PENNSYLVANIA - From Travel + Leisure accolades to viral zero-proof cocktail lounges, here is your ultimate guide to Philly's exploding culinary scene this January. If you haven't booked a trip to Philadelphia yet, the global travel editors have a message for you: Do it now.
As we kick off 2026, Philadelphia has officially shifted from "underrated gem" to a certified international heavyweight. In late 2025, Travel + Leisure named the city one of the "50 Best Places to Travel in 2026," specifically citing its electric food scene. Architectural Digest followed suit, ranking Philly in its top 19 global destinations.
Whether you are a local looking for your next reservation or a traveler planning a weekend getaway, here is the definitive "news-feed-worthy" guide to eating and drinking in Philadelphia right now.
1. The "Hot Tables" You Need to Book
The buzz in early 2026 isn't just about cheesesteaks. It's about a wave of ambitious, globally-inspired openings that have critics talking.
- Borromini: Stephen Starr’s latest masterpiece is arguably the most beautiful dining room in the city right now. Located in Rittenhouse, this bi-level Italian concept is trending for its Rome-inspired grandeur and hard-to-get reservations.
- Order this: The tableside pasta preparations.
- Mawn: If you read one food review this month, it was probably about Mawn. This Cambodian noodle house (with a "no rules" approach) has secured its spot as a defining restaurant of the 2026 culinary landscape, riding high on James Beard buzz.
- Michelin-Status Spots: The city is still buzzing from the recent Michelin Guide arrival. If you want a meal that defines "luxury" in 2026, Friday Saturday Sunday and Her Place Supper Club remain the gold standard for tasting menus.
2. Trend Alert: "Dry January" is a Vibe, Not a Sacrifice
For January 2026, Philadelphia bars have gone all-in on the "Zero-Proof" trend. This isn't just soda water and lime; we are talking complex, botanical mixology that rivals any alcoholic menu.
- Wilder: News feeds are loving Wilder's dedication to the non-alcoholic craft. Their "No-ABV" list uses house-made shrubs and fermented ingredients to create drinks with bite and body.
- Rex at the Royal: Known for Southern influence, their zero-proof menu is currently viral for using smoke and spice to mimic the complexity of whiskey and mezcal.
- Volvér: For a pre-theater option, Chef Jose Garces’ spot on the Avenue of the Arts has debuted a sophisticated mocktail pairing that is perfect for a clear-headed night out.
3. The 2026 "Look Ahead": What’s Opening Next?
If you want to be ahead of the curve, keep your eye on Recipe Philly. Set to open in Spring 2026 near Broad and Arch, this concept is already making headlines for its reality-TV twist. The menu will be crowdsourced entirely from home cooks via a documented competition. It is one of the most anticipated—and unique—openings of the year.
4. The "Traveler’s Hack" for Winter 2026
Visiting before March? Don't let the cold scare you off.
- Wintergarden at Greenfield Lawn: Open through mid-March, this open-air sanctuary next to City Hall offers warm mulled wine and topiary gardens, making it the most "Instagrammable" spot of the season.
- Center City Restaurant Week: The dates are set for late January. This is your best chance to dine at the city’s top-tier establishments (usually $100+ per person) for fixed prices that are friendly to a post-holiday budget.
Pro Tip: With the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game coming to Philly later this year, hotel prices are expected to skyrocket by summer. January and February are your "sweet spot" for affordable luxury travel.
Your 3-Step Philly Itinerary
- Morning: Grab a coffee and explore the Wintergarden near City Hall.
- Dinner: Secure a reservation at Mawn or Borromini (book 2 weeks out!).
- Late Night: Hit Wilder for a trending zero-proof nightcap.
