The Philly dining scene is so much more than hoagies, traditional scrapple dishes, and our world’s famous cheesesteak like many visitors tend to believe. The neighborhoods of Philadelphia are stocked with both traditional restaurants and inventive, cutting edge culinary outposts. Here are four newly opened eateries in Philly, three serving plates of traditional staples while another serves up imaginative, fun fare diners are sure to enjoy.

 

SoWe Bar & Kitchen (918 South 22^nd Street) opened this week in Southwest Center City in the space formerly occupied by Divan Turkish Kitchen. During renovations, owners Nancy Law and Troy Barton, replaced the floors with reclaimed wood floors and added a weathered oak bar to the Graduate Hospital eatery’s location. SoWe, the name is a take on the real estate abbreviation, operates as a bistro seven days a week, serving burgers, sandwiches, and other dishes and will also offer a brunch menu on the weekends. Looking to create a neighborhood bar feel the menu includes craft beers and inventive cocktails that take classic drinks and add modern flare.

Must-trys:

Seared Seitan and Wild Mushroom Sandwich with wilted spinach and asiago on a rustic loaf (can be also made as a vegan option)

Ricotta Gnudi with English peas, morels, lemon-tarragon butter, shaved asiago, and pea shoots

Popolino (501 Fairmount Avenue) is the newly opened eatery owned by Chef Peter McAndrews. His Italian dining empire also includes Monso, Modo Mio, and Paesano’s. Popolino, or “common people” offers rustic Italian dishes that would be found in the Italian capital city, Rome. What separates Popolino from many Italian reataurants in Philadelphia, is the tavole calde (hot table) set up in the center of the dining room. At the tavole calde is a wide variety of cold antipasta options that can be enjoyed along with your dinner for an added 8 dollars. Germaphobes, don’t worry—the antipasta is served by a member of the wait staff. All options are vegetarian with the prosciutto clearly marked and hand-sliced to order. Popolino is open for brunch and dinner Wednesday to Monday. 

Must-trys:

Calamari Fritti with Roman fish sauce, hard cooked egg, and apricot

Fettuccine alla Romana (fettuccine with spicy short ribs and sausage ragu)

Jalsa (246 Market Street) will serve traditional Indian food at moderate prices in Olde City. Jalsa, which means fun in Hindi, opened last weekend and occupies the former Prive space. Owner Kayur Popat encountered the same floor plan problems as previous tenants of the building due to the staircase that divides the two dining floors in half. While keeping the modern feeling of Prive, Jalsa will use the second floor for private events and will have a DJ spinning at night. Diego Rodrigues, head chef and originally from Goa, India, prepares fresh traditional breads such as garlic and plain naan, paratha, and tandoor roti, as well as making in-house Indian ice cream, kulfi.

Must-trys:

Goan Crab Cakes with spiced mustard and curry with crab salsa

Chicken Mango Curry

Square Peg (929 Walnut Street) in the Market East neighborhood opened to replace Marathon Grill. Executive Chef Matt Levin found inspiration in the classic American fare found in diners around the country to create his quirky and unique menu items. The drink menu offers domestic micro-distilled spirits, craft-beers, a range of cocktails, and spiked milk shakes. Square Peg will also serve daily signature dishes. For example, Tuesday is Korean Fried Chicken Day, served with gojujang chili sauce and seasonal pickles.

Must-trys:

White Chocolate & Habanero Wings

Square Peg Burger with pancetta, roasted onions, and aged cheddar