Philadelphia’s Newest Restaurant Openings, Now on Resy
Want to know the latest — and greatest — restaurant openings in Philadelphia? You’re in luck.
From a Mexican stunner from a James Beard-nominated chef to a pop-up you won’t want to miss, we have you covered with this continuously updated list of hot new debuts.
And if you’re seeking out some beloved Philadelphia spots that are now bookable on Resy, we’ve got you covered here.
La Baja Ambler
Newly added!
Chef Dionicio Jiménez takes cues from Peking duck for his crispy-skinned carnitas de pato, and pulls from Italy for dishes like risotto with hibiscus, Mexican chocolate-braised short ribs, and burrata served in a pool of dark mole at his delightful restaurant. And that’s just the beginning. PS: If you forget wine, Stone & Key Cellars delivers right to your table.
Little Walter’s East Kensington
Newly added!
Life should have more pierogies in it and this East Kensington spot knows it, offering a fresh modern take on Polish staples. Think shrimp kielbasa with smoked skate, and even chocolate pierogi for dessert, plus OG versions (like super crushable potato and cheese pierogies). It’s comfort food, whether you grew up with it or not, especially alongside a pickle-juice martini.
Picnic East Kensington
Newly added!
It’s not a picnic on the grass — it’s a 140-year-old former brewery building that had gone to seed until the group behind Pizzeria Beddia, Kalaya, and other Philly hits transformed it into an airy, come-as-you-are chill outdoor picnic restaurant. The menu is full of charcuterie and cheese boards, oysters, rotisserie chicken with all the sauces, and ultra-seasonal salads.
Society Hill Hotel Old City, Philadelphia
Newly added!
Because this might just be one of the coolest places in town. Think an 1832-vintage Old City hotel (revived by the owners of the United by Blue clothing brand as a 15-room boutique inn) with a high-class whiskey bar and a restaurant serving modern American fare with a Philly accent, including seriously good pizza.
Amourette Rittenhouse Square
Newly added!
Summer’s hottest pop-up won’t be here forever, so don’t delay. The no-pretensions French and Italian menu (from the chefs behind My Loup and Her Place) defines the season with specialties like tomato salad toast and trout with zucchini escabeche, and the setting, in the Philadelphia Art Alliance’s verdant courtyard, is a warm-weather paradise.
P.S. Here’s how to get into Amourette.
Vita Philadelphia
You might be forgiven for thinking that this is just an excellent gelato shop. But step through that red fridge door at the back and into a secret, one-of-a-kind reservations-only dining room, and you’ll discover a world of craft cocktails, wines from Italy, and a menu of housemade pastas and other impeccable Italian food.
Yanaga Kappo-Izakaya Northern Liberties
Aiming for Japanese dive bar status, Kevin Yanaga far supersedes that moniker with this happening spot. Dig into classic and creative sushi rolls, but also bites like hibachi fried rice gilded with a sous vide egg, Japanese spaghetti with wagyu sausage, and duck confit onigiri. BYOB until the license comes in.
Moma Mediterranean Kitchen Glenside
Don’t expect a ton of homemade pasta you usually find at Germantown sibling Moma Kitchen. Instead, this Moma has a seafood-heavy menu that makes you feel like you’ve just hopped off a boat in the Mediterranean and into a small, convivial neighborhood joint for mezze to share, shrimp with saganaki cheese, and whole grilled branzino with saffron pilaf.
Mamajuana Cafe Philly Fishtown
Party island vibes never seem to stop at the Fishtown location of this New York-based chain. Maybe it’s the upbeat ambiance, but it’s more likely the fun cocktails and Dominican-inspired dishes like oxtail fettucine, red snapper relleno, and tres leches cake.
Mulherin’s Pizzeria East Market
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons’ decidedly cool vibe and fantastic wood-fired pizzas could not be contained in just one location. It’s more about the pizza here than the Fishtown original, but that’s all you really need. Well, that, and maybe a crudo and handmade pasta to round things out.
Sorellina Fairmount
Joe and Angela Cicala planned just right: Just across the Divine Lorraine lobby from their elegant Cicala, Sorellina stands bright, doling out Italian-flavored cocktails, cicchetti-style snacks, and best of all, modern Neapolitan-style pizzas. Come hungry and in the mood for fun.
Dizengoff Center City
More of a good thing is always welcome, and this Center City hummusiya has grown, with a larger dining room and a more extensive menu (with cocktails added) — but with the same spirited industrial-chic atmosphere and more-please menu of hummus variations, plus that famous za’atar-roasted chicken dinner.
Rosy’s East Queen Village/Buena Vista
This offshoot of the original Rosy’s features all the tacos (carnitas, crispy cod, or mushroom — in that order) and favorites, like the mountain of nachos stacked high with your choice of grilled meats. And if your weekend brunch needs mole omelets and “hangover” beef caldo, there’s plenty of that, too.
Almyra Rittenhouse
Earth tones, wood-beam ceilings, and sprays of flowers help give this radiant Greek restaurant from the group behind Estia and Pietro’s Pizza a breezy Mediterranean feeling, and the seafood-focused menu, enjoyable Greek wines, and vibrant cocktails will make you think you’re on vacation.
Bar Lesieur Center City
Because you can always trust Michael Schulson to set a scene. In comes Bar Lesieur, a stunning French destination that feels like it’s been plucked out of a vintage postcard with its pressed tin ceilings, zinc bar top, and dimmed lighting. Though it’s the food that’ll really transport you, via veal sweetbreads, tableside roast chicken, and one killer crème brûlée.
SIN Northern Liberties
Dress to impress at this lavish Northern Liberties destination, with its cool, angular design in silver, gray, and black; its special-night-out vibe; and its high-end, steak-centered Italian menu — “SIN” stands for Steak Italian Nightlife, and that may be all you really need to know.
Starbolt Norris Square
This massive space under the El in Kensington is full of surprises. With three bars, several dining areas, one cool little dart board alleyway, and a great outdoor area, it’s the kind of place where you can order to match your mood (and room). Think croquettes and cocktails, to tomahawk steaks and vegetable tagine with a nice bottle of red.
Insatiable Point Breeze
You know you’re in the right place when a menu veers from French onion soup dumplings to caviar bumps that come with a very nice vodka martini. The corner spot in Point Breeze is just as good for an everyday dinner as for a celebratory meal with friends.
Alice South Philadelphia
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.
Ogawa Sushi & Kappo Omakase Old City
The omakase at Ogawa is high-level stuff, with straight-from-Japan seafood and both traditional and innovative presentations from the kitchen and sushi chefs. There’s a great soundtrack in the background, which adds to the lively vibe.
Post Haste East Kensington
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.
Vinyl Rittenhouse Square
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.
Kichi Omakase Midtown Village
This Midtown Village sushi den offers omakase that won’t break the bank but still has a lot of wow factor. It’s everything from the gorgeous cuts of fish and perfect bites of nigiri to a little flair (gold flakes and caviar, anyone?). A sushi bar with 14 seats and at least 15 courses equals pure omakase deliciousness.
Discover More
The Philly Restaurants We Loved in September
How to Get Into Amourette
The Resy Guide to Italian Pasta in Philadelphia
Now on Resy: Paffuto, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, Jezabel’s, and More Local Favorites
How Bolo Brings the Diasporican Experience to the Table, in Six Dishes
Chefs Nok Suntaranon and Jesse Ito on Making Food Your Own
Portraits of Philly: Chef Michael Vincent Ferreri of Irwin’s
Portraits of Philly: Kalaya’s Nok Suntaranon
Portraits of Philly: Friday Saturday Sunday’s Chad & Hanna Williams
Portraits of Philly: Mish Mish’s Alex Tewfik
Portraits of Philly: Musi BYOB’s Ari Miller
Stephen Satterfield's Corner Table
