Center City, Philadelphia

Two years into living in Logan Square, I feel as though I have enough data to share something with confidence. Philadelphia’s food scene is substantially more satisfying and affordable than my previous home in Cambridge. The following restaurants are absolutely worth a visit.

1. Pizzata Pizzeria, is the best pizza place in Philadelphia. Their toping themes and sourdough crust quality are remarkable. Their sourdough production takes about a week, so they can only produce a limited quantity of pies daily. Get there early before they sell out.

2. Emei Restaurant has traditional yet creative Sichuanese dishes that will delight you. Their party rooms are perfect for group dinners of 8 to 12 people to fully benefit from the chef’s full range of ideas.

3. The Love is a precursor to making love or at least celebrating its benefits. Their fried chicken and helpful serving staff make the experience special.

4. Tippling Place, promotes conversation and class in a 1910s-era lounge-like atmosphere. In order to enjoy its benefits, prepare to exercise some patience.

5. El Murkry brings both hot and cold Central American street foods to the streets of Philadelphia. Don’t let the ambiance fool you; their chefs are going to impress you.

6. Trattoria Carina is best enjoyed in the summer months to enjoy the cool breeze on 22nd street. Simply the best Italian restaurant I’ve found in Philly. Definitely call ahead to have a chance to eat before 9:00 pm.

7. Thanal takes the best of Indian food and the best of Philly bar life and combines them. Combining Chicken Tika with a Cosmopolitan makes life more fun. Hopefully, this is the future of the business process outsourcing industry.

8. Moustaki rounds out the list because it is my favorite spot for an “emergency meal.” Working late and didn’t have time to defrost something, Moustaki. Need to supplement the dinner because I only had time to cook one dish, Moustaki.