A Culinary Renaissance: New Restaurant Openings in Philadelphia and Beyond

As the warm weather rolls in, the culinary scene in Philadelphia and its suburbs is buzzing with excitement. May has brought a delightful array of new dining options, from upscale white-tablecloth establishments to casual eateries, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down as we head into June. Let’s dive into the latest openings and what they have to offer.

May Openings in the Suburbs

Academy Grill

Located at 424 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, Academy Grill is the brainchild of Jeffrey Power, the former chef at Ambler’s Dettera. This Italian-inspired restaurant is set to feature a menu rich in seafood, steaks, and house-made pasta. The opening is anticipated for late May, promising a refined dining experience in a charming setting.

The Kibitz Room

Reopening its doors at 100 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill, The Kibitz Room is a beloved Jewish deli that has returned under new management. Known for its corned beef and pastrami, this spot is set to delight patrons with its nostalgic offerings. The deli’s backstory is as intricate as a challah, making it a must-visit for those in the area.

Merrick’s Tavern

At 165 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, Merrick’s Tavern is part of a new Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel. This tavern will serve regional American dishes alongside a cocktail menu focused on bourbon, rye, and local beers. A rooftop terrace, Pomelo, is also set to open this summer, featuring botanical cocktails and a locally sourced menu.

Moro Bistro

Chef Michael DiBianca is reviving his popular downtown Wilmington bistro at 2000 Pennsylvania Ave. The new menu will bring back favorites like bone marrow and the “tuna study.” The grand opening coincides with Mother’s Day brunch, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings.

Pizzeria Cusumano

At 872 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, third-generation pizzaiolo Sal Cusumano is finally ready to open his artisan pizzeria. After overcoming permitting issues, he is fine-tuning his pizzas for a late May debut, promising a delicious addition to the local pizza scene.

P.J. Whelihan’s

The sports bar chain has opened its first Bucks County location at 2920 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown, replacing an Iron Hill Brewery. This marks the 26th location for P.J. Whelihan’s, and it’s sure to be a hit among sports enthusiasts.

Rick’s Tavern

Chef Derek Davis, known for his role in the 1990s Manayunk scene, is bringing his expertise to 201 W. Seventh Ave., Conshohocken. This Italian-leaning neighborhood spot will serve classic pies, house-made pastas, and cocktails, aiming for a mid- to late-May opening.

Scratch Kitchen by Gallo’s

The team behind Gallo’s Seafood is taking over the former Farm & Fisherman at 575 Horsham Rd., Horsham. This seafood-focused restaurant will emphasize from-scratch cooking, creating a welcoming neighborhood gathering place.

Webster’s Tavern

At 18 MacArthur Blvd., Somers Point, N.J., Chris Webb is transforming the former Windjammer into a vibrant sports bar, aiming for a Memorial Day weekend opening.

May Openings in Philadelphia

Biederman’s Rittenhouse

Lauren Biederman is expanding her “appetizing” shop to 276 S. 20th St. This new location will offer hand-sliced smoked fish, bagels, and caviar, along with prepared foods, bringing a polished New York-style lox counter to Center City.

ILU

At 2118 E. Dauphin St., a new Spanish restaurant has emerged, taking over the Old Philadelphia Bar. With a menu crafted by chefs Pat Szoke and Andrew Butler, ILU offers a unique Iberian dining experience, complemented by a carefully curated drink list.

LeoFigs

This long-awaited Fishtown restaurant and basement winery at 2201 Frankford Ave. is now soft-open for drinks. With a focus on scratch-made comfort food, it aims to create a social, late-day vibe.

Love City Brewing and Sophie’s BBQ

This collaboration at 4323 Main St. combines craft beer with a full-service smokehouse kitchen, set to open soon in Manayunk.

The Monto

An Irish pub from the team behind Fergie’s is set to take over the former Mac’s Tavern space at 226 Market St. This venue will blend a classic Celtic bar feel with a menu led by sandwich specialist N.A. Poe.

Palm Vintage

Opening soon at 1414 S. Penn Square, this day-to-night cafe and cocktail bar will offer coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches, transitioning into a sushi-and-cocktail scene in the evening.

Philly Po Boy Co.

Brothers Chris and Greg Lynch are bringing a taste of New Orleans to 102 W. Berks St. with classic po’boys and Cajun staples, set to open in late May.

Soufiane at the Morris

This elegant yet approachable restaurant at 225 S. Eighth St. is inspired by classic French bouillons and Moroccan tagines, with a grand opening planned for May 28.

Taste Taco Bar

Kevin Dolce is preparing to open his Mexican bar at 300 South St., promising a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food.

333 Belrose Bar & Grill

This Main Line landmark at 333 Belrose Lane, Radnor is set to reopen in late May or early June after a seven-month renovation.

Tiffany’s Bakery

A classic Philly bakery is setting up shop in Manayunk at 4254 Main St., targeting a mid- to late-May opening.

Universal Bread Bakers

Expect serious French breads from this new bakery at 2921 E. Thompson St., which is expected to soft-open shortly.

Valentina

Chef Landi Prendi is taking over the former Figs in Fairmount with an Italian BYOB, set to open later this month.

A Look Ahead to June Openings

Ayat

This acclaimed Palestinian soul-food restaurant is nearing its opening at 2021 Sansom St., promising a vibrant dining experience in the former Roxy Theater.

Bar Caviar

A luxurious champagne and caviar bar is set to open at 256 S. 16th St. in the Dwight D Hotel.

Bar Cicci

This new venue at 1620 Sansom St. will offer espresso, panini, pastries, and more in a stylish setting.

The Blue Warbler Corner & Garden

Fred Mogul’s all-day bakery-cafe-tavern at 8001 Germantown Ave. is set to serve eclectic comfort food alongside a variety of beverages.

Carolyn’s Modern Vietnamese

Revamping Rittenhouse’s Revolution Taco, Carolyn Nguyen is set to bring a Viet-Cajun hybrid to 2015 Walnut St..

Claude’s Comedy Club & Bar

This long-awaited comedy venue at 1123 S. Broad St. is gearing up for its grand opening.

Known Associates

A cocktail bar from chef Christopher Kearse is nearing completion at 941 Spruce St. in the former Varga Bar.

Manna Bakery

Saif Manna is preparing for a June soft opening at 110 W. Berks St., specializing in Levantine and Palestinian baked goods.

Ogyu

This Japanese tabletop BBQ restaurant is set to open at 60 Greenfield Ave. in Ardmore.

Riptide Tavern

Tim Spinner’s new neighborhood spot at 4388 Main St. will feature a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse menu.

Steel City Brewing

This brewery and community hub in Coatesville is on track for a late June opening.

Verena

Teddy Sourias is back on track with his Asian fusion restaurant at 1515 Market St., adjacent to his Uptown Beer Garden.

What’s New in Old City

Old City is undergoing significant development, particularly along Market Street. The Market Street Old City Improvement Project is nearing completion, and several new dining options are emerging. Notable mentions include:

• Qahwah House: A Yemeni coffee chain aiming for a summer opening at 224 Market St..
• Monto: An Irish bar set to open at 226 Market St..
• Sonny’s Famous Steaks: A well-established cheesesteak spot at 228 Market St..
• Baba Döner: A döner-kebab shop expected to open in July at 230 Market St..

As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, these new establishments promise to enrich the dining experience in Philadelphia and its suburbs, making it an exciting time for food lovers.