Best Restaurants in Philadelphia (2025)

A landmark reborn as an intimate upstairs tasting-menu temple with a vibrant walk-in bar below. Winner of the 2023 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant award, it continues to earn raves from The New York Times and local critics.

Michael Solomonov’s Israeli flagship remains a rite of passage: ethereal hummus, just-baked laffa, and the famed pomegranate-braised lamb shoulder. A 2019 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant, still praised by national editors and Philly insiders alike.

Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon’s Southern Thai cooking thrills with searing curries and shaw muang dumplings. She won James Beard Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, and the lively Fishtown room remains a must per Condé Nast Traveler and local critics.

A seasonal, mid-Atlantic tasting menu that spotlights regional farms with creativity and restraint. Frequently cited by Philadelphia Magazine and named among the city’s best by The New York Times in 2025.

A dinner-party-style restaurant with two nightly seatings, changing menus, and engaging storytelling from chef-owner Amanda Shulman. Lauded by Bon Appétit, Esquire, and Food & Wine; a 2025 James Beard Best Chef finalist.

Jesse Ito’s intimate omakase (eight seats, two nightly seatings) anchors a lively walk-in izakaya. A perennial critical favorite and 2025 James Beard Best Chef finalist, it’s where Philly’s sushi standards are set.

A family-run standout where East Passyunk’s energy meets dynamic Vietnamese cooking: delicately plated bánh bèo, charcoal-kissed seafood, and shareable platters. Frequently featured by Eater and praised by local critics for authenticity and heart.

Greg Vernick’s refined but relaxed Rittenhouse staple remains a city-defining New American restaurant. The Inquirer awarded a rare four-bell review; Vernick earned James Beard Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic for the thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking.

Phila and Rachel Lorn’s Cambodian BYOB channels family roots with bold, soulful dishes; lines form for both lunch and dinner. Widely covered by the Inquirer and Eater, and winner of the 2025 James Beard Emerging Chef award.

A pioneering, vegetable-driven fine-dining experience from Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby. Celebrated by Food & Wine and The Washington Post, Vedge helped define Philly’s plant-forward reputation without preaching or shortcuts.