Philadelphia, PA - With the summer is heating up, so we’ve rounded up our go-to refreshing hot weather-friendly dishes from Philadelphia area restaurants for those days when it’s just too hot to turn on the oven — including an heirloom tomato gazpacho, boquerones, shrimp ceviche, and more.
Philly's Summer Hit List: Places To Eat & Drink
A Mano on Fairmount Avenue
A Mano, the acclaimed seasonal Italian BYOB from the Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group (TWRG), offers a variety of brand-new satiating dishes ideal for the summer season, including Insalata Di Mare ($16) composed of chilled shellfish, fennel, and cured lemon, Panzanella ($14) crafted with fresh heirloom tomatoes, lemon yogurt, and marinated cucumbers, and last, but certainly not least, Honey Grilled Peaches ($14) prepared with Stracciatella, prosciutto, and whole wheat sesame crackers. Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday from 5 – 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 – 10:30 pm, and Sunday from 5 – 9:30 pm. 2244 Fairmount Ave | (215) 236-1114
Fond on East Passyunk
Fond, the acclaimed French-focused restaurant on East Passyunk Avenue, boasts a delectable Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho prepared with a fresh and flavorful shrimp and cucumber salad. Chef Lee Styer’s exceptional menu of rich, seasonal dishes is available to be enjoyed during dinner service in the expansive indoor space and al fresco on the sweeping patio at 11th and Tasker. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 5 – 10 pm. 1537 S 11th St. | 215.551.5000
Forsythia in Old City
Forsythia, Old City’s contemporary French bar and restaurant helmed by Chef Christopher Kearse, knocks it out of the park with the mouthwatering New Jersey Corn Soup ($12) crafted with fresh Crab Salad, Coconut, and Sunflower Granola. This summer-appropriate small plate is just one of many superb seasonal offerings available for dinner service. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 4 – 10 pm. 233 Chestnut Street | 215.644.9395
Oloroso on Walnut Street
Oloroso, Philadelphia’s premier Spanish restaurant, is a go-to for traditional tapas-style dishes, with a carefully curated menu to reflect each season. For summer, guests may relish in the crowd-pleasing Boquerones ($10) prepared with White Anchovy, fresh Salsa Verde, and Castelvetrano Olives. This delightful small plate is available for indoor and outdoor dining and pairs exceptionally well with the extensive Spanish wine selection. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 12 – 9 pm. 1121 Walnut Street | 267-324-3014
Sor Ynez on American Street
Sor Ynez, a Mexico City-inspired veg-focused restaurant, boasts an elevated take on the classic ceviche dish with the refreshing Shrimp Ceviche ($15) composed of delicious poached shrimp cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and Valentina hot sauce, served with tasty tostadas and salsa botana. Executive Chef Alexis Tellez’s exquisite dishes are available for indoor dining or outdoor seating on the new, spacious patio. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 4 – 9 pm, Saturday from 12 – 9 pm, Sunday from 12 – 5 pm. 1800 N. American Street | 215-309-2582
Stella in New Hope
Stella of New Hope, Bucks County’s modern American restaurant overlooking the Delaware River, offers an array of summer-inspired dishes fit for foodies, including Beet & Strawberry Salad ($14) crafted with delicious honey whipped chevre, beet ash, bee pollen-oat streusel, and toasted sunflower seeds, and Heirloom Tomatoes ($15) prepared with house-made Stracciatella, fresh corn, baby basil, toasted pine nuts, with a tasteful sherry-shallot vinaigrette. Hours of operation are Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 4 – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 – 10 pm, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 2 pm. 50 S Main Street | 267.740.2691
Royal Boucherie in Old City
Royal Boucherie, Old City’s lively neighborhood bistro, offers a slew of seasonal menu items ideal for cooling off in the sweltering heat – such as summer staple Prosciutto & Melon ($14) crafted with Arugula and Banyuls vinegar. Guests may also enjoy the savory Steak Tartare ($16) prepared with Parmesan and bottarga, as well as the icy Lobster Cocktail ($21) from the full raw bar. Additionally, the Plateaus De La Mer ($48), consisting of fresh shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, oysters, and crudo, is an ideal dish for seafood lovers to indulge in. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 4 - 10 pm. 52 S. 2nd Street | 267.606.6313