The Philly Restaurants Food Writers Want You to Try in 2021

The best Philadelphia chefs weave their life experiences into their culinary creations resulting in irresistible, unforgettable food — and the world has taken notice.

New write-ups from Esquire y Gastronomía y vinos pay tribute to some of the city’s most beloved restaurants, as well as new food experiences to look forward to in 2021.

In a celebration of 100 American restaurants the nation can’t afford to lose, Esquire editors pay homage to West Philadelphia’s beloved Ethiopian spot Abyssina, Old City’s iconic Horquilla and South Philly’s Cocina tailandesa Kalaya (which the magazine also recognized in 2020 as the El mejor restaurante de Estados Unidos), writing, “if we lose them, we lose who we are.”

All three conjure memories for Esquire’s food writers of unparalleled meals and welcoming staff — sentiments that stand out in other accolades Philadelphia has received in 2021. These publications aren’t the only ones singing Philadelphia’s praises. Travel + Leisure carta de amor de nueve páginas la ciudad destaca las mejores experiencias gastronómicas y vecinales, mientras que Condé Nast Viajero, Frommer's y Fodor's Digamos que Philly es uno de los principales destinos para visitar en 2021.

Gastronomía y vinos takes a look ahead in its article 15 Highly Anticipated Restaurants Opening in 2021, and devotes three full spots to Philadelphia.

En Madreselva community center is on the nation’s radar following Chef Omar Tate’s successful pop-up series. Later this year, Tate — along with his wife and business partner Cybille St. Aude-Tate — will debut his grocery shop, cafe, library, meat market and supper club honoring Black food. Tate (Esquire’s 2020 Best Chef in America), in Episode 23 of Visit Philly’s Love + Grit podcast, describes his work as speaking back to the community, rather than de the community.

Also on Food & Wine’s list: Casa Club de la Infancia, the coming-soon Fishtown edition of the Washington Square West sandwich spot; and a two-for from chefs Nicholas Elmi (Laurel, Royal Boucherie) and Fia Berisa (the recently closed Aether). The all-day cafe Landing Kitchen and coastal restaurant Lark are set to open in February and March, respectively, bringing more dining options to Bala Cynwyd.

Supporting local restaurants is one of the easiest — and tastiest! — ways to help Philadelphia’s small businesses recover from the effects of COVID-19. These unfailing standbys and soon-to-be favorites are a great place to start.