Philadelphia is a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and, most importantly, its legendary food scene. From the world-famous Philly cheesesteak to the comforting warmth of a bowl of snapper soup, the City of Brotherly Love has an iconic dish for every palate. If you’re visiting or just want to explore the best of what Philly has to offer, this guide will take you through the best restaurants to experience the city’s most celebrated eats.
1. Philly Cheesesteak – Pat’s King of Steaks & Geno’s Steaks
A trip to Philadelphia isn’t complete without indulging in a Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich, made with thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a hoagie roll, has been a staple of the city since the 1930s.
Where to Get It:
- Pat’s King of Steaks – Founded in 1930, Pat’s is known as the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak. Their sandwich comes with your choice of Cheese Whiz, American, or Provolone.
- Geno’s Steaks – Just across the street from Pat’s, Geno’s serves up cheesesteaks with high-quality meat and a slightly different preparation method, making for a fierce and delicious rivalry.
Honorable Mentions:
- Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies – Located in Roxborough, this spot is famous for finely chopped steak and generous cheese portions.
- John’s Roast Pork – Known for both their cheesesteaks and their incredible roast pork sandwiches.
2. Roast Pork Sandwich – John’s Roast Pork
While the cheesesteak gets all the attention, many locals will tell you that the roast pork sandwich is Philly’s real top-tier sandwich. This masterpiece is made with juicy, slow-roasted pork, provolone cheese, and garlicky broccoli rabe on a crispy seeded roll.
Where to Get It:
- John’s Roast Pork – This no-frills South Philly shop is the gold standard. Their slow-roasted pork is packed with flavor, and their seeded rolls provide the perfect crunch.
Honorable Mentions:
- DiNic’s Roast Pork – Located in the Reading Terminal Market, DiNic’s offers a stellar roast pork sandwich that has won numerous awards.
- Tony Luke’s – Another South Philly gem, Tony Luke’s delivers an outstanding take on this classic sandwich.
3. Soft Pretzels – Miller’s Twist
Philly’s soft pretzels are unlike any other. They have a slightly denser and chewier texture than their New York cousins, and they’re often enjoyed with mustard.
Where to Get It:
- Miller’s Twist – Found in the Reading Terminal Market, Miller’s makes soft pretzels with an Amish twist, offering some of the best buttery, hand-rolled varieties in the city.
Honorable Mentions:
- Philly Pretzel Factory – This chain serves fresh, warm pretzels with an array of dipping sauces.
- Center City Pretzel Co. – A wholesale bakery in South Philly with some of the most authentic soft pretzels you’ll find.
4. Hoagies – Primo Hoagies & Sarcone’s Deli
Philadelphia takes its hoagies seriously. These Italian-style sandwiches come packed with fresh meats, cheeses, and veggies on a perfectly crusty roll.
Where to Get It:
- Primo Hoagies – Known for their high-quality deli meats and signature seeded rolls, Primo is a go-to spot for a satisfying hoagie.
- Sarcone’s Deli – This family-run South Philly deli has been serving up hoagies for over 100 years, using their famous Sarcone’s Bakery rolls.
Honorable Mentions:
- Cosmi’s Deli – A hidden gem in South Philly that serves massive hoagies.
- Paesano’s Philly Style – Offers creative hoagies and Italian-inspired sandwiches.
5. Scrapple – Dutch Eating Place
A regional delicacy, scrapple is made from pork scraps, cornmeal, and spices, then fried to crispy perfection. It’s a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Where to Get It:
- Dutch Eating Place – Located in Reading Terminal Market, this Amish-run eatery serves some of the best scrapple in town, along with hearty breakfasts.
Honorable Mentions:
- Green Eggs Café – They serve scrapple as a side, perfectly crispy and well-seasoned.
- Sam’s Morning Glory Diner – A beloved breakfast spot offering house-made scrapple.
6. Water Ice – John’s Water Ice
Water ice (pronounced “wooder ice” by locals) is Philly’s take on Italian ice. It’s smoother and more flavorful than the usual shaved ice.
Where to Get It:
- John’s Water Ice – A South Philly institution since 1945, John’s serves all-natural, handmade water ice in classic flavors like lemon, cherry, and chocolate.
Honorable Mentions:
- Rita’s Italian Ice – A national chain that started in Philly, offering a variety of flavors.
- Pop’s Homemade Italian Ice – A beloved spot serving deliciously smooth water ice.
7. Snapper Soup – Oyster House
A rare but beloved dish, snapper soup is a thick, flavorful turtle soup with a deep, rich broth.
Where to Get It:
- Oyster House – This seafood-focused restaurant serves an authentic snapper soup that pays homage to Philly’s culinary history.
Honorable Mentions:
- McGillin’s Olde Ale House – One of the oldest taverns in Philly, serving a classic version of this dish.
- The Dining Car & Market – A Northeast Philly staple with traditional offerings.
8. Tastykakes – Any Corner Store in Philly
No trip to Philly is complete without Tastykakes, the city’s iconic snack cakes. From Butterscotch Krimpets to Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes, these treats are a local favorite.
Where to Get It:
- Any Wawa or local grocery store – Tastykakes are everywhere in Philly and are an essential grab-and-go snack.
9. Italian Tomato Pie – Sarcone’s Bakery & Cacia’s Bakery
Unlike traditional pizza, Italian tomato pie features a thick, airy crust topped with rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese or herbs.
Where to Get It:
- Sarcone’s Bakery – Known for their outstanding bread, Sarcone’s also makes one of the best tomato pies in town.
- Cacia’s Bakery – A South Philly institution serving incredible tomato pies with a perfect sauce-to-crust ratio.
Honorable Mentions:
- Corropolese Bakery & Deli – Famous for their tomato pies, served cold or warm.
- Marchiano’s Bakery – A hidden gem with delicious tomato pies.
10. Shoo-Fly Pie – Beiler’s Bakery
A Pennsylvania Dutch classic, shoo-fly pie is a molasses-based dessert with a crumbly topping.
Where to Get It:
- Beiler’s Bakery – Located in Reading Terminal Market, this Amish-run bakery makes the best shoo-fly pie in town.
Honorable Mentions:
- The Dutch Eating Place – Another Reading Terminal staple that serves fantastic shoo-fly pie.
- Amish Farmers Market in Lancaster County – If you’re willing to take a short trip outside of Philly, this is the best place for authentic shoo-fly pie.
Conclusion
Philadelphia’s food scene is filled with legendary dishes that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re grabbing a cheesesteak from Pat’s, a roast pork sandwich from John’s, or cooling off with a cup of John’s Water Ice, you’re bound to experience some of the best flavors the city has to offer. Make sure to explore beyond the famous cheesesteak and dive into the rich, diverse world of Philly’s culinary treasures!
