Where Resy Chefs Loved Eating in Philadelphia in 2023

“My favorite meal is a small place I go most weeks for lunch: a.kitchen+bar, in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, is my go-to. Besides being excellent, I find that it’s consistently excellent, which also happens to be one of the hardest traits in the restaurant business. I usually get the salad with roasted chicken, or the steak frites minus frites, ha. They also have a great wine list, which I’ll rarely drink from at lunch, but who knows.”

— Joe Beddia, Chef/Owner at Pizzeria Beddia

“I love Forîn Cafe up in Kensington. They have two locations and they’re owned by friends of mine. In addition to being an inventive café serving delicious food and creative concoctions, Forîn is also a shop, selling locally-produced wares from area artisans and makers. I love Forîn’s specialty drinks such as a bergamot espresso tonic, oat nog latte, and honeynut squash latte — all recently enjoyed. I’ve also recently enjoyed Forîn’s biscuit sandwich with espresso bacon jam as well as their ube waffle with matcha mascarpone.”

— Christopher Kearse, Chef/Owner at Forsythia

“I had an incredible meal at Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia this fall. Every aspect of that dinner was beautifully executed. Philly’s restaurant scene has really blossomed over the last couple of years.”

— Michael Rafidi, Chef/Owner at Albi and YELLOW in Washington, D.C.

“Lark. It was really great to see chef Nick Elmi transition from the fine dining food he does at Laurel and open a more casual concept. The flavors of the Mediterranean combined with his skilled cooking techniques make Lark a destination for anyone who enjoys those flavors.”

— Jeff Michaud, Chef/Owner at Osteria Philadelphia

“Meetinghouse, in Kensington, is definitely the spot. The food is very simple, but it’s done exactly right. The menu is just big enough to keep you coming back. And the beer matches it all. It’s all restaurant and no ego. It’s exactly the place I’d want in my neighborhood.”

— Matthew Cahn, Owner at Middle Child Clubhouse

“I go to Pho 75 every week for breakfast. It’s delicious and great value, but it’s also an important ritual for me: I go at 9 a.m. on a weekday when it’s empty, except for a few other regulars. I get a large fatty brisket and tendon, with a side of vinegar white onion and a side of flank. It rejuvenates my spirit and soul every time.”

— Jesse Ito, Chef/Owner at Royal Sushi & Izakaya

“For a special occasion, probably Royal Sushi Omakase — amazing service and great to spend time with Jesse at the counter. Plus, I’ve been trying to get a reservation for, like, three years. Tabachoy was another one of my favorites.”

— Ellen Yin, Founder/Co-Owner of High Street Hospitality (a.kitchen+bar, High Street, Fork Restaurant)

“Roxanne is definitely one of my top meals of 2023 in Philadelphia. The ability in which chef Alexandra Holt uses her medium to convey messages of important issues, such as gun control — which one would usually come across at a gallery show, versus a restaurant — amazes me. She is a one-woman kitchen, putting out insanely delicious stuff. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see what she is doing there.”

— Amanda Rucker, Co-Owner at River Twice

“While it’s not technically in Philly, we had an amazing meal at Joey Baldino’s Zeppoli in Collingswood, New Jersey. We went with a large group of friends and felt totally taken care of — like we were in someone’s living room. Huge bountiful spreads of antipasti and pasta were memorable and delicious; it’s the type of meal we’re constantly craving — no fuss, just simple and tasty.”

— Alex Kemp and Amanda Shulman, Chefs/Owners at My Loup