Top 34 Best Casual Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA in 2024!

Are you looking for a laid-back dining experience in Philadelphia?

TravelLuxuryLiving
Travel Luxury Living
12 min readSep 16, 2023

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Tired of dressing up for fancy restaurants and prefer a more casual atmosphere?

Then this top 34 list is for you! We have rounded up the 34 best casual restaurants that you can try in Philly in 2024. From comforting bowls of pasta to finger-licking good barbeque, Philly has it all.

Yes, 34 restaurants. I mean come on… this is the sixth largest city in the USA with a population of 1.6 million. We couldn’t make this just a top 10 list. :) We’re only talking about a short paragraph for each restaurant with a link to their website. Let’s face it, with 34 to choose from, all you need is a short description of a restaurant to know if that’s the one you want to go to.

So, this is a quick glance, not a novel piece :), at the top 34 best casual restaurants in Philadelphia in 2024.

Get your appetite ready and read on to find the perfect spot for your next dinner date or impromptu lunch with friends.

1. The Dandelion Pub

For those seeking a cozy, pub-style atmosphere, The Dandelion Pub is a great choice. Their menu offers classic comfort food with a British twist, such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. In addition, their cocktail menu is impressive with creative drinks and a wide variety of beer and wine options.

2. Sabrina’s Café

This restaurant offers a menu of classic comfort food with a twist. Sabrina’s Café’s must-try dish is the stuffed French Toast, with fillings like vanilla bean cream cheese, fresh berries, and even dulce de leche. The cozy atmosphere, coupled with the friendly staff, will make you feel right at home.

3. The Love

The Love has an impressive rotating menu with dishes crafted to perfection. The restaurant’s famous “Philly-style” fried chicken is known to be some of the tastiest in the city, but if chicken isn’t your thing, the veggie burger is also a standout. The restaurant’s unique decor makes for a swanky yet casual dining ambiance.

4. Oyster House

If you’re looking for a seafood spot, the Oyster House should be your go-to. The seafood is always fresh and served in various forms, from oysters to clams to lobster. Not to mention, the restaurant has a vast selection of cocktails and craft beers to compliment your meal.

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5. Dalessandro’s Steaks

Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, and Dalessandro’s is one of the best places in town to try one. Their cheesesteaks are made with high-quality beef and served on rolls that are baked on-site. The sandwiches are massive, and the patio seating makes for a fun and casual dining experience.

6. Green Eggs Café

Green Eggs Cafe is known for its Instagram-worthy brunch dishes like Red Velvet Pancakes and Crème Brulee French Toast. With four locations (Midtown, Northern Liberties, South Philly, and Center City), Green Eggs Cafe has something for everyone.

7. Federal Donuts

If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, head to Federal Donuts for their famous fried chicken. This casual eatery offers a variety of chicken sandwiches and fried chicken baskets, along with their signature donuts and coffee. Their old-fashioned recipe is perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a must-try.

8. Zahav

This restaurant is known for its Israeli cuisine, with a menu that’s rich in spices and flavors. The must-try dish is the lamb shoulder, which is cooked for hours before it’s served on a platter, perfect for sharing. Zahav has a bustling atmosphere that makes it feel like a party every day.

9. Honest Tom’s Taco Shop

For some drool-worthy tacos, head to Honest Tom’s Taco Shop. Their unique taco combinations, such as their buffalo chicken and baja fish tacos, never disappoint. In addition, this casual spot also offers delicious burritos, nachos, and quesadillas.

10. Pizzeria Beddia

Ranked as the number one pizza place in America by Bon Appetit, Pizzeria Beddia is a must-visit for every pizza lover. Their menu boasts of a simple yet flavorful selection of pizzas and vegetable sides, all made using fresh, local ingredients.

11. Goldie

This vegan falafel shop in Center City offers a fresh and healthy option for a quick meal. Their falafel sandwiches and bowls are packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection, along with delicious dips and sides like hummus and fries.

12. Spread Bagelry

This bagel shop offers a variety of fresh, hand-rolled bagels with various spreads, from classic lox and cream cheese to unique options like jalapeno cheddar and cinnamon sugar. Spread Bagelry also offers breakfast sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks to go with your bagel.

13. Mission Taqueria

Located in Center City, this casual Mexican spot offers a variety of tacos, burritos, and cocktails. Their pork belly and rockfish tacos are popular choices, and their margaritas and tequila flights are perfect for a night out.

14. Vic Sushi Bar

For some delicious sushi, Vic Sushi Bar is a great pick. Their creative sushi rolls, such as their Philadelphia roll with smoked salmon and cream cheese, are a must-try. In addition, they also offer sashimi, tempura, and Japanese-inspired small plates like miso soup and seaweed salad.

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15. Frankford Hall

Frankford Hall is a German-style beer hall that serves delicious German fare. The bratwurst, soft pretzels, and schnitzel are some of the most popular dishes on the menu. The lively atmosphere and vast outdoor seating area make it the perfect spot for a casual night out.

16. Johnny Brenda’s

Photo by Edward Cisneros on Unsplash

If you’re looking for some live music with your meal, Johnny Brenda’s is the place to go. Located in Fishtown, Johnny Brenda’s has a relaxed vibe, refreshing cocktails, and a menu of elevated comfort foods like Mac & Cheese with Lobster.

17. Tacodelphia

Tacodelphia is a food truck that has a permanent location in University City. Their menu focuses on a fusion of Mexican and Filipino cuisine with items like Adobo Chicken Tacos and Pansit Bihon.

18. Pizza Brain

This quirky pizza spot located in Kensington is also a record store. Their pizza is made from a sourdough crust, which gives it a unique taste. They have a selection of creative toppings like mac and cheese, vegan chorizo, and potato and rosemary. Pizza Brain, the world’s first pizza museum and pizzeria, is a 3-time Best of Philly award winner for best pizza in Philadelphia.

19. The Couch Tomato

This casual pizzeria located in Manayunk serves up unique and inventive pizzas like the BBQ Chicken and Smashed Potato Pizza. They also have a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

20. Philly Style Bagels

Philadelphia may be known for its cheesesteaks, but we cannot forget about bagels! This casual eatery located in Fishtown is transforming the bagel game in Philadelphia. Their hand-rolled, boiled, and baked bagels are a must-try.

21. Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat

Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat is a quaint breakfast and lunch spot in Northern Liberties. Their focus is on homestyle Southern and Jewish-American cooking. You can’t leave without trying their Classic Buttermilk Pancakes and Matzo Ball Soup.

22. Dan Dan Noodles

If you’re a fan of Sichuan cuisine, Dan Dan Noodles won’t disappoint with their authentic, spicy dishes. Their namesake Dan Dan noodles are a popular favorite, and their pork dumplings, mapo tofu, and Gong Bao chicken are also must-tries.

23. Tommy DiNic’s

If sandwiches are your jam, then Tommy DiNic’s is the perfect spot to grab the best Philly-style roast pork sandwiches in town. Their pork sandwiches are topped with provolone cheese, broccoli rabe, and roasted peppers, making for a mouthwatering experience.

24. Pho 75

If you are craving for some Vietnamese food, Pho 75 is the perfect spot. The restaurant offers homemade pho noodle soup with a range of meat and vegetable toppings. Enjoy a bowl of hot and steamy pho to soothe your soul.

25. Lorenzo and Sons Pizza

Pizza is a comfort food that is loved by people of all ages, and when you’re in Philly, Lorenzo and Sons should be on your list. They serve enormous slices of pizza that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. One slice is enough to fill you up.

26. Nom Wah Tea Parlor

If you’re in the mood for some dim sum, then Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the place to be. The restaurant has been serving dim sum since 1920, and their flavors have only gotten better with time. From their dumplings to their egg tarts, everything on their menu is delicious.

27. Paesano’s Philly Style

Another South Philly staple, Paesano’s is known for its creative and flavorful sandwiches. Their sandwiches are big enough to share, but after taking a bite, you might not want to. From the Paesano to the Daddy Wad, there’s something for everyone.

28. The Olde Bar

Located in the heart of Old City, The Olde Bar is a casual dining spot that serves classic American specialties. From their juicy burger to their crab cake sandwich, everything on their menu is made with fresh and seasonal ingredients that add the right flavors to the dishes.

29. John’s Roast Pork

Nestled in the heart of South Philly, John’s Roast Pork is the go-to place for delicious roast pork sandwiches and cheesesteaks. The place might not look fancy, but it is always packed with people who come to savor the juicy and succulent roast pork.

30. Good Dog Bar

The Good Dog Bar is a cozy gastropub with a laid-back vibe. Their famous burger is one of the most popular dishes they serve and has become a cult favorite among foodies. They also have an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a casual night out.

31. Barbuzzo

If you’re looking for a cozy, intimate atmosphere, Barbuzzo is the perfect spot. Located in the heart of Midtown Village, they serve some of the best Mediterranean dishes in the city. You can’t go wrong with their famous salted caramel budino, which is the perfect dessert to cap off a delicious meal.

32. Tria Cafe

Tria Cafe is the perfect spot for wine enthusiasts. They offer an extensive selection of wines, beers, and light fare, making it a perfect stop before or after a show. Their famous truffle popcorn and meat and cheese boards are perfect for sharing with a group of friends.

33. Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop

Joe’s Steaks is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. Their Philly cheesesteaks have won numerous awards over the years, and for a good reason. The bread, meat, and cheese used in their sandwiches are all of the highest quality, resulting in a perfect combination of flavors. They also have an extensive vegetarian menu.

34. Reading Terminal Market

A trip to Philadelphia is incomplete without visiting Reading Terminal Market, a historical indoor marketplace known for its diverse food stalls. From Mexican tortillas to Italian pasta, you can find everything here, including some of the best Philly cheesesteaks in the city. Don’t forget to try the iconic roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s, a must-try for any foodie.

Philadelphia might be famous for its cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, but the city’s casual dining scene has a lot more to offer.

These 34 best casual restaurants in Philadelphia offer a range of options for any palate, from classic comfort food to creative sushi rolls. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or looking for a fun night out, these spots won’t disappoint.

Next time you are in Philadelphia, make sure to visit at least one of these top 34 casual restaurants to satisfy your cravings and indulge in a fun-filled dining experience in Philly.

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That’s all for this list on the Top 34 Best Casual Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA in 2024!

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