New on Resy: Vedge, Pizzeria Beddia, Res Ipsa Cafe

A Philly institution helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, Vedge redefines what vegetarian dining can be (read: nowhere else will you find people this happy about eating their vegetables). In this handsome setting set with glossy wood accents, asparagus lends itself to decadently creamy “carbonara,” a single roasted carrot rivals broiled steak, and natural wines come in and round it all off beautifully.

Does one really need an introduction to Pizzeria Beddia? Bon Appétit’s Andrew Knowlton deemed it the best pizza in America, back when Joe Beddia was spearheading a two-man affair, slinging but 40 coveted pies a night. Now in its second, and bigger, iteration in Fishtown—minimalist and sleek to a T—Pizzeria Beddia fires the same beloved pies, alongside natural wines, toothsome apps, and creamy soft-serve.

Sleek, luminous, and cozy, Res Ipsa Cafe is an all-day stunner that gets everything right. And that’s because chef Michael Vincent Ferreri helms the Sicilian-leaning kitchen, where the day starts with baked goods, before moving on to composed sandwiches in the afternoon, and, for dinner, stellar handmade pasta dishes. Pro-tip: opt for half-orders of the pasta and sample as many as you can (you won’t regret it).

If Vedge is the studious older sibling, V Street is its punkier sister. Helmed by the husband-and-wife chef team behind Vedge, V Street doles out vegan riffs on venerated street food. You’re in for whimsical and finely tuned dishes like carrot asado, KFT (read: Korean fried tempeh) tacos, trumpet mushroom shwarma, and desserts as decadent as the dairy-rich stuff (think banana fritters with coconut panna cotta).

Would you believe us if we told you Philly was a culinary capital back in the 1800s? At this latest Fishtown opening, Adam Diltz aims to showcase the region’s farmland with its culinary history in mind, cooking ancient grains, foraged produce, and fresh game with heritage techniques. Expect reimagined interpretations on centuries-old dishes, like catfish and waffles with pepper hash, ham potpie, and guinea head with buckwheat porridge.

At SOUTH, chef Elijah Milligan’s restaurant-meets-jazz club, Southern cuisine is prepared with a kick. The menu is comprised of  the usual suspects (gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée), but pushes lowcountry fare further, utilizing wood-fired preparations and seasonal ingredients. Must-orders include the skillet cornbread topped with cream cheese honey, fork-tender short ribs, and buttermilk fried chicken.

Down a picturesque tree-lined street, you’ll find this charming corner fixture streaming with locals. Audrey Claire deals in zippy Mediterranean fare, where flatbreads, peak-season roasted veggies, and creamy dips reign supreme. Order liberally from the menu, and if there’s a mention of whipped ricotta, get it.

An outdoor-indoor cocktail bar perched atop South Philly’s Bok Building, Irwin’s prepares excellent libations and simply delicious Mediterranean plates (get the carrot fritters). Best of all, imbibe no matter the weather; retreat to a small terrace with panoramic sights on clear days, or seek cozy company in the hip interior.

Comfort food takes center stage at this Midtown Village spot, where burgers and BBQ ribs are the restaurant’s hallmark. A cushy and lively gastropub, Smokin’ Betty’s is also known for its generous craft brews, weekly happy hours, and weekend brunch.

Crowd-pleasing fare and beers await at this unfussy Rittenhouse Square locale. At Devil’s Alley, regulars fill up on wings, nachos, and hearty sandwiches within a buzzy bi-level space.