The 10 Best Restaurants In Passyunk Square, Philadelphia

The seasonal French menu at Townsend is inspired by the Chef Townsend Wentz’s love for pairing food with his carefully cultivated wine selection. Open only for dinner, the menu is a small, curated list for customers. This wining and dining will bring out flavors never before experienced by diners, with the layers of flavors and subtle contemporary flair put into each dishes’ timeless French qualities.

Located just a few blocks from the square, Le Virtu highlights chef Joe Cicala’s passion for Abruzzese cuisine inspired from farm-style Abruzzese culinary tradition. Most ingredients the chef uses here are local, but what they can’t find they import from Abruzzo. The meats are hand-butchered and hand-cured by centuries-old methods and the pasta is hand-made. Try any of the pasta dishes, like the maccheroni alla mugnaia, which is a six-foot single-strand pasta. The patio is one of the best places to dine outside and don’t forget that Tuesday is BYOB night!
Address & phone number: 1927 E Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-271-5626

Part of Philadelphia’s hottest dining strip, the fusion Noorde Eetcafe is an idiosyncratic and tasteful experience. The menu boasts modern vegetable mixes such as the sautee of baby heirloom squashes with citrus butter and jasmine rice. A casual homeyness is present in the clean white decor. The standouts of Noord are the fish dishes like grilled prawns in North Sea-style citrus butter. Chef Joncarl Lachman romanticizes the Scandanavian fare and brings a lighter and approachable take to Philadelphia.

Offering great views of the fountain on Passyunk Square, Fond is a romantic French-contemporary dining spot. While this is a BYOB, they also serve cocktails and beer at their handcrafted bar. The dishes here are traditional, but not boring. The chef gives a bold balance of layered tastes with the carefully selected wine list. The menu ranges from Tuna Crudo with pineapple and yogurt, to Skate Wing served corn and basil aioli. With impeccable service, Fond is a meal that will live on in your memory.

This tiny hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant is known among locals as one of the best Mexican joints in the city. Authentic and well-priced, they serve large burritos and excellent tacos. There are also plenty of drink options that pair well with the food like Mexican coke in the bottle. It’s worth it to dine here when you can (call for reservations) because of the complimentary chips, queso and salsa, but if crowded, it’s still great for take-out.

Featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations, Pho 75 serves some of the most authentic pho in the city. Easy to find and spacious inside, the restaurant serves a considerable list of different pho selections. Portions of meat are generous, and meals also come with plenty of sprouts, lime and herbs. Touted by many as some of the best pho in Philly, it is a must-stop for Vietnamese foodies.

Listed as Philadelphia Magazine’s best local restaurant of 2015, Laurel is the creation of Top Chef winner Nick Elmi. This restaurant is a MUST for foodies. Presentation, flavor and service are all hallmarks of the five-star experience, and the menu boasts New American fare with some major French flair. The menu is also prix-fixe, but the staff are accommodating to any food preferences. Laurel has a waiting list of at least 2 months, so be patient, but that’s what is to be expected from what many consider to be the best restaurant in town.

Mainly a brunch spot, Porto is a hip fusion of New American, Portugese-inspired morning pick-me-ups. With a rotating menu, Porto always has something creative on their brunch menu, like pierogies with eggs and kielbasa or falafel tacos. Food always comes with four complimentary hot sauces ranging in temperature and spice, adding the perfect kick to your palate. Porto is perfect for a warm, casual brunch
Address & phone number: 1301 S 11th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 267-928-3956

Just off Passyunk Square is Will BYOB, which presents a smorgasbord of warm and rich flavors. The New American/French bistro will give patrons something to be excited about. Portions here run small, so the best bet is to order the prix-fixe menu that changes weekly. What makes Will BYOB different from the other modern French bistros in the city is that it actively pursues adding avant-garde flavors to the menu.

When finding a restaurant around the eclectic Passyunk Square neighborhood, there are so many choices from Vietnamese to Thai to Mexican, but Ratchada Thai & Laos Cuisine is always a perfect dining experience. Food always come out hot and fresh, the presentation is beautiful, and the dark wood tones are serene, making for a peaceful meal. Their menu is extensive including fish, fried rice and vegetarian specials. Their sauces also help to add flavor and make the meal memorable.