16 Iconic Philadelphia Food Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List
Red sauce at historic Italian restaurants, legendary cheesesteaks, and more must-eat foods in Philly.
Eating and drinking your way through a city is one of the best ways to experience it—and Philadelphia is no exception. Every corner of this town is home to an amazing culinary experience, whether that means visiting a quaint hole-in-the-wall with the best red sauce you’ve ever tasted, scarfing down a cheesesteak or roast pork on the corner, or having an indulgent dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants with a sparkling view of the Delaware River or historic city skyline. From the spectacle to the simple, here are 16 of Philadelphia’s essential dishes that locals and visitors alike must experience.
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Thanks to our city’s German heritage dating back to the 19th century, Philadelphia is the de facto home of the soft pretzel. Shops like Center City Pretzel Co., Miller’s Twist, and Philadelphia Soft Pretzels are famous for their iterations. But these salty, pull-apart knots can be found on just about every street corner in Philadelphia, making this iconic eat a perfect hand-held snack to try on the go.
How to book: Walk in
Have a cheesesteak (obviously)
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Cheesesteaks are kind of the thing in Philly. But you already knew that. Do it right by skipping the flashier spots and opt instead for the quality options that are no less iconic. Joe’s Steaks + Soda, Dalessandro’s, and Philip’s Steaks can get you started. And, if you’re so inclined, brush up on your cheesesteak history and check out the full list of cheesesteak destinations before heading out on your quest.
How to book: Check out each location’s website
Or better yet, a roast pork sandwich
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While everyone is busy debating the best cheesesteaks in town, keep your eyes on what many consider the actual signature sandwich of Philadelphia. DiNic’s and Nick’s Roast Beef are the two staple stops for a killer roast pork sandwich, but most seasoned cheesesteak shops have a good roast beef or pork option, too.
How to book: Check out each location’s website
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Pronounced wooder ice, this slushy treat gets most Philly locals through the hot sticky summers. The traditionally Italian combination of ice, fruit, and sweeteners can be found all over the city including John’s, which has been around since the 1940s, Siddiq’s in West Philly, and more modern versions like Autumn Pear at D’Emilio’s.
How to book: Check out each location’s website
Have some historically good sweets in Old City
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Next time you find yourself among the cobblestones and tourists of Old City, take yourself on a dessert-forward food tour that kicks off at Shane Confectionery, the decade-old candymaker that has a “secret” hot chocolate room in the back. Be sure to also stop by The Franklin Fountain, the confectionery’s sister business that’s the go-to for locally sourced ice creams in a 1900s soda fountain where Hydrox is king. If you’re feeling a little fancy (and still have room), you might as well skip over to ICI Macarons and get a dozen so you can sample flavors from coffee mocha to honey lavender.
How to book: Check out each location’s website
Bite into the best birria in town
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In the last couple of years, birria tacos in Philly have jumped from niche discovery to full-blown foodie obsession, and there’s more options to try than ever. Stop by Juana Tamale (before they sell out), as birria is the touchstone of its ever-changing, ever-experimenting menu. Next find the Mi Pueblito truck, the cash-only, beef-only spot that’s open on weekends and for Taco Tuesday. If you have the appetite to extend your tour, La Chinesca, Loco Pez, México Lindo y Que Rico, and La Mula Terca are all worthy stops.
How to book: Check out each location’s website
Get yourself a cup of crab fries
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One of Philly’s great munchies is none other than Crab Fries a la Chickie’s and Pete’s, a staple of any Philadelphia sports outing. You can also find the staple on Penn’s Landing, so if the weather is cooperating, snag a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor to amplify the simple joys of seasoned crinkle fries and cheese sauce.
How to book: Walk in
Have an immersive Japanese dinner at Hiroki
Fishtown
Wander through the round wooden door, and you’ll be transported to an intimate dining experience that is a must for any Philly local or visitor. Hiroki exclusively serves an omakase menu by chef Hiroki Fujiyama, who trained under world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto. The 20-piece omakase menu runs for $155 and includes meat, sushi, miso soup, dessert, and small starter plates inspired by the chef’s hometown of Kyoto, Japan.
How to book: Resy
Get serenaded at Victor Cafe
Passyunk
Who doesn’t like pasta with a side of opera? To add to already-great Italian dining at Victor Cafe, every server doubles as a classically trained vocalist. So throughout your dinner, you’ll hear them belt it out for an experience that is truly one of a kind.
How to book: OpenTable
Nab tickets to Feastival
Penn’s Landing
Every year, Feastival is one of the most delicious events in Philadelphia—and definitely worth the splurge to experience it at least once. Hosted by Audi and FringeArts, the event and fundraiser celebrates Philly’s food and art scenes so you can chow down on exclusive dishes from top area chefs while also watching a trapeze artist do their thing from the ceiling.
How to book: Get tickets via website
Get the tasting menu at Zahav
Old City
Michael Solomonov’s award-winning Zahav helped put Philly’s food scene on the map. So if you’re gonna go, you have to go all in. Get the standard multi-course menu that includes hummus, mezze, charcoal-cooked skewers, and the signature Zahav lamb shoulder, which is only available through the tasting menu. Finish it off with more lauded dishes on the dessert menu, and you have accomplished a major task in the Philly food bucket list.
How to book: Resy
Power rank the best square pizzas
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Philly certainly has a thing for square pies—and area staples like Santucci’s offer a right-of-passage introduction. Once you’ve had the OG, continue your tour at Down North Pizza, Circles + Squares, Pizza Jawn, Alice, and Angelo’s, all of which offer their own take on the square pie.
How to book: Check out each location’s website
Set sail on the Moshulu
Penn’s Landing
This restaurant sits on one of the oldest and largest rigged sailing vessels still afloat, offering plenty of ambiance and novelty, but with the top-notch food to back it up. The menu revolves around refined American dishes and a seafood bent, ranging from ahi tuna poke to burgers to the towering seafood plateau of shrimp, sushi, and oysters. Let’s face it: There’s no better way to enjoy the Delaware Riverfront than with a cocktail in hand.
How to book: OpenTable
Combine sweet and savory at Federal Donuts
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It’s a sweet-and-savory combo that can’t be ignored. From the fried chicken sandwich and wings to the shop’s signature fancy donuts in flavors like Strawberry Lavender and Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, you can’t go wrong ordering at Federal Donuts. To up the ante a bit, order from both sides of the flavor spectrum.
How to book: Stop by or order online
Have the ultimate Italian dinner at Ralph’s
Bella Vista
It’s pretty much impossible to determine the single best Italian restaurant in Philly, so instead turn to the oldest. For more than a century, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant has been serving favorites in South Philly with the accolades to keep them strong. Think housemade pasta, mussels, veal parm, and a beloved sausage and peppers dish.
How to book: OpenTable
Lean into all things Parisian at Parc
Rittenhouse Square
This long-running French restaurant is a forever favorite for people-watching, thanks to its prime location right off Rittenhouse Square Park. The elevated bistro offers all the comfort foods that are staples of French cuisine, from onion soup gratinee to steak frites. To get the full experience, go on a gorgeous day and sit outside.
How to book: OpenTable