When visitors come to Philadelphia, they usually frequent two main areas for restaurant choices: the high-end ones around Rittenhouse Square or the eclectic mix on South Street. What gets overlooked is a small three-block area just around the corner from City Hall. Sansom Street has some of the most affordable and tasty restaurants in the city. When I can’t decide where to eat, I always begin my night at the corner of 15th and Sansom and wander down this narrow street.

The cuisines of many different countries are packed into this three-block area. From the ala carte Mexican menu of Mission Taqueria to the casual fast-food style of Giwa Korean Kitchen, you should be able to find food for any diner’s palate. My two favorites are of course Middle Eastern, with both restaurants being owned by undoubtedly Philly’s top Israeli chef and owner of the world-renowned Zahav Michael Solomonov. Each one focuses on what it does best, with Goldie’s menu consisting of Falafel and Tahini Shakes while Dizengoff cooks up delicious variations on hummus.  Both restaurants are small and do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait for one of their limited tables. Pricing at both the restaurants is reasonable, giving you high-end food a fraction of the price.