South Philadelphia Restaurants

With hundreds of locations all over the East Coast – including seven in Philadelphia– Crown Fried Chicken has become a great alternative to Popeye’s and KFC. Not only does Crown serve delicious, crispy fried chicken, they also serve up burgers, seafood, and even ice cream; let’s see the Colonel do that! They also provide some solid side dishes to go along with whatever you choose, creating a balanced meal. Bring cash when you visit Crown Fried Chicken though, because they’re so low key that they don’t take plastic.

Cozy and contemporary, Scannicchio’s can be an ideal choice for authentic Italian comfort food. Located in South Philadelphia, Scannicchio’s has been feeding the hungry public since 2003. With friendly service and an attention to detail in mind, this BYOB eatery consistently graces the top of local reader’s polls. Serving up warm, fresh dishes such as Sausage and Figs, Stuffed Calamari, and Chicken Parmesan, Scannicchio’s boasts that their fan base is always expanding in allegiance. They offer options for catering any private event, and are open for dinner seven days of the week. Come and taste what all the hype is …

Gluten-free? Sugar-free? Vegan? Dairy-free? No problem! At Sweet Freedom Bakery, quality baking meets health conscious alternatives—it’s a place where those with a sweet tooth can get their sugar fix knowing that all products are mindful of food allergies and health conscious individuals. With a philosophy that ensures premium product and a guarantee that everyone can get something sweet, Sweet Freedom Bakery sells a treat for everyone that walks through the door. Whether you’re picking up something small, or ordering cakes, cookies, or doughnuts by the dozen, Sweet Freedom Bakery doesn’t turn any stomach away.

After a successful battle and victory of Food Network Challenger Bobby Flay, Tony Luke has cemented his place as the “Philly Cheese Steak” guru of Philadelphia—and his restaurant has surprises at every turn. At Tony Luke’s Beef and Beer Sports Bar, you can find mouthwatering options for Cheese Steaks, Roast Pork, Chicken Cutlets, and Roast Beef, all of which are succulent, choice cuts of meat, but they also offer breakfast and brunch items for the early birds as well. This hometown bar is a favorite to locals and tourists alike, with large televisions and their infamous Cheese Steaks keeping fans …

Awarded Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” in 2008, owners Louis Sarcrone Jr. and Anothony Bucci have had a huge success since their opening in 1997. The deli is located just 50 feet from the bakery where all of the award winning bread is made. Campo’s Deli has a variety of daily specials and soups you can choose from. They are well known for their “Hoagies” filled with top Italian meats in their signature fresh baked bread. They are located on South 9th Street with comfortable indoor seating. If you’re looking for a great casual home style sandwich, come to Sarcone’s.

Chef Peter Woolsey uses his know-how and talent to create classic French dishes that can be found across various regions in France at Bistrot La Minette. The elegant flair and friendly wait staff give the restaurant a warm and luxuriously casual atmosphere. Try such dishes as the Magret de Canard au Cassis, a pan-roasted duck breast, grilled white asparagus, potato confit, and black currant sauce, or try the Gateau L’Opera, a multi-layered almond sponge cake with chocolate ganache, coffee butter cream, and crème Chantilly. Give Bistrot La Minette a chance—your taste buds will thank you!

The tale of the Texas Weiner began in 1923, when a Greek immigrant named Stephanos Mandrohalos came to America with a dream; a dream, and a secret sauce. This spicy sauce was compared to chili sauce and added to the hotdogs he made in his small shop, thus the Texas Weiner. For 80 years, this sauce has been kept a secret, safeguarded from large corporations and conglomerates to maintain its integrity and to keep it a part of this special, family-run eatery. Since then, the sauce has been added to the burgers and sausages served at the restaurant to bring …

Step back in time and savor a slice of history while dining on Dante & Luigi’s “Old World” Italian fare. Established in 1899, this gem of the Italian Market District was the first stop for many of Philadelphia’s Italian immigrants. Today it draws a new crowd of guests who make it their own first stop for fresh and authentic Italian cuisine. Sepia-tinted stills of another age grace the walls as sun washes in to bring new life to this classic eatery. Patrons recommend favorites like the Gnocchi Romano, the Osso Buco, and the Seafood Cioppino. Come and taste what the …

Located in an 18th Century granary, Bistro Romano is an Italian style saloon serving up regional Italian cuisine in a quaint, home style manner. This historic building it’s placed in gives this cozy restaurant a warm, friendly, and romantic vibe, and when paired with their traditional Italian dishes and a selection from their wine menu, you’ll feel right at home. The romantic setting keeps patrons coming back for more. On the weekends, Bistro Romano hosts Mystery Theater, which includes a four course dinner along an exciting performance. Ideal for date night, Bistro Romano is a restaurant that can assist you …

Located inside the Wiltman Plaza, Empire Buffet is a Chinese, Japanese, and American all-you-can-eat palace with a large range of foods to choose from. With a large dining area, you might be surprised by the even bigger buffet tables that feature hot, steaming selections of everything from seafood and steak to cheeseburgers and sushi. Dedicated to keeping each menu item consistently fresh and appetizing, Empire Buffet is a well-priced option for all the cuisine that you're craving.

Cheesesteaks are so ingrained in Philly tradition that visitors don’t dare depart the city without sampling the city's namesake sandwich. At Pat’s, diners come for the original—founder Pat Oliveri created the sandwich in 1930—and are willing to suffer long lines and follow strict instructions for “How to Order a Steak.” Make sure you come with cash and a decisive palate—if you stumble over your order you may be sent to the back of the line. But stay steadfast and the reward is yours: thin slices of juicy ribeye, smothered with melted cheese and grilled onions, and stuffed into a crisp …

Rivaling neighboring Pat’s, Genos is Philly’s other notorious 24-hour cheesesteak stop. As has been the case since Joe Vento opened in 1966, sandwiches come heaping with thinly sliced steak and a choice of American, Provolone, or cheese wiz melted across the top. The menu is simple, the ordering straightforward, and the meal a decadent version of the best sandwich Philadelphia has to offer. If the glowing storefront doesn’t lure you in, the unmistakable scent of grilled steak certainly will.

Located just south of the hustle of South Street in Queen's Village, the Famous 4th Street Deli is a quaint Jewish-American restaurant featuring hospitable service and enormous sandwiches. Named after the streets in New York City, some of the sandwiches stand over six inches tall and come with a choice of sides like potato pancakes and fresh fruit. Traditional Jewish American delicacies, including monsterous bowls of matzah ball soup, can be ordered as appetizers. The attached bakery freshly bakes a motley of pastries available for desert or take out daily.

Taking the heart of Italy into their food, Tre Scalini features numerous fish and other antipasta dinners to entice their patrons. Easily located by the green overhangs that contrast the red brick wall, Tre Scalini brings Italy home to Philadelphia. Chef Franca DiRenzo creates everything from scratch in the back of her kitchen where she is constantly busy. Patrons can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a wide variety of menu items, from pasta dishes to more American ideals with Italian flavors added. The staff are very personable and try to treat you as if you were a guest in their …

The key to The Saloon’s longevity over 40 years has been its unbeatable Italian cooking and the comprehensive service it devotes to every meal. Whether it’s an oversized celebration or an intimate table for two, The Saloon creates a distinctly customized dining experience for every patron and, as a result, has earned a loyal following that draws visitors from around the region. The menu is chock full of Italian classics while the kitchen creates sumptuous daily specials that will entice every palate. Old World charm and exacting standards combine to make The Saloon a sought after destination for hearty Italian …

Just five weeks after Ralph’s opened its doors, Teddy Roosevelt sat down for a classic Italian meal in a burgeoning South Philadelphia Italian neighborhood; that was in 1900. Today, Ralph’s still caters to a host of notable diners and delivers the same simple, homey but high quality Italian fare as always. It’s a spaghetti and meatball parlor where red tomato sauce is king, queen, and heir to the thrown. Ralph’s is the oldest family owned Italian restaurant in America. The trattoria’s no fuss consistent approach to Southern Italian cuisine and elegant but non-stuffy atmosphere have made it a favorite among …

Located in Pennsport, Ruby Buffet has a great selection of tasty lunch and dinner options in an all-you-can-eat restaurant set-up. This seafood, Chinese, Japanese, and sushi buffet has an assortment of different dishes that you can try for just one low rate. Favorites include their hand-rolled sushi, snow crabs, shrimp cocktail, and coconut chicken. Their large, spacious interior can give way to large parties, and the buffet space is always serving up fresh new dishes. With quality, cleanliness, service, and selection, Ruby Buffet has a great variety of dishes that can satisfy whatever you’re craving.

This corner restaurant space has worn many hats, but the latest one, thanks to Shari and Kip Wade, looks like a keeper. There's a long, lively eat-in bar in front and the back is a narrow room opening onto a patio. The food is seasonal and imaginative, and the wine list, though limited, is not pricey. The crowd---which is made up of locals, but with a few suburban couples thrown in---chows down on salads of local tomatoes with fennel, or warm peaches and mascarpone; crisp fried smelts; and the house special, grilled double-smoked pork loin with orange blossom glaze. The …

You are invited to a sumptuous feast in traditional Moroccan style. Fez is the place where the eye and the palate are treated to the beauty and delicacies of Morocco. While dining, you can recline on an abundance of pillows as you become a part of another culture with belly dancers dancing to authentic Moroccan music. At Fez Restaurant we bring you culinary delights prepared in the genuineradition of Moroccan culture. We serve you a variety of delightful soups, salads, and hearty entrees, and then finish off your meal with a soothing cup of sweet herbal mint tea with delicate …