The March Hit List, Lunch Edition: Vista Peru, Pizzeria Vetri, Macona BBQ, and More

Pizza seems so easy, but when it’s done well, you can see just how precise an art form it can be. And specifically it’s the simplicity of Pizzeria Vetri’s pies — the perfectly chewy fermented dough topped with fresh ingredients — that makes them so special.  The anise flavor of the fennel sausage pie is amplified by acidity of  tomato sauce and the mild funk of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Even the classic  margherita is strong enough in its simplicity to satisfy any pizza cravings. And both locations — in Rittenhouse, in addition to the Art Museum – are perfect if you want a slice or two to go.

Dining status: Outdoor dining and limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Vista Peru is precisely as its name implies – a look at Peru through its food.  The family-run restaurant in Old City is all about sharing authentic food and flavor from the South American nation. Which, yes, means their menu has an entire section of ceviches; we’re partial to the ceviche Vista Peru, which comes with lobster, fish fillets and octopus in fresh lime juice. There are lots of other seafood and rice dishes to choose from, though, so try the best of both worlds with their arroz con marisco, an aromatic Peruvian paella that finds that lunchtime balance of decadent but not too.

Dining status: Outdoor dining and limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout is also available.

Owner and chef Cory Reuss is a mad scientist of barbecue, concocting wild sandwiches and sauced-up platters that are absolutely drool-worthy.  The lunch specials change pretty frequently, but if you chart your course accordingly and plan a trip out to Collingswood at the right time, your lunch voyage may coincide with a drippy burnt end cheesesteak on a pretzel bao, smoked lamb stacked on a pita, or St. Louis-style ribs served up in an empanada with Thai basil, caramelized onions, and Macona’s specialty smack sauce. Even if you don’t order a lunch special, Macona’s barbecue platters are anything but ordinary. And every single thing, down to the housemade sauce, is made to perfection.

Dining status: Takeout and delivery only at this time.

Tacos might just be lunch time’s favorite medium — versatile, portable, and able to carry everything you need to make lunch time satiating. And in this case you can build your own tacos with Mission Taqueria’s taco kits, which come in a variety of styles and flavors: We’re partial to the glazed, wood-grilled wild gulf shrimp tacos and the flavorfully braised carnitas tacos. If burritos are more your speed, try the guajillo-glazed chicken burrito, packed with all the fixings.

Dining status: Outdoor dining and limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Stop everything you’re doing and treat yourself to a good old-fashioned clambake for lunch. Oyster House has kits with everything you need to have a seafood fest in your own home. Each kit comes with two Maine lobsters, a pound of mussels, a pound of littleneck clams, pork sausage, cole slaw, potatoes, corn on the cob, and even butter and lemons to jazz it all up. If that’s a little too extravagant, they also have lobster-roll kits, with the meatiest hunks of lobster you’ll ever stack on a roll. Regardless of which you choose, it’s sure to make your afternoon Zoom meeting jealous when they ask what you did for lunch.

Dining status: Outdoor dining and limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout and delivery are also available. Take-home kits are available on their website.

A good sandwich is constructed with intention. And at Middle Child, every ingredient is meticulously selected and carefully placed to maximize every bite. Vegans and meat eaters alike love the Phoagie, made with a tangy hoisin eggplant, avocado, onions, cilantro and pho sauce, all served up in a Sarcone’s roll.  If you’re in the mood for an over-the-top take on a classic club, go for the Shopsin, with turkey, sweet pickles, avocado, bacon, a sweet and sour cranberry miso mayo, and lettuce on ciabatta.  There’s not much in terms of sides – just pickles and a selection of chips – but that’s because all of the attention is put into the sandwich art here.

Dining status: Takeout only at this time.

Lunchtime sandwiches and salads don’t have to be light.  Australians know this, which is why the choices at this small Oz-inspired chain are bursting with flavors and brimming with fresh vegetables.  The spiced chicken wrap is loaded with grilled tandoori spiced chicken that’s balanced with cumin yogurt, creamy smashed avocado, and feta cheese. The rainbow bowl boasts a grocery list of ingredients, including greens, root vegetables, farro, feta, salmon, and even a poached egg. Yes, a lot of varying flavors, and they’re all pulled together by the chimichurri yogurt dressing. If you can’t decide between a sandwich or salad, the lunch board featuring an avocado smash and a greens and grains bowl gives you the best of both worlds.

Dining status: Outdoor dining and limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Trade in “grabbing a quick bite” for a slower, upscale meal at Via Locusta. The Italian menu showcases the best that the Philadelphia region has to offer, with handmade pasta made from local flour and produce sourced straight from local farmers. So, yes, the fresh pasta is a must. Pappardelle with pork ragu and thyme is rich, as is the graminga, a duck ragu with sage and Parmesan cheese. And if you’re hungry for more, they’ve got a grilled swordfish with a hint of mint and a light vinaigrette that’s filling but won’t leave you feeling too stuffed. After all, it’s the middle of the day.

Dining status: Outdoor dining and limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout and delivery are also available.

This vegan falafel spot may have a small menu, but the flavors are big, evoking aromas and spices indicative of Middle Eastern cuisine.  The falafels, with their chickpeas fried to perfection, are at the center of both the pita sandwiches and the salads.  And the fries are more than just a side.  With options to sprinkle them with shawarma spice and dip them in harissa sauce, they’re a statement!  You’ll also want to leave room for one of  decadent tahina milkshakes.

Dining status: Limited indoor seating available by walk in at the Franklin Table location. Takeout and delivery are also available.

Here’s where you go when you’re in the mood for a bar and grill that’s got a really stocked bar (they’ve got 40 beers on tap) and subtle nostalgic diner vibes. Their burgers are charismatic: The French onion version evokes the spirit of its namesake soup with a patty stacked with Gruyère, Parmesan and caramelized onions.  If you enjoy saucy, smoky flavored burgers, try out their signature bourbon BBQ burger, topped with bacon and crispy onions for a bit of salty crunch.  They’re also pretty savvy when it comes to fried chicken sandwiches celebrating destination sandwiches like the Nashville hot chicken and the Buffalo chicken.

Dining status: Limited indoor seating via reservation. Takeout and delivery are also available.