35 Best Restaurants in Pennsylvania, USA

Cakey doughnuts are the star at this local-to-Philadelphia chain run by chef Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook of the celebrated CookNSolo restaurants. The menu includes both a "fancy" doughnut menu, which has daily and seasonal specials, and a hot doughnut menu with includes staples that are available throughout the year. In addition to doughnuts, the shop is also known for its Korean-style fried chicken and fried-chicken sandwich.

Adjacent to City Hall, the 9-to-5-ers flock to locally based La Colombe Coffee Roasters for their morning, afternoon, and evening cup of coffee among the hustle and bustle of Center City. The shop is small, but the staff is efficient, which keeps the line moving no matter how busy it may look from the outside. In addition to hot coffee, lattes, and breakfast pastries, the café also serves oat-milk-based draft lattes, draft cold brew, and more.

The bright and cheerful one-room ice cream shop matches the happy feelings that accompany a cup, cone, or ice cream sandwich from Weckerly's. Local dairy, fruit, herbs, and eggs are the base for the shop's creamy and decadent flavors, which change to match the season (with the exception of a few staples).

A photo-ready interior invites guests to La Colombe's world headquarters, a sprawling space covered in artsy graffiti and crusty brick walls, that offers food, drinks, and ample space for hanging out. Communal tables stream down the center of the space, so grab your spot before you order at the counter: savory scones, sandwiches on excellent baguettes, sweet pastries, and coffee, of course. Ask for a Black & Tan (half Pure Black cold-brew, half nitro-draught latte) and no one will know you’re not a local.

When you're ready for an atmospheric break, stop by Anthony's Italian Coffee House in the heart of the Italian Market. Here, to the strains of Frank Sinatra, you can sample a fresh panino with prosciutto and mozzarella or indulge in homemade cannoli or gelato imported from Italy. Enjoy your espresso on the umbrella-covered 9th Street patio when the weather permits.

It's all about the ice cream, hot fudge, and homemade whipped cream at this charming ice cream parlor. They scoop Philly's own Bassetts Ice Cream (the country's oldest ice cream brand), make fabulous sundaes, and stay open late in the summer. The bakery is pretty standard.

A surprisingly hip spot for quaint Chestnut Hill, Char and Stave serves excellent coffee and coffee drinks, while doubling as a spirits bar that's open late. Some of their drinks feature both coffee and alcohol, and they sell the coffee beans and their own spirits to go as well.

"Good food, good drink, good karma" is the slogan of this well-worn, no-frills café in Fairmount Park that focuses on fresh, healthy local food produced sustainably and prepared on-site, and it delivers. Outdoor and indoor seating make this a convenient choice for coffee and fare such as breakfast burritos and egg sandwiches; wraps, smoothies, deli sandwiches, and a good veggie burger; and desserts and snacks. Free parking at Lloyd Hall is convenient, and seasonal bike rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals are steps away.

This two-level gourmet shop has a dazzling array of prepared foods, mouthwatering pastries, and creamy gelato. Sampling the wares can make for a good snack, but if you require something more substantial, grab a sandwich or something from their hot bar, or sit down in the café upstairs.

In 2011, the owners of the acclaimed Zahav partnered with a team of Philly food entrepreneurs to open the first Federal Donuts, and Philly quickly fell in love with the whimsical doughnut-and-fried chicken concept. The mini-chain now runs many shops throughout the city, but this tiny flagship, on an unassuming corner in quiet Pennsport, is still going strong. FedNuts, as locals affectionately call it, offers both hot fresh and “fancy” doughnuts in an ever-changing array of flavors, plus fried chicken prepped in a variety of styles (za’atar-dusted; Korean-style chili garlic). They do excellent coffee and simple sandwiches, too, making it an everyday stop for neighborhood folks.

Philly culinary stars Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook have kept this Philly-area mini-chain going strong since 2011 with a sometimes quirky but delicious short menu of fresh doughnuts and fried chicken, as well as good coffee drinks. The Parkway location, toward the rear of the building, is open into the early evening and has indoor and (in season) outdoor seating.

What this minute shop lacks in size it makes up for in expertly pulled espresso. The tiny neighborhood café is the public-facing portion of the locally owned Greenstreet, which imports its beans from around the world and roasts and packages them in a South Philadelphia facility.

Coffee shop, creperie, purveyor of baked goods, and local gathering spot—at the High Point, you can become part of the convivial picture of Mount Airy life. Daily pastry offerings are posted on their Facebook page. During the summer, every other Sunday at the Allens Lane train station location there's a small craft fair with music in the parking lot.

Across the street from Independence Mall and steps away from many historical sights, this Philly-based company offers a variety of coffee and beverage options as well as pastries and light snacks. There's ample seating inside, with additional outdoor seating during warmer months, which makes it a great place for a break while visiting the city's most popular sights.

Take a coffee and pie break at this café along Prince Street's Gallery Row. Hefty slices of heavenly pie range from coconut cream to sour cherry to bourbon pecan; Liege waffles (similar to Belgian) are also on the board, along with savory quiches and meat pies. There's a stall in Central Market, too.

The best and most lively coffee shop in what's technically Powelton Village, but University City as well, is one that achieves a positive mix of university and neighborhood energy. They have good smoothies as well, and it's a solid spot for a light breakfast or lunch.

This classic French café, run by a (real) French couple, has excellent pastries, baguette sandwiches, and soups. But, some might say most importantly, they know how to make a great cup of coffee. Pleasant indoor seating as well as patio tables are available.

This Philadelphia institution was founded on the principle of artisanal baking, which explains why its loaves have such an intense flavor and crackly crust. Stop here for a round of cracked wheat or multigrain or for a small treat such as a chocolatey cookie or lemon bar. The bakery also lends its dough-making techniques to a menu of fresh pizzas topped with fresh veggies, meats, and herbs, available at its adjacent Metropolitan Pizza and Cafe.

In Midtown Village, Middle Child represents the new guard in the land of hoagies and cheesesteaks. Their So Long Sal—with spicy lemon artichoke spread, Duke’s mayo, meat, cheese, and arugula on a Sarcone’s roll—draws lines out the door, as does their vegan, hoisin-eggplant Phoagie, but don't miss out on the breakfast options either.

On a residential street in Fairmount, this small, bright small corner café with white-painted walls and large windows makes a good stop for coffee drinks (or tea) and pastries or for tartines, sandwiches, and salads that rise a notch above the usual. Musette has a pleasant neighborhood vibe, but it can get busy on weekends.

Serving Stumptown coffee in a bi-level space, One Shot Coffee is a hidden spot for solid beverages and snacks, set a few blocks back from the hustle and bustle of the Piazza. The menu features café staples like cold brew, drip coffee, flavored lattes, hot tea, and more, in addition to brunch-focused fare like breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches, and croissants. Plus, with an upstairs library, the café is the perfect spot for lounging with a hot beverage.

This is the place to get the best coffee in Manayunk, and the inside is a chill spot to read and take a breather while nibbling on a pastry. The location, right at the edge of the action, makes it a favorite stop for bicyclists.

This homey café is a popular spot for locals to start their day with a cup of joe from locally roasted beans. The menu offers egg sandwiches and wraps for breakfast and a changing lineup of soups, sandwiches, and salads that are served all day.

ReAnimator stands out in the Philadelphia coffee scene thanks to its sourcing of single-origin beans, dynamic roasting techniques, and smartly designed cafés. Tucked away in the tiny Garden Court area, this West Philadelphia outpost is a calming caffeinated oasis, a clean minimalist shop with a laid-back vibe. This is a great residential area to walk around and admire the houses, and hit ReAnimator to, um, reanimate and keep going. Open until 3 pm, the food selection is locally made breads, pastries, and snacks.

In the heart of Lititz, this local fave is the perfect spot for fueling up on locally roasted coffee or grabbing a quick nosh. The kitchen serves up a variety of breakfast options, from baked oatmeal to an open-face egg sandwich on ciabatta, while lunch options include quesadillas, salads, and soups. If coffee's not your thing, they've got local kombucha and smoothies.

Even on a rainy day, this homespun café feels sunny. Decidedly unfancy, the menu—burgers, salads, soups, and all-day breakfast—incorporates many local ingredients. Coffee and homemade lemonade make it easy to linger awhile, and there's a taproom serving craft beer, wine, and cocktails. You might even catch live music at Sunday brunch.

This Montreal-style bagel shop has 12 locations in and around Philadelphia. This location operates the self-proclaimed "Spreadquarters" with views of the Schuylkill River and a menu of fresh Spread bagels and bagel sandwiches.

Owned by a local roaster, Square One serves exceptionally good brewed coffee and espresso that you can pair with a selection of local pastries and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch fare. It's a favorite among regulars who wander in for their first cup of the day and linger to check their email and do some reading.