PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia’s increasingly-lauded food scene has put a spotlight on the city itself, and so much so that a popular travel publication has named it among the best places to visit in 2026.
Travel+Leisure recently published “The 50 Best Places To Travel In 2026.”
“Our staff vetted more than 100 nominees, with an eye to what makes a place worth visiting in the year ahead,” the magazine said. “Whatever the motivation for your trips in the year ahead—an adrenaline rush, some blissed-out beach vibes, or full-on cultural immersion—we trust our latest list will help with more than a few answers to that perennial travel question. So, where will the new year take you?”
And among featured locales such as like Hamburg, Germany; Darak, Senegal; Riviera Nayarit, Mexico; and Madhaya Pradesh, India is Philadelphia.
Philly was featured under the lists “destinations for food and drinks” section.
Writer Jess Feldman extolled Philadelphia’s stellar dining scene.
Here’s what she had to say:
The rich history is still there, but Philly these days is all about the innovative, award-winning chefs from around the globe who are making the city a must-experience food destination. “There’s a constant stream of things to be excited about,” says Amanda Shulman, co-founder of Libbie Loup Hospitality and executive chef of Her Place Supper Club in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. “There are more and more spots bringing different flavors and vibes—a lot of people are just going for it and trying new models and new styles and seeing what happens.” Among the hottest venues in town are Mawn, a Southeast Asia–inspired noodle joint helmed by 2025 Food & Wine Best New Chef Phila Lorn; La Jefa, an all-day Mexican cafe serving elevated cocktails and inside-out chilaquiles; and Vetri Cucina, which does “a gorgeous pasta tasting menu in an old-school townhouse,” Shulman says. (She also likes Emei, Osteria, and Ocean Harbor.) Global tastemakers are certainly taking note: Philadelphia just got its own section in the new “Michelin Guide Northeast Cities,” recognition that will shine a spotlight on more top tables. As electric as the food scene may be, there are plenty of other draws in the year ahead, including America250 celebrations. Then there’s the soccer: Six FIFA World Cup matches will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in June and July.
See the full list from Travel+Leisure online here.
Check out Patch’s coverage of the Philly food scene below:
