Here are the Most Iconic Foods in Philadelphia

There are many cuisines to choose from in Philadelphia, and a big range in price & experience- from fast food and casual eateries to cozy BYO-restaurants and extremely fine dining. We enjoyed some amazing bibimbap, sushi, tacos, satay chicken, and more during our time there. However, there are some eats that are very specific to the city– the most iconic foods in Philadelphia.

So, in the list below, I’ve included the most iconic foods in Philadelphia (though surely not all of them). Ones that are unique to Philadelphia. Amish & Italian influences have historically played a big role in the cuisines here.

Be warned that this list is very much not vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. However, this recent explosive food scene aforementioned provides plenty of restaurant choices (no matter your dietary restrictions or preferences).

Philly Cheesesteaks

Okay. This has been the elephant in the room since you read the title of this blog post. You knew this was coming. One can’t talk (or type, or read) about food in Philly without IMMEDIATELY conjuring thoughts of cheesesteaks. It’s not possible.

A classic Philadelphia cheesesteak consists of: a long hoagie roll (…bread) with steak, cheese & onions inside (although you can omit the onions, add peppers, etc). The controversy lies in the cheese. Provolone is often used in joints throughout the country but in Philadelphia it’s a different story. Cheese wiz is king here. You might wonder if you’re too good to consume cheese wiz on your sandwich. Don’t worry, wiz is humble and forgives rash judgements.

So…where can you find one??

There are lots of options, so let’s dig in:

Pat’s & Geno’s

First off, these are the two most famous cheesesteak establishments. Located next door to each other in South Philly, you can choose which long line to join. When I went, we split the group and tried bites of each. Both were great.

Pat’s King of Steaks: Self-Proclaimed Inventor & Originator of the Cheesesteak Sandwich @ 1237 E. Passyunk Ave. (9th & Wharton St.)

Geno’s Steaks: Self-Proclaimed Best Cheesesteaks in Philly @ 1219 9th St. (9th & Passyunk Avenue)

Jim’s

People rave about Jim’s South St., another South Philly establishment, which was voted “Best of the Best” by Trip Advisor in 2021. I was pretty let down by my sandwich there, but maybe they were having an off night.

Sonny’s

My personal favorite cheesesteak joint is Sonny’s Favorite Steaks, also self-proclaimed Best Cheesesteak in Philly (ha ha). Sonny’s is the cheesesteak establishment I always recommend visiting if you only have time for one. The location is more central to the top tourist attractions, found in in Old City near the Delaware River.

Sonny’s Favorite Steaks: in Old City at 228 Market St. (between 2nd & 3rd Streets)

Steve’s Prince of Steaks

Steve’s Prince of Steaks make great sandwiches, too! Self-Proclaimed Best Traditional Cheese Steaks in Philadelphia. (I get the biggest kick out of these titles…) They have several locations, which makes it convenient to find one as you’re touring! It’s a fun vibe inside, too.

I mean, they are all toasted hoagie buns with steak and melted cheese…so you can’t really mess it up too much. Let me know which one you love most!

Reading Terminal Market

This is pronounced “Redding” Terminal Market. The market is ground level. When it opened in 1893, the market was just below the train terminal for Reading Railroad (Monopoly!). It’s since grown quite large, and you can find a huge variety of foods there.

Reading is a combination of casual restaurants and produce/ grocery stalls. Several Amish and Mennonite vendors commute in from the surrounding areas each day to sell their products. Its an experience to roam through the narrow alleys and peruse all the delicious foods and chefs in action!

My personal favorite eats at Reading Terminal Market:

• Miller’s Twist soft pretzels (soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth; pretzel-wrapped hot dog is great too)
• Fruit Smoothies (very fresh, using all fruit; love the kale & pineapple)
• deli counters selling various cheeses and deli meats (the ham & turkey are shaved thin and so much better than what you’d find at the store)
• Beiler’s donuts (very famous Amish donuts; apple fritter is fantastic, but the original glazed is the best donut I’ve had the privilege of tasting)

You can also find cheesesteaks/other meat sandwiches, homemade nut butters, black & white cookies, immaculately decorated layered cakes, candy counters, ice cream, fresh fruit, and more.

We even bought our Thanksgiving turkey and rolls here at Reading Terminal Market one year. Come hungry!

18th Century Dining at City Tavern

City Tavern is (unsurprisingly) located in Old City, within the boundaries of Independence National Historical Park. Servers wear period clothing and the food is presented on colonial-style dishes. The menu even includes authentic Revolutionary recipes and offerings.

138 South 2nd St at Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 | 215.413.1443

The price is a bit steep, but you pay for the atmosphere and experience. We enjoyed talking to management and hearing more about the history of the building! Learn more about City Tavern on their official website.

Best Pizza Spots in Philadelphia:

Santucci’s Pizza at the Italian Market

The open-air Italian Market is in South Philly, along 9th Street. There are tons of produce stalls, cheese shops, restaurants, butchers, and more.

My favorite reason to wander down to the Italian Market is for this pizza.

Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, “Philadelphia’s Famous Square Pizza”, comes with the sauce on top. In theory that sounds annoying and messy, but it’s not. It’s magical. This square (rectangle?) pizza has my heart (stomach?). You can also find locations in Roxborough & on North Broad. Learn more on their website.

Pizzeria Vetri

This pizza is amazing, too. It’s more of an artisan, brick-oven, thin crust situation. They call it “Authentic Neapolitan Pizza”, and I call it reaaaaaally delicious.

They have one location near Rittenhouse Square and another one just north of Logan Square on Museum Mile. Learn more on their website.

Revolutionary Sweets & Treats

Federal Donuts

I know you’ve just had Amish donuts at Beiler’s but don’t worry. These are totally different. These are hearty (but not too dense) cake donuts rolled in sugar. I highly recommend the strawberry lavender flavor.

They have 7 locations within Philadelphia so you have no excuse not to try one:

• Second Street: 1219 Second Street
• Center City: 1909 Samson Street
• North Philly: 701 North Seventh Street
• South Street: 540 South Street
• West Philly: 3248 Sansom Street
• East Market: 21 S. 12th Street
• Parkway: 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (That is the coolest address)

Learn more on their website here.

Franklin Fountain

If you’re perusing Old City and find yourself near Christ church & Sonny’s cheesesteaks…walk a few steps further towards the Delaware River to the old-fashioned Franklin Fountain ice cream parlor. It’s themed really well and there are so many great options (sundaes, fountains, etc.).

Official website here.

116 Market Street, Philadelphia

Breakfast & Brunch Options

Spread Bagelry

If you haven’t had enough circular bread with a hole in it yet…check out Spread Bagelry. We lived down the street from their Rittenhouse Square location. They boast Montreal style wood-oven bagels that are chewier and denser than your typical bagel. It’s fun to watch the bagels go into the wood-fired oven, and the finished product is very distinct.

They now have five locations within Philadelphia! Learn more on their website here.

Honey’s Sit N Eat

Honey’s is a delicious breakfast & brunch place with both homestyle and fresher options available, with TONS of flavor and variety. I had a fun birthday breakfast here one time!

Learn more on their website or visit in person at:

800 N 4th St.

Green Eggs Cafe

This is a great classic brunch stop. There were frequently girls brunches held here, and I never tired of the savory skillets, specialty french toasts and pancakes.

Official website here.

Locations in: South Philly, Midtown Village, Fishtown, Rittenhouse Square, and Brewerytown

If you are looking for a non-cheesesteak sandwich…

Primo Hoagies

Primo Hoagies is a sandwich shop that’s primarily grab & go. (I grew up saying “hoagie” but apparently that might be a regional thing…so, “sub sandwich” is the equivalent if you’re unfamiliar). Primo’s Hoagies has a few locations, although I’ve only been to the one near Logan Square.

Wawa

You can also get great sandwiches at Wawa. It’s technically a convenience store but that doesn’t give it nearly enough credit. I had a Wawa turkey sub after I gave birth to my son (and hadn’t eaten for many hours) and it was divine!

BONUS: Chains very non-specific to Philly, but loved and recommended by our family still

• Shake Shack (these are a dime a dozen now, but still consistent and delicious)
• Bobby’s Burger Palace (over near University of Pennsylvania, which is a lovely college campus to explore!) Update: has since closed down!
• Sweet Green (fantastic salads & grain bowls. Get Harvest Bowl!)

That’s it!

Have you been to Philadelphia? What’d you love that you ate?

Do you agree with this round-up of the most iconic foods in Philadelphia?

Let me know in the comments what you’d add to the list!

Cover photo by Stephen Levin via Pixabay

Read more of our guides to Philadelphia:

A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 1]: Best Historic Attractions

A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 2]: Best Cultural Sites

A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 4]: Best Places for Kids