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A spread of steak, salads, and sides.
Dinner at Fork.
Fork

Top Philly Restaurants That Would Likely Earn Michelin Stars If Eligible

These 15 dining spots are our best bets if the prestigious guide came to rate our town

by Ernest Owens
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Dinner at Fork.
| Fork
by Ernest Owens

Currently, Philly doesn’t have its own edition of the legendary Michelin Red Guide — one of the most prestigious dining metrics in the world. There’s been recent debate over why that’s the case — but nonetheless, Philly’s domination in the national dining scene makes us undeniably worthy. According to its guide, a restaurant can earn up to three honorable Michelin stars that recognizes its excellence. In the event that our city is ever eligible, here’s the 15 outstanding Philly restaurants that would most likely earn Michelin stars based on their current criteria trends (food quality, mastery of technique, personality of chef, value, and consistency).

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Kalaya

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This Fishtown gem takes the most familiar southern Thai dishes and maximizes their flavor, appeal, and nourishment. Immaculate dumplings with ground chicken, cucumber and Thai chili, steamed whole branzino with lime, chicken stock, and fish sauce, and a poached shrimp and pomelo salad with toasted fresh coconut, chilis, tamarind and cilantro are a few of the invigorating transformations by James Beard award-winning chef Nok Suntaranon.

4 West Palmer Street, PA 19125
(215) 545-2535
(215) 545-2535

Also featured in:

Hiroki

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A definitive omakase, executive chef Hiroki Fujiyama delivers a masterclass in sushi at his dazzling hotspot in Fishtown with splendid sashimi, wagyu, and nigiri. The minimalist details (smaller portions, sleek interior design) have made this restaurant feel like a culinary art deco exhibit.

1355 N Front St (Master St), Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 422-3222
(215) 422-3222

Vernick Fish

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Chef Greg Vernick has mastered the land with his meat lover’s delight at Vernick Food & Drink — but he dominates the sea at his grand restaurant in Center City. Here, spaghetti is served with blue crab, sungold tomato, and pangrattato, ocean trout is featured in a rice bowl, and snapper is fried and marinated in jerk sauce — making this spot the tastiest experiment in seafood across the region.

1876 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 419-5055
(215) 419-5055

Also featured in:

Fork

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Award-winning restaurant maverick Ellen Yin has been keeping diners impressed for over twenty years at Fork — an illustrious New American mainstay that’s the blueprint for farm-to-table dining. Chef George Madosky excels at accentuating familiar dishes: braised lamb (served with grilled loin, couscous, and dried fruit), seared scallops (served with purple sweet potato, brussels sprouts, asian pear), and apple cake with miso-ginger butter and cardamom creme — it’s fine dining done effortlessly.

306 Market St (btw S 3rd St & S 4th St), Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-9425
(215) 625-9425

Also featured in:

Amada

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For years, chef Jose Garces has perfected his love of Spanish tapas at this beloved institution of Philly dining. Serrano ham croquettes, crab-stuffed peppers with toasted almonds, seared scallop with caviar and crème fraîche are a few of his signature dishes that have inspired the small plate-serving restaurants to follow.

114 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-1444
(215) 925-1444

Also featured in:

Alpen Rose

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Michael Schulson’s iconic steakhouse is unapologetically extravagant, yet comforting. From their succulent beef wellington (served with prosciutto, mushroom, and bordelaise) and juicy Berkshire pork chops to their grand seafood towers and bone marrow toast — opulence isn’t an understatement here.

116 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 600-0709
(215) 600-0709

Also featured in:

Morimoto

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Stephen Starr’s dining masterpiece has been serving incredible sushi and accompanying entrées for over 20 years. Such consistency and culinary mastery can’t be ignored as diners haven’t stopped making this restaurant the ultimate destination for wagyu steaks, ramen, and sake flights.

723 Chestnut St (at 7th St), Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
(215) 413-9070

Also featured in:

Friday Saturday Sunday

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One of the most acclaimed restaurants in America, Friday Saturday Sunday is an immersive fine dining experience. Owned by chef Chad Williams and his talented wife Hannah, this dynamic duo has revolutionized Rittenhouse and beyond with their love of sweetbreads, quail, truffles, and caviar.

261 South 21st Street, PA 19103
(215) 546-4232
(215) 546-4232

Also featured in:

Forsythia

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The epitome of avant-garde French dining in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection, this Old City restaurant is the platinum standard. When chef Christopher Kearse is serving smultz stuffed poulet au cidre, bone marrow crusted short rib, and Barnegat light scallops — there’s no way to deny the culinary prestige being achieved.

233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 644-9283
(215) 644-9283

Also featured in:

Vedge

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For over a decade, James Beard-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby has been running this vegan blockbuster of fine dining. Carrot rillettes on pumpernickel toast, eggplant braciole with preserved lemon, piri piri grilled tofu, and campfire delicata squash are a few of the notable meat-less, dairy-less dishes that’s been impressing diners for years.

1221 Locust St (btwn 12th St & 13th St), Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 320-7500
(215) 320-7500

Also featured in:

Vetri Cucina

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Chef Marc Vetri’s passion project has been an Italian dining institution for over 25 years. Iconic pasta dishes such as their chestnut agnolotti, garganelli, and spaghetti and prawns have helped put Philly on the map as a must-go city to dine.

1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3478
(215) 732-3478

Also featured in:

Zahav

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Dining extraordinaires Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook’s award-winning restaurant has become paramount in the nation’s food scene. For over a decade, diners have enjoyed their consistently remarkable servings of mezze, kebabs, and show-stopping pomegranate lamb shoulder.

237 Saint James Pl (at Dock St), Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-8800
(215) 625-8800

Also featured in:

Ambra

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Chef Chris D’Ambro and co-owner Marina de Oliveira take diners on a lavish excursion of experimental Italian cuisine that’s incomparable. Short rib and mushroom, smoked tortellini en brodo, tuna carpaccio, and chestnut and foie gras tortellini are just a few of the exceptional dishes that have been featured on one of the best tasting menus in the region.

705 South 4th Street, PA 19147
(267) 858-9232
(267) 858-9232

Also featured in:

Royal Sushi & Izakaya

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Chef Jesse Ito is a culinary mastermind at this imaginative sushi and Japanese bites haven. To excel at hosting an eight-seat omakase that serves pieces of toro with caviar, while simultaneously running a lively restaurant that amazes diners with tasty Karaage wings, curry buns, and koji cabbage is an achievement that can’t be ignored.

780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 909-9002
(267) 909-9002

Also featured in:

Laurel

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Chef Nick Elmi’s embrace of French and New American cuisine has garnered national recognition for years. Parisian gnocchi, wagyu beef coulotte, and fluke crudo are bold standouts on an ambitious menu that has been impressing critics and diners alike.

1617 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-8299
(215) 271-8299

Also featured in:

Ernest Owens is the Editor of Eater Philly, and the food expert to go to when you’re out of options.

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Kalaya

4 West Palmer Street, PA 19125

This Fishtown gem takes the most familiar southern Thai dishes and maximizes their flavor, appeal, and nourishment. Immaculate dumplings with ground chicken, cucumber and Thai chili, steamed whole branzino with lime, chicken stock, and fish sauce, and a poached shrimp and pomelo salad with toasted fresh coconut, chilis, tamarind and cilantro are a few of the invigorating transformations by James Beard award-winning chef Nok Suntaranon.

4 West Palmer Street, PA 19125
(215) 545-2535
(215) 545-2535

Hiroki

1355 N Front St (Master St), Philadelphia, PA 19122

A definitive omakase, executive chef Hiroki Fujiyama delivers a masterclass in sushi at his dazzling hotspot in Fishtown with splendid sashimi, wagyu, and nigiri. The minimalist details (smaller portions, sleek interior design) have made this restaurant feel like a culinary art deco exhibit.

1355 N Front St (Master St), Philadelphia, PA 19122
(215) 422-3222
(215) 422-3222

Vernick Fish

1876 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Chef Greg Vernick has mastered the land with his meat lover’s delight at Vernick Food & Drink — but he dominates the sea at his grand restaurant in Center City. Here, spaghetti is served with blue crab, sungold tomato, and pangrattato, ocean trout is featured in a rice bowl, and snapper is fried and marinated in jerk sauce — making this spot the tastiest experiment in seafood across the region.

1876 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 419-5055
(215) 419-5055

Fork

306 Market St (btw S 3rd St & S 4th St), Philadelphia, PA 19106

Award-winning restaurant maverick Ellen Yin has been keeping diners impressed for over twenty years at Fork — an illustrious New American mainstay that’s the blueprint for farm-to-table dining. Chef George Madosky excels at accentuating familiar dishes: braised lamb (served with grilled loin, couscous, and dried fruit), seared scallops (served with purple sweet potato, brussels sprouts, asian pear), and apple cake with miso-ginger butter and cardamom creme — it’s fine dining done effortlessly.

306 Market St (btw S 3rd St & S 4th St), Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-9425
(215) 625-9425

Amada

114 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

For years, chef Jose Garces has perfected his love of Spanish tapas at this beloved institution of Philly dining. Serrano ham croquettes, crab-stuffed peppers with toasted almonds, seared scallop with caviar and crème fraîche are a few of his signature dishes that have inspired the small plate-serving restaurants to follow.

114 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-1444
(215) 925-1444

Alpen Rose

116 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Michael Schulson’s iconic steakhouse is unapologetically extravagant, yet comforting. From their succulent beef wellington (served with prosciutto, mushroom, and bordelaise) and juicy Berkshire pork chops to their grand seafood towers and bone marrow toast — opulence isn’t an understatement here.

116 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 600-0709
(215) 600-0709

Morimoto

723 Chestnut St (at 7th St), Philadelphia, PA 19106

Stephen Starr’s dining masterpiece has been serving incredible sushi and accompanying entrées for over 20 years. Such consistency and culinary mastery can’t be ignored as diners haven’t stopped making this restaurant the ultimate destination for wagyu steaks, ramen, and sake flights.

723 Chestnut St (at 7th St), Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
(215) 413-9070

Friday Saturday Sunday

261 South 21st Street, PA 19103

One of the most acclaimed restaurants in America, Friday Saturday Sunday is an immersive fine dining experience. Owned by chef Chad Williams and his talented wife Hannah, this dynamic duo has revolutionized Rittenhouse and beyond with their love of sweetbreads, quail, truffles, and caviar.

261 South 21st Street, PA 19103
(215) 546-4232
(215) 546-4232

Forsythia

233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

The epitome of avant-garde French dining in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection, this Old City restaurant is the platinum standard. When chef Christopher Kearse is serving smultz stuffed poulet au cidre, bone marrow crusted short rib, and Barnegat light scallops — there’s no way to deny the culinary prestige being achieved.

233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 644-9283
(215) 644-9283

Vedge

1221 Locust St (btwn 12th St & 13th St), Philadelphia, PA 19107

For over a decade, James Beard-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby has been running this vegan blockbuster of fine dining. Carrot rillettes on pumpernickel toast, eggplant braciole with preserved lemon, piri piri grilled tofu, and campfire delicata squash are a few of the notable meat-less, dairy-less dishes that’s been impressing diners for years.

1221 Locust St (btwn 12th St & 13th St), Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 320-7500
(215) 320-7500

Vetri Cucina

1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Chef Marc Vetri’s passion project has been an Italian dining institution for over 25 years. Iconic pasta dishes such as their chestnut agnolotti, garganelli, and spaghetti and prawns have helped put Philly on the map as a must-go city to dine.

1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 732-3478
(215) 732-3478

Zahav

237 Saint James Pl (at Dock St), Philadelphia, PA 19106

Dining extraordinaires Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook’s award-winning restaurant has become paramount in the nation’s food scene. For over a decade, diners have enjoyed their consistently remarkable servings of mezze, kebabs, and show-stopping pomegranate lamb shoulder.

237 Saint James Pl (at Dock St), Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-8800
(215) 625-8800

Ambra

705 South 4th Street, PA 19147

Chef Chris D’Ambro and co-owner Marina de Oliveira take diners on a lavish excursion of experimental Italian cuisine that’s incomparable. Short rib and mushroom, smoked tortellini en brodo, tuna carpaccio, and chestnut and foie gras tortellini are just a few of the exceptional dishes that have been featured on one of the best tasting menus in the region.

705 South 4th Street, PA 19147
(267) 858-9232
(267) 858-9232

Royal Sushi & Izakaya

780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Chef Jesse Ito is a culinary mastermind at this imaginative sushi and Japanese bites haven. To excel at hosting an eight-seat omakase that serves pieces of toro with caviar, while simultaneously running a lively restaurant that amazes diners with tasty Karaage wings, curry buns, and koji cabbage is an achievement that can’t be ignored.

780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 909-9002
(267) 909-9002

Laurel

1617 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148

Chef Nick Elmi’s embrace of French and New American cuisine has garnered national recognition for years. Parisian gnocchi, wagyu beef coulotte, and fluke crudo are bold standouts on an ambitious menu that has been impressing critics and diners alike.

1617 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-8299
(215) 271-8299

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