The June Hit List: River Twice, Mish Mish, Suraya, and More

River Twice has become known for its inventive tasting menu, but this summer they’re adding an a la carte “grazing menu” to the mix. Available Thursday through Sunday for outdoor dining only, the grazing menu features oysters topped with trout roe, grilled soft shell crabs, and — you guessed it — their legendary Mother Rucker burger. Alfresco dining on East Passyunk Avenue just got better.

It was bittersweet to see Noord leave, but Mish Mish, the Mediterranean restaurant that has taken Noord’s place, has become a delightful addition to East Passyunk Avenue. The 32-seat dining room is as intimate as the menu is streamlined — but don’t take that to mean the menu is lacking. The focus is on bold dishes that pack a lot of personality. The fried Armenian string cheese is a playful take on mozzarella sticks and the tender grilled baby octopus packs some heat with muhammara and chiles. The best way to enjoy Mish Mish is to order several different plates to share, because you’re not going to want to miss out on anything (especially the pomegranate-lacquered grilled chicken). Besides, sharing is caring.

Old world meets new world at this spot on Germantown Avenue where classic Italian dishes get modern treatment. Try the lasagna, which has been upgraded with white asparagus, zucchini, and smoked scamorza, or the prosciutto-wrapped veal chop stuffed with sage and fontina, then topped with oyster mushrooms. On weekends, the brunch menu is just as robust as the dinner menu. Sweeten things up with French toast with a creamy hazelnut custard or kick up the savoriness with a Tuscan breakfast of eggs, beans, and hot sausage.

Chris Kearse of Forsythia somehow makes fine French dining casual and approachable. Striking the perfect balance between elegance and unpretentiousness, Forsythia serves up incredible French dishes paired with clever cocktails and natural wines. Get a taste of ramps before the season is out with the Black Forest ham and Emmental cheese beignets served with a dollop of wild ramp marmalade, and the almond- and ramp-crusted scallops. Don’t skip the dessert! If you’re not into desserts that are overly sweet, the Banana Pot de Crème is a salty, slightly sweet, and savory delight, with a hint of nutty almond and warm cardamom.

Behold — Philadelphia’s largest outdoor restaurant. Liberty Point offers incredible panoramic views of the Delaware River as well as live entertainment, all while you enjoy delicious drinks and upscale bar bites. Tater tots are having a moment, but nothing is like Liberty Point’s loaded shrimp and grits tots smothered in a crispy yellow corn grit and Creole gravy. The fried seafood baskets will make you feel like you’ve escaped down the shore, while the classic Philly style roast pork sandwich with broccoli will remind you that you haven’t left the City of Brotherly Love. This is the outdoor dining destination of this summer.

New seasonal cocktails and small plates have landed at Silk City. This summer, it’s all about their spicy polenta-crusted chicken sandwich slathered in a sriracha barbecue sauce. Cool down the heat with a frozen blood orange margarita. The combo is mighty tasty but it all hits different when you’re enjoying it from their eclectic, newly renovated garden patio.

Chef Jose Garces knows that whiskey and burgers are the perfect pair, and at Village Whiskey near Rittenhouse Square, you get the best of both worlds. With over 100 whiskeys to choose from and knowledgeable bartenders, there’s something for every whiskey lover, whether it’s served neat or stirred into a classic cocktail. When it comes to the burgers, it’s the add-ons that take the smash patties to the next level. Keep things classic with some Cabot cheddar and applewood-smoked bacon, or go wild by topping your burger with truffled mushrooms or seared foie gras.

Call 215-665-1088 for reservations.