The Resy Hit List: Where In Philadelphia You’ll Want to Eat in Sept. 2025
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There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in Philadelphia: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Philadelphia Not to Miss This Month
- Family Meal: It’s September, so let’s go back to school with some family-friendly favorites. Consider these spots for weeknight dinners to help ease back into your old routine: Corio is new, with plenty of crowd-pleasing pizzas and pasta; or find chill Italian vibes at Pizzeria Stella, a long-running Starr restaurant. Alternatively, you can quiet your end-of-summer blues by having dessert for dinner. We’ve got a guide for that. Kids should especially dig the cannoli at Ralph’s, baked pineapple at Meetinghouse, and tehina-date ice cream sandwich at Dizengoff.
- Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 is the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, giving us another reason to enjoy some of Philly’s terrific Central and South American restaurants. You’ll never go wrong splitting a giant quesadilla, aka Señor Machete, with a visit to one of Dionicio Jiménez’s three restaurants: Cantina La Martina in Kensington or Jenkintown or La Baja in Ambler. We also recommend stopping by a Jezabel’s pop-up at Independence Seaport Museum’s Drink the Delaware festival on Sunday, September 7 from 4-9 p.m. or the Making Time Music Festival at Fort Mifflin September 19-21. At Tamaliza at Sor Ynéz on September 27, local chefs will serve tamals using the restaurant’s homemade masa, with some proceeds benefiting the Mexican Cultural Center. Find more ideas (Tequilas, La Jefa, Amá, and Casa Mexico) below in this month’s Hit List.
- Now Open: Yeah, yeah, summer was so hectic and you spent half of it down the shore. Well, back here in Philly, we’re been eating well, thanks to these new hot spots that have recently graced the Hit List (including a couple of new additions this month!). A few that you may have missed over the summer: Leo, La Jefa, Amá, and Kissho House. Add them to your list and then try to snag one of the last tomato sandwiches at River Twice before the season wraps.
- Plan Ahead: Special event fans should mark September 13 down because we’ve got three ideas for that afternoon. Tiny Table Tours’ Women in Wine tour will make its way through Fishtown with stops at Pizzeria Beddia, Pray Tell Winery, Kalaya, and Mural City Cellars. It sold out last year, so this time around, you’d better book early. Or you could head to South Philly to sip five wines from Italy’s Abruzzo region at Le Virtù’s Abruzzo 101 Dinner or book Bloomsday’s monthly high tea event that’s getting the ultimate Philly treatment with snacks from Pretzel Day Pretzels. The following weekend, on September 20, My Loup’s “On Meat” cookbook dinner features a collab between Los Angeles chef Jeremy Fox, known for Birdie G’s, and Philly’s own Alex Kemp.
New to the Hit List (Sept. 2025)
Casa Mexico, Kissho House, Sonny’s Cocktail Joint, Sergeantsville Inn, Tequilas Restaurant and La Jefa.
1. Kalaya Fishtown
Much has already been said about Kalaya. But if Nok Suntaranon’s southern Thai restaurant has been delighting diners since its humble start in the Italian Market, it has found a proper spot in its much larger Fishtown digs, with a liquor license that helped create a vital bar scene. Between Nok’s book release and “Chef’s Table” appearance last fall, and inclusion on the “Time 100” list of the most influential people in the world, Kalaya is back on top of our must-visit restaurants. Book early and often; you’ll be rewarded with deeply flavored curries, adorably shaped dumplings, and a signature grilled freshwater river prawn that’s mixed tableside with its tomalley and jasmine rice.
2. Andra Hem Rittenhouse
When you hear about this Scandinavian-inspired bar in Rittenhouse, chances are you’re not picturing the place as it is. Far from the traditionally sparse aesthetic of northern Europe, this cocktail lounge is saturated in color and patterns throughout two floors. With moody vibes and fashionable clientele, you’ll feel like you’re in a James Bond movie scene. Get in the mood with one of two dozen well-made cocktails with fun names, like Red Hatorade, which is like a negroni with aquavit. A tight food menu follows the Scandinavian theme with dishes like smoked salmon on sourdough and snacks like seasonal pickles, but we’re pretty into the potato chips and sturgeon caviar if you don’t mind dropping $35.
3. Angelo’s Italian Market
The best cheesesteaks in the city — enough that it’s more or less outgrown its space, and sprouted a Bradley Cooper-driven offshoot in NYC. Convince us we’re wrong. Danny DiGiampietro makes the rolls fresh every morning. And Angelo’s is also the first place that we can remember employing Philly’s own Cooper Sharp cheese. DiGiampietro is obsessed with making perfect sandwiches and pizza (which, see below), and this small Italian Market shop always has that line down the block, although it’s a line of the eager and devoted — the kind of people who will offer your toddler a slice as you walk to the playground; which is a random, totally made-up example, we assure you.
Find more info here.
4. Corio University City
West Philly is coming in hot this summer with the arrival of Corio, a new Italian spot by three Vernick Food & Drink alums. Chef David Feola — who also has experience cooking at Ember & Ash, Hearthside, and Southgate — is making fresh pizza and pasta dreams come true for University City’s busy population. Try Corio’s Chicken Riggies, a classic from Feola’s childhood in Central New York, or go a little fancier with gemelli with Parmesan, black pepper, sesame seeds, and pecorino. This place is family-friendly (think: margherita pizzas and highchairs) and flexible with takeout. You’ll also see a mini wine shop and a full bar, led by sommelier and former Vernick bar director James Smith.
5. Kissho House Omakase Philadelphia
Upstairs at this Rittenhouse newcomer, you’ll find solid Japanese fare: sushi, charcoal-grilled meat, fish, and vegetables, pan-fried dumplings, and cocktails. Head downstairs, though, and you’re in for Philly’s newest omakase experience. Having honed his craft at Royal Izakaya and Hiroki, chef Jeff Chen is slicing, saucing, and torching 17-19 courses of nigiri, plus small plates, at an eight-seat sushi bar, with much of the fish being flown in from Japanese markets. Kissho, which means “lucky omen,” offers its omakase at $150 a head — reasonable considering you’ll often find wagyu, truffle, and caviar on the menu.
6. Sonny’s Cocktail Joint Graduate Hospital
Anything that Chris Fetfatzes and Heather Annechiarico create, you can count on being very cool. The couple — known for their recently-closed Hawthornes Cafe and hopping nearby European-style bar Grace and Proper — had to shutter Sonny’s Cocktail Joint due to a fire shortly after it opened. Now it’s back, with the same come-as-you-are attitude and adorable back patio. There’s pizza on the menu, along with tricked-out bar food, like bang bang cauliflower, chicken-fried shrimp, and a daily hot dog special. At the bar, find wine on tap, cans of Natty Boh, splits of Laurent Perrier, and intricate cocktails you’d never expect to find at a haunt this fun.
Find more info here.
7. Sergeantsville Inn Delaware Township
This historic inn, in Hunterdon County, N.J., defies the trend of old-timey inns that can’t escape dated, safe menus (raspberry vinaigrette, anyone?). The restaurant, located in a 1700s-era stone building, has become a must-visit thanks to chef Sean Gray, the former executive chef of New York City’s Michelin-starred Momofuku Ko. He’s brought “Top Chef” sensibilities to an approachable menu with dishes like head-on shrimp casino and a house-ground cheeseburger with Cooper Sharp. Gray’s former Ko colleague, Omy Bugazia, revamped the Inn’s wine program, bringing in an impressive gathering of low-intervention Old World wines.
8. Amá Fishtown
After running kitchens for Stephen Starr’s LMNO and Parc, chef Frankie Ramirez was ready to take the leap into ownership in a big way. He recently opened Amá, to the delight of Mexican food lovers everywhere. Even with 120 seats, Ramirez’s new restaurant has quickly become one of the toughest tables in town to snag. They’re coming for wood-fired octopus with black fried rice, shareable, seasonal tlayudas, make-your-own lamb neck birria tacos with consommé on the side, and giant curly churros with chocolate sauce and caramel-esque cajeta. Book it early and often; this place is just getting started.
9. Tequilas Restaurant Rittenhouse Square
There was a moment, after a fire forced its closure for two years, that we thought Tequilas might not be coming back. We’re glad to have been wrong. David Suro’s long-running (since 1986!) Mexican restaurant recently reopened with its beautiful dining room intact, an imported tile floor, and a (surprise!) second restaurant in the back. Head to the stately Locust Street brownstone for fine dining takes on Guadalajaran classics like beef or chicken molcajete and custard with cinnamon crumble. La Jefa — the new operation — starts with coffee and light bites in the morning, slides into brunch with barbacoa sandwiches and chilaquiles, and wraps with modern Mexican dishes at dinnertime, plus a bar full of cocktails co-created by Beard Award-winning drinks pro Danny Childs.
10. Casa Mexico South Philly
Cristina Martinez is not only one of Philly’s most famous restaurateurs, she’s one of the most influential chefs in America — thanks to both her soulful food and immigration activism. Netflix gave her flagship restaurant, South Philly Barbacoa, the “Chef’s Table” treatment in 2018 and she won the 2022 James Beard Award for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic. Since then, the lines — as you can imagine — have been long. But now her restaurant, Casa Mexico, is on Resy and we’re low-key freaking out. Because you can now book a table for her iconic barbacoa tacos and other Mexican classics, like guac, esquites, and tres leches. Get the whole gang together for a feast.
11. Percy Diner & Bar Fishtown
From the team behind the three über-hip Forîn cafes around town comes this new neighborhood restaurant with midcentury vibes. Percy is a one-stop shop for coffee, brunch, lunch, dinner, and fancy drinks. Chef Jack Smith’s menu is familiar, but dotted with local and seasonal ingredients. Think ricotta pancakes with cinnamon sugar whipped compound butter at breakfast and crispy barramundi in a cilantro and charred onion curry for dinner. Everything at the bar — wine, beer, liquor — comes from our fair state. We’re into a cocktail called Surfin that combines rum, amaro, caramelized banana syrup, honey wine, and lime. We’re even more into Percy’s swanky, music-oriented lounge, with swivel chairs and a fireplace.
12. Irwin’s South Philadelphia
Chef Michael Vincent Fererri has been cooking top-notch Silician food for most of his career in Philly. He’s known for family recipes and fresh spins on classic Italian dishes — and for his spectacular hand with pasta, whether it’s hand-rolled gnocchi sardi with eggplant, or spaghetti with clams. The view from here on top of Bok Building, a former public high school, is a stunner — and adds to what’s always a special time. And if you want to plus-up that specialness even more, you can book Salvatore’s Counter, named after Fererri’s late father; it’s an intimate four-seat experience with a never-repeated 10-course menu, every other Sunday.
13. Plaza Garibaldi Mezcaleria South Philadelphia
Sometimes popular spots fly a bit under the radar; that’s the case for Washington Avenue’s Plaza Garibaldi Mezcaleria, which has been around for more than 20 years. Those in the know go here to cure taco and burrito cravings, while sipping margaritas from the full bar. Regulars like the beef cheek (cabeza), slow cooked brisket, and al pastor tacos on corn tortillas, plus tomahawk steaks, and homemade horchata. Pro tip: Stop here for lunch during a day of Italian Market shopping when your energy starts to wane. Fuel up on Mexican food and get back out there.
Find more info here.
14. Royal Sushi Omakase Queen Village
Philly’s eight-time Beard Award nominee remains one of the hardest reservations in town to snag. It’s worth the effort to experience Jesse Ito’s high-skill omakase at Royal Sushi. The fish here is carefully sourced, intensively prepared, and delivered bite by perfect bite at an intimate counter in a back room of Royal Izakaya, a busy Japanese bar and restaurant. Royal Izakaya is walk-in only; Royal Sushi you can book below.
P.S. Here are a few tips on getting into Royal Sushi Omakase.
15. Porco’s Porchetteria South Philly
Chad Durkin has been making some of Philly’s best pork sandwiches since he opened Small Oven Pastry Shop and Porco’s Porchetteria on Washington Avenue in 2019. The signature porchetta combines juicy porky deliciousness with crunchy cracklings into a stellar sandwich. Only now, Durkin is changing up the bread it’s served on. Say farewell to ciabatta and hello to a new seeded long roll that took him six months to perfect, in collaboration with neighbor Baker Street Bread. It’s all mahogany -toned outside and jus-soaked inside, just like we like it.
Find more info here.
16. My Loup Rittenhouse
My Loup chef-owners Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp continue to stack up the awards, and continue to hold a place of Hit List pride. She was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs and he was on the cover of Bon Appetit’s 2024 new restaurants issue. This dynamic duo’s cooking is confident, balanced, and fun — just like the vibe in their restaurants (including their flagship restaurant Her Place). Here, Shulman and Kemp pay tribute to the modern French cuisine they enjoyed while working and dating in Montreal. The menu changes daily, but if you can get the cold roast beef au poivre with fries, don’t miss it (and don’t be afraid to eat it with your hands).
17. River Twice East Passyunk
We’re glad to welcome River Twice to the Resy neighborhood. Consistently recognized as one of Philly’s most exciting restaurants, Randy Rucker’s East Passyunk flagship serves a four-course menu that changes daily. Rucker specializes in pristine seafood with Asian and Southern infusions. One day, that could mean Jimmy Red corn grits with torched scallop, basil, and sour corn and another, mussels marinated in a black lime xo sauce with lemon cucumber, kohlrabi, sorrel, and tomato vinegar. You’ll want to get some add-ons too, like the summertime classic heirloom tomato sandwich covered in caviar, the Mother Rucker burger, sweet amalia oysters, and sourdough to sop up any juicy bits lingering on your plate.
18. Càphê Roasters Kensington
This cafe punches well above its weight, as evidenced by a recent James Beard Award nomination. Thu Pham sources coffee from small arabica producers in the central highlands of Vietnam, known for its volcanic mountain soil, and roasts it in Philly. The Olney-native’s sunny Kensington cafe is open for breakfast and lunch six days a week. Get there early to catch specials like strawberry shortcake soft serve on a strawberry cone or a Korean sweet potato and espresso einspänner (a Viennese coffee drink similar to a latte). On the regular menu, find an array of banh mi and other sandwiches, plus sweet and sour tamarind fries.
Find more info here.
19. Machine Shop South Philly
French technique meets Pennsylvania grain and fruit at this boulangerie and patisserie located on the ground floor of Bok Building. Head here for flakey layered delights — from double chocolate croissants, to kouign-amann, to a pastry with jammy eggs, hot pepper, and feta. There is a decent amount of seating in the bakery, and a coffee bar just outside. We like to take home a fresh-baked roasted potato cheddar loaf or a crusty baguette. And we’re not alone in our stanning: Machine Shop was on the boards again with a second James Beard nomination in 2025.
Find more info here.
20. Harper's Garden Center City
A couple of Vetri restaurants veterans — Drew DiTomo and Chris Keyser — joined forces to reimagine Center City’s popular Harper’s Garden as an Italian restaurant. The end result reflects Philly’s affection for classic red-sauce dishes like Bolognese, caprese salad, grilled broccoli rabe, ravioli, shrimp scampi, chicken Parm, eggplant Parm, and a lot more. Keyser is sticking around as executive chef. As a place known for its outdoor dining, we were also heartened to learn that there’s a new outdoor bar on the patio.
Sarah Maiellano is a Philadelphia-based journalist covering restaurants and travel. Follow her on Instagram. Follow Resy, too.
