Mike's BBQ in Philadelphia is the South Philly barbecue counter on 11th Street since 2018, founded by Mike Strauss and now run by Daniel Grobman, with whole-hog brisket and ribs.
Signature dishes: Brisket, Pork ribs
Must order: A sliced brisket plate; pork ribs; the burnt-end sliders if they are running.
Tip: Closed Mondays. Open Thursday to Sunday; the brisket sells out by 14:00 on a Sunday.
Address: 1703 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen in Philadelphia is the 1923 Queen Village Jewish deli on the Bainbridge corner, a 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand for over-stuffed pastrami sandwiches.
Signature: Pastrami on rye, Matzo ball soup
Order: Pastrami on rye; matzo ball soup; the chocolate-chip cookie at the door on the way out.
Tip: Cash gets a discount at the register. The triple-decker is too much; halve it with a friend.
Zahav in Philadelphia is Michael Solomonov's modern Israeli room near Society Hill, James Beard's Outstanding Restaurant in America 2019 and the city's most-booked tasting menu.
Signature: Hummus tehina, Lamb shoulder
Order: The lamb shoulder for two with the hummus tehina, the way it has been ordered since 2008.
Tip: Book 30 days out on Resy at 10am Eastern. The Mesibah feast lands at the family table.
Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia is Marc Vetri's 1998 Spruce Street townhouse tasting menu, a Michelin-recognised Italian room with the spinach gnocchi that defined the city.
Signature: Spinach gnocchi with brown butter, Whole roasted baby goat
Order: Spinach gnocchi in brown butter and ricotta salata; the whole roasted baby goat for the table.
Tip: Book 60 days out on the venue's own site. The eight-seat counter is the room's quiet best seat.
Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia is Chad and Hanna Williams's narrow Rittenhouse townhouse, James Beard Best New Restaurant 2019 and the city's most distinctive seasonal menu.
Signature: Mushroom soup, Foie gras toast
Order: The mushroom soup, with foie gras toast on the side. The dish that anchored their James Beard year.
Tip: The upstairs bar takes walk-ups. The wine list runs natural and the pours arrive faster than reservations.
Kalaya in Philadelphia is Chutatip 'Nok' Suntaranon's James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic 2022 Southern Thai room in Fishtown, on Palmer Street since the move from Bella Vista.
Signature: Khua kling pork, Massaman curry
Order: The khua kling dry-fried pork with rice; the massaman curry; Nok's mother's coconut soup.
Tip: Book a week out on Resy. The 5pm seating clears quickest if you want a table without a wait.
Vernick Food & Drink in Philadelphia is Greg Vernick's James Beard Best Chef Mid-Atlantic 2017 Rittenhouse bi-level brownstone, with the avocado toast that defined the room.
Signature: Avocado toast, Wood-fire fish
Order: The avocado toast with chilli flake; whatever whole fish is on the wood fire that night.
Tip: The chef's counter on the second floor watches the open kitchen. Book it specifically when reserving.
