4 new restaurants making a splash in Philadelphia right now

Between top-notch food, live music, and views of the Delaware River, Fringe Bar has all the trappings of a treasured local gem. The vibrant and experiential spot opened in a historic water pumping station on the FringeArts campus in April and is already turning heads for its action-packed lineup. At Fringe Bar, jazz ensembles and cabaret coexist, and steak and potatoes are on the same menu as a falafel smashburger. Add plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, plus a plant-filled outdoor beer garden and you’ve got a top-notch crowd-pleaser in the making.

A South Philly staple since 2018, this quaint neighborhood gem reopened in February with a brand-new menu and a revamped dining room. While Philly is synonymous with legendary Italian BYOBs which all serve classics including Caesar salad and penne alla vodka, Burrata takes a refreshing detour. The delightfully informal spot is all about tradition with a twist, best sampled in dishes such as the signature burrata with roasted bell peppers, prosciutto, and fig glaze and inventive housemade pastas including mushroom ravioli with broccolini crema and sun-dried tomatoes. Shareable mains—the pork chop with tri-color potatoes and lemon butter sauce was made for devouring with friends—round out the hearty offerings, proving Burrata is an unassuming force to be reckoned with on the city’s group dining scene.

Bigger is undeniably better at this Shore-style sports bar. Kook Burger & Bar landed in the heart of Rittenhouse Square in February and has game-time grub covered, thanks to a feel-good menu of nachos, mac and cheese, and burgers. Philadelphians also flock here for the larger-than-life Shoobie Shake, a meal-in-a-milkshake topped with everything from a strawberry cheesecake slice to s’mores ingredients. No matter how the Phillies fare, you’ll feel like a winner at this one-of-a-kind watering hole.

Bistrot La Minette has been a sought-after destination for French cuisine in Philadelphia since 2008, but these days the local favorite is better than ever. That’s because chef and owner Peter Woolsey, who steered the kitchen when the restaurant opened, returned after a decade-long hiatus in May. Digging into Woolsey’s superb seasonal food such as potage St. Germain (pea soup with crème fraîche, morel mushrooms, and toasted hazelnuts) or oeuf du pêcheur (a fisherman's-style poached egg, toast with mussels, and tarragon cream) echos a stylish French bistro. The result is a charming slice of Paris you won’t find anywhere else in Philadelphia.