Philadelphia’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy

Put this one on your Hit List: a Center City mecca for low-key but sophisticated evenings from noted local restaurant man Rob Wasserman (Rouge, 500 Degrees), ensconced on the site once occupied by the legendary Bookbinders and featuring live music, contemporary cocktails, and a curated menu of cocktail-friendly essential bites, from caviar to sliders.

Chef Dave Conn’s first solo effort is an Italian Market spot that’s sophisticated but relaxed, intimate but buzzing, with an open kitchen to see all the charcoal-grilling action. Go here for seasonal shareable dishes like warm naan and spicy eggplant dip, or soft shell crab and watercress; or pop in for a cocktail and a great burger served on homemade challah. Don’t miss the nicely curated list of natural and low-intervention wines.

Anyone following James Nardone’s pop-ups knows what they’re in for at his 12-seater Fishtown BYOB. Soulful nonna-type pasta with a bit of a punk attitude, everything made by hand, and a tasting menu that hits all levels. Sourdough focaccia, gnudi with crab, steak with eggplant and salsa verde, and simple seasonal desserts await.

What chef Amanda Shulman has done for Her Place — James Beard nods and best restaurant lists — she multiplies it with this sister restaurant. Her partner, chef (and fiancé) Alex Kemp, gives the menu French-Canadian vibes with big plates to share. Expect the same dinner party flair.

Pushing the envelope on what farm-to-table can really mean, you’ll find nothing from west of the Mississippi at this East Kensington spot, from spirits to produce. Jersey scallop crudo with strawberries, Philly beignets with sides of roast pork, broccoli, and cheese for DIY stuffing — you don’t miss having things from more than 500 miles away. Imaginative, seasonal cocktails are the reason to be here, especially anything made with ingredients plucked from the house garden.

From the outside, it’s clear the Haddonfield building dates back to the mid 19th century. Inside, however, it’s a pretty two-floor tasting den with views right into the distillery. Stop for seasonal cocktails featuring spirits made just a few feet away, like a sipper made with chamomile-infused bourbon or watermelon gin.

Chef-owner Aaron Randi’s illata is proving that modern American cuisine rife with seafood and local produce can be the star in a 20-seat BYOB neighborhood restaurant. Start with the housemade sourdough bread and butter and absolutely order the fried clams and chicken schnitzel.

This food hall brings seven restaurants, three bars, and a lounge area to Brewerytown, a mega-destination that’s perfect when everyone is craving something different. Pizza from Figo, crispy chicken from Hunnies, burgers, cheesesteaks — it’s all here on one menu. Brunch is the go-to (ressies are mandatory), especially for the bottomless mimosas deal.

There’s something interesting at every turn at this two-story spot from chef Yun Fuentes and the team behind Milkboy. It’s not just the wall art, pineapple wallpaper, and rum bar, but also the Stephen Starr alum’s Latin and Caribbean-inspired menu. Family and personal experiences inform many of his dishes, from pinchos (or skewered meats) and seafood to mofongo.

Because the next chapter of this critically-acclaimed restaurant ditched the tasting menu formula to become that most treasured of neighborhood gems. And that’s not to say that chef Nicholas Elmi gets any less creative, making mighty use of local seafood and a bevy of global influences for a menu that plays with comfort food classics and feels just right.

If you loved Noord, you’ll appreciate chef Joncarl Lachman’s love letter to the Netherlands with this tiny BYOB. It’s like stumbling across a neighborhood bistro in Amsterdam, the kind of place with rabbit rillettes and warm housemade baguette, quail, whole fish, and oodles of European warmth.

What Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby do with Vedge, they’ve recreated with an eye toward the country in West Chester. During the day, grab a sandwich (artichoke with smoked garlic aioli, anyone?) and snack on the porch, or take some cheeses, baked goods, and natural wines for a picnic. At night, the magical little dining room becomes a haven for tasting menus that flip with the seasons and feature as many local ingredients as possible. Go early for a cocktail on the porch or at the little bar.

A good gastropub never goes out of style. Case in point: The Hayes, from chef Townsend Hayes Wentz, whose tapas and sherry bar Oloroso is right next door. You’ll find classic pub fare here, like steak frites, a great burger, and gooey French onion soup. A mix of domestic and craft brews on tap, and straightforward yet elevated cocktails, bring it all together perfectly.

You won’t want to miss chef Evan Snyder’s seasonal modern American menus at this Queen Village spinoff of the wildly popular Redcrest Fried Chicken — itself temporarily without a home, but serving its signature extra-crispy chicken sandwiches out of a pop-up here.

NoChe (for “north of Chestnut”) is back after a nine-year absence, and just as inviting as it always was, with its opulent interior (framed mirrors, crystal chandeliers, hot red drapery) and its extensive repertoire of cocktails (both classic and innovative), served in glassware iced with liquid nitrogen.

Here’s a date night destination in historic Downingtown: an intimate white-tablecloth restaurant bathed in soft light with a menu of familiar French classics like escargots, onion soup, and steak frites, based on locally sourced ingredients.

Calling all seafood-lovers … This invitingly casual oyster bar — think brick walls, café chairs, and ceiling fans — from local restaurant mogul Michael Schulson (of Via Locusta, Alpen Rose, Sampan, etc.) brings Midtown Village the freshest fish and shellfish imaginable, simply prepared to let its quality shine.

Philadelphia restaurant maestro Stephen Starr strikes gold again with this greenery-framed seasonal outdoor café at Comcast Center, with its French-accented all-day menu of salads, charcuterie, crêpes, and other afternoon-in-Paris fare.