Philadelphia has no shortage of great food neighborhoods, but few feel as electric right now as Fishtown. Once a quiet riverside community with deep working class roots, the neighborhood has evolved into one of the city’s most exciting places to eat.
Today, Frankford Avenue and the surrounding blocks are packed with chef driven restaurants, creative bars, bakeries, and cafés. Nationally recognized kitchens sit alongside beloved neighborhood spots, creating a dining scene that feels both ambitious and approachable.
For food lovers, it’s the kind of neighborhood where dinner plans rarely stop at one reservation. A night out might begin with cocktails, turn into dinner, and end with dessert or a late slice somewhere down the block. Few places in Philadelphia reward that kind of wandering quite like Fishtown.
A Neighborhood Built for Culinary Exploration
Part of Fishtown’s magic is its density. Within just a few walkable blocks, diners can experience an incredible range of cuisines and dining styles, from refined tasting menus to casual cafés and late night comfort food.
Restaurants here are not just destinations. They are woven into the rhythm of the neighborhood. Many chefs live nearby, collaborations happen naturally, and the dining scene feels deeply connected to the community around it.
The result is a food culture that feels creative without being precious and exciting without losing its neighborhood energy.
Five Restaurants to Start With
If you are exploring Fishtown’s food scene for the first time, these restaurants offer a perfect introduction.
Laser Wolf
1301 N Howard St.
From chef Michael Solomonov and the team behind Zahav, Laser Wolf brings Israeli grill house cooking to Fishtown. Tables begin with a colorful spread of salatim before moving into wood fired skewers and seasonal vegetables, creating a meal that feels generous, lively, and perfect for sharing. It’s also my personal favorite reservation to make in the neighborhood.
Kalaya
4 W Palmer St.
Chef Nok Suntaranon’s celebrated restaurant delivers bold Southern Thai flavors that have helped put Fishtown firmly on the national dining map. They recently introduced a tasting menu for $75 per person — and who doesn’t love a tasting? On some nights, you might even find Chef Nok herself working the room, greeting guests with the same warmth and joy that defines the entire experience.
Murph's Bar
202 E Girard Ave.
From the outside Murph’s looks like a classic neighborhood dive, but inside the kitchen turns out some of the best Italian food in the city. Think handmade pastas, rich sauces, and generous portions in a laid back bar setting that feels unmistakably Fishtown.
Middle Child Clubhouse
1232 N Front St.
If breakfast is your favorite meal, this is your spot. Middle Child Clubhouse serves bold breakfast sandwiches and playful comfort food in a bright, cheerful space.
Suraya
1528 Frankford Ave.
Part restaurant, part market, part café, Suraya has become one of the anchors of the neighborhood. Its vibrant Lebanese menu and lush garden courtyard make it one of the most coveted reservations in Philadelphia, especially during brunch season.
Openings We’re Excited About
Part of what keeps Fishtown exciting is how quickly the dining scene evolves. New restaurants and concepts are constantly taking shape along Frankford Avenue and the surrounding streets.
Here are a few upcoming openings that have locals buzzing.
2201 Frankford Ave.
An upcoming winery and restaurant headed to Fishtown, LeoFigs is expected to pair house made wines with Mediterranean inspired plates in a lively neighborhood setting.
2043 Frankford Avenue
This upcoming spot is built around one idea done exceptionally well: sliders. Expect chef crafted mini burgers made with premium ingredients, bold flavors, and everything prepared fresh daily.
2406 Frankford Ave.
Newly opened from Executive Chef Greg Vernick and Chef de Cuisine Meri Medoway, Emilia celebrates bright Italian flavors with handmade pastas, crudo, antipasti, and dishes from the wood fired grill. The bar is already one of my personal favorite spots in the neighborhood for an evening cocktail.
With new concepts constantly appearing, the neighborhood’s food scene shows no signs of slowing down.
Fishtown Quick Picks
- Best Burger: The Smash Burger at Pearl's on the Corner at 1444 Frankford Ave. (Johnny Brenda's gets honorable mention because she's an icon)
- Favorite Happy Hour: Picnic at 2421 Martha St. (Monday-Friday 5-6:30pm and All Day Sunday )
- Cocktails: R&D Cocktail Bar at 1206 Frankford Ave.
- Corner Bar: Cormorant Corner Bar at 2301 Frankford Ave.
- Best Pizza: Pizzeria Beddia at 1313 N Lee St. (always pleasantly surprised but the pizzas on special)
- Sushi Spot: Dawa at 105 W Girard Ave. (unassuming but oh so good)
- Splurge Worthy Dinner: Wm. Mulherin's Sons at 1355 N Front St. (steak + cocktail = magic)
- Late Night Bite: Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
- Brunch: Suraya at 1528 Frankford Ave.
- Favorite Breakfast Sandwich: The Antonio at Gilda at 300 E Girard Ave. (trust us)
Whether you arrive with a reservation or simply wander Frankford Avenue to see where the night leads, Fishtown rewards curiosity and appetite.
