Philadelphia has always been a world class city. For many years it has thrived in the areas of arts and culture, historical significance and architecture. However, until recently, Philly has never been known as a culinary hotbed. Sure, there were a few heavy hitters, but nothing like it’s current offerings. These days, it seems Philadelphia gives cities like Chicago, New York and San Francisco a run for their money in edible excitement. We are a city of neighborhoods filled with BYOB’s, Iron Chefs and Ethnic Delicacies.
Chestnut Hill is a neighborhood northwest of downtown Philadelphia. In addition to some of the nicest houses Philadelphia has to offer, Chestnut Hill has many wonderful shops, restaurants and museums flanking it’s tree-lined streets. Below are some of our favorite restaurants!
ETHNIC:
Cin Cin: (Chinese) “Cin Cin, in historic Chestnut Hill, has earned rave reviews for inventive Chinese and pan-Asian recipes with a refined French flair. Best of Philly award winner.”
Hokka Hokka: (Japanese) Chestnut Hill’s most extraordinary Japanese restaurant and sushi bar. Here the food is art and the atmosphere is a mesh of elegance and casualness. Hosting an excellent sushi chef who has over 25 years of experience. Thehy prepare the most fresh and finest delicacies. A wide variety of sushi, sashimi and maki (rolls), delicious Japanese cuisine presented in a tasteful French style.
King’s Garden: (Chinese) “King’s Garden is a terrific neighborhood restaurant right in the heart of Chestnut Hill serving excellent Chinese food, both eat-in or take-out. The restaurant is charmingly decorated and has a nice little bar which is great if you want a drink, a glass of wine or a cold beer. Prices are reasonable, service is friendly. Reservations welcome but not required. ”
Osaka: (Japanese) “Since 2003, Osaka has been a hidden gem located in the heart of Chestnut Hill, satisfying guests with a menu that is both familiar and unique. Its personable and knowledgeable staff functions in a warm and hip atmosphere, providing an intimate and fun dining experience for any occasion. Preparing traditional sushi, as well as elegant, nouveau dishes, Osaka’s innovative chefs integrate orthodox Japanese techniques with international flavors to create stunning, mouth-watering bites for an eclectic crowd. From seasonal, exotic fish, Tuesday night jazz, an excellent, affordable wine list, to reasonably priced lunch boxes, Osaka is a promising destination for all to enjoy and share.”
Stella Sera: (Italian) “A delightful Italian restaurant with a warm, intimate decor. Delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts with daily specials that always entice. Friendly, professional service. Stella Sera is a BYOB.”
Thai Kuu: (Thai) “A beautiful Thai restaurant located at the top of the hill plaza in Chestnut Hill. Executive Chef Tanawat Nontakarn creates wonderfully delicious meals with a wide variety of dishes from his native Thailand that are sure to please everyone’s palate. The restaurant is BYOB and is conveniently located right next to Chestnut Hill’s Liquor Store.”
GASTROPUBS:
Iron Hill Brewery: “With nine locations throughout Pennsylvania, the Iron Hill Brewery is a restaurant and bar that serves a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, pizzas and chicken, beef, pork and seafood dishes for lunch and dinner. Menu highlights include petite filet mignons, grilled chicken and penne carbonara, baked crab cakes, turkey burgers, Mediterranean wraps, seafood bisque, apple crisp, crème brulee and chocolate hazelnut mousse cake. A gluten-free menu is available.”
Tavern on The Hill: “And its a warm welcome, indeed, that always awaits you at the TAVERN ON THE HILL bar and restaurant, located at the top of Philadelphia’s historic cobblestone Chestnut Hill district. Amidst the lovely shops, boutiques and galleries, here you’ll find the perfectly charming and cozy village pub which offers a great selection of beers, wines and spirits and serves up a superb menu at very reasonable prices, all with exceptional service and gracious hospitality. For a great lunch or dinner, for after work refreshments or a late night bite, at the TAVERN you’ll find the comfortable combination of a warm and friendly tavern ambiance with the best cookin’ anywhere around. Be sure to try the wings…Tavern on the Hill was listed as one of the top picks for awesome wings in Philadelphia by uwishunu.com.”
McNally’s Tavern: “Soups, salads, sandwiches and simple platters have been the mainstays now for 86 years. There’s also a Daily Special that includes a cup of soup and a soft beverage; could be a wrap of fresh baked turkey or a meatloaf & mashers plate, maybe even an enchilada. See this month’s Daily Specials just below the tapped keg to your right. Soups are scratch-made and there’s a new choice each day. Expect Prime Rib with mashers every Monday night, tavern-made crab cakes & authentic Snapper soup every Friday and, of course, McNally’s famous Chicken Corn Chowder each and every Saturday. And be sure to save room for Meg’s delicious chocolate cake, carrot cake or coconut cake!”
PIZZA / CHEESESTEAKS:
Cosimo’s Pizza Cafe: “One of the most innovative menus in the area. In the tradition of great Italian cuisine, and inspired by the very old and the very new.”
MISCELLANEOUS:
Baker Street Bread Co.: (Bakery) “Baker Street was created to put the flavor-and heart-back into bread. They give their breads all the time they need to develop their full flavors and characters. Sometimes it takes all day and night.”
Bredenbeck’s Bakery and Ice Cream: (Bakery) “Bredenbeck’s Bakery is a Philadelphia tradition. Since 1889, they’ve been welcoming customers to their historic shop in the heart of Chestnut Hill. They keep those customers coming back with their friendly service and exquisite cookies, special occasion cakes, pies, pastries and ice cream. No matter what you’re craving, Bredenbeck’s Bakery can be counted on to deliver a delicious treat and a delicious experience every single time.”
Campbell’s Place: (American) “Campbell’s Place is an Old World tavern styled after an English pub. A lively unpretentious atmosphere serving affordable New American fare along with an extensive selection of fine draught beers and wines. Dine in a cozy booth, at the 100 year old bar, or at the V bar and upstairs dining room. A neighborhood gathering spot, Chestnut Hill’s Cheers is located on Germantown Avenue just below Gravers Lane. Campbell’s Place, a Chestnut Hill institution for nearly four decades, changed hands October 2008 as Mary Campbell retired and longtime Chestnut Hill resident Vanessa Noonan Mullen and her husband Rob Mullen assumed control of the business.”
Chestnut Grill and Sidewalk Cafe: (American) “American Bistro Cuisine in a casual urban setting, offering Chestnut Hill’s premier outdoor dining. Open every day for lunch, dinner and late night drinks. Also Sunday brunch.”
Chestnut Hill Hotel: (American) Beginning with its original destination as “Summer Hausen”, the vacation spot of choice for colonial Philadelphians, Chestnut Hill always had a reputation as a most accommodating place. ”
Green Soul: (Wraps / Sandwiches / Salads) “A healthy lifestyle conscious cafe featuring wraps, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices, sandwiches and salads. Expect your meal to b fresh, fast and flavorful! Kid-friendly meals and a kids’ corner play area make this a great spot for the entire family.”
Heirloom: (American / BYOB) Heirloom restaurant is an intimate 50-seat BYOB that features New American Regional Cuisine influenced by the rich flavors of the American South, New England, the Midwest, West and Southwest. Locally sourced produce along with authentic American ingredients have inspired renowned chef Al Paris to craft innovative dishes that pay tribute to the rich and flavorful culinary traditions of our nation.
Market at the Fareway: (Farmer’s Market) “The Chestnut Hill Farmers Market, located behind the Chestnut Hill Hotel at 8229 Germantown Avenue, houses a variety of food stands, including fresh produce, prime meats, poultry, seafood, baked goods, coffee/tea, ethnic foods, deli meats and cheeses, flowers, and more.”
Mica Restaurant: (American / Electic) “Chef Charles ‘Chip’ Roman of Blackfish Restaurant in Conshohocken brings his award winning cuisine to Chestnut Hill. Recently named by GQ Magazine as one of the Top 10 New Restaurants in America.”
Night Kitchen: (Bakery) “Great sandwiches, cakes and cookies!”
Rollers at Flying Fish: (American) “30 years crazy delicious! Think neighborhood-comfortable with vibrant scrumptious food. The menu makes bountiful use of fresh, often locally-sourced vegetables and fruits to complement the sparkling seafood and meat dishes…..or simply star on their own. This marriage of the great culinary traditions of Roller’s and Flying Fish restaurants also showcases gorgeous salads, a carefully edited wine and craft beer menu and homemade desserts (don’t miss the pies!). During the summer, outdoor dining, legendary soft-shelled crabs and Tue.-Thurs. nights clambake reign”
Top of The Hill: (American) “Top of the Hill Café is committed to freshness. Our soups, salads, sandwiches and hot entrees are prepared daily on the premises. We offer outdoor seating in the warmer months, as well as free delivery to local homes and businesses.”
Valley Green Inn: (American / Eclectic) “Whether dining before an open fire on a cold winter evening or enjoying the seasonal beauty of the Wissahickon Valley while dining outdoors on the Inn’s porch, visitors to the Valley Green Inn can always be assured of a delicious meal in a fantastic setting. Dating back to the mid-1800’s, the Inn is one of Chestnut Hill’s most notable landmarks and a favorite destination for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. It’s also a beautiful venue for banquets, weddings and other special occasions.”
There are also dozens of coffee shops, sandwich shops and other food options too numerous to list, and many new restaurants pop up almost daily. Bon Appétit!
