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Modern IsraeliOld City
Zahav in Philadelphia is Michael Solomonov's modern Israeli room near Society Hill, James Beard's Outstanding Restaurant in America in 2019 and one.
OrderThe lamb shoulder for two with the hummus tehina, the way it has been ordered since 2008.
TipBook 30 days out on Resy at 10am Eastern. The Mesibah feast lands at the family table.
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Modern AmericanOld City
Fork in Philadelphia is Ellen Yin's 1997 Old City flagship on Market Street, a James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur 2022 anchor of the Philadelphia dining.
OrderWhichever hand-cut pasta is on the seasonal menu; the roast duck if it appears.
TipThe bar runs a separate menu and a half-price oyster happy hour weekday afternoons. Walk in for it.
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Sichuan ChineseOld City
Han Dynasty in Philadelphia is Han Chiang's Sichuan room on Chestnut in Old City, the kitchen that ranked the city's spice scale 1 to 10 and made the dan dan.
OrderDan dan noodles, dry-pot rabbit at heat 7, three-pepper chicken, mapo tofu.
TipOrder one dish below the heat level you think you can handle. The 10-spice scale is honest.
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Modern FrenchOld City
Forsythia in Philadelphia is Christopher Kearse's modern French bistro on Chestnut Street in Old City, a 2025 Michelin Guide selection with rabbit porchetta.
OrderThe escargot with parsley and shallots; the duck if it appears on that night's tasting menu.
TipHappy hour from 16:30 weekdays runs half-price oysters and a French 75. Walk in for it.
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Neapolitan PizzaOld City
Pizzeria Stella in Philadelphia is Stephen Starr's Headhouse Square Neapolitan pizzeria on the corner of 2nd and Lombard, with a wood-burning oven.
OrderMargherita with San Marzano and buffalo mozzarella; the Tartufo with black truffle and fontina.
TipWalk in at noon for happy-hour pies; main rush starts at 18:30. Reserve on Resy for weekends.