Best Lunch Spots in Philadelphia (2025)

A South Philly institution since 1930, John’s draws locals for luscious roast pork with sharp provolone and garlicky greens, plus one of the city’s most-loved cheesesteaks. Praised by The Philadelphia Inquirer and Eater, it’s family-run, cash-friendly, and strictly a daytime affair. Lines move quickly; grab a picnic table and watch hoagie rolls get stuffed in real time. This is the archetypal working‑lunch sandwich in a neighborhood that invented the genre.

The Fishtown sibling to the tiny Center City luncheonette keeps daytime casual: order at the counter until 2 p.m. for deliriously good sandwiches (that BLT, that pastrami) and salads. The Infatuation raves about its all‑day versatility, and local critics note Middle Child’s inclusion on The New York Times’ Philadelphia list via reporting by The Inquirer. The vibe channels Philly deli nostalgia without being stuck in time.

Part café, market, and garden, Suraya offers a weekday lunch window with Levantine breads, salads, dips, and manoushe from a team deeply woven into Philly’s dining fabric. Visit Philadelphia and city magazines consistently call it a modern essential; OpenTable shows current lunch hours midweek. Expect excellent baked goods, thoughtful sourcing, and a transporting setting that still feels firmly Fishtown.

James Beard Award winner Cristina Martínez still serves her legendary lamb barbacoa from a cart set up inside Casa México a few doors up on 9th Street. The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms the move and consolidation; Time Out recently reaffirmed its must‑visit status. Hours are limited and sellouts happen—plan a late‑morning or early‑afternoon taco feast with consommé and sweet tamales, then stroll the Italian Market.

For two decades, this family‑run Indonesian spot has fed South Philly with nasi campur platters, beef rendang, collards simmered in coconut, and sambal that sings. Frequently praised by local food critics and featured by national outlets like Thrillist, Hardena is a lunchtime education in spice and comfort. It’s BYO, friendly, and a true neighborhood fixture—check current hours before you go.

A West Philly standby with deep community roots, Saad’s turns out an all‑zabiha halal menu, famous for the chicken shish tawook “maroosh,” shawarma, and generous platters. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s dining team singles out its sandwiches; the restaurant’s own story starts with a University City lunch truck. Expect lines at peak times and sincere hospitality.

Chef Yehuda Sichel brings fine‑dining chops to a fast‑casual sandwich shop built on house‑baked Japanese milk buns. Eater’s sandwich coverage and local press keep shouting out the short rib grilled cheese and spicy chicken; the menu changes, but care and craft are constants. It’s a quick Rittenhouse lunch with serious technique hiding in plain sight.

Part deli, part corner market, wholly Philadelphian—Liberty Kitchen stacks cutlets, hoagies, and seasonal specials with house pickles and breads. The Philadelphia Inquirer has spotlighted its run‑on kale Caesar cutlet and neighborhood appeal. Order online to dodge the rush, then eat on the patio or take your hoagie to nearby parks.

At this independent counter, hand‑carved pastrami and corned beef stack high on rye, with matzo ball soup and latkes close by. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s pastrami rankings keep Hershel’s in the conversation, and the market’s own directory confirms daily hours. Nab a stool, watch the slicer work, and lunch like a local.

A smokehouse with South Philly soul, Mike’s serves until sellout Thursday through Sunday—get the brisket cheesesteak that Condé Nast Traveler and Thrillist highlight, or classic ribs and pulled pork. It’s counter‑service, limited hours, and maximum payoff. Order early online, then eat in, outside, or take it to go.

Philadelphia’s first Vietnamese coffee roastery doubles as a daytime café with standout bánh mì, tamarind fries, congee, and inventive lattes. The Philadelphia Inquirer recently reported on its expansion plans and noted national recognition, including a 2025 James Beard nod. It’s a bright, community‑minded lunch in Kensington’s Harrowgate corridor.

West Philly’s Ethiopian chicken house fuses teff‑flour fried chicken (try lemon‑turmeric or berbere) with shawarma, wings, and vegan options. USA Today named it a 2024 Restaurant of the Year, and Eater features the chicken sandwich. Lunch is counter‑service and gluten‑free friendly; sauces like mitmita aioli seal the deal.