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50 Things to Eat in Philly Before You Die

Philadelphia is a city renowned for its rich American history. There’s no other place where you can tour Independence Hall, take pictures of the Liberty Bell or climb the famous Rocky steps in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

But did you know that the City of Brotherly Love also has a world-renowned food scene? To make it easy for you, here are the 50 best dishes that everyone has to try when in Philly. If you want to know which foods Philly natives love most, check this list out.

1. Roast Pork Sandwich at Tommy DiNic’s

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Photo courtesy of bridgesburgersbeer.com

Fun fact: DiNic’s was the winner of the Travel Channel’s “Best Sandwich in America,” which obviously makes this taste a million times better.

2. “The Forager” Breakfast Sandwich at High Street on Market

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Photo courtesy of bonappetit.com

Save your carb-hating days for later, because High Street on Market’s freshly-made bread can’t be beat.

3. Tarzan of the Apes at The Franklin Fountain

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Photo by Amanda Shulman

A classic American treat at a classic American soda fountain. How much more nostalgic can it get?

4. Fried Chicken at Federal Donuts

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Photo by Amanda Shulman

We should also mention that every order comes with a honey donut on the side.

5. Lamb Shoulder at Zahav

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Photo courtesy of fortune.com

Brought to you by the masterminded Israeli chef Michael Solomonov, this dish, which also features pomegranate, is definitely worth celebrating over.

6. Hummus at Dizengoff

You humMUST try this. Now. #spoonfeed

A photo posted by UPenn Spoon (@spoon_upenn) on

Along with a seasonal salad and freshly-baked pita for dipping, Dizengoff’s hummus makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

7. Cannoli at Termini Bros Bakery

Every cannoli here is served fresh since pastry chefs don’t fill the shells until you purchase them.

8. Philly Cheesesteak from John’s Pork Roast

johns cheesesteak

Photo courtesy of bridgesburgersbeer.com

Does it surprise you that one of Philly’s best cheesesteaks isn’t from Pat’s or Geno’s? Just make sure to head over early before the lunch rush.

9. Cannoli French Toast at Café Lift

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Photo by Genny Liebes

In case you didn’t get enough cannoli earlier…

10. Heart Attack Mac at Mac Mart Cart

Philly’s first and only mac n’ cheese food truck that’s soon to be a store front! This one comes with bacon, caramelized onion and panko crunch topping.

11. Franolli at Frangelli’s Bakery

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Photo by Ella Rubin

An alternative take on Dominique Ansel’s cronut, the franolli is Frangelli’s Bakery’s genius hybrid creation between a donut and cannoli.

12. Stuffed Challah French Toast at Sabrina’s Cafe

⚠️French toast stuffed with cream cheese, marshmallows, chocolate, walnuts & berries

A photo posted by Paige MacDonald❁ (@paigeejenna) on

An oldie but goodie brunch staple that you’ll find on almost every Philadelphian foodie’s Instagram feed. But considering how incredibly delicious this is, there’s no reason to complain.

13. Pretzel at Miller’s Twist

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Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Soft pretzels are for life.

14. Reuben Sandwich at Hershel’s East Side Deli

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Courtesy of thehouses1.blogspot.com

Nobody does pastrami like this classic Jewish deli. Period.

15. Tomato Pie at Ianneli’s Bakery

While it doesn’t include cheese, the tomato sauce is all that’s needed to get you hooked to this pie.

16. Country Fried Steak at Honey’s Sit N’ Eat

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Photo courtesy of zagat.com

Not for the faint of heart, but if you’re in the mood for good soul food, this dish is meant for you.

17. Red Velvet Pancakes at Green Eggs Café

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Photo courtesy of chelseafinn.tumblr.com

A nice reward for waiting 2+ hours in line for brunch.

18. Sushiritto at Hai Street Kitchen & Co

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Photo by Genny Liebes

Founded by Japanese Iron Chef Takao Iinuma, Hai Street seamlessly fuses Japanese with American cuisine by incorporating traditional sushi ingredients into a Mexican-style burrito. Some may call it a supersize-me sushi roll, but all we know is that it tastes amazingly good.

19. Salted Caramel Budino at Barbuzzo

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

That caramel is literally to die for.

20. Square Pizza at Santucci’s

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Photo by Amanda Shulman

For all we care, Santucci’s could decide to make octagon-shaped pizza and we’d still eat every single bite.

21. Dessert Pizza at Max Brenner’s

Best slice in town #chocolatepizza #iHeartMax #MarshmallowsMakeEverythingBetter

A photo posted by Max Brenner Chocolate Bar (@maxbrenner_chocolate_bar) on

Every food lover’s dream come true.

22. Coffee at La Colombe

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Photo courtesy of lacolombe.com

Until you’ve had La Colombe coffee, don’t try to argue with us that it’s no different from regular coffee.

23. Ice Cream from Bassett’s Ice Cream

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Come during the holidays, and you’ll also get to try their seasonal eggnog flavor! Yum.

24. Lobster Roll at Luke’s Lobster

Thanks for visiting our new #NOMAD shack @food.drunk! #regram #OPEN

A photo posted by lukeslobster (@lukeslobster) on

Bringing the sweet taste of lobster all the way from Maine. The best part is, you get to smell like butter afterward.

25. Grilled Cheese at Meltkraft

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Photo by Amanda Shulman

Meltkraft melts their cheese just like their cheese melts our hearts.

26. Crabmeat Xiao Long Bao at Dim Sum Garden

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Photo by Teodora Maftei

It’s not every day that you find crabmeat in soup dumplings, especially since traditional dim sum houses stuff them with pork.

27. Brisket Ramen at Cheu Noodle Bar

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Photo courtesy of travelingthieles.com

The ultimate comfort dish to warm you up during the chilly Philly winters.

28. Donuts at Beiler’s Bakery

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Photo courtesy of adayinthelalz.com

All hand-fried, hand-glazed, hand-rolled and hand-filled. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to treat yourself to a freshly-baked cinnamon roll or whoopie pie.

29. Italian Hoagie at Sarcone’s Deli

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Photo courtesy of billypenn.com

Located in the heart of Philly’s Italian Market, Sarcone’s Deli sells the next best thing to a Philadelphia cheesesteak.

30. Gelato at Capogiro

Chocolate and Dulce de Leche Gelato • I scream for ice cream #IActuallyWould ????

A photo posted by A(penn)tite (@apenntite) on

From signature flavors like vanilla and hazelnut to more unique flavors like avocado and cucumber, Capogiro’s super-creamy gelato never disappoints. Plus, it’s been ranked the #1 ice cream spot in the world by National Geographic!

31. Spicy Soppressata at Nomad Pizza

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

On the outside, this pizza looks like any ordinary pepperoni pizza, but Nomad brings it one step further by drizzling honey on top.

32. Fried Brussels Sprouts at Zama

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

A signature Szechuan-style dish that strikes the perfect balance between chewy egg noodles and spicy chili oils. It’s no wonder why dan dan noodles are one of Han Dynasty’s most popular orders.

33. Monkey Bread at Jones

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Photo courtesy of foodspotting.com

This will drive you bananas.

34. Fried PB&J Sandwich at South Philadelphia Tap Room 

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Photo courtesy of zagat.com

This place succeeds at transforming a childhood favorite into an adult-appropriate meal.

35. Crabfries at Chickie and Pete’s

Fact: #crabfries taste better when the #eagles are winning! #flyeaglesfly Photo c/o @wassgoodwithfood @phillyphoodies ???

A photo posted by Chickie’s & Pete’s (@chickiesnpetes) on

These are best enjoyed with a beer in hand and while watching the Eagles play.

36. Water Ice at John’s Water Ice

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Photo courtesy of phillyhotlist.cityvoter.com

You can’t say you’ve been to Philly unless you’ve had “wooter” ice.

37. Sal’s Old School Meatballs at Amis

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Photo courtesy of zagat.com

Made just the way your imaginary Italian grandmother did back in the day.

38. Cheesesteak Eggrolls at Continental Mid-town

when in philly…eat Philly cheesesteak egg roles…and go to continental ?? #iflyfood

A photo posted by @iflyfood on

As impossible as it sounds, you can never have too many cheesesteaks when you’re in Philly.

39. Tuna Dumplings at Vic Sushi Bar

tuna dumplings lg

Photo courtesy of vic-sushi.com

Essentially pieces of tuna sashimi wrapped around a generous filling of avocado, tempura, spicy mayo and imitation crab. We absolutely love everything about this dish.

40. Spinach Gnocchi at Vetri

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Photo courtesy of phillystylemag.com

Run by the legendary Mark Vetri, this restaurant makes classic gnocchi extra special with the addition of brown butter.

41. Tamales at Mole Poblano

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Photo courtesy of philly.com

These tamales will change your life, especially if the only Mexican food you’ve ever had comes from Chipotle.

42. Breakfast Tacos at Honest Tom’s Taco Shop

tacos for breakfast lunch and dinner ??

A photo posted by Food Porn (@eatstagramming) on

A nice replacement for that sad bowl of oatmeal. Honest Tom’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner with friends.

43. Good Dog Burger at Good Dog Bar

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Photo courtesy of thisiswhyyourehuge.com

What makes this burger so special is the Roquefort cheese-stuffed beef patty. You best be prepared with some napkins, otherwise you could find melted cheese stuck to your pants the next morning.

44. Guacamole at El Vez

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Photo courtesy of yourvicariousexperience.com

El Vez’s guac is so good, it makes us wish guacamole were its own food group.

45. Arista Sandwich at Paesano’s Philly Style

Made with roasted suckling pig, Italian long dogs, broccoli rabe and sharp provolone, all conveniently stuffed in a warm hoagie roll.

46. Chocolate French Toast at Renata’s Kitchen

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Formerly called Café Renata, Renata’s Kitchen is a hidden gem in Philly loved for its classy atmosphere and food.

47. Lombarda Pizza at Osteria

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

Who could ever resist some good yolk action happening atop a pizza?

48. Frozen Yogurt at Yogorino

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Photo courtesy of yelp.com

At least the frozen yogurt part makes it healthy?

49. Roast Beef Sandwich at Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef

Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Do yourself a favor by also ordering some gravy fries. After all, what’s roast beef without gravy?

50. Apple Cider Donut at Linvilla Orchards

The world would be a better place if apple cider donuts grew on trees. ???

A photo posted by Nina Friend (@neeens) on

One simply does not visit Linvilla Orchards just to pick fresh apples (though they’re also something that shouldn’t be missed). Rather, people stop by to take home a dozen box of freshly-made apple cider donuts. We promise you that your first one won’t be your last.