Discover Philadelphia’s top new dining spots with a curated list of must-visit restaurants that have opened within the past year. This isn’t just a roundup of new openings; it’s a handpicked selection of places we’d highly recommend to passionate food lovers.
Whether you're planning a date night, impressing visitors, or leading your foodie friend group, this guide has you covered. Bookmark this page for regularly updated, expert-approved restaurant recommendations in Philly.
West Philadelphia
Black Dragon Takeout, West Philly – Comfort Food with a Soulful Twist
Chef Kurt Evans redefines takeout with his fusion of Black soul food and Chinese-American flavors. Think collard green egg rolls, gumbo lo mein, and General Roscoe’s chicken, packed with bold seasoning and deep comfort. Expect long lines—but the leftovers are just as good the next day (if not better). This is Philly’s most unique takeout experience and well worth the wait.
📍5260 Rodman St
Kilimandjaro, University City – Authentic Senegalese Comfort Food
After a four-year hiatus, Kilimandjaro is back, offering an inviting space where diners can experience Senegalese cuisine at its finest. Chef Youma Ba serves family recipes like lamb dibi, fried fish with Jollof rice, and flavorful plantains. The welcoming staff and comforting dishes make it a great place to explore West African flavors. Don’t miss the fresh ginger juice!
📍4301 Chestnut Street
Center City / Rittenhouse Square / Midtown Village
Dizengoff, Rittenhouse – Hummus & Cocktails in a Vibrant Setting
The newly expanded Dizengoff is a lively, retro-inspired space where hummus takes center stage. Enjoy thick, creamy hummus alongside pita, shawarma-spiced lamb, and za’atar-spiced dishes. With a funky atmosphere and a creative cocktail menu, it’s a top pick for brunch or after-work drinks.
📍1625 Sansom Street
Kiddo, Midtown Village – Sustainable Dining Done Right
For those curious about sustainable dining, Kiddo sets the standard. While its menu leans vegetable-forward, it doesn’t shy away from bold flavors—like the perfectly grilled pork porterhouse served with radicchio, baby turnips, candied walnuts, quince jam, and sweet potato purée. Expect a thoughtfully curated selection of pastas, snacks, and small plates, all crafted with a deep commitment to ethical sourcing. Recently awarded the Snail of Approval by Slow Food, Kiddo isn’t just about great food—it’s about making a difference.
📍1138 Pine Street
Society Hill
Provenance, Society Hill – The Ultimate Fine Dining Spectacle
Looking for the most extravagant meal in Philly? Provenance delivers with an over-the-top, 22+ course tasting menu showcasing rich flavors and flawless French technique. Chef Nicholas Bazik orchestrates a high-energy kitchen, serving everything from seafood canapés to trout rillettes and decadent chocolate soufflé. While the experience is intense, it’s a must for serious food lovers who want to witness one of Philly’s most ambitious dining experiences.
📍408 South 2nd St
Bella Vista / East Passyunk
Kampar, Bella Vista – A Culinary Journey Through Malaysian & Fusion Flavors
Chef Ange Branca’s passion for showcasing underrepresented cuisines has led to the revival of Kampar, a Malaysian-inspired dining destination. The space is divided into unique experiences: a chef residency downstairs featuring innovative Indian-Mexican fusion by Reuben Asaram and Chilean pastries by Cote Tapia-Marmugi, and the upstairs Kongsi social club, where classic beef rendang and nasi lemak steal the show. The upstairs bar, run by Sam Pritchard, pairs Malaysian-inspired cocktails with bold, offal-based small plates.
📍611 South 7th Street
Paffuto, Bella Vista – Elevated Panzerottis & Intimate Dining
Paffuto reimagines the classic panzerotti, offering inventive takes like a breakfast version stuffed with eggs and bacon or chef-collab creations with bold flavors like ragu, plantains, and mozzarella. But the real magic happens twice a week, when this cozy spot transforms into an intimate eight-course dining experience. Expect refined, modern twists on Italian staples—think spicy pepperoni crunch crostini, spaghetti alla chitarra with shrimp and sausage, and a decadent chocolate budino.
📍1009 South 8th Street
Royal Tavern, Bella Vista – The Neighborhood Burger Spot is Back
A beloved staple in East Passyunk, Royal Tavern has made a triumphant return, bringing back its signature burger—a must-try loaded with smoked gouda, caramelized onions, chili mayo, bacon, and pickled long hots. Beyond the burger, the menu offers standouts like the classic grilled cheese and a vegan gyro worth the hype. Whether you're in for a casual date night, a late-night bite (kitchen open until 1 AM), or a drink with friends, this spot delivers every time.
📍937 East Passyunk Avenue
Rice & Sambal @ Dankbaar, East Passyunk – Indonesian Fine Dining with a Feast Experience
Diana Widjojo, co-founder of Hardena, now brings her expertise to Rice & Sambal, an intimate dining experience featuring beautifully plated Indonesian dishes. The menu changes monthly, but past highlights have included banana heart salad, seared scallops in a fish-bone broth, and Cornish hen glazed with sweet soy sambal. Don’t miss the Liwetan Feast on Saturdays, where a lavish spread of grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and sambal is served in a communal setting.
📍1911 East Passyunk Avenue
Northern Liberties
Yanaga Kappo Izakaya, Northern Liberties – Top-Tier Happy Hour & Omakase Speakeasy
If you’re craving an elevated yet laid-back Japanese dining experience, Yanaga Kappo Izakaya is the spot. Chef Kevin Yanaga, known as the “Sushi Whisperer,” delivers playful, flavor-packed dishes like spicy tuna rice crispies and wagyu sausage napolitan. While the menu had some early growing pains, the addition of a liquor license turned this into the neighborhood bar Northern Liberties was waiting for. With a standout happy hour offering small plates, sake, and fun cocktails, plus an exclusive omakase speakeasy, this spot has officially hit its stride.
📍3rd & Fairmount
Fishtown / Kensington
Bastia, Fishtown – A Mediterranean Escape with Romantic Ambiance
Tucked inside the stylish Hotel Anna & Bel, Bastia brings the flavors of Corsica’s northern shores to Fishtown. Chef Tyler Akin’s seasonal menu blends French and Italian influences with dishes like grilled octopus with salsa verde, saffron-kissed fregola, and storzapretti ricotta dumplings. The intimate setting, changing menu, and impeccable execution make this a must-visit for a romantic night out.
📍1401 East Susquehanna Ave
Picnic, Kensington – A Stunning Space with a Diverse Menu
Known for its architectural beauty, Picnic has transformed a historic brewery into a dynamic dining experience. Their menu offers something for everyone, from wood-fired rotisserie chicken to Sicilian anchovies and a mushroom burger that even meat lovers will crave. Whether you're grabbing lunch with family or enjoying a group dinner, this spot delivers both ambiance and flavor.
📍2421 Martha Street
Amy’s Pastelillos, Kensington – Savory Hand Pies & Comfort Bowls
This takeout gem specializes in crispy pastelillos packed with guava barbecue pork, shredded chicken, and ground beef picadillo. But there’s more—dig into the pollito bowl, queso frito with guava citrus sauce, or tostones nachos loaded with toppings. A casual spot worth the wait!
📍2001 Memphis Street
Little Walter’s, Kensington – Upscale Polish Cuisine with a Twist
Little Walter’s has made waves in Philly’s dining scene, gaining national attention for its smoky, house-made kielbasa and rich pierogi ruskie. The restaurant blends the charm of a traditional Polish bar with an upscale dining experience. Try the sour rye soup, pickled vegetables, and a signature pickletini to complete your meal.
📍2049 East Hagert Street
Poplar
Sorellina, Poplar – Elevated Pizza in a Cozy Setting
Tucked inside the Divine Lorraine, Sorellina is redefining Philadelphia’s pizza game. Chef Joe Cicala’s menu features unexpected combinations, like the Bronte, topped with pistachio pesto, burrata, and mortadella. Whether you’re at the bar sipping a Negroni or indulging in a classic margherita, this spot is a must-visit for casual yet refined dining.
📍699 North Broad Street
