In 2022, Travel + Leisure named Philly, “One of the best Food Cities on the East Coast.” While that ruffled a few NYC feathers, I think Travel + Leisure just said what many people have known for a while. Philadelphia has an amazing food scene!
Philadelphia has been long known for its rich history and iconic cheesesteaks. But it is experiencing a gastronomic revolution that’s turning heads in the culinary world. The sheer amount of innovative cruise, reclaimed restaurant spaces, and new and exciting chefs make Philadelphia a must visit for any foodie.
Food Diversity
Philadelphia’s multicultural population influences creative ethnic food pairings, combining and reimagining favorites into all-new flavor profiles.
In a recent article in The Philadelphia Inquirer, food critic Craig LaBan highlights the city’s evolving restaurant scene. “So, how about an eating trip around the world? You can do it right here,” he writes, a reference to notable local Mexican, Italian, South Indian, and Chinese eateries found within blocks of one another.
When you come to Philly, you don’t want to stick to cheesesteaks and pretzels. Visitors reluctant to venture outside their comfort zones risk missing out on some of what makes the Philadelphia food scene exceptional.
After all, what other city on the East Coast has a Southeast Asian Market every weekend in the Summer?
Farm-To-Table Focus
Philadelphia’s proximity to farmland in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware influences a farm-to-table renaissance noticeable in even the most popular restaurants. Restaurants from the highly praised Fork to humble sandwich shops incorporate local ingredients.
Beloved indoor food hall and farmer’s market Reading Terminal Market takes the farm-to-table idea and runs with it, using fresh and local produce in many offerings.
Zero Proof Dining Scene
Among the most interesting dining concepts is the zero-proof craze hitting the city of Philadelphia. Go into any restaurant or bar, and you will find a large selection of alcohol-free cocktails, alcohol-removed wines, and even zero-proof beers.
Bars like The Volstead by Unity are entirely alcohol-free and have patrons lining up for a cocktail sans alcohol. The owner of The Volstead, Arielle Ashford, told me that the desire to drink without the effect of alcohol is a growing trend. “during the pandemic a lot of people examined their relationship with alcohol and found they didn’t need it.”
She also points out there were a lot of alcohol recovery groups in Philadelphia, which helped make their bar even more successful.
While many cities worldwide embrace zero-proof cocktails, Philadelphia’s particularly extensive selection of alcohol-free wine, zero-proof cocktails, and 0% ABV beer was apparent at every single one of our stops.
Affordable Fine Dining
Unlike some other major food cities, Philadelphia offers high-quality dining experiences at relatively affordable prices. With area rent costs much lower than in other major cities like NYC or LA, young and eager chefs can create fine dining on the cheap.
For example, eating “omakase” — a chef-led sushi meal — at Ogawa in Philadelphia will cost hungry diners around $200 per person. Meanwhile, Ito Sushi in NYC, a similar spot, will cost guests a minimum of $295.
Philly chefs want to beat NYC. I spoke at length to the Sommelier at Irwin’s, a fine dining Italian spot in a reclaimed space. He says, “We are tired of being in the food shadow of New York City. We are hungry for it.”
Recognition From the Culinary World
The James Beard Organization awards culinary innovators who create unforgettable meals. Most winners are chefs or restaurants.
Philadelphia is home to 22 James Beard Award winners, and in 2023, it won more than any other city.
As more people begin to recognize Philadelphia chefs, hopeful chefs flock to the city to see if they can work their magic, too. And it seems like it is working, as more and more Philly chefs and restaurants receive honors and recognition.
While Philadelphia has yet to receive a Michelin Star, they don’t seem to be losing sleep, instead talking up the James Beard Awards.
Ellen Yin, the creator of Fork restaurant and winner of a James Beard Award, declares, “It’s not ‘Philadelphia’s having a moment, it’s ‘Philadelphia has arrived.’”
Ready To Eat Your Way Through Philly?
Philadelphia’s emergence as the country’s coolest new food scene isn’t an accident but the desired result of a perfect storm. A harmonious blend of cultural diversity, inexpensive rent, and farm-to-table options, among other things, has led to an expansive culinary hub.
For food lovers and industry professionals alike, Philadelphia is not just a city to watch — it’s a city to taste.
