I'm just going to go out on a limb and say that Suraya might be the best restaurant in Philly right now. If you love the flavors of the Levant (think Lebanon, Syria and Israel), then I can confidently say you are going to love Suraya.
In the evening, Suraya is a gorgeous and unpretentious fine dining experience suitable for a date or dinner with friends. I love to come with a few friends so we can order lots of items from the menu for the table to share.
Suraya also has an all-day cafe and garden that offers casual dining from an abbreviated menu. If you want something quick, their market sells takeaway food and pantry items like spices as well.
Whether you are here for lunch or dinner, you're going to want to start with the mezza, like hummus, baba ganoush, kibbeh, and my favorite, a roasted red pepper and walnut spread called muhammara. The first time I ate at Suraya, the muhammara was so good I ordered two. All of these come with warm fresh-baked pita.
You could easily make a whole meal out of mezza but I also recommend trying the kawarma and djej meshwi from the mashawi courses. And dessert - the kanafeh and chai tea are delicious!
If you want to come for dinner, I suggest making a reservation on their website. Suraya is located in the Fishtown neighborhood, easily accessible via the Market-Frankford line - just get off at Girard. Enjoy!
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Percy Street Project" is a public art installation in Philadelphia planned to span the entire 1300 block. Come at night to see 'The Electric Street'.
by
"Nunu" is an Asian fusion bar/restaurant in Philadelphia. I love it best on a cold day when I'm craving a cocktail and warm snacks. Perfect for dates!
by
My favorite thing about the "Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion" by far is that it's very community-focused: I was toured by a local 4th grader!
by
"Vault & Vine" in Philadelphia is a cafe inside a greenhouse. Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. I come here almost every weekend with my pug...
by
"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!
by
The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...
by
"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.
by
"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.
by
Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!
by
"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
by
Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
by
The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...
by
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips