It’s a Friday or Saturday night, you’ve got a new paycheck to spend, and you want the best that Philly has to offer. Look no further than one of these five spots, our picks for the best restaurants in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, presented in no particular order:
While NYC might have be better known for its pizza, Philly lays claim to an awfully tasty pie of its own: the tomato pie, a cheese-less, tomato-sauce-heavy treat served on focaccia-like crust. Also called “church pie,” this Philly institution most resembles a Sicilian-style pizza, but you really can’t get a tomato pie anywhere outside of the northeast. Tony’s offers perhaps the best one in town—if you only have one night to get a tomato pie, try Tony’s, which is known for its extra-thin crust.
Long time customer, 30 plus years! The tomato pie is the best. Ask for it wet and well done. You won't be disappointed. – David M.
I’ve been going to Tony’s for many years. Tony’s has been in business and at the same location since I was a teenager in ‘59. How many businesses can say that? I think it speaks for itself. – Robert C.
Tomato pies rank among the best in the area. Outstanding service, and friendly clientele. A neighborhood gem. – Gerald F.
Philly’s “downtown” is typically called “Center City”—a large neighborhood that encapsulates Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, City Hall, and a number of museums. Here’s our list of great restaurants in Center City, Philadelphia, that are perfect to pair with a trip to Philly’s premiere tourist destination.
In 1954, Ben Shore and Irv Chudnoff opened a deli in Philadelphia. They wanted to serve big corned-beef sandwiches, a bunch of soups with matzo balls, and delicious fish and meat trays for the holidays. More than 60 years later, Ben and Irv’s family is still carrying on the tradition—fill up on huge sandwiches, get salty with a kippered salmon tray, and start your day with some homemade bagel thins.
I never leave here hungry—big portions and fresh food. Service is excellent and friendly. Wish there were more traditional Jewish delis like Ben and Irv's! The place is big and busy, but I've never had to wait more than 5-10 minutes to be seated. You won't be disappointed. – Constance V.
This was my second visit. The pastrami and corn beef was delicious; there are no words to accurately describe the wonderful matzo ball soup. This is a wonderful deli, and I plan to make my way through the menu. – Susan W.
Ben and Irv's has the best food, and the best service for this kind of establishment anywhere around. We eat there frequently, and have never been disappointed. It takes us about 40 -45 minutes to get there from home, but it is worth it! – Joy R.
It’s a Philly tradition. If you’re visiting the City of Brotherly Love (and you’re not a vegetarian), you simply must have a cheesesteak. It’s a classic—thinly sliced rib-eye mixed with one of three kinds of cheese (American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz). Onions are optional.
But if you want to know how to order a Philly cheesesteak like a local, you just gotta know the following:
We don’t recommend you sit on a wall when scarfing down Humpty’s Dumplings, the ultimate fusion of Americanized Chinese food and Philadelphia cuisine. Winner of Philadelphia magazine’s “Best of Philly 2016” award for best dumpling, Humpty’s Dumplings serves a rotating collection of dim sum–style fried dumplings, including asian pork, broccoli and cheddar, and, yes, cheesesteak. But they also do lo mein noodles, offering a roasted pork dish reminiscent of the famous Philly sandwich, plus a lo mein dish mixed with...yes, you guessed it, cheesesteak.
Quick friendly service! The cheesesteak dumplings are EVERYTHING. – Kimberly K.
Great little fried dumplings, fresh to order and cool flavor varieties, from cheesesteak to traditional pork dumpling fillings. They even have vegetarian and sweet options. Cool place, go with a friend and try a bunch of them. – Nicholas R.
These little “pop-in-your-mouth” morsels are wonderful! Today, I tried the shrimp and grits, and the vegan mac n' cheese ones. Everything was delicious! – Deana C.
