What is in season in Philadelphia. and what to order when the market changes.
Spring
- Ramps: Foraged Pennsylvania ramps from the Poconos and Lancaster land at Reading Terminal stalls and Vernick and Vetri kitchens through April.
- Asparagus: Local-grown New Jersey asparagus at Headhouse Square and Rittenhouse farmers markets through May and early June.
- Shad and shad roe: Delaware River shad season runs April; tasting menus at Vetri Cucina and Friday Saturday Sunday rotate shad roe in spring.
- Strawberries: Lancaster County strawberries land at Headhouse Square and Italian Market stalls through late May and early June.
Summer
- Jersey tomatoes: South Jersey beefsteak tomatoes peak July to mid-September at the Italian Market and Headhouse Square stalls.
- Soft-shell crabs: Chesapeake Bay soft-shell crab season runs May to August; Royal Sushi, Vernick and Friday Saturday Sunday rotate them onto menus.
- Water ice season: Pop's Homemade Italian Ice on Oregon and John's Water Ice on Christian open April and run through Labor Day.
- Jersey corn: Sweet Jersey corn at the Italian Market and Reading Terminal stalls peaks August and runs to first frost.
Autumn
- Apples and apple cider: Adams County and Lancaster apples at Headhouse Square from late September; cider doughnuts at Beiler's run October through November.
- Pumpkin and squash: Pennsylvania-grown butternut, kabocha and Long Island Cheese pumpkins fill Italian Market produce stalls from late September.
- Concord grapes: Late-September Concord grape pies appear at Bredenbeck's Bakery on Germantown Avenue and a handful of Italian Market counters.
- Chestnut Hill mushrooms: Kennett Square chanterelles, hen of the woods and shiitake at Reading Terminal stalls and West Loop tasting menus.
Winter
- Oysters: Chesapeake and Long Island oyster service peaks November to February at Oyster House on Sansom and Lacroix at the Rittenhouse.
- Scrapple: Habbersett and Rapa scrapple at Reading Terminal Market and South Philly breakfast counters peak November through February.
- Pepper pot soup: Olde City Coffee at Reading Terminal and a handful of South Philly counters run the historic tripe-and-pepper soup November through February.
- Pennsylvania Dutch pies: Shoofly, mincemeat, sweet potato and pumpkin pies at Beiler's, Dutch Eating Place and Lancaster County counters through Christmas.
Seasonal in Philadelphia, FAQ
When is the best time to eat in Philadelphia?
Peak food season in Philadelphia is year-round.
What time do people eat in Philadelphia?
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
How does tipping work in Philadelphia?
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
What is the one dish to try in Philadelphia?
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. Philadelphia rewards trust.