As I’ve explored Philly’s food offerings, some of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten weren’t chosen off a menu. Instead I put all of my faith in chefs, who curated meals with tasting menus. A chef's tasting menu is a multi-course offering set by the restaurant at a fixed price. So for those who enjoy a food adventure and always find themselves wanting to order everything, a tasting menu is the way to go. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered!
Don't Break the Bank (<$100)
This restaurant run by chef Amanda Shulman aspires to be more like a dinner party. She hosts 24 people twice a night and makes a point of explaining the menu to all of her guests. Be prepared to eat whatever French and Italian-inspired dishes (sometimes with a Jewish spin) the chef wants – she promises a new menu biweekly but reserves the right to change it daily or even by hour.
⏰ Monday - Friday, two seatings, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 8:30 p.m.
💵 $95 per person
📍 Rittenhouse Square
This restaurant may have opened this year, but James Beard nominated chef Ange Branca is no stranger to Philadelphia. Her experience shows in her new restaurant concept – a classic Malaysian menu is available on the top floor and a tasting menu from a rotating group of local chefs from underrepresented groups is offered on the lower level. Chef Reuby is currently cooking up the entire dinner offering in an open wood fire.
⏰ Wednesday through Saturday, 7 p.m.
💵 $90 per person
📍Bella Vista
Worth the Splurge (>$100)
The “Untitled” menu at this West Philly Afrocentric grocery store and cafe tells a story with its tasting menu. With a focus on locally sourced food, Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate represent the nuances of Black culture using culinary techniques spanning the African diaspora. For a little extra, beverage pairings are available.
⏰ Wednesday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
💵 $110 per person
📍Cedar Park
A table literally located in the restaurant’s kitchen affords you an exclusive front-row seat to the talented team behind this Italian restaurant. Serving up to four guests per night, the price tag is high but includes a multi-course dinner and wine pairing that changes seasonally, all while Chef Chris D’Ambro talks you through the meal. Keep in mind, this restaurant is cash only!
⏰ Wednesday through Saturday, one seating at 6:15 p.m.
💵 $300 per person
📍 Queen Village
Novelty Experiences
Tasting menus aren't limited to dinner! This Levantine restaurant and market hosts a pre-set menu for brunch on the weekends. The table is set with five starters like charred eggplant baba ganoush, taboulé, and a parsley salad. Then each guest chooses one course from a selected list of main dishes. A pastry basket is available for an additional $25.
⏰Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
💵 $42 per person
📍 Fishtown
Any food list about Philly wouldn’t be complete without hoagies! This pizza joint hosts a two-hour pizza and hoagie tasting in a private room. This gut-busting experience is for parties of six and involves a multicourse menu starting with salads and ending with soft serve. A welcome cocktail is also included.
⏰Monday through Sunday, one seating at 5:30 p.m. and another at 8:30 p.m.
💵 $75 per person
📍 Fishtown
Get those reservations ASAP and let us know if you find your new favorite Philly meal!
