East Passyunk is a renowned foodie hotspot that attracts locals and visitors year-round. It’s home to many traditional red gravy (tomato sauce) Italian restaurants, world-famous cheesesteak spots, bars, cafes, and other highly acclaimed eateries. One of the best things about East Passyunk is that it’s highly walkable. There are restaurants everywhere. You can visit as many restaurants as you want and experience a vibrant and diverse dining experience. The incredible restaurants, attractions, fun shops, and much more are what make East Passyunk so special.
The dining scene here in Philly has so many notables that the NYTimes made a Top 25 Restaurants in Philadelphia list. And you know what?!?! Of the New York Times’ top 25, 14 were in South Philadelphia! That’s just incredible!
Among these notables….
South Philly Barbacoa An award-winning eatery featuring homestyle Mexican fare owned and operated by Chef Cristina Martinez. You must try their Barbacoa, which includes tender lamb smoked for hours before being wrapped in banana leaves and aluminum foil and then placed in large pots for 16 plus hours, smoking again over slow and low heat. Great atmosphere and food with communal table eating as well!
El Chingon means tough guy, means cool guy, meaning a dude who can get the job done. Serving Pueblan food, Chef Juan Carlos Aparicio is also a veteran baker. A standout on the menu is their Cemita, which is a Mexican sandwich that originally hails from the State of Puebla. Cemita rolls are a brioche-like egg-based bread with sesame seeds. The filling includes meat (milanesa or taco fillings like carnitas), loaded with fine shreds of white cheese (such as quesillo or queso Oaxaca), avocado, pápalo leaves (an herb with a flavor somewhere between arugula and cilantro), and either pickled jalapeños or smoky chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. In the sandwich world, it’s a masterpiece.
Photo by Casey Robinson, El Chingon
Congrats to the 25 Philly restaurants on the NYTimes list. Gosh! – We love Philly!
📍Gabriella’s Vietnam
📍Kalaya Philly
📍El chingon Philly
Photo Credit: Gab Bonghi, South Philly Barbacoa
If you want to enjoy a night out on East Passyunk and try some of these award-winning restaurants, join Chef Jacquie for a Philly Comfort food tour!
Craving comfort foods? Visit some of the best hidden gems while we stroll this 1 mile walkable corridor, known as South Philly’s restaurant row. Where you’ll taste Philly’s famous comfort foods and see old fashioned barber shops. Everyone can join this tour; whether on business or hanging out with your cousin Vinny. Bring friends and family for get-togethers and out-of-town guests.
Professionally trained, Philadelphia native, Chef Jacquie of StrEATS of Philly Food Tours is a Michelin-Guide recommended Philly food expert and food tour guide in business since 2010.
