College is supposed to be the best four years of your life. Dining hall food? Not so much. Living in Philly, Temple University students are surrounded by all kinds of restaurants with every kind of food imaginable. Check out some of the best restaurants in Philly for every occasion!
Brunch: Green Eggs Café – $$
Known for their Red Velvet Pancakes, Green Eggs is always a great spot for both sweet and savory dishes. With multiple locations throughout the Philadelphia area, there is no excuse not to stop in here for a nice brunch. Portions are hearty, so be sure to come with an appetite!
Personal Recommendation – Apple Pie French Toast
BYOB: Banana Leaf Malaysian Cuisine – $$
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Banana Leaf offers an eclectic mix of Asian cuisines, including Malaysian, Indonesian, Thai, Japanese and Indian food. It’s the perfect place to go for a night out with the girls if you’re looking to try something new. Bring a bottle of wine and prepare your taste buds for a trip around Asia.
Personal Recommendation – Ginger Duck Lo Mee
Cheesesteak: Jim’s Steaks – $
Forget Pat’s and Geno’s, in my opinion Jim’s steaks are the best in the city. Located on South Street, it’s a must see while you’re seeing a show at the TLA or visiting Magic Gardens. Pro tip – Make sure you order your steak with onions, and when you do make sure to say “wit” to feel like a true Philly native.
Personal Recommendation – Cheesesteak (provolone, wit)
Date Night: Melograno – $$$
Full of candlelight and romance, the ambiance alone at Melograno is perfect for a night out in Rittenhouse Square with your significant other. Walking in there is like being transported to Italy with the food to match. It’s also BYOB, which is a plus. Enjoy eating spaghetti Lady and the Tramp style. You’ll thank me later.
Personal Recommendation – Quaglie alla Diavola (chargrilled quail, red wine chocolate sauce, eggplant & pinenut caponata)
“Fast” Food: Marabella Meatball Company – $
A short walk from the Walnut Street shops, Marabella Meatball Company is the best fast food you can get. All the food is made fresh, never frozen, and can be taken to go or eaten in. Choose from beef, BPV (beef, pork, and veal), chicken, or veggie balls. Meatballs come on sandwiches, in bowls with cheese, and with pasta.
Personal Recommendation – Wheat Penne BPV
Mexican: Tequilas – $$$
A restaurant week favorite, Tequilas on Locust Street stands out for having some of the most flavorful Mexican food this side of the border. Everything on this menu is impressive, from the drinks to the empanadas. It’s very authentic in its décor and its food, making it a must try if you like Mexican food.
Personal Recommendation – Sabana Invierno de Pollo (grilled boneless chicken breast layered with refried beans, topped with melted cheese, served in a tangy tomatillo sauce)
Sushi: Pod Restaurant – $$
Known for its sleek interior and contemporary cuisine, Pod is a hotspot in University City. At lunch time, sushi and sashimi are whisked down a conveyor belt. Pretty cool, right? Be sure to reserve your pod ahead of time to ensure that you’re sitting in an egg shaped dining vessel.
Personal Recommendation – Rio Grande Roll
Wild Card: Brauhaus Schmitz – $$
German cuisine has never tasted so good. You never really think you crave German food until you try it. Walking in there is like being transported from South Street to a beer hall in Germany. They’re known for putting twists on German classics and a crazy Oktoberfest celebration, making it a must try when you want to be an adventurous diner.
Personal Recommendation – Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle)
Vegan: Vedge – $$$
Fine dining is something too many people take advantage of and at Vedge, you can experience fine dining as well as vegan meals. Everything is prepared seasonally fresh, making it not only good but good for you. Vegans from near and far travel to eat at this Locust Street restaurant; be sure to check it out even if you do enjoy meat!
Personal Recommendation – Stuffed Avocado