Listen to article \u2022\u00a00:00 min<\/p>\n
Frankie Ramirez\u2019s aguachiles, lamb-neck birria, and seasonal tlayudas have already earned his Kensington<\/a> restaurant, Am\u00e1, a spot in Philadelphians\u2019 hearts. Now, the chef has notched even higher-profile praise.<\/p>\n Ramirez\u2019s contemporary Mexican menu landed Am\u00e1 on the New York Times\u2019 list of the greatest Mexican restaurants<\/a> across the U.S.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile Mexican restaurants [in Philadelphia] have long been shaped by Puebla, the home state of many local families, Mr. Ramirez offers a broad taste of the country\u2019s extraordinary regional variety,\u201d Times\u2019 contributor Regan Stephens wrote<\/a> of Am\u00e1, praising its standout chips and salsa combo \u2014 with house-nixtamalized heirloom corn tortilla chips and six artisan salsas \u2014 among other dishes. <\/p>\n Inquirer critic Craig LaBan also singled that starter out in his 2025 review of Am\u00e1<\/a>, whose ambitious menu signals \u201ca golden moment for the city\u2019s Mexican restaurant scene,\u201d LaBan wrote. <\/p>\n Am\u00e1, which opened in May 2025<\/a> at Front and Oxford Streets, is Ramirez\u2019s ownership debut. The chef worked in Philadelphia kitchens for several years, starting as a dishwasher at Marcus Samuelsson\u2019s Washington Square before moving on to a string of roles with Starr Restaurants, including executive chef at LMNO<\/a>. His partners in Am\u00e1 include his wife, Veronica, and Delaware County<\/a> restaurateurs Crisalida Mata and Roberto Medina.<\/p>\n Earlier this year Ramirez earned a nod from the James Beard Awards committee as a semifinalist for emerging chef<\/a>. The restaurant was also a close contender<\/a> for the 2025 edition of The 76 best restaurants in Philadelphia<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cMy goal is to change the way people stereotype our cuisine, and I think the time is right for Philly,\u201d Ramirez told The Inquirer<\/a> last summer. <\/p>\n