The 40 Best Philadelphia Restaurants

With its historic food markets, distinct and diverse neighborhoods, and vast network of eateries from old-world taverns to upscale chophouses, Philadelphia is one of America's best food destinations. Whether you consider yourself an avid foodie who's always ready to try the most unique menu item, are more of an experience-oriented diner, or like to try authentic foreign dishes, The Birthplace of America has it in spades.

From hoagies and cheesesteaks to Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie, there's a whole roster of food to try in Philadelphia. The city's food scene is a wonderful mishmash of original dishes from The City of Brotherly Love and also highlights several world cuisines and dining styles, ranging from dim sum hideaways in Chinatown to bustling Ethiopian-Eritrean eateries, Old World trattorias, and charming French bistros. Not to mention the annual food fests like Philly Taste Fest and Fishtown Feastavale that give the town even more taste appeal. As such, choosing where to eat, whether you're a local or out-of-towner, can feel like quite the task. That's why we've put together this list of the best restaurants in Philadelphia that includes classic joints like Dalessandro's Steaks and more unique finds like Black Sea delights at Georgian Bread and the Gatsby-esque Palizzi Social Club.

Eating in The City of Brotherly Love just isn't complete without at least one Philly cheesesteak. Thinly sliced ribeye in a cheesy goo with crunchy onions and peppers all smashed between lightly toasted bread is the city's most iconic food, and no place does it better than Dalessandro's Steaks. And we would know — we ranked it number one in Philadelphia's best Philly cheesesteaks.

Slip into this Roxborough gem for a lunchtime feast on a classic Philly cheesesteak and load up on extra roasted green peppers. Be sure to save room for a beer on the side and a slice of carrot cake for a sweet finish.

White Yak in Roxborough brings a little bit of Tibet to Philly with its traditional and carefully curated menu (don't miss the momos) bring to life the restaurant's philosophy of flavorful Tibetan dishes. The name is a nod to the burly yaks found in Tibet's mountains, while the scrumptious curries will make you feel as if you're actually there.

Grab a table and load up on some juicy Tibetan satay for a starter before moving on to Thenthuk, a traditional soup made with hand-pulled noodles and a rich broth. Seal the meal with a hot cup of butter tea.

What started as a humble South Philly grocery store in 1932 is now one of the best delis in the city. We're talking about Cosmi's Deli, where the portions are big, the bread soft, and the meats fresh.

Skip breakfast and plan for a big lunch. We recommend the Cheesesteak Diavolo made with long hots and pepperjack cheese or the Cosmi Special with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, and ranch. Don't miss a side of the Mega Fries made smothered in marinara and the ever-ubiquitous Cheese Whiz.

South Philly Barbacoa is the place to be for saucy, spicy, melt-in-your-mouth Mexican barbecue. Tucked inside South Philly's Italian Market, this bustling barbecue joint often has lines out the door of eager patrons looking to feast on the legendary slow-cooked lamb of chef Cristina Martinez.

Pop in for tacos made with homemade corn tortillas and roasted lamb done Capulhuac style, the Mexican State where barbacoa originates. Be sure to grab a cold glass of creamy horchata and some tamales to-go that your future self will thank you for.

Few things hit the spot like a big ol' bowl of steaming, brothy noodles with an ice-cold beer, and at Cheau Fishtown, you'll find all that and more. This buzzing neighborhood noodle joint wins food, service, location, and atmosphere.

Grab a stool, a lager, and choose from any of their noodle bowls like the brisket ramen loaded up with matzo ball and kimchi that swim in its red chili broth or the coconut curry noodles with spicy carrot pickles, peanut sambal, and the works. Don't forget a polenta crumble for something sweet.

Quality Taste Jamaican Restaurant & Jerk Hut off Lancaster Ave will have you feeling like you're feasting in Montego Bay. Juicy jerk pork platters, pepper shrimp, rasta pasta, and stew peas with pigtails are just a few of the culprits that make Quality Taste one of the best restaurants in Philly.

Come hungry and order the classic jerk chicken or goat curry with a side of sweet corn or pumpkin rice. Feeling seafood? The seafood platter with snow crab, shrimp, and more is just the thing.

There's just something about a classic French bistro. Parc checks all the boxes with its vintage accents, cozy tables for two, warm lighting, and a grand mahogany bar — not to mention its incredible lineup of French classics from steak frites to escargot.

Go for lunch and begin with the lemony sardines and bordier butter with a crispy baguette before enjoying a plate of classic moules frites with a pinot grigio, or the croque monsieur complete with Philly's finest bechamel sauce.

Le Virtu is an East Passayunk darling famed for its fresh spins on Italian classics and top-notch service. Whether you're after a tasty lunch on their sun-drenched patio or a romantic dinner under string lights, Le Virtu does both with ease.

For a supper spread, you'll want to make a reservation in advance. Be sure to start with a classic antipasti like the burrata with prosciutto di parma and then load up on any of their specialties like the Taccozzelle pasta with Abruzzese sausage, black truffle, and saffron, or the Bombette roasted pork loin.

Dahlak Paradise has been doling out some of West Philly's finest Ethiopian and Eritrean specialties for 30 years running. Family-owned and community-centered, Dahlak's meals are all about sharing and are meant to be enjoyed with those you love — and by hand — the food here is quite literally finger-licking good.

Come with some company and order a series of entrees to share. We recommend the Yemisir Wat, stewed lentils in a rich, tomato-ey berbere sauce, and the Dahlak Tibs, a dish of flavorful beef sirloin stir-fry with charred peppers and tomatoes. Whatever you order, don't skip the house injera.

With a name like South Jazz Kitchen, you just know you're in for a treat. This super Southern favorite in Spring Garden is known and loved for its homestyle country dishes, swoon-worthy whiskey list, and, of course, jazz.

Make a reservation in their Jazz Club seating area to enjoy soulful tunes with Southern classics like skillet cornbread and creole deviled eggs. Each of their eight main entrees is stellar, but the Low Country Catfish and Gulf Shrimp with corn macque choux and tomato-okra sauce will have you coming back for seconds.

Jezabel's is a Spruce Hill institution that knows its way around Argentinian flare and flavors, more specifically, modernized takes on traditional Northwest Argentinian dishes. Whether it be the warm aromas that come from the onsite cafe or the fun experience of the empanada cooking classes, Jezabel's is the place to be.

Make a reservation and prepare to enjoy an evening of artisanal empanadas and pillowy medialuna pastries in the cute and cozy dining area. Go for the Tabla Criola, which consists of eight empanadas and three seasonal sides that pull the whole meal together.

Antique lighting, dainty floral wallpaper, and foggy mirrors are just a few of the details that make Harp & Crown one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Philly. Beyond the charm though, the food is superb. Expect modern American dishes and plan to stay a while, there's a bowling alley in the basement and an enviable cocktail list.

Go for a weekend brunch and indulge in their DIY donut station, artisanal pastries, and bagels galore. Not only will the breakfast quiche hit the spot, but the freshly squeezed juices and stout drip coffee will too.

Starting as a humble lunch spot for tired streetcar workers in 1921, McNally's Tavern has since turned into one of Philly's most beloved taverns. Tucked away in Chestnut Hill, the historic charm of McNally's Tavern only adds to its appeal, while the roster of daily specials and beers on tap don't hurt, either.

Go for a late lunch and chow on any of their famous sandwiches, like The Dickens. Piled up with roasted turkey, stuffing, and cranberry jelly, it takes like Thanksgiving on a bun.

If you arrive at Valley Green Inn and think, "woah, this place is beautiful, it could be a wedding venue!" You're not wrong. A Chestnut Hill darling, Valley Green Inn is known as much for its serene atmosphere as it is for its creative New American dishes.

Start with the goat cheese empanadas before moving on to the out-of-this-world roasted maple chicken with a medley of brussel spouts, butter squash, and bacon. And don't forget a molten chocolate lava cake for dessert.

Tucked away in a cute little row home of South Philly, Palizzi Social Club does charm right. Since 1918, this intimate, 30-seat, authentic Italian-American social club has been a gathering place for gourmands and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Plan for a sophisticated evening that's every bit worth the $20 membership fee — part of Palizzi's exclusive appeal is that it stays booked. The House Specialties like the Fritto Misto with baccala and gianchetti tossed in roasted garlic olive oil and dessert of Mom's Ricotta Cheese Pie are musts.

Rittenhouse's The Dandelion feels more London than Philadelphia. It makes sense — rich cask ales, afternoon teas, and creative British plates are its thing.

Reserve a table in their Victorian-style dining room to enjoy the shepherd's pie made with lamb mince and English cheddar cheese, or a plate of the cider steamed mussels that come with rich bearnaise butter. For the real experience, go on a Sunday afternoon for a traditional English roast that goes great with the Wells Bombardier English bitter.

Located on the 59th floor of the Four Seasons and run by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Jean-Georges Philadelphia is the definition of fine dining. Combining local, seasonal ingredients with global cooking techniques and inspiration, the menu itself is a work of art.

Choose between their six-course tasting menus offered in both meat and vegetarian options, the former of which includes caviar with smoked egg yolk dressing and Black Sea bass with tomato confit. The added guidance of Jean-Georges' sommelier pairing experience is also next to none.

Situated inside a historic Center City townhouse that seats just 30 and change, Vetri Cucina is all things vintage charm and decadent Italian pastas. From the trofie with buffalo butter and bottarga to the fettuccine with chanterelle mushrooms and plums, it's easy to see why it's hailed as one of the best restaurants in Philly.

The Degustazione menu consists of five courses that begin with your choice of house-cured salami or foie gras pastrami and end with a generous dessert selection that includes limoncello baba. Take your experience one step further with the Vetri Cucina Wine Pairing menu.

Located in Queen Village, Bistrot La Minette is an old-timey, classy French bistro that draws inspiration from France's many regional dishes and culinary techniques. La Minette prides itself on using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and an ever-changing menu that reflects the seasonal specialties from Alsace to Isere and beyond.

Enjoy a plate of the mustard braised rabbit with house-made tagliatelle and jus, and a selection from the wine menu that is as regionally diverse as the food menu. For dessert, the mille feuille or creme brulee both make excellent choices.

Chinatown's Sang Kee Peking Duck House has been doling out the city's richest soups, tastiest wontons, and juiciest roast meat dishes for decades. The specialty is, of course, Peking duck, but you'll find other meaty delights too, like crispy roast pig and honey-coated ribs.

Opt for any of the roast meat options, but be sure to leave room for their other unique specialties like the salt-baked dishes and wide array of wonton soups. Dining with friends? Choose from any of their six sharing platters.