When visiting Philadelphia, be sure to try the city's iconic Philly Cheesesteak, as well as other local specialties like Tomato Pies and Soft Pretzels, which showcase the city's rich culinary heritage.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Philadelphia's cuisine is defined by its rich history, cultural diversity, and geographic location. The city's proximity to the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean has made it a hub for fresh seafood, while its history as a major immigration port has introduced a wide range of international flavors. Italian, Irish, and German cuisine have had a significant influence on Philadelphia's food scene, with popular dishes like Chicken Parmesan and Corned Beef and Cabbage reflecting these cultural roots. The city is also known for its street food vendors, who serve up classic snacks like Soft Pretzels and Roasted Chestnuts.
Philadelphia's food culture is also shaped by its regional variations, with different neighborhoods offering unique culinary experiences. For example, South Philadelphia is home to a large Italian-American community, with restaurants serving up authentic dishes like Chicken Scarpariello and Eggplant Parmesan. In contrast, Northern Liberties is a trendy neighborhood with a vibrant food scene, featuring restaurants that serve everything from Farm-to-Table cuisine to Korean BBQ.
The city's food culture is also reflected in its many food festivals and events, which celebrate the city's culinary diversity. The Philadelphia Food Festival, for example, features dishes from over 50 local restaurants and food vendors, while the Reading Terminal Market hosts a weekly Farmers' Market that showcases the city's best produce and artisanal goods.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philly Cheesesteak | Sandwich | Thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a hoagie roll | Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks |
| Tomato Pies | Pizza | Thin crust topped with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil | Lombardi's, Sarcone's Bakery |
| Soft Pretzels | Snack | Warm, salty pretzels shaped into a twist | Miller's Twist, Philly Pretzel Factory |
| Scrapple | Breakfast | A meatloaf-like dish made with pork, cornmeal, and spices | DiNic's, Reading Terminal Market |
| Chicken Parmesan | Italian-American | Breaded and fried chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese | Ralph's Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria Vetri |
| Irish Potato Candy | Dessert | A sweet treat made with boiled potatoes, sugar, and cream | McGillin's Olde Ale House, The Irish Pub |
| DiNic's Roast Pork | Sandwich | Thinly sliced roast pork on a hoagie roll | DiNic's, Reading Terminal Market |
| Shoofly Pie | Dessert | A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses and sugar | Termini Brothers Bakery, The Famous 4th Street Delicatessen |
| Buffalo Wings | Appetizer | Spicy chicken wings tossed in hot sauce | Chickie's & Pete's, Buffalo Wild Wings |
| Tastykake | Snack | A variety of sweet treats, including cupcakes, cookies, and pies | Tastykake Outlet, Acme Markets |
Street Food & Snacks
- Soft Pretzels: warm, salty pretzels shaped into a twist, typically costing $2-3
- Roasted Chestnuts: warm, roasted chestnuts sold by street vendors, typically costing $3-4
- Philly Cheesesteak: a classic street food made with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese, typically costing $8-10
- Tomato Pies: thin crust topped with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, typically costing $10-12
- Fresh Fruit: fresh fruit cups and smoothies, typically costing $5-7
- Funnel Cakes: deep-fried dough topped with powdered sugar, typically costing $5-7
- Water Ice: a frozen treat similar to Italian ice, typically costing $3-5
- Pretzel Bites: bite-sized pretzels served with dipping sauce, typically costing $4-6
Drinks
- Philadelphia Lager: a local beer brewed in the city, typically costing $5-7
- Iced Tea: sweet or unsweet tea served over ice, typically costing $2-4
- Fresh Lemonade: homemade lemonade made with real lemons and sugar, typically costing $3-5
- Coffee: a variety of coffee drinks, including lattes and cappuccinos, typically costing $2-5
- Soda: a variety of soft drinks, including Frank's Soda, a local favorite, typically costing $2-4
- Juice: fresh-squeezed juice made with a variety of fruits, typically costing $4-6
Dining Customs
- Tipping: 15-20% of the total bill is customary
- Reservations: recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress Code: varies by restaurant, but casual dress is acceptable at most establishments
- Eating Etiquette: it's customary to keep your hands visible on the table and not to double dip
- Food Sharing: sharing food with others is common in Philadelphia, especially when eating with friends or family
- Payment: credit cards and cash are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for street vendors and small restaurants
Where to Eat
- Restaurants: from fine dining to casual eateries, Philadelphia has a wide range of restaurants to choose from
- Markets: Reading Terminal Market and The Italian Market offer a variety of food vendors and shopping options
- Food Courts: The Gallery and The Bourse have food courts with a variety of options
- Food Trucks: Philadelphia has a thriving food truck scene, with many trucks parked throughout the city
- Diners: classic diners like Pat's King of Steaks and Mel's Drive-In serve up classic American fare
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Reading Terminal Market: a historic market with over 80 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods, located at 51 N 12th St
- The Italian Market: a vibrant market with a variety of Italian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty shops, located on 9th St between Wharton and Passyunk
- The Bourse: a historic building with a food court and a variety of shops and restaurants, located at 111 S Independence Mall E
- DiNic's: a popular restaurant with multiple locations, known for its roast pork sandwiches and other Italian-American dishes, located at 804 Chestnut St and 1136 S 9th St
- Termini Brothers Bakery: a family-owned bakery with a variety of traditional Italian pastries and desserts, located at 1523 S 8th St