If you’re a food lover in NYC, you’re well aware that the city offers some of the top restaurants in the world. However, sometimes the ideal lunch is only a road drive away. Enter Philadelphia, a city only a few hours from New York City and home to one of the most famous sandwiches of all time: the Philly cheesesteak.
But let’s be honest—Philadelphia’s food culture extends much beyond cheesesteaks. From delectable roast pork sandwiches to soft pretzels, scrapple, and some pretty outstanding hoagies, there are many top places to eat in Philadelphia. The best part? Getting there is simple and pleasant with OurBus, making it the ideal weekend gastronomic vacation. We make it affordable for you with Super Saver Pass and more!
So, if you’re eager for an adventure (and a full tummy), let’s look at the must-try places in Philadelphia, where to get the tastiest nibbles, and why this culinary excursion is completely worthwhile. From bars to cafes and restaurants, we have tried to include the most popular ones:
Top Places to Eat in Philadelphia
1. A.Kitchen
Let’s start with a brunch spot that’s perfect for your arrival in the city. With multiple OurBus options departing from NYC in the morning, you can reach Philadelphia by 10 to 11 AM, just in time for a delicious meal. A.Kitchen, located across from Rittenhouse Square, is known for its excellent French omelettes and crispy chickpea panisse. This all-day restaurant has been open since 2011 and has quietly maintained an important presence in the local eating scene, owing in part to the chef, Eli Collins. On Sunday afternoons you might even spot some of the city’s top chefs having lunch on their day off.
His long-standing partnerships with the region’s farmers benefit the menu, as seen by dishes such as crispy oyster mushrooms cultivated in neighboring Kennett Square and chicken liver toast topped with red wine-preserved cherries purchased at the farmers’ market. Aren’t you hungry already? We surely are!
2. Doro Bet
A handmade notice on the front door of Doro Bet in West Philadelphia begs guests to be patient—after all good food takes time! Here, chicken is cooked to order, meaning a 15-minute wait, but trust us, it’s worth it. Each piece is dredged in a buttermilk batter made with teff flour, which gives them a crackly crunch. Choose between two flavorful options: the fiery berbere (a family recipe with black cardamom, cumin, and sun-dried chiles) or a mild version coated in tart lemon and turmeric, which was created by co-owner Mebruka Kane to appeal to her children’s tastes during the pandemic while incorporating spices from her own childhood in Addis Abeba. The store also provides traditional Ethiopian dishes such as spicy doro wot and cardamom-scented tibs with injera, but the fried chicken will be served last—and for good reason. And it’s well worth the wait.
3. Amy’s Pastelillos
Did you know? After New York City, Philadelphia has the second-largest Puerto Rican population outside of the island. Amy Rivera-Nassar is a member of the diaspora who brings traditional Puerto Rican recipes. Through her pop-ups, she’s not just serving food— she’s sparking a movement for cultural awareness, education, and preservation. One mouthful of her pastelillos will quickly bring back childhood memories for Boricuas who grew up traveling to and from the motherland: Amy’s best-seller, ground beef picadillo, is juicy, spicy, and rich, thanks to the gradual thickening of cubed potatoes in a sofrito-layered sauce.
The shredded chicken outperforms others, with soft thigh flesh cooked in its own broth and complemented by sweet overtones from yellow peppers. The guava BBQ pork is a surprise smash, with a non-traditional tangy flavor combination that is delightfully delicious.
4. Banh Mi & Bottles
Banh Mi & Bottles should be at the top of any “best of” restaurant list for one dish: Roasted Duck Leg. In a city where duck is typically served as a seared breast or foie a la French techniques or as hanging Peking duck seen in many Chinatown restaurant windows, this Dùi Vit just hits different. Two large roasted duck legs, crispy dark skin on the outside, tender pull-apart pink meat on the inside, with a side of hearty vegetables (okra, tofu, mushrooms) and bao (this time, lightly fried) with a 5-spiced soy ginger dipping sauce.
The restaurant, like the rest of chef Tuan’s menu, offers an exciting hands-on DIY dining experience with family recipes, street food specialties, and recreations of his favorite childhood meals. The Hamachi Nuong Xa Ot (yellowtail collar) is a delightful sharing plate that allows each participant to build their own vermicelli spring roll wraps. The Bo Bap Chuoi focuses on textures, with dried beef, crunchy shallots, and fresh herbs presented as a large salad with banana blossom leaves.
Beef Pho dumplings take the opposite method to popular soup dumplings, with the broth outside in a tiny dish, ready for the ribeye steak-filled dumplings to be dipped and limes poured on top. Since the introduction of their full bar service, no dinner here is complete without one of their equally delectable drinks, such as the Pandan Mojito or the Ube Espresso Martini.
5. Mike’s BBQ
Take a classic Philly cheesesteak and add some true Southern warmth and bold Texas flavor. Now you have something both different and familiar. Enter Mike’s BBQ’s Texas-style beef, which is always smoked on the same day, and serves as the foundation for the Gritty Smoked Brisket Cheesesteak. It is served with Cooper sharp whiz, fried onions, lettuce, tomato, mustard-based gritty sauce (not that gritty), and thin-sliced fried potato sticks. Feeling adventurous? Switch it up with their famous smoked chicken or go for hot Buffalo style—either way, you’re in for a serious flavor explosion.
6. Bar Hygge
Perhaps the finest description of “cosy” is the sense of contentment one has while surrounded by friends. That is the meaning of the Danish term in the name of Fairmount/Spring Garden microbrewery Bar Hygge (pronounced HUE-gah). The tavern’s warm industrial-style vibe comes from its lived-in appearance, which is enhanced by ingenious details such as exposed brick, faded carpets, mismatched plush seats, and a dining room wall made of reclaimed barrel staves. Along with a changing variety of daring craft beers (from the in-house Brewery Techne), the menu features mix-and-match charcuterie-style “Hygge boards” served on paddles.
7. The Library Bar
The Library Bar, located inside The Rittenhouse Hotel, caters to bibliophiles with its cozy atmosphere. The posh establishment has a reading nook loaded with historic books in a tiny built-in bookshelf library flanked by an attractive limestone fireplace. Relax in one of the opulent leather lounge chairs beneath a brilliant chandelier, or take a yellow leather booth seat at the bar and savor seasonal and traditional cocktails, emphasized by a vast whiskey collection, or a unique concoction inspired by works of literature and art. Taste the menu of sophisticated pub nibbles. And you’ll definitely fall in love with this place!
To Wrap Up
Philadelphia’s culinary culture is a foodie’s dream, and it’s only a short and pleasant journey from New York City on OurBus. Whether you’re craving the classic Philly cheesesteak, indulging in Ethiopian fried chicken, or discovering hidden gems like Amy’s Pastelillos, this city has flavors worth the journey. Every mouthful of food tells a story, from cozy breakfast cafes to scrumptious BBQs.
So why wait?
Grab your Super Saver Pass, board a bus, and embark on a delightful journey through Philadelphia’s top restaurants—you might even discover your new favorite dish!
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