Welcome back for another year of the Dan DuPraw Restaurant Awards in Philadelphia! I’m excited to share the 2023 Philadelphia winners! To learn more about how these awards got started, you can check out my 2022 awards post here.

I hope this list can serve you, Reader, as an excellent collection of ideas for date nights, or when your out-of-town friends and family come to Philly and you just can’t remember all the great places you have been, but want to take them somewhere that will leave an impression and create a core memory. Or maybe, this list will simply, provide you with some excellent new spots to have a great meal.

To make the list, here is what I’m looking for:

• INGREDIENTS: High quality ingredients, fresh, and preferably locally sourced.
• EXPERIENCE: An emotional food experience that makes you feel you have learned something or experienced something new or cultural, something that feeds your soul as well as your stomach.
• FLAVOR: The food must offer incredible, unique, interesting and delicious flavors. You will want to tell someone about the food after eating it!
• ATMOSPHERE: The restaurant must have a noteworthy atmosphere: This could be fine dining and elegance, or a hole in the wall spot you would never notice, as long as it makes an impact.
• SERVICE: I am not incredibly picky about service but nothing will be on my list if the service isn’t good.

The rating system:

• Double Star Winners: These restaurants meet all of the criteria offering high quality food, unique and interesting atmospheres, and an exciting food experience with great service.
• Single Star Winners: These restaurants have something great to offer and meet most of the criteria. They are worth taking friends and family to for an incredible experience.
• Non-Restaurant Single Star Award Winners: This is a new category for 2023 to share exceptional things like food markets, coffee shops, bakeries, and things that generally wouldn’t qualify as a “restaurant.”

The Dan DuPraw Restaurant Awards: Philadelphia 2023

Double Star Winners

A Mano

A Mano: I love when I find a menu where everything I try is incredible, complex, and flat out delicious! That’s what happened at A Mano! The atmosphere is open and sexy, the service is always there when you need them and invisible when you don’t which is exactly how I like it. If I had to choose my top dining experience in the last year, I’d have to say it was eating dinner at A Mano! Absolutely perfect! (And you can see how much I eat out). I had to include more than one photo above because the one on the left is the Mushroom Lasagna, which just isn’t photogenic (is there a lasagna that is?) so the deserts are helping out by serving up their beauty.

Order: The Mushroom Lasagna was by far the star of the menu. I think I’ve tried about 75% of the current menu and I couldn’t recommend the lasagna more. The Roasted Pork Belly is killer and a great choice if you’re not into lasagna (if you’re not into lasagna though… you have bigger problems). For dessert I was blown away by the Rosemary Panna cotta with blueberries, almond crumble, and little baby pansy flowers to top it off. It was so smooth and perfectly creamy and acidic all at the same time. One of my favorite desserts I’ve eaten in Philadelphia.

Price: $48 for 3 courses, $68 for four. I ordered the four course menu (twice), plus some a la cart items.

Autana

Autana: Venezuelan food has a special place in my heart, and I cook something Venezuelan at least once a week. I was so thrilled when the little cafe, Autana, expanded to their own brand new restaurant space. Their food will leave your mouth exploding with flavor that is out of this world. I am SO excited to include Autana as a two star winner because of exactly why I started this blog years ago: Sharing Autana with you means sharing a restaurant that has a perfect atmosphere, exquisite service (family run, and they are awesome), high quality and fresh ingredients, and a place where Venezuelans can go for a taste of home! I have eaten here multiple times and each time I am blown away. Everything is made with love and mastery, so order anything you want and you’ll be impressed, but here are some recommendations I have for you:

Order: Arepas, Cachapas, Tequeños, soups, empanaditas, juices… oh wait I’m listing everything. Cachapa with Pernil (shredded pork), or the Arepa Catira (chicken and gouda cheese), the Empanaditas and the Tequeños the easiest to recommend (and overeat). The Chicken Chupe soup is delicious, and they have a wonderful coffee bar with all your standard coffee drinks as well.

Price: $15-$30 per plate. They also have a tasting menu for $60 per person which is a great price for the food you get.

Bing Bing Dim Sum

Bing Bing Dim Sum: Fun atmosphere inside and outside, and the food is incredible! The servers are always willing to make a recommendation and you feel like you’re part of the hip crowd right in the center of all the action on East Passyunk Avenue in the coolest part of Philadelphia. I am constantly impressed by the quality and consistency of the food here and it’s a place I will go back to many times.

Order: The Caramel Pork Shank should be your go-to here. We’ve eaten it multiple times and it always impresses us. The meat falls right off the bone and is so tender and juicy, and the sauce is…. incredible. It comes with buns and some other extras so you can build your own buns which is a fun activity. The next favorite is a shocking one because I almost never like “cheesesteak” style food, but the Cheesesteak Bao Buns are incredible! The Pork Soup Dumplings are a great option as well.

Price: $12-$23 per plate.

Buddakan

Buddakan: A two time, two star winner! Walk in to be greeted by an impressive, giant, gold, Buddha statue, but that’s not what you’ll be thinking about when you leave, full of incredibly high quality, flavor packed food, although the Buddha is nice company while you’re enjoying the food experience. The variety of different dishes here is impressive and they have something for everyone looking for an elevated Asian flavor experience. I consider Buddakan a special occasion restaurant because it can get pricey but you can decide for yourself – going for the first time will be it’s own special occasion whether you’re celebrating something else or not.

Order: Dumpling Sampler, I couldn’t pick a favorite so the sampler is the way to go. Korean beef fried rice, and for the love of Buddha, get the Dip Sum Doughnuts for dessert. I don’t think you can go wrong on this menu at all so order with reckless abandon.

Price: $15-$55 per plate.

Cicala at the Divine Lorraine

Cicala at the Divine Lorraine: If the word “divine” right in the name doesn’t tip you off here, let me tell you – this place is DIVINE! Serving up Southern Italian cuisine and elegance is the vibe in this place with great windows and big chandeliers paired with a superb menu and thoughtful wine list. Their approach to hospitality certainly is the Italian way and each dish is executed with skill – and more importantly, made with love. Coming in a little higher on the prices than most places on this list, this one is a special treat. Note that they do have a certified Sommelier on staff. Cicala at the Divine Lorraine was a James Beard Semi-Finalist in 2022.

Order: I’ve had the pleasure of tasting many things from the kitchen and can tell you that everything on the menu is exquisite. Don’t be shy. Take a date here to impress them. Make a reservation in advance.

Price: $25-$95 per plate. With multiple courses and drinks you could end up between $120-$220 per person depending on how hungry and thirsty you are.

El Molino Tortilleria & Restaurant

El Molino Tortilleria & Restaurant: I keep looking for a better taco in Philadelphia, and I keep not finding it! Everything here is FRESH! I probably shouldn’t even be telling anyone about it because this hole in the wall (hole in a townhouse?) is the best kept secret of South Philly and I almost don’t want to share about it for fear of spoiling it. José and Lala own and operate this restaurant and will feed you the most incredible, fresh, flavorful, Mexican food that you will find, north of the border. The corn tortillas are made fresh (as is everything else they serve). I should mention that when you walk in, your immediate thought will be “do they allow dine in?” And let me assure you that yes, they do. This is a no frills establishment, it is so no frills that you feel like you might be in Mexico, and when those tacos hit your tongue, you will understand everything.

Order: Mole tacos, spicy marinated chicken tacos, empanadas, barbacoa tacos. Fresh horchata to drink!

Price: $8-$16 per plate.

Fiorella Pasta

Fiorella Pasta: Imaging a long and narrow flight of stairs as the hostess ushers you into what I can only describe as a Pasta Heaven. Sitting above Christian Street with 10 other strangers, sharing tables with them while waiting for the next pasta course from the Pasta God, our imaginations had been piqued and our stomachs were ready. We booked the “Communal Seating” tasting menu option and were seriously not sorry about it. This experience is the epitome of dining that makes you feel special, without being stuffy. The chef is cooking only for you and the 10 other strangers in the room and helping the single waitstaff member bring the plates to the tables. The food was superb. The Bruschetta with Ricotta, Radish, Snap Peas & Mint – the flavors went wild with the toastiness of the bread, this perfectly warmed up our appetite for four courses of…. PASTA! The Ricotta gnocchi with leeks was probably the most impressive dish in my opinion but the Sausage Ragu with Rigatoni was also a hit. The only room for improvement would be the dessert: We were served a bit of a messy Strawberry Shortcake that tasted exactly like strawberry shortcake (meaning… nothing special) and I am only mentioning this because I know the chef can do much better… I still cleaned my plate! Pictured above is the Ricotta Gnocchi and the chef in his kitchen that is smaller than mine at home – impressive!

Order: I went for the communal table tasting menu and I highly recommend the same.

Price: $99 per person (includes tax and tip but not beverages).

June BYOB

June BYOB: On a quaint street corner in a quaint town outside of Philadelphia you will find this small, but mighty, French BYOB restaurant. I wrote an article on my blog about my experience dining here with the International Wine and Food Society; I was quite impressed. The menu changes seasonally to keep things fresh and the Chef is smart with his dishes with well balanced flavors that you rarely experience. The atmosphere is elegant and makes you feel like you might be sparkling.

Order: Tableside Canard A La Presse (duck, pressed in an old fashioned rig, table side).

Price: The Chef’s Tasting Menu is $100 for 5 courses.

Laser Wolf

Laser Wolf: Back on the Double Star winner list. The flavors, hospitality, wine selection, staff recommendations and knowledge all comes together to provide one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. Honestly, I was blown away by everything. I’m not sure what is better, constantly being amazed at the flavors, or the fact that they loaded my leftover containers with EXTRA FOOD. I couldn’t believe it. The staff here was so interested in what we were liking the most and hearing about how we were experiencing the food. One last word: Hummus. I actually have many more words, but eat that hummus like your life depends on it, it is the creamiest hummus I have ever had in my life.

Order: Salatim is included with the main dishes and it is a huge tray of about 10 different dips and sauces or “soft salads” to eat with the freshly made, warm, pita bread. Ask for the staff recommendations but I loved the Chicken Shishlik and the Bulgarian Beef Kabob

Price: About $45 per person depending on what you order.

Pumpkin BYOB

Pumpkin BYOB: Serving local and sustainable food with a menu that changes daily based on what is fresh and uses food from local farmers and fishermen. The place is tiny so be sure to make a reservation. Bring an outrageous bottle of wine (or a few) to share with the table and delight yourself with the unique flavors and dishes that Ian and Hilary have to share.

Order: Ask the server what’s best. Make everyone at your table order something different, try everything – you might never get this exact dish again so savor the moment.

Price: The 3 course tasting menu is $55 per person with various add-ons.

Terakawa Ramen

Terawaka Ramen: We take almost everyone from out of town here and frequently hear “This is the best ramen I have ever had, and I’ve had ramen in ________” (insert: NYC, LA, Japan, etc). It’s our go-to spot to dine in (very limited seating so you’ll almost always wait at peak times, or can join the waiting list in advance from the Yelp app), or order take away and it’s equally as delightful.

Order: The Terekawa Ramen is my favorite but I’ve tried them all and love them all. I highly recommend the pan fried gyoza and the pork buns as well.

Price: Ramen bowls are about $15 each.

Single Star Winners

Barcelona Wine Bar – Wine and Tapas. I think everyone should check out Barcelona Wine Bar. After visiting Madrid a few times and just wanting some good tapas and wine, this great spot scratched the itch. The atmosphere is lovely, the wine list is incredible and the food is delicious. I do think it is a bit overpriced for the portion sizes but it’s good quality and I recommend visiting. Price: Small plate Tapas: $5-$16 each. Large plates: $21-$108 (giant meat dishes hitting that $108 number).

Buk Chon Korean – My favorite spot for Korean food in Philadelphia! Vibrant dishes with excellent flavors. Of course don’t miss the Korean Fried Chicken, or the Kimchi Paella which was a super interesting dish. This spot is not pretentious at all, the service is great and if you’re hungry for some great Korean, this is the spot.

The Continental Midtown – A beautiful rooftop and an elegant indoor dining area, try to get a table with swings at it so you can swing and eat (trust me). It’s right in center city and also a perfect spot for happy hour. Get the Korean fried chicken. For happy hour they have some incredible tacos!

Dinner House – I want to imagine this is what a diner in Warsaw, Poland is like. The woman behind the counter is the one who will come to your table, take your order, cook your food, serve it to you, and take your payment at the end. You might have to get up from your table to get your own Polish soda from the cooler in the small restaurant seating area but you won’t be mad about it because of the incredible flavors. Order: The stuffed cabbage, sauerkraut, polish sausage, and borscht soup. Don’t skip any of these items as they are all incredible! Price: $4.50-$19 per plate.

Gran Caffe L’Aquila – You know you’re in Philadelphia when half the options are Italian. This place gives a great laid-back but on-top-of-it vibe, and the staff is incredible. Get the house made gelato for dessert, and anything for dinner. They also have some incredible Italian wines by the glass. Great spot for happy hour as well!

Kalaya Thai Kitchen – A James Beard award winning restaurant and a Best New Restaurant of the year (2020) from Esquire. This is the most exciting Thai food I have ever tried from the first to the last bite of everything. Watch out for the spice levels here if you are sensitive to it, but on the other hand, trust the chef. Incredible flavor on beautiful dishes, this is the best authentic Thai food you’ll find in Philadelphia. Note: They have recently moved their location from the Italian Market to Fish Town. I haven’t been to the new location but from what I hear, it’s bigger and better than before. Order: Shaw Muang dumplings, Sakoo Hed dumplings, Pad Thai Chaiya, Coconut rice.

The Love – There’s nothing like walking around the Rittenhouse Farmers Market on a Saturday morning in the spring and then heading to The Love for brunch with your best friends. Steven Star comes through (as usual) with this perfect brunch spot. I have to recommend the baby buttermilk drop biscuits, and the Nashville Hot Chicken.

Marra’s Italian – Walk in and it’s like being transported to the 1950’s Philadelphia Italian world with a hand-built stone oven they cook their famous pizzas in. This place is in the perfect location for an evening stroll down East Passyunk after you’re stuffed with Italian. Prices: Speciality pizzas range from $15-$25. Pasta dishes average about $16 each.

Parc Rittenhouse – A fun atmosphere in this French bistro with an extensive menu so there is definitely something for everyone. The bread basket here is always a highlight with their signature fresh breads. The Onion Soup never disappoints here and the Quiche Lorraine is exquisite.

Pizzeria Beddia – Once esteemed as the “best Pizza in the USA” by Bon Appetit, it is not currently the best pizza in the country; however, it is pretty great! The menu changes here but when we visited, we tried four of the five pizzas on the menu and they were all home runs. I distinctly remember the burrata being sublime as well. Another note of interest is that all the wines on their wine list are natural wines (if you’re into that). Definitely worth checking out and seeing for yourself if it’s the best pizza in America!

Zorba’s Tavern – This is as close as you’re going to get to Santorini on this side of the world. THIS is real Greek food. It tasted exactly like the food we ate in Athens and Santorini. Order: The dips platter with fresh pita, Saganaki flaming cheese (they set it on fire at your table), and everything else! Plates range from $7-$25 each.

Bakeries, Desserts, Coffee Shops & Cafes: Award Winners

A new category because they don’t necessarily fit the term “restaurant” but I can’t let these spots go noticed!

A La Mousse – A favorite, with multiple Philly locations. The Chocolate Crepe Cake is amazing, as is everything else I’ve tried. Great to grab dessert and a speciality coffee drink. Price: $5-$25 per person.

Artisan Boulanger Patissier – This is where you should be getting your french baguettes and croissants. Also a great spot for breakfast sandwiches. Grab a coffee and sit in their small cafe area to enjoy it. They sell out most days so go early!

Franklin Fountain Ice Cream – I take all my out-of-town friends here to grab an ice cream cone to enjoy then take a stroll over to Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest continuously inhabited street in the USA). Single scoop: $7. Double: $10.

Isgro Italian Pastries – There will always be a line to get in this place so don’t let that deter you. Isgro offers to-go options only, so plan on picking up a box (or six) to take home and share with your friends or family for a great weekend treat. Check their hours before you go because some days they close early. If you’re looking for more of an experience, take your pastry and sit somewhere along the Italian Market just a few blocks away. Order: Anything, especially a cannoli.

Reading Terminal Market – One of the best food markets in the world (and I’ve been to a lot of food markets around the world). Reading Terminal Market is an award winning market, jam packed with little stands and shops to get any food you could imagine from all over the world. Reading Terminal Market is also one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, founded in 1893. Shop the whole market! Prices vary by vendor.

Shane Confectionary and Chocolate Shop – If it’s too cold for the Franklin Fountain (or if it’s not) I take all my out-of-town friends and family here to browse their incredible chocolate selection in an old-timey confectionary shop atmosphere, and/or a cup of their most decadent hot chocolate (seriously, it’s so thick you can almost chew it, or maybe that’s the giant homemade marshmallow on top). This is also the oldest confectionary in the USA that is still in operation.

The following restaurants did not earn a star but are worth noting:

Barbuzzo – Mediterranean. Absolutely order the Budino for dessert!

Bistro Romano – Delightful Italian with amazing wine options. I have to go back to see if it can impress more than once but this place is on my watch list. The Lobster Ravioli was incredible but I had just attended one of their (lovely) wine tastings so my judgement was slightly impaired. 😉

Boricua Retsurant – Puerto Rican delight! Everything I have ordered from this joint has been incredible!

Cafe Nhan – The best Pho in Philadelphia in a quaint little shop in South Philly. Price: a bowl of Pho ranges from $10-$15.

Chatayee Thai – Solid Thai food in center city. Get the Pad Thai.

Cira Green Rooftop – This rooftop boasts incredible Philadelphia Skyline views but is not so much of a restaurant as it is a scaled up concession stand that reminds me of being 10 years old and going to get snacks after my soccer game. It’s a great place to grab some drinks or snacks and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city skyline. Food and drinks are only available seasonally but the rooftop is open year round.

Dan Dan – Taiwanese cuisine in center city. A fun little spot with a cool name and good food.

El Vez – Unique flavor combos for the win here (try the guac with basil in it, it’s incredible).

Federal Donuts – Delightfully unique and delicious donut flavors, but also fried chicken. There are multiple locations around Philadelphia.

Metropolitan Bakery – Fresh artisinal baked goods. Fresh bread and the almond croissants are my favorite.

Mom Moms – Polish Takeout. Get the stuffed cabbage and pierogis.

Murph’s Bar – If an Irish pub owner and an Italian chef made a baby, Murph’s Bar would be the baby. You absolutely must go just to try the Pear and Cheese Fiocchi. A nice touch added is a wine recommendation for each menu item.

Pizza Brain / Museum – Pizza Brain / Museum: It’s a pizza shop, but also the worlds first Pizza Museum. Order The Alana Johnson pie… or really any pie.

Puyero Venezuelan Flavor – Serving up authentic Venezuelan cuisine. Everything here is delicious but make sure you order a side of Tequeños!

Rowhome Coffee – Grab a coffee and a breakfast sandwich on a pretzel and hang out in the Skullkill River Park!

Stina Pizzeria – Mediterranean dishes and wood oven baked pizza. The menu here is unique and exciting! I really enjoyed the Turkish Dumplings.

Suraya – If you’ve got money to burn and want a great highend experience, check this place out. If you want something more exciting, visit Lazar Wolf for similar cuisine and a better experience.

That concludes my list of the most recommended restaurants in Philadelphia. I hope that this is of use to folks trying to figure out where they want to eat tonight.

Please leave a comment and tell me where I should visit next, or what your favorite restaurant on this list is. Is there one I missed? I’d love to hear from you!

Dan DuPraw,
Expert eater-outer.