Every summer, Philadelphia’s Best of Philly list sets the local dining scene abuzz—and 2024 is no exception. From bold new chefs reimagining global cuisine to neighborhood bars redefining happy hour, these standout spots are drawing attention—and filling up fast. Whether you’re a Philly local or thinking of making the city your home, here’s where to make your reservations right now.
Best New Restaurant, City: Little Water – Rittenhouse
261 S. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Chefs Randy and Amanda Rucker bring emotion and elegance to every dish, blending coastal and earthy flavors with masterful technique. Highlights include peekytoe crab over hash browns and halibut with aerated potato. Beautiful, personal, and not to be missed.
Best New Restaurant, Suburbs: La Baja – Ambler
9 N. Main St., Ambler, PA 19002
Chef Dionicio Jiménez leans into his culinary journey with an exciting, cross-cultural menu. Think kampachi tostadas, burratina with mole, and Mexican chocolate–braised short rib risotto. A must for adventurous Main Line food lovers.
Best Happy Hour: Kiddo – Washington Square West
1138 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Charming and clever, Kiddo delivers unbeatable value with half-priced seasonal pastas (like garlic ravioli and ramp bucatini) and expertly crafted cocktails—all under $10. It’s your go-to post-work unwind spot.
Best Dinner Party: Carl – Private Dining
Hosted in the home of chef Ian Moroney and professor Sharon Thompson-Schill, this rotating menu is hyperlocal, ingredient-driven, and deeply personal. Expect food that tells a story and conversation that makes the night unforgettable.
Best Splurge: Provenance – Queen Village
408 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
An ultra-refined tasting menu served over 20+ courses with artfully plated dishes, luxury ingredients, and custom equipment. Provenance is where avant-garde cuisine meets timeless technique. Ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime meal.
Best Italian Escape: Fiore – Fishtown
2413 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
From early-morning bomboloni and espresso to house-made pastas and BYO dinners, Fiore is the closest thing to Rome you’ll find this side of the Atlantic. Warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Best New Cocktail Bar: Almanac – Old City
310 Market St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
This bar centers around seasonal, foraged ingredients and offers a moody, elevated experience with izakaya-inspired bites and stunningly crafted cocktails. Come for the drinks—stay for the atmosphere.
Best Pizza & Cocktails: Sorellina – North Broad
699 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19123
The rebellious sibling of Cicala, Sorellina’s menu is loud, fast, and full of flavor. Grab a mortadella and pistachio pizza, sip on an Aperol cocktail, and take in the Italian hip-hop vibes.
Best Cooking Class: Midnight Pasta Party – Tacony
5401 Tacony St., BLDG 39, Philadelphia, PA 19137
Hosted by Natalia Lepore Hagan, this late-night pasta-making experience is all about connection, creativity, and carb-fueled joy. Perfect for date nights, groups, or solo foodies seeking something different.
Best Group Spot: Jaffa Bar – Kensington
1625 N. Howard St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Whether you're upstairs enjoying a quiet dinner or downstairs among soul music and pastrami-spiced yellowtail, Jaffa is made for parties of any size. Large format plates and playful flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Best Comfort Food: Little Walter’s – Fishtown
2049 E. Hagert St., Philadelphia, PA 19125
This Polish-inspired eatery offers smoky pierogi, roasted pork shoulder, and unmatched hospitality. It’s soulful food, served with love, in a setting that feels like Sunday at grandma’s—if grandma had amazing taste.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers and Sellers
Philly’s restaurant scene is one of the best in the country—and it’s a major draw for buyers looking to invest in lifestyle as much as location. From Fishtown condos steps from buzzy eateries to Main Line estates with access to Ambler’s hidden gems, food and real estate go hand-in-hand.
📞 Contact Sean Elstone today to explore properties near Philadelphia’s top restaurants or to sell your home with a strategy that taps into the vibrant local culture. We serve the Main Line, Philadelphia, and the Jersey Shore with expertise, discretion, and results.
Photo Credits: Breanne Furlong
