The 76

Welcome to The 76 — our new annual list of the most vital restaurants in Philly.

The list is a mix of everything that makes the Philly restaurant scene one of the most vibrant in the country, year after year. It’s the product of decades of expertise and hundreds of meals eaten this year by nearly a dozen Inquirer staffers.

In it you’ll find the fresh (Little Walter’s, just a few months old, has already earned national acclaim) and the legendary (much has changed since the 1960s, but not Villa di Roma); the places where the vibes matter as much as the food, like the Original Clam Tavern; and the ones that have quickly earned the right to be called an institution, like Angelo’s. Of course, we have splurges for the power dining set, like the peerless Vernick Fish, as well as spots where there are no reservations required (or accepted!), as at the ever-more-Instagram-famous Kingston 11.

The 76 places on our new annual list offer some of the very best things to eat in Philadelphia. But more than a “best-of” list, The 76 is a survey of the establishments that define what it means to be part of Philly food culture in 2024. Eating at one of these restaurants isn’t just about the possibility of an indelible bite or a forever memorable meal, but a deeper appreciation of the city itself.

The 76, which is unranked, is also a tool you can turn to whenever the question “where should I eat?” presents itself, with filters that allow you to sort by location, genre, and price.

So pull up a chair — or grab some sidewalk — and dive in.