PHILADELPHIA — For decades, Philadelphia’s culinary scene has operated with a chip on its shoulder—world-class, critically acclaimed, and largely ignored by the world’s most famous restaurant guide. That ends tonight.
In a historic moment for the city’s hospitality industry, Philadelphia is not just joining the Michelin Guide; it is hosting the party. Tonight, November 18, 2025, the elite of the culinary world will descend upon the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on South Broad Street for the 2025 Michelin Guide Northeast Cities Ceremony.
By the end of the evening, we will finally know the answer to the question that has buzzed through kitchens from Fishtown to East Passyunk for months: Who in Philly is getting a star?
What to Expect Tonight
This evening’s ceremony is a regional powerhouse event. While the spotlight is firmly on Philadelphia as the host city and a debut entrant, the ceremony will also unveil the 2025 selections for New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and fellow newcomer Boston.
Hundreds of chefs, restaurateurs, and industry insiders will be in attendance at the invitation-only gala. For the rest of the city, the event is expected to be livestreamed via local media partners (including 6abc), turning a trade ceremony into a citywide spectator sport.
The Contenders: Who Could Make History?
Michelin inspectors have been anonymously dining across the city for months, and the rumor mill has been working overtime. While Michelin is notoriously unpredictable, several local heavyweights are considered front-runners to bring home Philadelphia’s first stars.
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The "Shoo-Ins":
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Zahav: Michael Solomonov’s Israeli trailblazer has defined Philly dining for over a decade. It would be a shock to the system if it didn't receive recognition.
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Friday Saturday Sunday: Chad Williams' Rittenhouse gem has been operating at a stratospheric level, sweeping national awards and offering the kind of precise, high-end tasting menu that Michelin inspectors adore.
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Royal Sushi & Izakaya: Jesse Ito’s omakase counter is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Its exclusivity and technical mastery make it a prime candidate for a star (or perhaps even two).
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Vetri Cucina: The grand dame of Philadelphia fine dining. Marc Vetri’s spruce street townhouse set the standard for Italian dining in America and remains a sentimental and technical favorite.
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The Dark Horses:
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Her Place Supper Club: Amanda Shulman’s "dinner party" concept might be too casual for traditional Michelin standards, or it might be exactly the kind of personality-driven cooking they love to reward.
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Kalaya: Nok Suntaranon’s massive, energetic Thai destination in Fishtown delivers bold, uncompromising flavors that have already won James Beard glory.
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Beyond the Stars: The Bib Gourmand Factor
While the stars get the headlines, real Philadelphians know the city’s heart beats in its casual food. The Bib Gourmand designation—awarded to restaurants offering "good quality, good value cooking"—is where Philly could truly dominate.
Expect to see names like South Philly Barbacoa, Hardena, Laser Wolf, and perhaps even a high-end pizzeria like Beddia or Angelo’s (if the inspectors braved the phone line) make the list.
Why This Matters
Bringing the Michelin Guide to Philadelphia wasn't just about ego; it was a strategic move by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau to boost international tourism. A Michelin star puts a restaurant—and a city—on the map for a specific type of high-spending global traveler who plans vacations around meals.
Critics argue the "pay-to-play" model—where tourism boards pay significant fees to market the guide—dilutes its purity. But for the chefs who have ground it out in Philadelphia’s kitchens for years without global recognition, tonight is validation.
The tires hit the road tonight at the Kimmel Center. By tomorrow morning, Philadelphia will officially be a Michelin city.
