Five exciting new Philly restaurants you’re gonna wanna try this year.
The Philadelphia culinary scene is continuously growing. And in my unbiased opinion, the diversity of the city’s food options is skyrocketing us to being one of the best culinary hot spots in the country. As we enter 2023, here is my list of new restaurants that I want to score a reservation for!
Kalaya Thai Kitchen
4 West Palmer Street, Fishtown
kalayaphilly.com & @kalayaphilly on IG
It’s no surprise that Kalaya is on this list. The multi-award-winning Thai restaurant on W. Palmer Street has been featured as one of the best restaurants in Philly time and time again. Chef Nok’s talent and detail-oriented cooking has been applauded by countless publishers, critics, and patrons.
Kalaya recently opened up a new location in Fishtown that’s four times the size as the flagship store, allowing more diners to get a taste of the authentic Thai cooking. Now that the restaurant is over in my neck of the woods, I’m definitely going to make a visit!
La Chingonita
413 East Girard St, Fishtown
lachingonita.com & @lachingonita.food on IG
Mexican food is by far my favorite type of food, and this well-known food truck has recently opened up a small storefront with seating for up to 20 people. La Chingonita is ran by chefs Rebecca Baez and Omar Martínez, and recently made the list of The Best Tacos in Philly by PhillyMag.
Anywhere that is advertised as having the best tacos, especially among the steep competition of delicious and authentic Mexican food in Philly, is a place that I want to go. La Chingonita is open for dining and take-out from Tues-Fri on E. Girard Ave.
Carbon Copy
701 S. 50th Street, West Philly
carboncopyphilly.com & @carboncopyphilly on IG
Philadelphia’s first combined winery and brewery opened just weeks ago on Dec. 10, 2022. Owners Brendon Boudwin and Kyle Wolak have 20+ years experience in wine making and brewing, and aim to bring an unpretentious neighborhood bar feel to Baltimore Ave.
The wines are sourced from small and sustainable vineyards and their beer is brewed with seasonal flavors and one-off tastes that will appeal to even the most basic beer drinkers (like myself). I’m excited to see how this brand new bar amps up in the new year.
Taco Heart
1001 E. Passyunk Ave, South Philly
tacoheart.com & @tacoheartphilly on IG
Another spot for Mexican food, this counter-service breakfast place specializes in
Austin-style tacos and breakfast bowls. If your Saturday morning bagel order has become a bore, this place could be your new hangover cure. I’m especially excited to try the BECA – bacon, egg, cheese, and avocado!
For now, the restaurant is online-order only, so make sure you charge your phone after your wild Friday night.
The Cauldron
1305 Locust St, The Gayborhood
thecauldron.io/philly & @thecauldronpub on IG
I’m not a wizard, nor am I an avid Harry Potter fan, but I am a sucker for a good themed bar. This Gayborhood bar let’s you mix alcoholic and mocktail potions. The magic-themed experience can be enjoyed in various ways, with potion making, British pub-style food, or just reserving a table for drinks from the bar.
Whatever you choose is sure to be mystical. It’s important to note that you need to make a reservation online for all options. This is a fun interactive experience I’m excited to do come 2023!
COMMENTS WELCOME! Have you been to any of these places? I’d love to know what your favorite drinks and dishes are (and which could use some work). Very interested to hear what restaurants you’re looking forward to trying this year, too. Please chime in below, or catch up with me on Instagram, @gingersliketoeat.
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