Philadelphia Named Best US Food City

A British media outlet has offered a hearty helping of praise to Philadelphia, calling it an "overlooked American metropolis" worth visiting for its rich culinary landscape as the best US food city.

Writing for the U.K.-based website The Independent, Thea Everett extolled the virtues of Philadelphia's dining scene. In her article, Everett highlighted Philadelphia's Italian cuisine with standout spots like Paesano's, Dante, Luigi's, Isgro Pastries, and Angelo's Pizzeria shaping the city's culinary identity. She also likened a classic Philly cheesesteak to a British beef pie, underscoring a cross-cultural lens on Philadelphia's iconic sandwich.

Shout-outs also went to Santucci's Pizza and MICHELIN-recommended Pizzeria Beddia, with blue-chip Mexican options like Blue Corn and Loco Pez praised as superior to their British counterparts.

Everett also encouraged her readers to explore Parc, Middle Child, Miller's Twist, Comfort & Floyd, and the James Beard Award-winning Mawn, and to make cultural stops at the Philadelphia Record Exchange, Laundrette Records, and the Philadelphia Art Museum.

"This city feels like it's fueled on caffeine and sugar highs," Everett stated. "I advise joining the blood-sugar-be-damned fun. All the best experiences require you to get out of your comfort zone, after all."