Welcome back for the fourth year of the Annual Dan DuPraw Restaurant Awards in Philadelphia! I’m excited to share the 2025 Philadelphia winners! To learn more about how these awards got started, you can check out my 2022 awards post here.

This list is where I announce my personal favorite Top 10 Best Restaurants in Philadelphia of the year.

I hope this list can serve you 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 experience.

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 a positive impact and adds to the experience.
• SERVICE: I am not incredibly picky about service but nothing will be on my list if the service isn’t acceptable.

Winners

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

1. Almyra

Almyra: Another Greek winner on my blog. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help it. The food really sent me back to Santorini. This is one of those places we went and ordered a ton of food, got super full, then ordered more. The Santorini Fava dip was exactly like eating it for my first time on the island, and when a restaurant can transport me, that’s a sign that it’s doing something right. The flaming saganaki cheese is a very fun experience. They set it on fire right at your table. I never actually ate flaming cheese in Greece, but you kind of cant go wrong with Greek cheese – set it on fire and it’s even better!

Order: The Santorini Fava, Saganaki Cheese, Artichoke Kebab, any of the cold spreads/dips (or all of them, twice, like I did, haha), Short rib, lamb chops. Save room for dessert!

Price: The mezze plates start about $10, and the main courses top off around $40. Plan to spend $60+ per person.

2. Little Walter’s

Little Walter’s Pierogi are probably the single most unforgettable thing I have eaten in the last year in Philadelphia. Their pierogi are so fat and full of delicious filling but also bathed in warm butter and exploding with flavor. I ate here after my trip to Poland while looking for some incredible Polish food in Philly and Little Walter’s is THE PLACE. They pickle everything in house which is very important. I loved being able to see the big tubs of veggies fermenting sitting back by the kitchen – that’s how you know it’s the real deal. The meal overall was like an elevated Sunday dinner – the flavors are so good, and the vibes are top notch. On top of everything else, I heard people speaking Polish while there, so… it passes the culture test.

Order: Pierogi Ruskie, Kielbasa (Polish sausage), Surówka (pickled veggies). Get anything else on the menu – you can’t go wrong (unless you don’t order the Pierogi, then you’ve gone wrong).

Price: $8-$38 per dish, some are smaller than others. Main courses range from $24-$38.

3. Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon: The first Vietnamese spot to make my top 10 list! This spot has a great vibe, and the food will make you feel all warm and happy inside. Let’s talk about the Pickled Cucumbers on the menu. They aren’t like… regular dill pickles. They are sweet and sour and SO delicious I could eat the whole dish on my own (but I will share, it’s fine). The braised pork belly bao melts in your mouth. And I think the Skinny Mini Bahn Mi sandwiches are the best I’ve ever had. Get a few small dishes to share, and a couple of mains to enjoy all together and you’ll be in a situation you’ll dream of after. I went back to Miss Saigon multiple times because I wanted to be sure it was the best of the best. I’ve tried so many things on the menu and from my experience, you really can’t go wrong. This is a great place to take friends from out of town if you want to leave them with a great impression of Philadelphia and the wide range of incredible food they have.

Order: Spring Rolls, Skinny Mini Bahn Mi, Braised Pork Belly Bao, Pickled Cucumbers (do not skip these!).

Price: Small plates start at $8, and main dishes go up to $45. Plan to spend $50+ per person (plus drinks).

4. Dizengoff

Dizengoff is one of my top favorite places to take people from out of town. This modern Mediterranean spot has good vibes and incredible dishes. It’s not hard to get a reservation a day or two in advance. You can even get them day of sometimes. The food is always consistently yummy. The Turkish Hummus dish comes in a warm skillet with LOTS of garlic and you could honestly eat it with a spoon – the texture is almost whipped so it’s very light in weight but heavy in flavor. It’s the only hummus I’ve ever tried that is better than my own (and I make incredible hummus).

Order: The feast, the Turkish Hummus, the Lamb.

Price: Approximately $50 per person.

5. Grandma’s Philly Thai

Grandma’s Philly: This spot was also a winner in 2024, and it is deservedly back on the list in 2025. Based on the name I sort of expected a little joint with dirty floors and great take out. My expectations were completely shattered when we walked into a sexy atmosphere filled with eager diners waiting for beautiful, flavorful, delicious, Thai, dishes to be ushered out of the kitchen and onto their table. The service is top notch. The flavors are impeccable (watch out for that spice level, I’d recommend one step down from whatever you normally do because 3/5 was pretty hot for me haha). I loved every single thing we have tried here (multiple times). If you’ve never tried Thai Basil (the dish) I highly recommend getting it here. Be sure to take a good long look at the menu as it is quite an educational experience. It talks about the benefits of the different herbs and spices the Thai use in the food. Who ever gets to call this Grandma “Grandma”… they are a lucky grandchild.

Order: Thai Basil, Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai, Curry Puffs, Grandma’s Glass Noodles, Massaman Curry, anything the staff recommends.

Price: Small plates range from $10-$15 and shared plates range from $16-$35. Honestly for the atmosphere and location, the prices are pretty great.

6. Kanella Grill

Kanella Grill: So you went to Greece one time and now you’re looking for those incredible flavors? This is the spot. Last year Kanella was at the top of my list for best restaurants in Philadelphia and it is so good I couldn’t find it in my heart to bump it off this year. It remains a very reliable, and wonderful spot that I visit many times a year.

The service here is top-notch, personable, and so friendly. They are quick to bring your food and make recommendations. When the food gets there, you suddenly you forget about all your problems and how sad you are that you are not in Greece. This is one of my tops spots in Philly for so many reasons, a few of them include: Basil Ezme (omg it’s ridiculous!), Mutabal, Hummus, Chicken Shish, Haloumi Cheese and apricot (out of this world), and wait for it… The Kunefe dessert. It’s is a spun pastry that is soaked in a sweet syrup and pistachios which become chewy and delicious served in a piping hot oven plate.

I can’t speak highly enough of this place and just to make things even better… it is a BYO spot. Bring a great bottle of wine, invite your parents, your friends, your lover, or anyone else, and just soak up the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Order: See list in paragraph above 👆

Price: $40-$50 per person depending how hungry you are and if you want more Haloumi Cheese (Do we always order more? Maybe?! Is that any of your business, no! Haha).

7. Heavy Metal Sausage Co

Heavy Metal Sausage Co: This spot is special for so many reasons but the quality of the food and the flavors are at the top of the list. At Heavy Metal Sausage Co, they make everything in house. From the sausage, to the bread, to the fermented sauerkraut (hello gut health). I occasionally treat myself to one of their incredible sandwiches for lunch and they never disappoint. The selection makes you feel like you’re in Europe and the food makes you feel good about what you’re eating. This place is TINY, like – three or so tables, but when you meet other customers there it’s like you all share a secret because you all know how good this spot is. See for yourself and check it out.

Order: The Italiano sandwich, or any of the sandwiches, get some sauerkraut to go, and anything pickled!

Price: $15-$20 per item for their lunch menu.

8. A.Kitchen

A.Kitchen: In my requirements I list that unique dishes or flavors are a must – A.Kitchen takes that to the best level. They have a rotating menu that is fresh and seasonal, and the severs are trustworthy to make an excellent recommendation. I almost couldn’t decide on a favorite here because all of the flavors were so delicate, interesting, and well balanced. Not to mention the plating was simple and beautiful. This place has come highly recommended to me by many Philadelphians (thanks, Ricardo!) and for good reason. While I am not drinking alcohol at the moment (Marathon training) – I have to note that they have an excellent wine list and cocktail menu here. Very elegant atmosphere and food and drinks.

Order: The menu is seasonal, trust the servers to make recommendations. Ask them questions, they are very knowledgeable. We loved the Half Chicken, Whipped Tofu, Badger Flamed Beets, and the Smoked Garlic Gnocchi.

Price: $18-$48 per dish (and the dishes are small so you probably need to order a couple things to share).

9. Laser Wolf

Laser Wolf: This spot continues to be just an amazing experience. The flavors, hospitality, wine selection, staff recommendations and knowledge all comes together to provide one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. 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.

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.

10. Parc Rittenhouse

Parc Rittenhouse – A fun atmosphere in this French bistro with an extensive menu so there is definitely something for everyone. It reminds me of sitting in a bistro in Paris near the Eiffel Tower eating delicious food, sipping perfect wine. Except no one here is mad that I only speak 3 phrases of French! (je ne parle pas français). The bread basket here is always a highlight with their signature fresh breads. Get a loaf of the cranberry walnut bread to take home and eat with butter, it is killer. The Onion Soup never disappoints and the Quiche Lorraine is exquisite. One other note I just cant resist is that the men’s bathroom is such a vibe. The art on the walls, the old-fashioned doors and stalls, it always makes me happy to go in there.

FUN FACT: President Joe Biden has dined here multiple times… if it’s good enough for a U.S. President, it’s good enough for me!

Order: (French) Onion Soup, Bread Basket, Quiche Lorraine, Spaghettini Bolognese, Croque Monsieur.

Price: Brunch entrees range from $14-$43 and dinner prices range from $17-$43. With appetizers and a drink each you can easily be over $55 each but the food is filling so no need to go wild (but do if you want to).

The Best Pizza in Philadelphia of 2025

Pizzata Pizzeria is hands down the best pizza in Philadelphia of 2025! They had me at sourdough pizza crust and came in for the kill with their incredible, unique, and deeply flavorful topping options. We have ordered the Capricciosa pizza here probably 25 times this year. It comes with red sauce, fresh mozzarella, Italian ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and kalamata olives. The Sofia Lauren is another favorite, as is the Calabrese pie. This has become almost a weekly habit these days (while I’m training for a marathon and the hunger never ceases). They also have an incredible Cesar Salad that I can’t get enough of. Do yourself a favor and get here for some pizza. They have two locations in Philly: East Passyunk, and 22nd Street in Rittenhouse.

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Top 20 Honorable Mentions

Kouklet Brazilian Bakehouse: Honestly, this is the place I am telling all my friends to visit right now. This more than anything else on my list is where my heart truly is. The Brazilian Empanadas (Empadas) are incredible (Chicken Curry is my favorite). They have sourdough donuts that are out of this world. The tapioca cheese bread (Pão de queijo) is so delicious and I always want more. Honestly I have had everything here at least twice if not more and I am always upset that I didn’t order more. Check their hours because they are limited but it’s worth it to plan your entire life around the hours.

Alice: New on the block at 9th and Christian, just at the top of the Italian Market sits this exquisite modern American spot serving seasonal plates from their charcoal oven. The flavors are elegant and exciting, the food is probably as fresh as you can find and the atmosphere begs you to drink great wine and not miss a single morsel of food from your plate. They have a lovely wine list and cocktail menu. The restaurant is pretty small so definitely book in advance on their website.

Juana Tamale: Yes, I DO wanna tamale! But what I want even more are the Queso Birria tacos from here! These are some of the best tacos in Philadelphia and I continue to go back for more. Tucked down at the start of the cutest stretch of East Passyunk, right near Broad – it’s an easy location to get to and enjoy the neighborhood.

Elwood: Take your out of town guests here for a very intimate dining experience. This is a lovely little BYO spot where the chef/owner is also your server. The vibes are great! Menu is seasonal but we enjoyed the experience of ordering the whole rabit.

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 El Molino 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 do dine in?” And let me assure you that yes, they do. This is a no frills establishment, and the charm is in exactly that, it is so no frills that you feel like you might be in Mexico, and when those tacos hit your tongue, you will understand the meaning of life.

Enzo’s Pizza Kitchen: This pizza joint in south Philly is constantly in the battle for my top favorite pizza in the city. I love to get their burata pie, but we haven’t had a bad one from here. Always fresh, always delicious!

The Continental Midtown: This spot has 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. This is a great place to take out of town guests and will not dissapoint. Get the Korean fried chicken.

The Dandelion: British cuisine only you aren’t disappointed afterwards 😉 (We’ve all heard that England is not known for it’s great food but I beg to differ). I loved my fish and chips (and I hardly love fish ever) and their appetizers were fabulous. Afterwards I couldn’t help but top off my meal with a glass of Port and I really felt like the perfect old British man (do they drink Port? I don’t actually know).

K’Far Cafe: This is one of my top 3 brunch spots in Philly forsure!We ordered almost everything on their brunch menu and it was all such a fun experience to discover what ingredients were in each item and see how beautifully it was crafted. The flavors were incredible and unique and the atmosphere is a 10/10 for SURE. Put your name on the waiting list and walk around Rittenhouse Park while you wait.

Vietnam Restaurant: Known for the Vermicelli Noodle Bowl, I ordered it with chicken and added on a few appetizers and loved every bite. This gets an honorable mention this year but is a strong contender for top 10 once I try more of the food.

Perla: Look no further for one of the most wonderful, immersive, Filipino FEASTS! Chef Lou Boquila is a master of his craft. Everything comes out as it’s ready and they cover your table with banana leaves and then put the food right on the leaves. You eat with your hands so no need to worry about pesky utensils, just dive right in! Another perk of Perla is that it is a BYO restaurant so you can decide what you pair with the delicious array of meats, fish, and vegetables. I chose to bring a nice crisp German Riesling and it really went perfect with the fatty meats and fried fish. Order The Feast!

Terawaka Ramen: We take many out of town friends 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. 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.

A Mano: A winner on my list from 2023. 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 of 2023, I’d have to say it was eating dinner at A Mano! Absolutely perfect! (And you can see how much I eat out). Order: The Mushroom Lasagna was by far the star of the menu. 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.

Buddakan: A two time winner on my lists from 2023 and 2022. The variety of different dishes here is impressive and they have something for everyone looking for an elevated Asian flavor experience. Order: Dumpling Sampler, 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.

Fiorella Pasta: On my winner list from 2023, this place still tickles me when I think about going here. The Ricotta gnocchi with leeks was probably the most impressive dish in my opinion but the Sausage Ragu with Rigatoni was also a hit. Order: I went for the seasonal communal table tasting menu and I highly recommend the same.

Dinner House – This is what a diner in Warsaw, Poland is like – and I’ve been to Warsaw. 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, potato pancakes, and borscht soup. Don’t skip any of these items as they are all incredible! Price: $4.50-$19 per plate.

Kalaya Thai Kitchen – A James Beard award winning restaurant and a Best New Restaurant of the year (2020) from Esquire. This is such an exciting place to eat! 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. 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.

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

That concludes my list of the best restaurants in Philadelphia of 2025. I hope that this is of use to you trying to figure out where you want to eat.

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,
Philadelphia Expert eater-outer,
Certified Holistic Nutritionist.