Phở tái gai (#48)
$, Vietnamese, Noodles, Passyunk Square
"A good bowl of phở is one of the most refreshing things to eat anytime of year. This one contains fatty beef brisket and beef eye round. This is a super cheap, one-bowl meal."
ChefJon Cichon
Philadelphia
Accolades
- Best New RestaurantEsquire magazine
- World's Best Hotel Dining RoomsGourmet magazine
- Mobil Four-Star AwardForbes Travel Guide
- AAA Four Diamond AwardAmerican Automobile Association
- Best of Philly: BrunchPhiladelphia magazine
- ChefsFeed WinnerOne of the Best Things to Eat in Philly
Where I Go Out
Piccante pizza
$$, Happy Hour, Outdoor Seating, Pizza, Reservations, Full Bar, Center City East
"Topped with capicola, crushed red pepper, aged Provolone, and tomatoes, this is my favorite pizza in Philadelphia. Spicy, sweet, and just the right size (so I can eat the whole thing)."
Raw oysters
$$$, Happy Hour, Full Bar, American, Seafood, Center City
"Oyster House serves the freshest oysters around, and during happy hour, they’re only a buck each. The price, plus lots of Tabasco and mignonette, makes them incredibly addictive."
Chicken liver rigatoni
$$$, Full Bar, Italian, Spring Garden
"Served with roasted cippolini onions and sage, this is one of the best and most simple pasta dishes ever."
Sushi & sashimi combination
$$$, Sushi, Japanese, Full Bar, Sake Bar, Center City
"Zama has the best sushi in the city. Their menu is always creative and different with super-high fish quality. I enjoy this mixed platter of nigiri and sashimi with a bottle of sake or a few beers."
Tacos al pastor
$$, Mexican, Modern, American, Fishtown
"This dive bar turned taqueria joint is around the corner from my house, and the tacos are the perfect late-night snack. Throw in a solid beer list and a kitchen that serves 'til 2 a.m. and you’ve got one of my favorite after-work spots. The tacos al pastor are my pick. The roasted pork goes so well with the fresh pineapple and chilis. Plus, it only costs $1.75."
At My Venues
Omelette
$$$$, French, Breakfast, Restaurant, Center City
"The food at Lacroix is exquisite, but I like to take the simple route sometimes, and this omelette is the way to go. It's so fluffy and very creamy. If I’m feeling a bit fancy, I’ll fill the omelette with crème fraîche and salmon. If I’m just looking for something really hearty and satisfying, I’ll ask for bacon and cheddar cheese."
Black garlic octopus
$$$$, French, Breakfast, Restaurant, Center City
"Lacroix’s relaxed yet refined ambiance, paired with such inspired, playful, and edgy food, gives you such an exciting and special feeling when you eat there. I swear I got goosebumps as I savored the perfectly seared octopus with black garlic, smoked ricotta, miatake, and heirloom tomatoes. It was a sweet, salty, smokey, fresh, crispy, and creamy harmony in each bite."
Tasting menu
$$$$, French, Breakfast, Restaurant, Center City
"One of the finer things in life, this 12 to 15-course feast from my old stomping grounds is tailored to each diner. Think fish crudo and foie gras, all served as you sit in the middle of the kitchen."
Sunday brunch
$$$$, French, Breakfast, Restaurant, Center City
"This is a longtime, New Year's Day tradition for our family. Chef Jon and his staff are always offering a unique experience during brunch. The menu changes often, but the selection of cold salads, raw bar, hot stations in the kitchen, and chocolate fountain offerings are just perfect. Champagne is required!"
