{"id":79,"date":"2026-03-23T21:39:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T21:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/?p=79"},"modified":"2026-03-23T21:39:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T21:39:48","slug":"top-10-foods-to-eat-in-philadelphia-2026-guide-for-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/23\/top-10-foods-to-eat-in-philadelphia-2026-guide-for-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Foods to Eat in Philadelphia (2026 Guide for Visitors)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Philadelphia is one of America\u2019s most historic cities\u2014but it\u2019s also one of the most underrated food destinations. Whether you\u2019re visiting for a weekend, a sporting event, or sightseeing around Center City, knowing what to eat in Philadelphia<\/strong> is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide covers the top 10 must-try foods in Philadelphia<\/strong>, with a focus on what tourists are actually searching for: iconic dishes, local favorites, and where to find them near major attractions like Rittenhouse Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

1. Philly Cheesesteak (The #1 Must-Try Food)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a Philly cheesesteak<\/strong>\u2014and not all cheesesteaks are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best versions use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Thinly sliced ribeye steak<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Melted cheese (Whiz, American, or Cooper Sharp)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Fresh rolls with the perfect bread-to-meat balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re staying near Rittenhouse Square or Center City, this is where you want to start your food tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \ud83d\udc49 Pro Tip for Tourists:<\/strong>
    Look for places that offer customization (roll, wrap, or bowl), premium ribeye, and multiple cheese options for the best experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    2. Roast Pork Sandwich<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
    \"https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/Rs6ZpBcs1-gIjJpMZUhXJax9ZRw%3D\/1500x0\/filters%3Ano_upscale%28%29%3Amax_bytes%28150000%29%3Astrip_icc%28%29\/20240311-SEA--PhillyRoastPork-AmandaSuarez-77-8953bc0bcdd644e0a333904422de8e2a.jpg\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Often called the \u201clocal\u2019s favorite,\u201d the roast pork sandwich is a serious contender against the cheesesteak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What makes it special:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Slow-roasted pork<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Sharp provolone<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Broccoli rabe for a slightly bitter balance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      3. Soft Pretzel (A Philly Staple)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
      \"https:\/\/www.inquirer.com\/resizer\/v2\/VZCKDONK7FCD7LKEZHHG4E42VU.jpg?auth=d296f2af7d8c2b008745c5fd8266066f2ea3bd6e35d1d877772c89bfdf103974&height=507&smart=true&width=760\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \"https:\/\/softpretzelsexpress.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/FD7-aNmlNouwyrMP5tveiQI_1_gps_generated_4472x.png?v=1761492861\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Philadelphia soft pretzels are different from anywhere else:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Chewier texture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Less buttery than mall pretzels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Often served with mustard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        You\u2019ll find them everywhere\u2014from street carts to bakeries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n\n\n\n

        4. Hoagie (The Italian Sub, Philly Style)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
        \"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/public\/latest-news\/ux7zya\/picture312525938\/alternates\/FREE_640\/Hoagie1.jpg\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        A true Philadelphia hoagie<\/strong> is layered with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Italian meats<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Provolone cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Lettuce, tomato, onion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Oil and vinegar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          It\u2019s lighter than a cheesesteak but just as iconic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          5. Cheesesteak Egg Rolls (Modern Philly Favorite)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          A newer twist on the classic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Crispy fried wrapper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Filled with ribeye + cheese<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Often served with spicy dipping sauces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            \ud83d\udc49 Perfect for sharing\u2014or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            6. Water Ice (Especially in Summer)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
            \"https:\/\/www.webstaurantstore.com\/images\/products\/large\/796147\/2691369.jpg\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

            4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Not quite shaved ice, not quite sorbet\u2014water ice<\/strong> is a Philly original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Popular flavors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Cherry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Lemon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Mango<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n

              7. Scrapple (A True Local Experience)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
              \"https:\/\/images.food52.com\/Emavep1YUHs7bD_It75CU5aLnsM%3D\/659b2ae7-d352-404f-911e-50e527e8c7eb--2021-0427_scrapple_3x2_mark-weinberg-294.jpg\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Scrapple is a regional breakfast item made from pork and cornmeal, sliced and fried until crispy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Tourist tip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Try it at a classic diner for the full experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                \n\n\n\n

                8. Tomato Pie<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
                \"https:\/\/food.fnr.sndimg.com\/content\/dam\/images\/food\/fullset\/2024\/02\/1\/FNK_philly-tomato-pie_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.960.suffix\/1707154274718.webp\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Served at room temperature, tomato pie features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Thick crust<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Rich tomato sauce<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Minimal or no cheese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  A must-try for pizza lovers looking for something different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n\n\n\n

                  9. Tastykakes (Classic Philly Snacks)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
                  \"https:\/\/xenosgifts.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/tasty_A_02_1024x1024.jpg?v=1571501728\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  A nostalgic Philadelphia brand, Tastykakes<\/strong> are perfect for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Quick snacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Souvenirs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Late-night cravings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    \n\n\n\n

                    10. Craft Beer & Local Drinks<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
                    \"https:\/\/assets.letsbatch.io\/partners\/df98e529-7f4b-4e11-ad39-f2f9054848d3\/media\/fd8938c7-7097-4278-9825-29a20bc6f523\/86fc1a800077b3e7a33b759fec31b3cd.png\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                    4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Philadelphia has a thriving craft beer scene with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Local breweries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Seasonal drafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Easy pairing with cheesesteaks and bar food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      \n\n\n\n

                      \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Where to Start Your Philly Food Tour<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

                      If you’re visiting Center City or Rittenhouse Square<\/strong>, you\u2019re in the perfect location to experience multiple iconic foods in one trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Start with: Cleavers Philadelphia – serves the Best Cheesesteak in Center City just one minute from Rittenhouse Square<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • A premium ribeye cheesesteak<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Add cheesesteak egg rolls<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Pair it with fries or a local drink<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        From there, explore the rest of the city\u2019s food scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        Philadelphia is one of America\u2019s most historic cities\u2014but it\u2019s also one of the most underrated food destinations. Whether you\u2019re visiting for a weekend, a sporting event, or sightseeing around Center City, knowing what to eat in Philadelphia is essential. This guide covers the top 10 must-try foods in Philadelphia, with a focus on what tourists […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-79","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81,"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79\/revisions\/81"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cleaversphilly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}