After spending a couple of years making quick day trips to the City of Brotherly Love, over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, on the weekends, I was finally able to find a job in the city allowing me more time to explore the city and more importantly, try out some of the restaurants. Whilst, I am a vegetarian, the city provides for all food types and everyone’s taste buds.
I have come up with a list of restaurants and eateries, that I visited and thoroughly love. Some for those long lunch days and a few for quick “grab your lunch” places. For anyone who knows me, I continue to inform them to visit these places, and take every opportunity to take the train over to the city to these places.
Buddakan
Although, slightly expensive, the food here is magnificant. I went to Buddakan as part of our work Christmas Party and boy were we not disappointed. Not only does the restaurant provide a great atmosphere with the large Buddha Statue, fun music and tasty delicious fusion Asian food. Don’t forget to try out the desserts too!
Popular for Lunch and Dinner.
Location: 325 Chestnut St, Philadelphia (Old City Philadelphia)
Real Food Eatery
If you’re short on time and looking for a fast casual atmosphere to grab a bite, although still healthy with Asian flavors, check out the Real Food Eatery. All you need to do is decide what you want to eat. You can either build your own bowl, choosing a protein and 2 sides, with a base of either grains or salad. You can either have meats or go vegan if that’s your style. You can sit in or grab and go. There’s something here for everyone. Definitely not the place to miss out on.
Popular for Lunch and Dinner and Dining Solo.
Location: 207 South 16th St, Philadelphia (Couple of blocks away from the City Hall)
Verts
A similar concept to the Real Eatery, Verts provides a healthy easy meal option where you can choose your protein, vegetables and sauces as well as spices to add on top. Verts has more of a Mediterranean flare offering, wraps, falafals, fries and the bowls as shown in the pictures below.
Popular for Lunch and Dinner
Location: 1601 Market Street, Philadelphia (right across the street from the City Hall)
Hip City Veg
All the food here is amazing from burgers and sandwiches, to wraps, fries, and other sides. They also serve breakfast which includes, parfaits and yogurts. I love the tofu wraps and the tofu bowls they make with a rocket salad.
Popular for any meal (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Location: 18th Street near Rittenhouse Square
Mission Taqueria
My coworkers and I came here for lunch. We absolutely loved the ambience of this place and the way it is set up as well as the indoor decor. Not only did this appease us but so did their menu, which ranges from tasty mexican meals to cocktails, tacos and aguas frescas. There are no main meals here. We loved this place so much we all went back for a happy hour a couple of weeks later.
Popular for: Lunch and Happy Hour
Location: 1516 Sansom St, Philadelphia
Dizengoff
I love this spot, another eat in or take out place which serves hummus and fresh pita. How can anyone say no to that? They also serve middle eastern salads.
Popular for Lunch and Dinner
Location: 1625 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Reading Terminal Market
What can be said about Reading Terminal? You will find absolutely any cuisine here, including Indian, Asian, Mediterranean. You will find quick snacks, full meals, sandwiches, chocolates, fruits and the list goes on. All I can say is this is a must visit place when in Philadelphia.
Popular for any meal.
Location: 12th Street, Philadelphia (across the road from the Convention Center)
