7 Totally Underrated Restaurants in Philadelphia
Tired of eating at the same places in Philadelphia time after time? Some hidden gems offering flavors and experiences that require a deep dive into the city’s culinary scene are waiting. Change up the routine with these seven underrated restaurants peppered throughout Philly. These are the hidden gems true Philadelphia foodies already know about.
Marrakesh
517 South Leithgow Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 925-5929
Once seated at this hidden gem, guests are presented with a bowl of rose water to rinse their hands. This is key because many of the entrées served up at this Moroccan restaurant are meant to be eaten with your hands! The salad, couscous, lamb, chicken with lemon and olive, baklava, and more just keep coming when you order the seven-course dinner experience here. The restaurant even brings out belly dancers during dessert! Overall, Marrakesh offers generous portions of flavorful, scrumptiously seasoned food served up in a homestyle environment.
L’Angolo Ristorante
1415 West Porter Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 389-4252
Open for dinner only, L’Angolo Ristorante is a South Philly gem that delights guests with satisfying portions of classic Italian favorites. The Italian-style potato salad, grilled octopus, lobster ravioli, smoked mozzarella, and ricotta gnocchi hit all the right notes. Overall, the menu is rounded out nicely between meat, seafood, and pasta dishes. The grilled octopus served over potato salad and arugula dressed with lemon and olive oil is notably light and satisfying. What’s more, there isn’t a more tender beef braciola in the city!
Friday Saturday Sunday
261 South 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 546-4232
Friday Saturday Sunday is all about what’s in season. Serving up a menu full of seasonally inspired dishes with classic touches, this restaurant knows how to pair complex flavors with wines and cocktails with rosy complexions. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the potato gnocchi or smoked herring pasta! The beautifully curated menu ensures that guests walk away full and satisfied. In fact, the servers are more like cuisine educators. They walk guests through the full menu before activating a multi-course tasting experience that allows guests to nibble on a number of creative and memorable dishes. The bartenders are also beyond skilled!
The Chinese Noodle Factory
133 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 922-1688
Get ready to be obsessed with these noodles! Knowing about this place is actually a little bit dangerous because cravings will hit once you get a taste. This hole-in-the-wall gem makes its own fresh rice noodles from scratch. You’ll be handed a steaming container filled with a generous portion that’s accompanied by a fork and napkin. The secret about this place is that many of the other noodle houses and Asian restaurants in Philadelphia actually buy wholesale batches from here. Why go all around town looking for the best noodles when you can get them right where they’re made? In addition to serving delicious noodles dishes, the Chinese Noodle factory also sells what many consider to be the best steamed pork buns in town. Don’t skip the turnip cake and white sugar cake!
Isot Mediterranean Cuisine
622 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 457-3622
Isot is a hidden gem serving up Turkish cuisine in a friendly, intimate environment. Food is cooked using authentic steel roasting, clay bowls, and old-style grilling techniques. When coming for the first time, the mixed plate featuring lamb, beef, and chicken for two is a great choice. The perfectly done calamari is also a top pick. Of course, everything here practically melts in your mouth as you taste the perfectly done seasoning. The fact that everything on the menu is so savory really makes you want to make room for the kunefe from the dessert menu. This popular Middle Eastern treat is a spun pastry that’s soaked in a sugar-based syrup before being layered with cheese.
Creme Brulee Bistro & Cafe
618 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 334-9000
This adorable coffee, tea, and pastry house is a great place to know about for those times when you need a “little something” that doesn’t necessarily involve a big sit-down meal. The goat cheese artichoke pastry alone should be enough to get anyone in the door. This eatery also does a gorgeous French omelet that can be served with a side of unforgettable sourdough. Coffees, green juices, and granola bowls ensure that there is truly something for every mood every time you come back. There’s something especially magical about the spicy honey latte with almond milk on a rainy day!
La Nona
214 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
(267) 928-3262
This gem serves up pure Italian comfort food! The big thing to know about this place is that all of the pastas are made by hand daily using an old family recipe taken to America from a hillside town near Rome. Tuck into some chicken parm and gnocchi dripping over with sauce and love. When the mood for a big meal strikes, the short rib served with risotto and broccoli definitely comes through. Of course, it’s the welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that makes this lovely restaurant feel like a family affair.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Philadelphia page!
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