Note: Greater Philadelphia is open for business and welcoming visitors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individual businesses may still require masks. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Philadelphia’s culinary world has long turned heads nationwide, only to bask in the spotlight once again when the prestigious 2022 James Beard Awards named 16 local chefs and restaurants as semifinalists.
The city’s vibrant restaurant scene has grown tremendously in recent years, and that’s carrying over into fall. A ton of new dining options are debuting throughout Philly and its neighboring counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery). Translation: Newcomers and repeat visitors alike can fill up on dishes they’ve never tried before.
Fall is a great time to check out these newly launched hotspots for lots of reasons. Many of the region’s eateries offer ample outdoor seating, and now is the perfect time to pull up a chair alfresco without breaking a sweat. Or, on days when you need to warm up from the chill in the air, take your taste buds inside and spend some time getting acquainted with Philly’s can’t-miss foods.
From a just-opened Jewish deli (Samuel’s) in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City to a long-anticipated steakhouse (Fiore Rosso) by an acclaimed chef in nearby Montgomery County, here are some new places — all opened since May 1, 2022 — to add to your fall dining calendar.
After a day of sightseeing in Philadelphia’s historic Old City neighborhood, fuel up at Amina, which specializes in Southern dishes. This Black-owned restaurant from owner Felicia Wilson and chef-partner Darryl Harmon pays homage to the 16th-century warrior queen Amina, who hailed from what’s now Nigeria. Options like Down Home Gumbo (rice, shrimp, crab, oysters, chicken wings and spicy chicken sausage in a rich broth) and the Grilled Lamb T-Bone Steak Tower leave you plenty full, but don’t leave without trying the banana pudding or birthday pound cake smothered in chocolate buttercream icing.
Where: Amina, 104 Chestnut Street
Come for Bierhaul’s 26 taps pouring German, French, Irish and Belgian brews, and stay for the housemade New American food. This Delco lagerhaus makes everything from cheese boards and grilled peach Caprese to buffalo chicken pizza and beer-braised bratwurst. For those with kiddos (or pups), you’re in luck: Snag a children’s menu (the little ones can’t go astray with Bierhaul’s cheese pizza or grilled cheese sandwich) and head outdoors to play some games set up for kids on the one-acre expanse.
Where: Bierhaul, 341 Thornton Road, Thornton
West Chester’s college crowd and local families alike are smitten with the new made-to-order chicken dishes that Blazin’ J’s brought to town — particularly the J’s Way Chicken Sandwich dipped in specialty house hot sauce and topped with pepper jack cheese, hot house mayo and pickles. Four signature sauces (mild, hot honey, hot and blazin’ hot) help you tailor your chicken experience. We’ll let you in on a secret: Customers seeking even more heat can ask about a special hot sauce kept in the back. Word is that staff likes to play around with ultra-spicy Carolina Reaper peppers, which make for a sandwich that’s hot, hot, hot.
Where: Blazin' J's, 139 W. Gay Street, West Chester
Chef Jose Garces has done it again with this second iteration of his beloved Baja-inspired taqueria Buena Onda. The restaurant is known for its sustainably sourced fish tacos, housemade guacamole and thirst-quenching margaritas, which come in varieties like classic, prickly pear and strawberry. Seafood not your thing? Dive into classic dishes like chicken or al pastor tacos, and don’t miss the new kale and mushroom burrito bowl.
Where: Buena Onda Rittenhouse, 114 S. 20th Street
James Beard Award-winning chef Marc Vetri takes to the Philadelphia suburbs with Fiore Rosso, a highly anticipated, upscale Italian steakhouse sporting a menu curated with global influence. The highlight reel includes a 40-day dry-aged, bone-in Niman Ranch ribeye, Snake River Farms wagyu rib cap and yellowfin tuna crudo, while pastas, veggie dishes and antipasti round out the menu. Pro tip for dessert: The chocolate buttermilk cake with fior di latte gelato has the Main Line merveling.
Where: Fiore Rosso, 915 Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr
Dive into down-home, Southern-style chicken and scratch-made sides at Fire Nashville Hot Chicken. The spot’s claim to fame: hot wings made with seasonings ranging from mild all the way up to “Cluck Around & Find Out.” And after you have found out, no visit is complete without an order of Gaff’s Grandma’s Banana Pudding, lovingly crafted from a top-secret family recipe. Also noteworthy: Southern-fried dessert “Deep Empanadas” like the Ms. Andre (peach habanero filling, topped with icing) and the Blueberry Attack (blueberry jalapeno mint filling with a healthy coat of icing and mint sugar up top).
Where: Fire Nashville Hot Chicken, 126 E. Gay Street, West Chester
Floor-to-ceiling windows soak this adorable, woman-owned coffee shop in sunlight, fueling both the cafe’s extensive plant collection and its caffeine-seeking patrons ordering espresso beverages, matcha lattes, bubble teas and Italian sodas. For drink inspo, peep The Ground’s Instagram for thirst-inducing videos of baristas artfully crafting bubble teas in flavors like taro and passionfruit. This Kensington spot aims to foster an inclusive community marked by meaningful connections, and, as such, sells retail wares made by local, independent creators.
Where: The Ground Coffee, Plants, & Gifts, 2000 North 2nd Street
La Chingonita’s new brick-and-mortar outpost in Philly’s Fishtown neighborhood is the permanent home of the crowd-pleasing Mexican food truck by local chef-owners Rebecca Baez and Omar Martinez. The restaurant serves up the recipes the two grew up on, like carnitas tacos, chorizo burritos and steak quesadillas. Keep an eye out for rotating weekly specials that will leave you dreaming about them months after they’ve disappeared from the menu.
Where: La Chingonita, 413 E. Girard Avenue
In a sea of East Coast businesses slinging lobster rolls, family-owned and -operated La La Lobster easily stands out with its classic offering piled high with a quarter-pound of chilled, wild-caught lobster topped with warm lemon butter, red onion, dill and specialty seasoned mayo. La La Lobster is mega-popular among Greater Philadelphia residents; this is the fourth outpost from owner Nicole Rabena. Looking to pack a little extra heat? The La Spicy roll comes with a housemade, tangy chipotle aioli. Other menu delights include the creamy lobster mac and cheese or the lobster grilled cheese; lobster bisque and the gluten-free La La Shrimp Bowl made with brown rice, avocado, sweet corn, diced tomato and cheddar cheese.
Where: La La Lobster, 25 N. Main Street, Doylestown
This sprawling waterfront restaurant located between Blue Cross RiverRink and Spruce Street Harbor Park clocks in at roughly 28,000 square feet, making it one of Philly’s largest eateries. You can practically bar hop within the place: Pull up a seat at one of Liberty Point’s five bars and seven event spaces scattered across three levels. The seafood-forward menu features fish and chips, a crab cake sandwich, a Philly fried shrimp basket and more — all of which you can chow down on while enjoying live music at the outdoor amphitheater. Bonus: Liberty Point is wrapped around the Independence Seaport Museum, making an easy pitstop for those who want to embrace the nautical theme.
Where: Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Find this sushi-lover’s gem from “sushi whisperer” Kevin Yanaga and Glu Hospitality tucked away inside the team’s Izakaya by Yanaga restaurant in Fishtown. Omakase offers an intimate dining experience where Yanaga himself curates and prepares a 25-course tasting menu at an exclusive eight-seat, custom sushi bar and counter. Tailored sake and wine pairings accompany the sushi selection, which Yanaga switches up with each service. That means no two experiences are ever the same, so there’s no shame in coming back for seconds … or even thirds.
Where: Omakase By Yanaga, 1832 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia just welcomed this shop from the Brooklyn-based pizzeria, which brings New York-style square and round pies to the City of Brotherly Love. This laid-back, old-school haunt offers vegan options and a full bar in a casual environment. While you’re there, try your skills on the pool table, then browse the collection of for-sale ’70s and ’80s vinyl records.
Where: Paulie Gee’s Soul City Slice Shop, 412 S. 13th Street
Spearheaded by restaurateur Aleksandar Stojnic, who grew up in Germany, this concept couples fine dining with culinary creations rooted in a family cookbook. Step into the recovered industrial interior, and you’ll feel instantly at ease. Could it be because of the hearty eastern European-influenced American fare like veggies slow-roasted with care or the whole-roasted fish and game birds? Yes. What about the artwork made exclusively by Stojnic’s own mother? Also, yes. How about the ever-growing wine catalog? Yep, that, too.
Where: Restaurant Aleksandar, 126 S. 19th Street
Nestled in the heart of the hustle-and-bustle of Philadelphia’s Center City is Samuel’s, an American-Jewish concept from renowned local chef Michael Schulson. Inspired by foods from Schulson’s childhood, the menu is made entirely in-house, including the bread (baked fresh daily) and the meats (cured and cut in the deli). At this all-day dining spot, you can get your fill of soul-warming classics like the Reuben piled high with pastrami or the Challah French toast topped with maple syrup and vanilla sugar. If you’re feeling lavish, spring for some caviar, or snag a tempting treat from the pastry case.
Where: Samuel's, 1523 Sansom Street
This rustic Italian-inspired concept uses regionally sourced ingredients to cook up modern renditions of classics like ravioli and rigatoni, plus creative concoctions like spaghetti alla chitarra made with crispy Spanish octopus, spicy salsa verde and lemon. The scratch-made pastas are prepared from local, freshly milled flours, while dishes like the Limoncello Chicken and 12-ounce Local Angus Delmonico ribeye with charred onions, tomato confit and balsamic speak to your inner carnivore.
Where: Tresini, 504 N. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler
Meet your new go-to for a family-friendly outing, fun first date and anything in between. Take your pick from more than 500 board and card games, or give the arcade lineup and Skee Ball lanes a whirl. Just don’t play on an empty stomach. Twenty One Pips offers a full bar and food menu. Burgers, mussels or the Bistro Filet & Frites can tide you over if you plan to stay awhile (we’re looking at you, Monopoly players) — and so can the coffee program.
Where: Twenty One Pips, 24 Cricket Avenue, Ardmore
This latest sultry BYOB from owners Tony and Shelly Li takes your taste buds on a trip across Asia with menu items that tap into Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Imported fresh fish (think wild-caught Chilean sea bass) pad the menu, while oysters, sashimi and housemade ramen give an extra taste of heaven. Another sushi go-to at Vekoo is the Yellow Dragon Roll: spicy tuna, salmon, yellowtail, crabmeat, avocado and crunchy tempura flakes all expertly rolled in a soy wrap.
Where: Veekoo, 761 W. Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr
Philadelphia is home to some of the best restaurants, chefs and bar programs in the country — and many of those establishments have been recognized over the years by the James Beard Foundation. Iconic spots like Zahav and Vedge are multi-time honorees; High Street Hospitality and two of its critically acclaimed holdings, Fork and High Street Philly, have all been recognized; and more recently honored restaurants like Hardena, Kalaya and South Philly Barbacoa show off the amazing flavor and incredible value that Philly’s new class of restaurants are brining to the city. For more, check out our guide highlighting the restaurants and chefs that have been honored in the foundation’s annual long list of semifinalists, nominees and winners between 2015 and 2022.
Where: Various locations including Suraya, 1528 Frankford Avenue
Now that you’ve got your dining plans settled, pair a stellar meal with a live theater or dance show, a street festival or big fall event or, best of all, an overnight stay. For more things to do in Philly (and there are always more things to do), click here.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
The quintessential, gotta-have-it-while-you’re-here dishes that you can only get in P…
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