New On Resy: Philadelphia’s Newest Restaurant Openings

For fans of chef Juan Carlos Aparicio’s stacked Puebla-style sandwiches and tacos, the wait is over: El Chingón now takes reservations. Aparicio, who created the bread program at Parc, brings creative takes on Mexican classics to this bright South Philly spot for lunch, brunch, and dinner. 

Michelin-starred French chef Laurent Tourondel makes his Philly debut with this destination for dinner, brunch, and happy hour. The menu blends European and Asian influences through a wood-fired American lens, with dishes like a lemony chicken parm sandwich on pillowy bread with tonkatsu dipping sauce. At brunch, look for treats like sticky brioche topped with whiskey-caramel sauce.

After a floor-to-ceiling renovation, Mei Mei is back and looking sharper than ever. The refreshed space leans dramatic, with moody lighting and bold decor, while the Taiwanese fusion menu includes dishes like wok-tossed lamb chops, edamame dumplings, and spicy fried shrimp. Watch for DJ nights and other events — a good excuse to check out the late-night menu, served on weekends until 1 a.m. 

From the team behind Libertee Grounds, Lucky Duck is your perfect summer hang. Right on the Delaware river waterfront, it’s got views to accompany snacks like deviled eggs and mortadella sliders, plus fancy cocktails and better-than-average wines by the glass. 

Run by restaurant veterans C.J. Cheyne and Israel Nocelo, Casa Oui serves coffee and house-baked pastries during the day. At night, it shifts into a destination for French, Mexican, and American specialties — think steak tacos, spicy green hummus, and mini ice cream cakes. Pro tip for early birds: Happy hour runs from 2 to 5 p.m. 

Your favorite old-school pizza place just opened a new restaurant with a full bar — a first for the Tacconelli family, now in its fifth generation of restaurateurs. Make the trip for drinks from the classic, fruity, bubbly, and rustic sections of the menu. You’ll find tomato pie slices here — not classic pizza — along with arancini, cutlets, meatballs, and cannoli, so come hungry. 

One of Philadelphia’s most respected chefs, Greg Vernick, has opened a welcoming new Italian restaurant with chef Meri Medoway, a longtime member of his team. At Emilia, they’re turning out wood-fired dishes inspired by travels through Italy — think grilled cabbage, tortellini in brodo, and crispy veal. 

Philly’s Historic District is going to be the center of activity this spring and summer, as America 250 celebrations and global sporting events roll into town. This new Italian eatery, by longtime restaurateurs Michael and Jeniphur Pasquarello, has opened just in time to satiate the crowds with pasta, pizza, a range of Negronis, and soft serve for dessert — plus weekend brunch. 

From the former Cheu Noodle Bar crew, Banshee leans into casual European dining — think Paris, London, and Spain — filtered through their signature Japanese-influenced cooking. The menu is built for sharing, with mostly small plates, a few larger dishes, and housemade bread — plus a full bar. 

Conveniently located near Franklin Square and Philly’s most visited historic sites, this bar-restaurant is ready to serve crowd pleasers from cheesesteak spring rolls to pizza. 117 Old City is also a good spot for watching games, playing trivia, and entertainment like karaoke and DJ nights. 

It’s fair to call Roxanne one of Philadelphia’s most unexpected restaurants. Chef-owner Alexandra Holt brings a “Wonka”-esque sensibility to her tasting menu, blending sweet and savory, leaning into playful, artistic plating, and delivering a meal that’s as fun as it is delicious. Go with your most adventurous friend. 

Set in one of Philadelphia’s most charming neighborhoods, Dohō pulls inspiration from many cultures for a generous, wide-ranging menu. Expect everything from creative vegetable dishes like sunchoke terrine to half a dozen pastas and larger plates, with plenty of thoughtful accommodations for dietary restrictions. 

Sylva Senat leads the kitchen at this restaurant inside the Sofitel, the former Philadelphia Stock Exchange building. The French-leaning space works at nearly any hour, with lunch, dinner, happy hour, brunch, and afternoon tea — plus an adorable Champagne & Vinyl night with oysters and bottomless fries on Thursdays. 

With its historic vibes, shopping, and throwback dining, everyone loves a visit to charming Peddler’s Village in Bucks County. At the Colonial-style Cock ‘n Bull, American classics — like burgers and chicken pot pie — rule. Make sure to stroll around to catch this 1962 establishment’s folk art and antiques collection. 

Right on Main Street, Yanako, a Manayunk sushi favorite, serves a wide range of Japanese classics. Expect rolls both simple and signature — several with shrimp tempura — along with dumplings, katsu, udon, teriyaki, yakitori, and more, making it an easy pick for a group.