In some ways, Philadelphia is a culinary cliché: an East Coast metropolis gorged on soft pretzels and cheesesteaks. While it is true that we love our food (and we are very clear about where to find it), Philadelphia has a rich cultural palette, and the city’s dining scene is diverse and flavorful. For visitors who want to experience a literal “taste of Philadelphia,” we recommend the following locations:
Reading Terminal Market: Mouthwatering aromas. Produce fresh from the field. Amish specialties. It’s all here in Philadelphia’s historic Reading Terminal Market: an exhilarating selection of baked goods, meats, produce, flowers, cookware and eclectic restaurants. Our favorites include the Down Home Diner (where everything is made from scratch), Bassett’s Ice Cream, and the Little Thai Market (try the salmon). Be sure to visit the Amish vendors (Wednesday–Saturday only) located throughout the market for a taste of real Pennsylvania Dutch cooking! Reading Terminal Market, located at 12th and Arch Streets (5 minutes on foot from PAFA). Mon-Sat, 8-6, Sun 9-5. $-$$.
Vietnam Restaurant/Vietnam Palace: At the edge of Philadelphia's Chinatown District sit two deliciously indistinguishable restaurants. Priding themselves on exquisite cuisine and gracious service, both restaurants offer a charming atmosphere and casual elegance. For more than 20 years, Vietnam Restaurant and Vietnam Palace have “faced-off” on opposite sides of 11th Street in Philadelphia. Equally tasty and affordable, either location will delight your culinary sensibilities. Try their chargrilled short ribs and savory noodle soups. Vietnam Restaurant/Vietnam Palace, both located at 11th and Vine Streets (5 minutes on foot from PAFA). Mon-Sun, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $-$$.
Moriarty’s Irish Pub: At Moriarty's, rare prints, wood panels, etched green glass and Tiffany pendants cover the walls. Two original fireplaces and a magnificent 1937 sixty-five-foot mahogany bar adorn the first floor in this bustling Center City location. But let's not kid ourselves; there is only one reason to visit Moriarty’s: chicken wings. Fist-sized, topped with a tangy sauce and served with generous amounts of blue cheese, they are the perfect counterparts to a cold drink with good friends. Moriarty’s Restaurant and Bar, 1116 Walnut Street (10 minutes on foot from PAFA). Call for hours: 215-627-7676. $-$$.
Kingdom of Vegetarians: Somewhat removed from the hubbub of Chinatown, this tiny restaurant is a haven for Philadelphia’s vegans and vegetarians. Their faux-meat cuisine will convincingly delight herbivores and carnivores alike. We recommend the walnut shrimp, but everything on the menu is delicious! Kingdom of Vegetarians, 129 N. 11th street (5 minutes on foot from PAFA). Open daily from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. $.
Monk’s Café: Monk’s prides itself on an astonishing selection of fine beers culled from breweries large and small throughout the world. In their words, “If you love beer, you have found beer heaven.” (And it seems to be true; in 2008 Monk’s was chosen as one of the “Top 10 Places to Have a Beer Before You Die” by All About Beer Magazine.) The bar selection is accompanied by a Belgian-influenced menu with scale-tipping orders of mussels and burgers, and finer fare as well (Braised Veal Cheeks, anyone?). Monk’s Café, 16th and Spruce Streets (10 minutes on foot from PAFA). Mon-Sun, 11:30 a.m.- 1 a.m. $$-$$$.
Crêperie Beau Monde: Designed to bring the time-honored art of French crepe-making to Philadelphia, Crêperie Beau Monde is one of the city’s most beautiful bistros. Meals are cooked on traditional, flatiron griddles (imported from Brittany) to perfectly prepare both sweet and savory crepes. The cozy ambiance is perfect for a romantic dinner for two, and the chef is happy to plate your meals for sharing. Creperie Beau Monde, 6th and Bainbridge Streets (10 minutes by cab from PAFA). Tues-Fri, Noon-11 p.m., open for brunch on weekends. $$-$$$.
Sabrina’s Café: Serving two locations in Philadelphia, Sabrina’s Café is a charming neighborhood BYOB that offers creative comfort food in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The Philadelphia City Paper dubbed Sabrina’s “arguably the best brunch in town.” With a creative menu and tummy-filling portions, Sabrina’s Café is one of the best values in the City. Sabrina’s Café, 1804 Callowhill street (10 minutes on foot from PAFA). Tues-Sat, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun & Mon 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $-$$.
Osteria: Chosen as the best restaurant in the city by Philadelphia magazine, and nominated as a finalist for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, Marc Vetri’s Osteria is an incomparable fine dining experience. Specializing in homemade pastas, thin crust pizzas, and wood-grilled meats or fish, the restaurant offers seasonal menu changes, antique pine country tables, and a 100-bottle Italian wine list. Vetri’s bold, contemporary sensibilities mold Osteria’s classic Italian fare. The chef has been lauded by Food & Wine as one of the nation’s “10 Best New Chefs,” and has received the James Beard Award for “Best Mid-Atlantic Chef.” You won’t find a more satisfying meal. Osteria, 640 N. Broad Street (5 minutes by cab from PAFA). Sun-Wed, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Thurs-Sat, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. $$$.
Cheesesteaks: No Philadelphia food guide would be complete without a cheesesteak recommendation. Among the many Philadelphia cheesesteak eateries, Pat’s and Geno’s are the best known (and most publicized). The rivals are located across the street from one another at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Personally, we recommend Jim’s Steaks, located in the heart of Philadelphia’s counterculture South Street neighborhood. Grab a steak, and entertain yourself with an evening of taboo window-shopping with the locals. Jim’s Steaks, 400 South Street (10 minutes by cab from PAFA). Mon-Sat, 10 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $.