Save Philadelphia Restaurants
2020 was challenging for everyone, especially small businesses and local restaurants. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Philadelphia’s restaurant community faced an unprecedented economic disaster. Moving into the new year, the Dominic Fuscia Team will continue to support small local businesses and Philadelphia restaurants. Not only does this promote the local business owners we personally know and love, it also supports the economy by giving back, creating new jobs, and also offering consumers the ability to contribute to the cause of supporting the local community. Why wouldn’t you support your neighbors and friends and make an investment in your own neighborhood?
This year, join us and eat out as often as you can! (even if that means take out), so we can all give back to our city and help keep the doors open at our favorite local spots, which need our support now more than ever. As a team of self-proclaimed ‘foodies’, we decided to compile an epic list of our team’s favorite spots to eat as well as some mouthwatering menu recommendations. We hope you’re hungry! Photo source: Instagram @levirtuphila
carl’s take
Fountain Porter - Located at: 1601 S 10th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Fountain Porter is an old-school South Philly neighborhood tavern specializing in craft beers and a special menu of delicious burgers (offered to-go) and small bites.
Le Virtu - Located at: 1927 E Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine from Italy's Abruzzo region. Plus, this great spot offers warm-weather garden seating. Le Virtu’s authentic dishes employ Abruzzese traditional ingredients in new and innovative ways. Salumi fan? They also pride themselves on making one of the largest and most authentic selections of cured meats in America! Also, the menu changes every season! With cuisine this good, why wouldn’t you want to try multiple items on the menu? Photo source: Instagram @levirtuphila
trent’s take
Vernick - Located at: 2031 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Situated in the heart of the city, Vernick Food & Drink is a a new American eatery located in a Rittenhouse brownstone serving upscale large and small plates and killer cocktails.
Spuntino Wood Fired Pizza - Located at: 701 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Located in the heart of Northern Liberties, Spuntino is a modern, industrial-feel pizzeria serving Neapolitan pies from a wood-burning brick oven. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
amy’s take
Bing Bing Dim Sum - Located at: 1648 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
This snug, energetic spot serves up creative Chinese dishes with a Jewish twist. They also have a great cocktail and happy hour menu. Amy’s favorite: “The Cheese Steak Bao is absolutely incredible!” It is pictured to the right. Photo source: Instagram @bingbingdimsum
The Dandelion - Located at: 124 S 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Located steps away from Rittenhouse Square, this sophisticated yet cozy gastropub serves craft beers and modern takes on British cuisine in a quaint pub setting. Amy’s favorite: Chicken and Duck Liver Pate and Deviled Eggs.
katie’s take
Los Gallos - Located at: 951 Wolf Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
This colorful, traditional counter serve specializes in traditional tacos with a variety of fillings and toppings. It’s also BYOB! Who doesn’t enjoy a classic taco margaritas combo? Katie’s favorite: Salmon con Mariscos
Blue Corn - Located at: 940 S 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147l
A festive family-owned South Philly eatery serving up traditional Mexican plates and handcrafted cocktails. Katie’s favorite: Lobster Ceviche
Suzie’s take
Loco Pez Fishtown - Located at: 2401 E Norris Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
With three locations in Philadelphia, this well-known Los Angelos style taqueria and bar serves tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and a whole lot of tequila. The restaurant’s menu is influenced by Southern California cuisine. Suzie’s favorite: Chix Nachos and Chevelle: Habanero infused Olmeca Altos Plata, Mezcal, passion fruit puree, lime.
Cafe Ynez - Located at: 2025 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146
A colorful BYOB diner serving authentic Mexican fare breakfast through dinner. This special spot serves soups, salads, cemitas, and rotisserie chicken all day long! Suzie’s favorite: “you can’t go wrong with any of their specials!” Photo source: Instagram @locopez
Sue’s take
Forsythia - Located at: 233 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19105
Located in the heart of Old City (our home away from home) this modern French bistro is the perfect sophisticated spot to enjoy delicious cuisine paired with an amazing cocktail. There is a full bar and a French-heavy wine list. This stylish spot is a must-try! Sue’s favorite: Shiitake Mushroom Tartine - Smoked Gouda Fondue, Onion Confit, Marjorum I Photo source: Instagram @forsythia_philly
Radicchio - Located at: 402 Wood Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Located on the border of Old City and Northern Liberties, this popular established BYOB serves traditional Italian fare in a cozy setting. Their menu consists of fresh salads, seafood, and good old fashioned Italian cuisine. Sue’s favorite: Grilled Octopus Salad - black olives, capers, lemon, olive oil
Jack’s take
Gigi Pizza - Located at: 504 Bainbridge Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Gigi Pizza is a small, yet vibrant pizza shop designed by Joseph D’Ambro. This great local spot serves up speciality Neapolitian pies built on traditional Italian flavors like cacio e pepe and puttanesca. The dough is made on site by their very own pastry chef. They even had an imported wood fired Pavesi oven from Modena, Italy and built it into the restaurant while it was being constructed.
Cafe La Maude - Located at: 816 N 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Known for the best brunch in Philly, this French-Lebanese cafe serves breakfast and lunch in Euro-style digs with heated cabins and partitioned outdoor dining. Jack’s favorite: “The Shawarma is phenomenal!” Photo source: Instagram: @cafelamaude
Marie’s take
Nemi - Located at: 2636 Ann Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134
A modern Mexican restaurant: “Nemi is a fantastic addition to Port Richmond! Their sweet plantains, pork belly tacos, ceviches, and to-go margaritas are incredible! Also, their homemade sauces give me life! The owner Alex, and his brother, Jose, are the greatest hosts too.” - Marie Collins
Johnny Brenda's - Located at: 1201 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Johnny Brenda’s is a bi-level indie rock venue offering craft beers and delicious seasonal American eats…
“The owners, William and Paul, are Fishtown pioneers and genuinely good people. During the summer, I would order a cocktail to-go and walk around the neighborhood. Now, they even have a variety of warm cocktails to enjoy during the colder months! Their burger has always been amazing too.“ - Marie Collins Photo source: @johnnybrendas
Angela’s Take
Talula’s Garden - Located at: 210 W. Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Located in Washington Square, this high-end charmer crafts seasonal American cuisine in a chic farmhouse setting with a magical summer garden for outdoor dining. Angela’s favorite: The house-made Ricotta Ravioli or the Fig ‘Pizza’. “They also have an awesome brunch menu.” Photo source: Instagram @talulas.garden
Barcelona Wine Bar - Located at: 1709 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Located in Passyunk, this amazing restaurant serves up a variety of Spanish-centric small plates and wine with a lovely outdoor patio. Angela’s favorites: “the Chicken Pimientos and the Poached Pear Salad are incredible. I also love the vibe here.”
Dominic’s take
Pizzeria Stella- 420 S 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Pizzeria Stella serves up delicious wood-fired pizza with gourmet toppings like black truffle and honey-pecorino, plus homemade Neapolitan gelato for dessert. This spot has a neighborhood restaurant feel and a cozy, casual dining area with a quaint bar. Dominic’s favorite: Tartuffo Pizza (black truffle with egg, and fontina - amazing!)
Suraya- 1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Suraya is a chic and spacious Lebanese cafe, market, and restaurant with a bar and a gorgeous outdoor garden! Dominic’s favorite: “Their Slow-Roasted Lamb Hummous is absolutely incredible.” Photo source: @surayaphilly