You guys probably already know this, but if not, I recently took a trip to the city of Brotherly Love for a hotel collaboration with Canopy. I only spent 2 days there, so this is obviously not a comprehensive guide, but I’m excited to talk about some of my favorite noms from the trip.
Although I’ve been to PHL in the past, I never really got to explore. They have an incredible food scene though, so I’ll definitely be back soon to try other places. Until then, let’s talk about my current must try restaurant recommendations in Philadelphia.
1. Pete’s Place
Run by chef extroadinaire Peter Serpico, Pete’s Place is a “kinda-korean” takeout spot offering noodles, soups, entrees and more. I’ve been a fangirl ever since I had his food at Anju a while back so checking out his new spot was a no-brainer for me. I really hope I get to try Serpico after all this COVID madness though – I still drool every time I think of his scallop crudo.
With that said, this popup is nothing short of amazing. I’m a big noodle nerd, and I enjoyed both his Tsukemen and spicy chicken ramen immensely. Non-noodle must tries include his marinated boneless short rib ssam, his potato salad, and his Korean fried chicken wings.
They also have a handful of specials available so make sure to check those out before ordering, and always, ALWAYS make sure you get an order of his rice pudding. Because what’s a meal without dessert?
Open daily from 4-10PM, and located at 604 South Street. Have questions? Call them at 215-593-2232, and place your delivery/pickup orders via doordash or caviar.
2. Pizzeria Vetri
For those of you looking for delish pizza in PHL, you’re welcome in advance. With three locations in Philly, they offer killer wood-fired pies that will leave you completely and utterly satisfied. They ferment their dough and bake it in a 650 degree oven to give you that authentic Napoletano ‘za, and they have all kinds of flavor combos available.
Their Crudo, topped with prosciutto, bufala mozz, and parmesan, was my favorite by far, but their potato gratin calzone was wild as well! This was a seasonal item though so pray that it’ll still be available when you go. Stuffed with russet potato gratin, mustard greens, mozz and parmesan, this carb lover’s dream come true will bring you all the comfort during winter.
Try their food today by visiting any of their three restaurants for dine-in, contactless pickup or delivery: 1939 Callowhill Street, 1615 Chancellor Street, or 640 West DeKalb Pike. Hours vary for each location as well as menu offerings so make sure you check out their website for more information!
3. Federal Donuts
Where do I even start? Federal Donuts was everything good in life served in donut form. I went to their brick and mortar next to Canopy by Hilton, but they have 7 other locations in the Philly area so pick whichever one’s closest to you – you can peep their addresses here.
Run by 5 hospitality pros, including 2 James Beard Award winning restauranteurs, they’re known for their donuts so definitely make sure you indulge when you go.
You choose from “hot fresh” or “fancy” donuts, and the former comes straight out of the fryer and is tossed in house blended sugars, while the latter’s topped with a rotating selection of amazing glazes and noms that are made fresh each morning.
It’s $15 to try all 6 fancy donuts so go wild. For those of you interested, these are the following flavors I got to try: pumpkin roll, vanilla bean creme brûlée, nutella salted caramel, apple cinnamon crunch, cookies n cream and strawberry lavender. I loved them all, except the creme brûlée – that one wasn’t my cup of tea, but that’s just me.
They also sell sammies here! I tried both their fried chicken and breakfast sandwiches, and they were both super tasty as well. Just remember to get an order of their za’atar fries because they’re super addicting, and they’re only $3.50!
4. South Philly Barbacoa
I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was to try Cristina Martinez’s taqueria, South Philly Barbacoa. It’s been on my food bucket list for ages, after I watched her episode on Chef’s Table. It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with that show, and I’ve seen it at least 10 times since it’s been out.
Located at 1140 South 9th Street, this local gem is only open on weekends from 5AM-5PM. I high key considered going in the wee morn because I hear they sell out from time to time. Luckily, they were still open when I went at 11…but there was a HUGE line.
I got 4 tacos (2 pancita and 2 barbacoa) and a sweet tamale for $20 (includes tip) so it was a budget friendly lunch! Their tortillas are handmade with locally grown corn, and you can taste the love and care in every bite.
Although the barbacoa was fantastic (juicy and tender as can be), I actually liked their pancita better. It was much more flavorful, and I liked that it had a nice kick to it!
Definitely make sure to get there earlier than later to get your fix, and remember, this establishment’s cash only so stop by an ATM before lining up. PS. Parking’s hard to find so be prepared to walk a couple blocks or drive around for a good while to get a spot.
5. Middle Child
For those of you looking for amazing sammies in PHL, search no further. I asked chef Serpico to share some of his go-to spots in the area, and he mentioned Middle Child. Now, I only have the utmost respect for chef so I obviously had to go since I’m a sandwich fiend.
Located at 248 South 11th Street, Middle Child’s currently offering pickup and delivery. They’re only accepting orders online, and their hours are as follows: Tuesday through Thursday from 10-3PM, Friday through Sunday from 9-3PM and only breakfast’s available F-Su.
I got their Court Street’s Reuben and their Thanksgiving sandwich special because I love the holiday with a passion. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy stuffing, cranberry sauce, creamed spinach and turkey? And wrapped up in a beautiful handheld? Forget about it.
Although I liked both, I definitely liked their reuben more. Made with short rib corned beef, house turkey, seasonal roasted veg with kraut, CSG sawce, and swiss on seeded rye, this beauty’s a total home run! I also hear amazing things about their So Long Sal! and Phoagie so I’ll be back again to try more.
Alright friends, I hope you enjoyed my latest nom post! For more on food, click here and follow my second blog, Nomtastic Foods, for more. To see more from my travels, check out this tab, and stay tuned for more content coming your way.
I update every Monday, Thursday and Saturday so there’s always something fun to read/see! I’m currently exploring a NEW city so definitely make sure to follow via instagram stories to stay in the know. Until next time, friends!
Everything looks so good! I miss traveling after seeing this guide. Thanks for sharing. 🙂