Out of every neighborhood in Philadelphia, South Philly is the most renowned for their eclectic, diverse, and totally delicious restaurants that people travel miles for. We’re listing five of our must-try favorites in South Philadelphia!
📷 River Twice
1. River Twice
A self-described “new American modern” restaurant, River Twice is famous for the incredible mid-Atlantic food prepared by renowned chef (and owner) Randy Rucker. The inside is sparse but sophisticated, allowing for an elevated dining experience that feels both luxurious and sincerely South Philly. Rucker aims to make the food feel very true to the area, making this one of our favorite South Philly choices.
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | 5pm–10pm
Friday | 5pm–10pm
Saturday | 5pm–10pm
Sunday | 4pm–9pm
📍 Location
1601 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
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📷 South Philly Barbacoa
2. South Philly Barbacoa
If you’re seeking the most authentic Mexican cuisine in South Philly, Barbacoa is the place for you! Only open on Saturdays and Sundays, Barbacoa makes a killing in to-go orders of enormous quantities, as the dishes literally fly off the shelves to appease hungry South Philadelphians. Customers often rush in on the weekends to snag a table and enjoy the slow-cooked goodness, as most of the dishes are prepared in a traditional Mexican slow-cooker. With limited seating and limited hours, we recommend going early: this place fills up faster than you can say “Barbacoa”!
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday | Closed
Thursday | Closed
Friday | Closed
Saturday | 5am–3pm
Sunday | 5am–3pm
📍 Location
1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
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📷 Cucina Maria
3. Cucina Maria South Philly
Taking an Italian turn, Cucina Maria is next up on our list of fantastic South Philly eats, and you won’t be disappointed: the spaghetti is al dente, the sauces homemade, and the Italian authenticity palpable. From spinach gnocchi to lobster ravioli, your pasta cravings are sure to be satisfied at Cucina Maria, and you’re free to BYOB – a sure-fire good time with good wine.
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 11am–10pm
Wednesday | 11am–10pm
Thursday | 11am–10pm
Friday | 11am–11pm
Saturday | 11am–11pm
Sunday | 11am–10pm
📍 Location
768 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
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📷 Ember and Ash
4. Ember and Ash
This ingenious restaurant incorporates wood-fired seasonal cooking methods and local produce to create dishes with an in-house wood-burning hearth, each more delectable than the last! Ember and Ash focuses on diminishing their carbon footprint and using locally sourced goods to promote sustainability, all while still serving up delicious meals and reducing waste. Their house-made drinks are also a highlight here; we recommend the Pickle Beet Martini!
Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 5pm–12am
Wednesday | 5pm–12am
Thursday | 5pm–12am
Friday | 5pm–2am
Saturday | 5pm–2am
Sunday | Closed
📍 Location
1520 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
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📷 Burrata
5. Burrata
This South 13th Street gem is an Italian highlight everyone in Philadelphia needs to try at least once. The seafood is premiere, the pasta homemade (and delicious), and the atmosphere utterly welcoming and homey. If pasta is your comfort food, then Burrata is sure to be your comfort restaurant. Using only ingredients from Philadelphia, Burrata is a South Philly staple that we could never say no to.
Monday | 5pm–9:30pm
Tuesday | 5pm–9:30pm
Wednesday | 5pm–9:30pm
Thursday | 5pm–9:30pm
Friday | 5pm–9:30pm
Saturday | 5pm–10pm
Sunday | 4pm–9pm
📍 Location
1247 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
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Need More Restaurant Recommendations?
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