Sarah Maiellano

Sarah Maiellano

Philadelphia Contributor

Sarah is not a food critic (contrary to what her family tells everyone). She’s a restaurant journalist with a deep knowledge of the Philly dining scene and a knack for recommending the perfect spot for any occasion. Raised in Northeast Philly on soft pretzels, bagels, Herr’s potato chips, and Rita’s, she’s always chasing her next great meal. Sarah’s written about food, dining, and travel for Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, and Eater Philly, and was a founding co-host of the Delicious City Philly podcast with chef Eli Kulp. As the founder of Broad Street Communications, Sarah helps Philly area museums and nonprofits tell their stories and reach new audiences. Despite working out daily, she’s still mostly bagels and pretzels. And while em dashes may now scream “AI,” ChatGPT can pry them—from—her—cold—dead—hands.

Fun Facts

  • Lives in
    Philly, born and raised. Go Birds.
  • Favorite food movie
    “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (the 1971 original, of course).
  • Best high-low pairing
    I’m pretty into Barclay Prime’s Wagyu, black truffle, and foie gras cheesesteak on a freshly baked sesame roll with a half-bottle of Champagne.
  • Favorite food city
    San Sebastián, Spain.
  • Hot take
    Everything doesn’t need to be covered in chives.
  • Last meal on earth
    My mom’s matzo ball soup; steak frites with the crispiest fries and all of the buttery Béarnaise; a perfectly cooked lobster claw and a side of even more buttery mashed potatoes; Northeast Philly bakery vanilla cake; and ice cream with a ton of peanut butter swirls and crunchy, salty mix-ins in a freshly made waffle cone.

Sarah’s Featured Stories

Guides

The Resy Guide to Splurge-Worthy Dining in Philadelphia

Guides

The Resy Guide to Date Night in Philadelphia

Guides

The Resy Guide to Incredible Desserts in Philadelphia

Guides

The Resy Guide to Outdoor Dining in Philadelphia

Guides

The Ultimate Resy Guide to Brunch in Philadelphia

Guides

13 of the Best BYOBs in Philadelphia

Mish Mish dessert

Guides

The Philly Restaurants Where We Want to Be Regulars

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