The Best Restaurants in Fishtown Philadelphia: Where to Eat, Drink & Hang in Philly’s Coolest Neighborhood

Fishtown isn’t just one of Philadelphia’s trendiest neighborhoods — it’s a lifestyle. Nestled along the banks of the Delaware River, this former fishing district has transformed into a buzzing hub of creativity, culture, and, most notably, food. Living in Fishtown means your backyard includes some of the city’s most exciting and eclectic restaurants — from Thai curries served in a stylish warehouse to life-changing bagel sandwiches, East Coast oysters, vegan kung pao Brussels sprouts, and cheesesteaks with a side of history. Whether you're grabbing a $5 slice on your lunch break, sipping a natural wine under string lights, or savoring a 12-course omakase on a Tuesday night, Fishtown offers a daily reminder that great food is always just a short walk away. Consider this your local cheat sheet to the neighborhood’s must-try spots — the kind of places that make Fishtown more than just a place to live, but a place to eat well.

Suraya

📍 1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Suraya transports you from Fishtown to Beirut with every step and bite. This stunning Lebanese café, market, and garden restaurant blends vibrant Middle Eastern flavors with an effortlessly stylish vibe. Grab a manousheh flatbread or enjoy a full dinner in their lush outdoor garden. A must-visit for food lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

Fette Sau

📍 1208 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Fette Sau brings Brooklyn barbecue flair to Philly’s gritty-chic Fishtown. Known for dry-rubbed, slow-smoked meats from local farms, this industrial space offers communal seating, killer sides, and one of the largest whiskey collections around. Bring your appetite and don’t skip the burnt ends.

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons

📍 1355 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA

A former whiskey bottling plant turned boutique hotel and upscale Italian-inspired restaurant, Wm. Mulherin’s Sons oozes style. The food is earthy and refined, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and the vibe is effortlessly romantic. Come for the handmade pasta, stay for the mural of Kurt Vile and vintage hotel suites upstairs.

Front Street Café

📍 1253 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA

Front Street Café is the ultimate all-day hangout — think smoothies and espresso in the morning, craft cocktails and vegan-friendly New American dishes by night. Nestled just off Frankford Ave, this cozy-meets-industrial space offers something for everyone with gluten-free, vegetarian, and meat-lover options. Bonus: outdoor seating, a fireplace, and free WiFi.

Frankford Hall

📍 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Frankford Hall takes the classic German biergarten and gives it a cool Philly edge. With communal tables, massive steins of beer, bratwursts, schnitzels, and soft pretzels the size of your head, it’s a Fishtown favorite for groups and casual hangs. Ping-pong tables in the gravel courtyard make it feel like a backyard party every night.

Stock’s Bakery

📍 2614 E Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA

A true Philly institution, Stock’s Bakery is legendary for one thing: pound cake. This no-frills, old-school bakery turns out dense, buttery loaves with a golden crust that keeps locals coming back for holidays and everyday cravings alike. Grab a vanilla slice and taste what all the hype is about.

Pizzeria Beddia

📍 1313 N Lee St, Philadelphia, PA

Known as one of the best pizza joints in the country, Pizzeria Beddia serves up expertly blistered pies with locally sourced ingredients and a side of serious cool. Located in an airy, minimalist space just off Frankford Ave, Beddia blends Fishtown edge with pizza perfection. Pro tip: get the tomato pie and a bottle from their natural wine list.

Loco Pez

📍 2401 E Norris St, Philadelphia, PA

Late-night tacos, throwback vibes, and tequila cocktails — Loco Pez is your West Coast taco truck dream come true, right in Fishtown. With its retro décor, casual energy, and kitchen open ‘til 1 AM, it’s a local go-to for $1 taco days, margaritas, and laid-back hangs.

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

📍 1335 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

La Colombe’s flagship café in Fishtown is a massive, sun-drenched warehouse filled with coffee, cocktails, and creativity. Sip a draft latte or espresso while surrounded by murals, modern design, and a buzz of energy. Coffee purists and casual sippers alike will find something to love — plus there’s a full menu for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner.

Murph’s Bar

📍 202 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Don’t judge Murph’s by its Irish pub exterior — inside, you’ll find one of Philly’s best-kept culinary secrets: authentic Italian food made by a Sicilian chef. From rich pastas to lamb and branzino, this dive-bar-meets-trattoria combo delivers serious flavor. No reservations, so show up early — the wait is real, and worth it.

Kalaya 

📍4 West Palmer Street, Philadelphia, PA

Kalaya's transformation from a cozy South Philly spot to a sprawling Fishtown warehouse has only amplified its allure. Chef Nok's menu continues to deliver that irresistible "can't-stop-eating-this" sensation, featuring Thai curries, noodles, veggie sides, and dumplings. The new space boasts Thai beer slushies, large-format dishes like freshwater river prawn and grilled skirt steak, and ample seating for you and your friends. Despite its size, the restaurant maintains its original spirit, offering a warm atmosphere with a soundtrack of funk, Motown, and Thai hits. Don't miss the marinated shrimp with seafood nam jim—it's fabulously spicy.

Pizza Shackamaxon 

📍115 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Pizza Shackamaxon redefines the quick slice experience, proving that fast food can be exceptional. Their thin-crust pizza, intentionally crisped at the edges, offers a delightful texture and flavor. Whether you opt for classic pepperoni or a seasonal special, each slice is generously sized and priced around $5. It's a rare find in Fishtown where quality and speed meet so harmoniously.

Castellino’s Italian Market 

📍1255 E Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA

At Castellino’s, the focus is on top-tier ingredients that elevate every dish. Their turkey sandwich is a standout, featuring oil-braised turkey stacked with bacon jam, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onion, mayo, and arugula. The Italian hoagie, with its peppery arugula, is equally impressive. Beyond sandwiches, the market offers a well-stocked grocery with Italian specialties and charming lemon-shaped string lights.

Kensington Quarters 

📍1310 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Kensington Quarters has evolved into a seafood haven, offering dishes that bring the ocean to your plate. Their crispy fried shrimp and East Coast oysters on the half shell are highlights. The raw bar consistently delivers high-quality selections. With a sunny back patio and ample seating, it's a perfect spot for a seafood feast any day of the week.

Primary Plant Based 

📍161 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Primary Plant Based is a health-forward restaurant that showcases the versatility of vegan cuisine. From potato gnocchi to a jackfruit medianoche sandwich and kung pao Brussels sprouts, the menu offers inventive dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. It's an ideal spot for a solo meal, a casual weeknight dinner, or weekend brunch with friends.

La Chingonita  

📍413 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

After years as a roving food truck, La Chingonita has established a permanent location on Girard Avenue. They serve excellent burritos and birria tacos, along with classic sides like elote and beans and rice. While primarily a takeaway spot, there are a few tables inside for diners looking to enjoy their meal on-site.

Middle Child Clubhouse 

📍1232 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA

Dining at Middle Child Clubhouse feels like stepping into a whimsical, millennial-inspired wonderland. Their cheeseburgers, adorned with Russian dressing, and okonomiyaki-esque latkes are crowd favorites. The restaurant exudes perpetual birthday-party energy, complete with pool tables and expertly crafted cocktails. For a unique dining experience, reserve the private burger club, the 1000 Island Lounge, starting at $35 per person.

Sulimay’s 

📍632 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Sulimay’s is the quintessential neighborhood diner, offering hearty breakfasts and classic lunch sandwiches. Their pancakes, breakfast sandwiches on long rolls, scrapple, and chipped beef are beloved staples. It's a dependable spot to start your day or enjoy a comforting lunch in the heart of Fishtown.

Liberty Kitchen 

📍1400 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA

Liberty Kitchen excels in creating everyday hoagies that rival the city's best. Their tomato pie, made with Jersey tomatoes and hand-stretched mozzarella, is a must-try. Whether you're dining in or taking out, Liberty Kitchen offers a delightful experience with its quality offerings and friendly service. 

Kismet Bagels 

📍113 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Kismet Bagels has become a beloved spot for bagel enthusiasts. Their bagel sandwiches, featuring house-made cream cheese (the pickle flavor is a standout), and daily-changing bialys are highlights. On weekend mornings, expect a line, but the wait is well worth it for these freshly baked delights.

Elwood 

📍1007 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Chef Adam Diltz’s BYOB restaurant, Elwood, celebrates Pennsylvania's regional cuisine with dishes like handmade scrapple speared on a deer antler and a very good ham potpie. The cozy atmosphere, complete with a backyard garden and grandmotherly silver, makes it a unique dining destination. They also offer afternoon tea on weekends for a charming experience.

Da-Wa  

📍1204 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA

Da-Wa offers an $125 sushi omakase experience featuring fish flown in from Japan. For those preferring à la carte options, their ramen and poke bowls are colorful and flavorful. The vibrant dishes are as visually appealing as they are delicious, making Da-Wa a standout in Fishtown's dining scene.

Joe’s Steaks 

📍1 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Joe’s Steaks has been serving some of the best cheesesteaks in town since the 1940s. With a retro feel and a menu featuring cheesesteaks, hand-cut fries, milkshakes, and egg creams, it's a nostalgic spot that continues to delight locals and visitors alike.

LMNO 

📍1739-1749 N Front St (Entrance on West Palmer St), Philadelphia, PA

LMNO is a coastal Mexican restaurant that doubles as a club and music venue. The drinks are strong, the seafood is fresh, and there's always a vibrant crowd. With its eclectic ambiance and lively atmosphere, LMNO offers a unique dining and entertainment experience in Fishtown. 

Cheu 

📍1416 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Cheu has evolved into a broadly Asian restaurant, offering Americanized versions of many delicious dishes. Their brisket ramen topped with a matzo ball is a signature dish, and the drink menu includes a variety of highballs that keep patrons at the table late into the night. The atmosphere transitions from kid-friendly early in the evening to more bar-like as the night progresses.

Gilda 

📍300 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Lunch at Gilda feels like dining at your grandmother’s house, if your grandmother happened to be a very hip Portuguese cook. Their grilled piri-piri chicken with fries and pasteis de nata are highlights. The sunny, breezy dining room offers a pleasant setting for a meal, making it a great spot for an afternoon date or a morning of work alongside a strong cup of coffee.

Tulip Pasta & Wine Bar 

📍2302 E Norris St, Philadelphia, PA

Tulip Pasta & Wine Bar is a collaboration between Wayvine Vineyards and the team behind Messina Social Club. The result is a menu featuring handmade pastas paired with exclusive local wines. The intimate setting and seasonal vegetable small plates make it a perfect place to spend an evening with friends over a delightful spread.