Philadelphia’s dining scene has received considerable attention over the last year. Recently, The New York Times and The Washington Post have added their contributions to the city’s recognition.
Commenting on the media coverage, The Philadelphia Inquirer said, “Taken together, the pieces amount to a welcome verdict from out-of-towners. Philadelphia is not being framed as an offshoot of somewhere else. It is being recognized as a dining destination with a point of view.”
Originally published in 2023, the Times’ list highlights dining establishments that have popped up again and again in Philadelphia food coverage: Friday Saturday Sunday, Her Place Supper Club, Kalaya, Angelo’s Pizzeria, and River Twice. These restaurants join Middle Child Clubhouse, Zahav, Vernick Fish, and Vedge. Meetinghouse, a Kensington taproom, was added to the list in the last year.
Writing for the Post, Sontag highlighted Griddle & Rice, Kalaya, John’s Roast Pork, La Jefa, and Sao.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Michael Klein, a notable gap in the national dining coverage is Philadelphia’s bakery and cafe boom. These establishments are driving a surge in bread, pastries, and diverse baking styles across spots like Bread Room, Erby’s, Rougarou Baking, Majdal Bakery, La Maison Jaune, Manna Bakery, and various Asian cafes.
“That is not a small omission,” Klein said. “Right now, some of the most active energy in Philadelphia food is not only in dining rooms, but at the pastry case.”