The City of Brotherly Love is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Philadelphia is known for many incredible adventures, excursions, and landmarks. From visiting Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were signed to running up the steps of the Museum of Art like Rocky Balboa, Philly is a pretty sweet place for a lowkey vacation. While you’re exploring the city, feed your soul and your bellies by visiting some of these Black-owned restaurants cooking up the best in Philadelphia.
Friday Saturday Sunday
The winner of the 2023 James Beard’s Outstanding Restaurant Award, Friday Saturday Sunday is one of the longest-running restaurants in Philadelphia. It’s been open for 40 years. However, the new concept was born in 2014 when married couple Chad and Hanna Williams purchased the restaurant. Locals and travelers love the evolving eight-course tasting menu curated by Chef Chad. Hanna runs the front-of-house to create the incredibly romantic ambiance that guests love to experience. Although they kept the original name, Friday Saturday Sunday has been completely reimagined into one of the best restaurants in the city.
- Location: Rittenhouse Square
- Type of Cuisine: New American
- Menu Spotlight: Eight-course tasting menu
- Before You Go: This restaurant is very popular and some folks say it’s difficult to snag a table. Be sure to make reservations well ahead of time if you want to dine at this Philly favorite.
Jamaican D’s
Jamaican D’s doesn’t have an Instagram profile and there isn’t a heavy online presence for the Caribbean restaurant. However, what’s missing online is an afterthought after trying some of their incredible food. Travelers and locals say their jerk chicken is a hit. The restaurant menu is full of affordable food options bursting with flavor and flair.
- Location: West Oak Lane
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Jerk Chicken
- Before You Go: Jamaican D’s is a local favorite and super affordable with most meals costing less than $15.
Star Fusion
Created by owner and chef Darlene Jones, Star Fusion is an incredible dining concept where multiple cuisines collide into one. The restaurant has over 17 flavors of wings, each one inspired by flavors and cultures around the world. There’s also a lot of Asian and Caribbean influence throughout the Star Fusion menu. Honestly, there’s something for everyone here especially if you love Thai, Jamaican, or American-style cuisine. Travelers love Star Fusion, ensuring they stop to grab their favorite dish whenever visiting Philadelphia. The restaurant also has to-go and delivery through Star Fusion Express for those who want to dine in their hotel room.
- Location: Parkside Avenue
- Type of Cuisine: Thai, Jamaican, and American Fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Various Specialty Wings
- Before You Go: Bring your appetite with you to Star Fusion so you can try all 17 wing flavors inspired by cuisines around the world.
Down North Pizza
With a team of Black men leading the way, Down North Pizza showcases more to them than just pieces of cheesy pie. The restaurant has an eclectic menu of pizza, wings, and specialty fries. They work hand in hand with the community to help employ formerly incarcerated persons who need a second chance at life. A pizza parlor with the community at the forefront, Down North is the slice of cheesy goodness travelers didn’t realize they needed.
- Location: North Philadelphia
- Type of Cuisine: Pizza
- Menu Spotlight: The Flip Side
- Before You Go: Down North is a mission-led for-profit restaurant that gives a fair chance for employment to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Honeysuckle Provision
Honeysuckle Provision is a bakery, cafe, and grocery store with a lot to dine on. Founded by Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate, the restaurant aims to center the Black experience. They value ancestry, nourishment, and reclamation. These values are amplified through their menu, welcoming staff, and dedication to showcasing the beauty of Afrocentric food options. Whether you’re looking for a delicious sandwich or one of your favorite classic dishes, be sure to head over to Honeysuckle Provision.
- Location: West Philadelphia
- Type of Cuisine: Afrocentric grocery, bakery, and cafe
- Menu Spotlight: The Haitian (1804)
- Before You Go: Honeysuckle Provision gives back to the community through special projects that create a network of community spaces spreading their mission.
Farina Pasta & Noodle
Farina Pasta & Noodles is a cozy spot just like a casual Italian eatery should be. Their team says passion is the secret ingredient at Farina. However, their handmade pasta noodles and sauces made from scratch play a major role in making this restaurant popular with locals and travelers. The culinary team at the restaurant is invested in providing the highest quality ingredients that keep guests coming back for more.
- Location: South Philadelphia
- Type of Cuisine: Casual Italian Eatery
- Menu Spotlight: South Philly Alfredo
- Before You Go: If you can’t get to Farina’s brick-and-mortar pasta bar, you can catch its food truck parked at different locations and events throughout the city.
Doro Bet
For delicious, authentic Ethiopian food, travelers must stop by Doro Bets. The restaurant is a part of a trio of eateries in Philadelphia serving Middle Eastern and Ethiopian dishes. Doro Bet is its Ethiopian chicken house with plenty of seasoned, fresh meats and sides for all. Battered in teff flours and seasoned to perfection, Doro Bets has the fried chicken game on lock. They also have an abundance of delicious sauces to add even more spice to your meals.
- Location: University City
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Menu Spotlight: Chicken Shawarma
- Before You Go: Doro Bets has many vegan and gluten-free options for travelers on alternative diets.
Two Locals Brewery
Located in the uCity Square neighborhood of Philly, Two Locals Brewery is the brainchild of two Black men coming together to make something greater. There isn’t much representation of people of color in the brewery industry. However, owners Richard and Mengistu hope to change that. Two Locals became the first Black-owned brewery in Pennsylvania when it opened at the beginning of 2024. Its menu includes a variety of beers, lagers, wines, and cocktails perfect for happy hour outings when in Philly.
- Location: West Philadelphia
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Nubian Brown Ale
- Before You Go: Two Locals is great for drinks but they don’t have a food menu. However, the brewery is near a popular Philly deli called Fishtown’s Liberty Kitchen with great eats and sandwiches.
Amina
Amina is a lovely restaurant that combines fine dining with soul food favorites. The owner and chef aim to reimagine soul food in a way guests have never experienced before. Dedicated to creating a remarkable journey through flavor and taste, Amina is a unique dining experience that is unforgettable when in Philly.
- Location: Old City Philadelphia
- Type of Cuisine: American Southern
- Menu Spotlight: Cheesesteak Beignets
- Before You Go: Amina is only open for dinner during the weekdays. The restaurant opens at 10 a.m. on the weekend.
Bake’n Bacon
Before heading back home, travelers have to visit Philly’s first restaurant completely inspired by bacon. Bacon is the ultimate muse at this restaurant and the owners make sure it’s on full display. The restaurant has curated over 20 different sandwiches using thick-cut bacon slices and other fresh ingredients. Their bread is baked fresh daily and complimented with different cuts of bacon fused into every dish. They also have a food truck you may catch driving around the city.
- Location: South Philadelphia
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Bacon Caramel Sauce
- Before You Go: Bake’n Bacon has a new project brewing around sweet dessert dishes. Stay tuned to their social media to see what’s coming next.
Philadelphia has a unique flair, unlike any place in America. Rich with history and culture, it’s not a surprise the city has become a melting pot of cuisine and experiences. The city is overflowing with Black-owned restaurants ready to serve the best food and service. Depending on what you have a taste for, there are more than a few options to choose from on a trip to Philly.
