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A spread of Mediterranean seafood dishes on a table alongside cocktails.
Bastia
Stuart Goldenberg

The Best Restaurants in Fishtown

Essential bars, cafes, and restaurants in one of Philly’s most talked-about neighborhoods

by Ernest Owens and Eater Staff Updated
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Bastia
| Stuart Goldenberg
by Ernest Owens and Eater Staff Updated

By now everyone has heard the story: Back in 2003, two industry veterans turned Girard Avenue beer-and-a-shot joint Johnny Brenda’s into a lauded gastropub and indie venue. Other businesses followed them into Fishtown — the neighborhood north of the city that sits along the Delaware River — and these days it’s possible to get everything from excellent Japanese cuisine to classic Pennsylvanian fare on the same strip. It’s a bit absurd to call the neighborhood up-and-coming at this point — anyone who takes a stroll down Frankford Avenue can see for themself that it’s long since arrived.

In fact, the punks who first moved into the area when the rents were cheap are now grown enough that they want to eat nice things. So while the place still retains its working-class charm in the form of dive bars and delis, Center City’s cooler cousin to the north has firmly established itself as a culinary destination all its own.

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Bastia

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Chef-Partner Tyler Akin returns to Philly with an emerging hotspot that’s inspired by the flavors and vibes of Corsica and Sardinia. An all-day restaurant, Bastia serves as both a comforting café when the sun is up and lively restaurant serving up coastal Mediterranean cuisine (such as their grilled half lobster algherese with green chickpeas and fingerlings) at night.

1401 East Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125
(267) 651-0269
(267) 651-0269

Also featured in:

Gilda

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This instant must-go-to-immediately-for-lunch spot has already garnered a loyal following with only one year in business. From their tasty grilled piri-piri chicken with fries to their Pastéis de Bacalhau (salt cod fritters with lemon and parsley) — there’s not a single unexciting option on their cultural, flavorful, and lively menu.

300 East Girard Avenue, PA 19125

Also featured in:

Kalaya

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James Beard Award-winner Chef Nok Suntaranon’s ode to Southern Thai is an upgrade version of itself at its Fishtown location. Here, miang pla phao — a whole grilled branzino served with pineapple, herbs, and rice noodles — or a towering tom yum kalaya with giant river prawns emerging from the fragrant broth — can confidently be found on their vast menu.

4 W Palmer St (at Blair St), Philadelphia, PA 19122

Murph's Bar

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One of Fishtown’s best-kept secrets is a stand-up Italian restaurant curiously situated in the back of an Irish pub. At Murph’s Bar, Puglian chef Francesco Bellastelli cooks up a nightly menu of pastas like strozzapreti with cherry tomatoes and burrata and tagliatelle bolognese. Only in Philly.

202 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 425-1847
(215) 425-1847

Also featured in:

LMNO

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This Baja Mexican restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s also a dance floor, bookstore, and art gallery. This Stephen Starr experience has garnered a following for its notable coal-roasted oysters, brisket tacos, and Mexican chocolate mousse cake.

1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 770-7001
(215) 770-7001

Also featured in:

Suraya

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This ambitious market, cafe, bar, and restaurant, all rolled into one, serves a Lebanese menu of man’oushe and rose pistachio pastries in the morning and lamb kebabs and whole fish with arak cocktails at night. Opt for a seat at Suraya’s long bar, at a table in the dining room, or on the spacious back patio — just make sure to book ahead, as this place’s charms are well-documented by now.

1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 302-1900
(215) 302-1900

Elwood

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Get dinner with a side of local history at Adam Diltz’s BYOB, which aims to illustrate that Philly is much more than cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. At Elwood, the chef draws inspiration from the region’s past to recreate and update dishes like snapper soup, ham pot pie (the Pennsylvania Dutch staple also known as bott boi), and locally sourced pork and rabbit served family-style. For dessert, don’t miss out on the funnel cake, and on the weekends, check out the tea service that includes specialty snacks like scrapple and snickerdoodles.

1007 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 279-7427
(215) 279-7427

Also featured in:

Cake Life Bake Shop

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You can’t go wrong with any dessert of any kind from Cake Life Bake Shop, a proudly queer-owned bakery on Frankford Avenue. Cookies, cakes, bars, and more line the counter at the shop, and you can preorder festive, special desserts for seasonal holidays.

1306 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 268-7343
(215) 268-7343

Also featured in:

Frankford Hall

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This spacious venue in the heart of Fishtown is know for its industrial architecture and mix of German and American beers. Happy hours and game days are quintessential as half and full liter flow, and sizzling sausages, well-portioned burgers, and enormous Bavarian pretzels are being served.

1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 634-3338
(215) 634-3338

Also featured in:

Hiroki

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For any special occasion dinners you have on the horizon, Hiroki — a sushi omakase experience on the corner of Master and Lee — is the place to go. Chef Hiroki Fujiyama’s restaurant is one of the best for sushi, not just in Fishtown but the entire city. Everything is delicately done, beautifully plated, and a sensation to eat; a truly transportive experience. Be sure to make reservations.

Corner of Lee &, Master St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 422-3222
(215) 422-3222

Also featured in:

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons

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This charming Fishtown restaurant has garnered a impeccable reputation for serving wood-fired Italian cuisine in a restored century-old former whiskey facility. Expect imaginative, imaginative seasonal pizza options (such as their Al Funghi served with mushrooms, scarmorz, carmelized onions, bufala mozz, roasted garlic, and aged balsamic) and bold pasta servings (like the duck egg raviolo that’s a love letter to ricotta and truffle).

1355 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 291-1355
(215) 291-1355

Also featured in:

Pizzeria Beddia

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At the end of 2019, owner Joe Beddia opened up a full-service version of his cult-favorite takeout shop serving signature pies alongside natural wines, delicious small plates, and soft serve ice cream. Though the hype has died down a bit since the early acclaim, you should probably still make reservations if you want to dine at a prime time. The outdoor patio is warm and lovely, with convivial vibes and kind waitstaff.

1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(267) 928-2256
(267) 928-2256

Also featured in:

Philadelphia Distilling

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The home of the highly-sought after Bluecoat Gin is more than just a distillery, but an amazing bar that serves some of the tastiest bites in the neighborhood. Come here for their creative cocktails, such as their spirited Pennsylvania Punch, and stay for their thoughtful menu that is both seasonal and comforting (such as their juicy cheeseburger).

25 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 671-0346
(215) 671-0346

Also featured in:

Liberty Kitchen PHL

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Every neighborhood in Philly has about a thousand places where you can get a hoagie, some much better than others. Fishtown’s Liberty Kitchen is truly a standout, not only for its Della Casa hoagie with gabagool, fresh mozzarella, and arugula, but for the vegetarian version, too, made with roasted eggplant. Don’t sleep on the tomato pie and gussied-up Tandy Cakes, a play on one of Philly’s favorite packaged desserts.

1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 309-2241
(215) 309-2241

Also featured in:

Middle Child Clubhouse

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Middle Child Clubhouse, is the second, much larger iteration of sandwich genius Matt Cahn’s Washington Square West luncheonette. The menu is much expanded from that of the smaller sandwich shop, to everyone’s good fortune: Burgers, shrimp baskets, and a rotating list of small plates keep the dining experience fun and interesting. The list of cocktails, beer, and wine is solid too.

1232 N Front St (at W Thompson St), Philadelphia, PA 19122
(267) 858-4325
(267) 858-4325

Also featured in:

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Bastia

1401 East Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125

Chef-Partner Tyler Akin returns to Philly with an emerging hotspot that’s inspired by the flavors and vibes of Corsica and Sardinia. An all-day restaurant, Bastia serves as both a comforting café when the sun is up and lively restaurant serving up coastal Mediterranean cuisine (such as their grilled half lobster algherese with green chickpeas and fingerlings) at night.

1401 East Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19125
(267) 651-0269
(267) 651-0269

Gilda

300 East Girard Avenue, PA 19125

This instant must-go-to-immediately-for-lunch spot has already garnered a loyal following with only one year in business. From their tasty grilled piri-piri chicken with fries to their Pastéis de Bacalhau (salt cod fritters with lemon and parsley) — there’s not a single unexciting option on their cultural, flavorful, and lively menu.

300 East Girard Avenue, PA 19125

Kalaya

4 W Palmer St (at Blair St), Philadelphia, PA 19122

James Beard Award-winner Chef Nok Suntaranon’s ode to Southern Thai is an upgrade version of itself at its Fishtown location. Here, miang pla phao — a whole grilled branzino served with pineapple, herbs, and rice noodles — or a towering tom yum kalaya with giant river prawns emerging from the fragrant broth — can confidently be found on their vast menu.

4 W Palmer St (at Blair St), Philadelphia, PA 19122

Murph's Bar

202 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

One of Fishtown’s best-kept secrets is a stand-up Italian restaurant curiously situated in the back of an Irish pub. At Murph’s Bar, Puglian chef Francesco Bellastelli cooks up a nightly menu of pastas like strozzapreti with cherry tomatoes and burrata and tagliatelle bolognese. Only in Philly.

202 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 425-1847
(215) 425-1847

LMNO

1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

This Baja Mexican restaurant is more than just a place to eat — it’s also a dance floor, bookstore, and art gallery. This Stephen Starr experience has garnered a following for its notable coal-roasted oysters, brisket tacos, and Mexican chocolate mousse cake.

1739-1749 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 770-7001
(215) 770-7001

Suraya

1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

This ambitious market, cafe, bar, and restaurant, all rolled into one, serves a Lebanese menu of man’oushe and rose pistachio pastries in the morning and lamb kebabs and whole fish with arak cocktails at night. Opt for a seat at Suraya’s long bar, at a table in the dining room, or on the spacious back patio — just make sure to book ahead, as this place’s charms are well-documented by now.

1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 302-1900
(215) 302-1900

Elwood

1007 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Get dinner with a side of local history at Adam Diltz’s BYOB, which aims to illustrate that Philly is much more than cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. At Elwood, the chef draws inspiration from the region’s past to recreate and update dishes like snapper soup, ham pot pie (the Pennsylvania Dutch staple also known as bott boi), and locally sourced pork and rabbit served family-style. For dessert, don’t miss out on the funnel cake, and on the weekends, check out the tea service that includes specialty snacks like scrapple and snickerdoodles.

1007 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 279-7427
(215) 279-7427

Cake Life Bake Shop

1306 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

You can’t go wrong with any dessert of any kind from Cake Life Bake Shop, a proudly queer-owned bakery on Frankford Avenue. Cookies, cakes, bars, and more line the counter at the shop, and you can preorder festive, special desserts for seasonal holidays.

1306 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 268-7343
(215) 268-7343

Frankford Hall

1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

This spacious venue in the heart of Fishtown is know for its industrial architecture and mix of German and American beers. Happy hours and game days are quintessential as half and full liter flow, and sizzling sausages, well-portioned burgers, and enormous Bavarian pretzels are being served.

1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 634-3338
(215) 634-3338

Hiroki

Corner of Lee &, Master St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, Philadelphia, PA 19122

For any special occasion dinners you have on the horizon, Hiroki — a sushi omakase experience on the corner of Master and Lee — is the place to go. Chef Hiroki Fujiyama’s restaurant is one of the best for sushi, not just in Fishtown but the entire city. Everything is delicately done, beautifully plated, and a sensation to eat; a truly transportive experience. Be sure to make reservations.

Corner of Lee &, Master St, Philadelphia, PA 19125, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 422-3222
(215) 422-3222

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons

1355 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

This charming Fishtown restaurant has garnered a impeccable reputation for serving wood-fired Italian cuisine in a restored century-old former whiskey facility. Expect imaginative, imaginative seasonal pizza options (such as their Al Funghi served with mushrooms, scarmorz, carmelized onions, bufala mozz, roasted garlic, and aged balsamic) and bold pasta servings (like the duck egg raviolo that’s a love letter to ricotta and truffle).

1355 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 291-1355
(215) 291-1355

Pizzeria Beddia

1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125

At the end of 2019, owner Joe Beddia opened up a full-service version of his cult-favorite takeout shop serving signature pies alongside natural wines, delicious small plates, and soft serve ice cream. Though the hype has died down a bit since the early acclaim, you should probably still make reservations if you want to dine at a prime time. The outdoor patio is warm and lovely, with convivial vibes and kind waitstaff.

1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
(267) 928-2256
(267) 928-2256

Philadelphia Distilling

25 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

The home of the highly-sought after Bluecoat Gin is more than just a distillery, but an amazing bar that serves some of the tastiest bites in the neighborhood. Come here for their creative cocktails, such as their spirited Pennsylvania Punch, and stay for their thoughtful menu that is both seasonal and comforting (such as their juicy cheeseburger).

25 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 671-0346
(215) 671-0346

Liberty Kitchen PHL

1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

Every neighborhood in Philly has about a thousand places where you can get a hoagie, some much better than others. Fishtown’s Liberty Kitchen is truly a standout, not only for its Della Casa hoagie with gabagool, fresh mozzarella, and arugula, but for the vegetarian version, too, made with roasted eggplant. Don’t sleep on the tomato pie and gussied-up Tandy Cakes, a play on one of Philly’s favorite packaged desserts.

1244 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 309-2241
(215) 309-2241

Middle Child Clubhouse

1232 N Front St (at W Thompson St), Philadelphia, PA 19122

Middle Child Clubhouse, is the second, much larger iteration of sandwich genius Matt Cahn’s Washington Square West luncheonette. The menu is much expanded from that of the smaller sandwich shop, to everyone’s good fortune: Burgers, shrimp baskets, and a rotating list of small plates keep the dining experience fun and interesting. The list of cocktails, beer, and wine is solid too.

1232 N Front St (at W Thompson St), Philadelphia, PA 19122
(267) 858-4325
(267) 858-4325

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