With the help of Eater Philadelphia, we’ve compiled a list of the hottest new restaurants–neatly organized by neighborhood. So, without further ado, here are newest places to eat, drink, and dine in the City of Brotherly Love:
Royal Boucherie
Yeah, you might have heard of Nick Elmi…he is, after all, the mastermind behind Passyunk’s Laurel and a former Top Chef superstar. For his next act, he’ll pair up with restaurateurs Dave Frank and Stephen Simon (of Royal Tavern, Khyber Pass Pub, Triangle Tavern, Cantina Los Caballitos, and Cantina Dos Segundos, and Royal Sushi and Izakaya) to open Royal Boucherie. And, this opening isn’t just making local news–it’s considered by some as one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the US!
Tuna Bar
You guessed it correctly….Tuna Bar will serve tuna–and an incredible assortment of other sushi, sashimi, maki, grilled whole fish, and a few family recipes like owner Ken Sze’s grandmother’s wonton soup. Set to open any day now!
Oloroso
Partnering with master sommelier GordanaKostovski, Chef Townsend Wentz of Townsend and A Mano is about to embark on a new venture–a Spanish restaurant in the heart of Washington Square West. Serving traditional tapas and larger plates, Oloroso’s menu highlights include “sherry-glazed pig heads, giant paellas, and seafood galore.”
Ugly Duckling
Duo Joe Callahan and Chef Kris Serviss of Blue Duck just opened their New American eatery serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks to a new crowd of diners. Plus their 4:30-7:30 happy hours features specials like their $6 duck fries, $6 chorizo Mac, and $5 hummus.
L’Anima
In a town brimming with BYO’s, Philadelphians are always excited to test out the newest addition, and with sister restaurant Melograno on its resume, L’Anima is sure to please. Chef Gianluca Demontis and Rosemarie Tran present a 70-seat stunner in the heart of Graduate Hospital.
TALK
When Marigold Kitchen opened in West Philly, its inventive cuisine took the city by storm. Now, Andrew Kochan and Tim Lanza open a second location: TALK (an acronym for their combined names–Tim Andrew Lanza Kochan). TALK will offer an a la carte menu and a full bar.
Porta/Brickwall Tavern
Nothing makes your mouth water quite like the thought of devouring some insanely delicious pizza and burgers. The owners of New Jersey-based restaurant group Smith present Porta, a pizza/pasta joint, and Wall Tavern, a hotspot for quality comfort food. These two eateries will share a massive 22,000 square foot space which can seat up to 600 people!
Mad Rex
In Philadelphia, the opening of a cool, new virtual reality lounge would have caused quite a stir… but to throw in the twist of a post-apocalyptic-theme? Wow. Just wow.
Suraya
Nathalie Richan and Chef-duo Greg Root and Nick Kennedy (of Café La Maude and Root, respectively) have teamed up to open a restaurant curiously proclaiming to be “inspired by the Levant.” For those of us unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine, Suraya will serve as a modern introduction to the traditional Levantine bazaar.
Redcrest Fried Chicken
Having been in the rumor mill for quite some time, Philadelphia’s long-anticipated Redcrest Fried Chicken is a must. After several years in New York City, Chef Adam Volk is back in Philadelphia and will soon be opening a casual eatery serving–you guessed it–fried chicken.
Pistola’s Del Sur
If you haven’t been to Jose Pistola’s in Center City or Sancho Pistola’s in Fishtown, we’re not sure where exactly you’ve been hiding. In September, the lively Mexican hotspot presented Pistola’s Del Sur in South Philly. Don’t miss their brunch–they’re serving up some to-die-for huevos rancheros (and more!) every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 3:00pm.
Mike’s BBQ
It’s official. Michael Strauss, the co-owner of Taproom and beloved BBQ master, is trading in his pop-up-shop setup for a more permanent residence. Serving BBQ meats and all the fixins, Strauss plans to open before Thanksgiving. Don’t miss his brisket cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp cheese with a side of collard greens and Filipino-style macaroni salad.
