list is extensive.
Order the tsukune (chicken meatballs, $8) and the mentaiko udon ($12). Skip the sushi — the cooked stuff is way better here.
Food Places in Philadelphia by Budget
| Budget Tier | Best Options | Average Cost | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $10 | Dim Sum Garden, Terakawa, Hardena | $8-10 | ★★★★★ |
| $10-20 | Dalessandro's, DiNic's, Paesano's, Angelo's | $12-16 | ★★★★★ |
| $20-40 | Suraya, Fiorella, K'Far, Lost Bread Co. | $25-35 | ★★★★☆ |
| $40-60 | Zahav, Laser Wolf, Vernick | $50-65 | ★★★★☆ |
| Splurge ($60+) | Vernick Food & Drink, Zahav tasting menu | $75-100 | ★★★☆☆ |
Best Food Places in Philadelphia by Category
Cheesesteaks (the actual question):
- Dalessandro's ($13.50) — Best overall
- John's Roast Pork ($13) — Classic, cash only
- Paesano's ($16) — Fancy version with egg
BYOB Restaurants (Philly's superpower):
- K'Far Cafe ($18-28 entrees) — Middle Eastern
- Fiorella ($16-28) — Italian pasta
- Hardena ($9-15) — Indonesian (if you're adventurous)
Late Night Food (after 10 PM):
- Royal Izakaya (until 2 AM) — Japanese bar food
- Angelo's Pizzeria (until 2 AM weekends) — Pizza slices
- Monk's Cafe (until midnight) — Mussels and beer
Best Value (quality vs. price):
- Dim Sum Garden — $8.95 soup dumplings
- Hardena — $13.50 for Indonesian rendang
- John's Roast Pork — $14 for award-winning sandwich
Sample One-Day Food Tour of Philadelphia
9 AM: High Street on Market — Coffee + almond croissant ($9) 12 PM: DiNic's at Reading Terminal — Roast pork sandwich ($14.75) 3 PM: Federal Donuts — Fried chicken + donut ($15) 7 PM: K'Far Cafe — BYOB dinner with wine ($35-40) 10 PM: Royal Izakaya — Sake + late night snacks ($20)
Total: $93.75-98.75 for a full day of excellent eating
Daily Food Budget Breakdown
| Meal Type | Budget Option | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Lost Bread Co. ($11) | Sabrina's Cafe ($14) | High Street ($16) |
| Lunch | Dim Sum Garden ($10) | Federal Donuts ($12) | Middle Child ($15) |
| Dinner | Hardena ($14) | Fiorella BYOB ($30) | Zahav ($65) |
| Snacks/Coffee | $5 | $8 | $12 |
| TOTAL/DAY | $40 | $64 | $108 |
💡 Pro tip: Hit Reading Terminal Market for breakfast/lunch ($8-12 per meal) and save your budget for a nice BYOB dinner. Total daily cost: $45-55.
What to Skip (Tourist Traps)
Pat's and Geno's: Mediocre cheesesteaks at $14 with terrible bread. The rivalry is marketing. Go to Dalessandro's instead.
Buca di Beppo: Chain Italian that locals avoid. Fiorella is same price and 10x better Hard Rock Cafe: Why would you even consider this.
Fork: Used to be great, now coasting on reputation. Vernick is better at the same price point.
Remote Work & Food Places in Philadelphia
For food places in philadelphia, best laptop-friendly food spots with WiFi:
High Street on Market — Outlets everywhere, great coffee, quiet until 11 AM Monk's Cafe — Weekday afternoons only, beer + WiFi combo Federal Donuts (Sansom location) — Counter seating with outlets
Philly has tons of coworking spaces, but these food places in Philadelphia actually welcome laptop workers during off-peak hours.
Planning More Travel?
For food places in philadelphia, if you're checking out Philadelphia's food scene, you might also dig:
- TravelPlanJP.com — Planning Japan next? Tokyo's food scene makes Philly look amateur (but costs 2x as much)
- TravelPlanKorea.com — Seoul's korean street food scene is insane — $3 meals that rival $30 restaurants
- TravelPlanEU.com — Barcelona's food scene rivals Philly's at similar prices
FAQ
Q. What's better: Pat's or Geno's for cheesesteaks?
For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, for food places in philadelphia, neither. Both are tourist traps charging $14 for mediocre sandwiches with subpar bread. Dalessandro's, John's Roast Pork, and even Paesano's blow them away. The Pat's vs Geno's rivalry is pure marketing — locals don't eat at either spot unless they're showing tourists around.
If you're already at 9th and Passyunk, go to Pat's just to say you did it, but don't expect the bes For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, this is worth knowing.t cheesesteak in Philadelphia. That title belongs to Dalessandro's in Roxborough.
Q. How much should I budget for food per day in Philadelphia?
Budget traveler: $35-45 per day (Reading Terminal breakfast, Dim Sum Garden lunch, BYOB dinner) Mid-range: $60-75 per day (Mix of mid-range spots, one BYOB dinner) Splurge: $100-150 per day (Zahav or Laser Wolf dinner, nice brunch, quality coffee)
Philadelphia food prices are 30-40% cheaper than NYC for equivalent quality. A $65 BYOB dinner at Fiorella would cost $100+ in Manhattan. The BYOB culture alone saves you $40-60 per dinner on wine markups.
#For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, ## Q. What are the best BYOB restaurants in Philadelphia?
The top BYOB food places in Philadelphia are:
- Fiorella — Italian pasta, $16-28 entrees, Rittenhouse location
- K'Far Cafe — Middle Eastern, $18-28 entrees, no corkage fee
- Hardena — Indonesian, $9-15 entrees (trek to NE Philly required)
- Melograno — Italian, $22-32 entrees (didn't make the main list but worth mentioning)
Philly has over 1,000 BYOB spots because liquor licenses cost $450,000+ in Food Places In Philadelphia. Grab wine from any Wine & Spirits store (PennsylFor food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, vania has state-run liquor stores) — most are open until 9 PM.
Q. Where do locals actually eat in Philadelphia?
For food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, locals avoid South Street tourist spots and eat in Fishtown, Bella Vista, and Queen Village. The actual neighborhood food places in Philadelphia that locals hit:
- Weekday lunch: Reading Terminal Market (DiNic's, Bassetts Ice Cream)
- Quick dinner: Paesano's, Angelo's Pizza, Terakawa Ramen
- Date night: Any BYOB in Rittenhouse (Fiorella, K'Far)
- Weekend brunch: Sabrina's Cafe (Powelton location to avoid tourists)
If you see a line of people in work clothes at 12:30 PM on a Tuesday, thatFor food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, 's a local spot. If you see a line of tourists with selfie sticks at 7 PM on Saturday, run.
Q. Is Reading For fooFor food places in philadelphia: 27 spots that don't suck, d places in philadelphia, terminal Market worth visiting?
Yes, but go with a plan. Reading Terminal Market has 80+ vendors — most are overpriced tourist bait, but the gems are incredible.
Worth it:
- DiNic's roast pork ($14.75)
- Bassetts Ice Cream (oldest ice cream in America, $5-7)
- Beiler's Donuts (Amish donuts, $1.50 each)
- Dutch Eating Place (breakfast, $8-11)
Skip:
- Most of the "Philly souvenir" food stalls
- Overpriced smoothie and juice bars
- Generic sandwich vendors
Go between 10-11 AM or 2-3 PM to avoid lunch rush chaos. The market is open daily but best Wednesday-Saturday when all vendors are there.