Eat Around the World, Philly Style
Written by: Zenia Nasevich
One of the many perks of living in Philly is the abundance of nearly every kind of cuisine within just a few square miles. Here’s a roundup of the very best from Germany to Taiwan, giving you a taste of every continent without leaving the city limits.
The Americas
North Third | The United States | 801 N 3rd St
This zany tavern-style restaurant has been a NoLibs institution for over 20 years, notably because of decades-long consistency with both food and service. This hidden gem serves some of the best new American fare, from crisp and tangy Thai chile wings (an absolute must-have) to savory potato and cheddar pierogies. And if you’re in the mood for a twist on a classic, the light and crispy eggplant fries paired with zesty sriracha aioli make for the perfect bite.
Rosy’s Taco Bar | Mexico | 2220 Walnut St
There’s something about a Rosy’s strawberry margarita that can’t keep me away — perhaps it’s the generous pour. From the large portions to the wallet-friendly prices, Rosy’s ambiance makes for the perfect GNO pregame spot. Don’t leave without getting a large order of steak nachos for the table, and supplement with the Valentina wings or esquites (Mexican street corn). They even offer takeout margarita kits to keep the party going at home, which is, frankly, hard to resist.
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar | Cuba | 10 S 2nd St
Cuba Libre may have a loud, over-the-top Caribbean aesthetic, but the fresh mojitos and late-night salsa dancing more than make up for it. They offer a robust selection of soul-satisfying Latin dishes, including crab guacamole, Mamá Amelia’s Cienfuegos-style ground beef empanadas, and various hearty paella options. Cuba Libre is a more fun take on your typical Latin American eatery that reflects Cuba’s colorful culture, making you feel like you’re right in the streets of Havana.
Europe
Brauhaus Schmitz | Germany | 718 South St
From pretzels to schnitzels, walking into Brauhaus Schmitz is just as good as being in the heart of Bavaria. Generous servings are a given, so the hearty wurstplatte (sausage sampler) and award-winning Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) are sure to please, but you also can’t go wrong with a perfectly fried schnitzel. Complement your meal with a brew from an extensive German beer selection, including Krombacher Pils and Münchner Weisse, and end with either a fresh apple strudel or hazelnut pot chocolate for the most authentic taste of Germany in Philly.
La Famiglia Ristorante | Italy | 8 S Front St
Exceptional service and a time-honored menu are cornerstones of this authentic family-owned Italian restaurant. There truly isn’t a single bad dish on the menu, but La Famiglia boasts some of the most tender and flavorful veal in the city. The cozy ambiance makes you feel like you’re coming home to family, and the extensive wine list and assorted dessert sampler ensure that you’ll leave with every craving satisfied.
Amada | Spain | 217-219 Chestnut St
A classic spot for tapas with a modern twist, Amada never disappoints. Spearheaded by Iron Chef Jose Garces, Amada offers a hefty selection of cured meats and cheeses along with traditional tapas, including patatas bravas with paprika aioli and Serrano ham croquettes. But the real star of the show is the entrecôte: a juicy, freshly-grilled Wagyu skirt steak served with Cabrales jus (blue cheese sauce) and salsa verde. Make sure to pair your meal with the fresh blanca sangria, complemented by sweet apples, pears, and oranges.
Asia
Mei Mei | Taiwan | 33 S 2nd St
Illuminated cherry blossoms and nouveau street art welcome you to Mei Mei, where you’ll find familiar favorites and trendy dishes with a modern twist, like the miso Caesar. The craft cocktails, although pricey, are flavored exquisitely and are entirely worth the hype, especially when it comes to the Plum Sidecar, made with cognac and caramelized plum puree, and the Equinox, made with Effen yuzu, Aperol, and fig. Huge shareable platters also make it an ideal group spot, from Not Your Regular KFC bao buns to Mei Mei’s classic kung pao.
Fat Salmon | Japan | 719 Walnut St
Sushi spots may be a dime a dozen in Philadelphia, but nothing compares to Fat Salmon’s electric atmosphere and experimental menu. The exceptionally crispy rice, served with your choice of tuna or salmon, is life-changing, and with an extensive roll selection, including classics like lobster tail tempura and signature specialty rolls like The Dragonfly (shrimp tempura, cucumber, and spicy mayo inside, with eel, avocado, and sweet soy sauce on top), it’s hard to go wrong. The sweet to complement your savory, the vanilla tempura ice cream is a must-have endcap to your meal. After dining here, you’ll never want to get sushi anywhere else.
Tuna Bar | Japan, again | 205 Race St
Fat Salmon, who? (Just kidding.) Even if you take my word for it and never get sushi from anywhere other than the above-praised Japanese gem, there’s plenty more to enjoy at Tuna Bar besides the rolls. This Old City raw bar features tons of unique dishes, although my personal favorites have to be the tuna flatbread and the creamy rock shrimp. The tuna flatbread is essentially a thin, crispy, raw pizza topped with flavorful ingredients like spicy tuna, kani, and tobiko, while the creamy rock shrimp are crispy, bite-size pieces of breaded shrimp smothered in a sauce made from sweet chili, garlic aioli, lemon juice, and gochujang. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, you can’t go wrong with the pan-fried pork gyoza or Mai fried rice. You’ll find yourself reordering the apps many times over, although a few lychee martinis on board definitely help speed the process along! Basically, what I’m saying is: everything on the menu is a W. Order everything, regret nothing.
Perla | The Philippines | 1535 S 11th St
Known for its traditional kamayan Sunday feasts, Perla is Philly’s ultimate destination for authentic Filipino food. Perla features an a-la-carte modern Filipino menu Thursday through Saturday, with family-style eat-with-your-hands dinners served on banana leaves on Wednesdays and Sundays. Must-haves include sinangag, crunchy garlic-fried jasmine rice, and the chicken inasal, cooked in a rich soy marinade. Don’t leave without trying the crispy fried pork belly or lechon kawali, their most notable dish — and take an extra serving of crisp lumpia spring rolls to-go for a late-night snack.