The Iconic Small Bites of Philly
Sometimes you just want a cocktail and a few small plates. While a full dinner and lunch is typically ideal, the unpredictable weather (and appetite) can change plans. Fortunately, Philly has several incredible restaurants who put as much effort into their small bites as they do their heavier entrées.
Here are the most iconic small bites in Philly, showcasing a variety of tasty toasts, dumplings, fried appetizers, savory snacks, and more.
Hang’N Bacon at Bake’n Bacon
A dynamic dish, this sharable plate of five strips of thick bacon hanging from a miniature rack above five pieces of savory cornbread is simultaneously unforgettable and tasty.
Pierogies at Tattooed Mom
Arguably the most recognizable spot to get scrumptious (and affordable) pierogies in town, these Polish potato stuffed and fried bites also has a vegan version as well.
Crispy Cheese Curds at Bud & Marilyn’s
One doesn’t have to travel all the way to to Wisconsin to enjoy these impressive curds made with cheddar, smoked guajillo salsa, and charred scallion ranch.
Tomato Tart at Parc
Parc is renowned for a lot of things, but their seasonal small plates are incomparable — like this tomato tart that’s prepared with roma tomatoes, goat fondue cheese, and thyme.
Edamame Dumplings at Sampan
Simple, but notable — these outstanding dumplings (flavored with sake, pea shoot, and truffle) are a symbol of happy hour and good times to be had in Philly.
Bone Marrow Toast at Alpen Rose
Fine dining is an understatement at Alpen Rose, but their bone marrow toast solidifies it. Served up herbs, beef cheek, red wine — it’s the epitome of what an exquisite small bite should taste like.
Sal’s Meatballs at Pizzeria Salvy
Meatballs are easy to find in Philly, but none taste like this small plate named after legendary chef Marc Vetri’s father. Beefy meatballs smothered in rich tomato sauce and served alongside whipped ricotta di bufala and basil is delight to see (and taste).
Fried Wonton Chips at La Chinesca
Crunch, light, and flavorful, these fried wonton chips — wisely served with salsa roja, salsa verde, and duck sauce — are dynamite on a small plate.
Deviled Crab Toast at South
There’s deviled eggs, but then there’s deviled crab toast. The fresh lump crab, deviled egg spread, salmon roe, and pickled white radish of this bite is a mini meal within itself.
Foie Gras at Laser Wolf
This isn’t your parent’s favorite French restaurant foie gras. Served alongside grilled pita, apricot, Sicilian pistachio and drizzled with Spruce Tip honey — it’s a bite that can’t be found anywhere else.
Crispy Octopus at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
Grilled octopus is as predicable as ever — but this fried version that’s flavored with spicy arugula pesto and a lemon-white bean puree — is unexpectedly succulent.
“Latka’d” Hash Brown at Middle Child Clubhouse
Hash browns have never been the same once they’ve been “latka’d” at Middle Child Clubhouse. Add the trout roe to top the dill cream for the full effect.
Kanom Jeeb Nok at Kalaya
Arguably the cutest (and tastiest) dumplings ever assembled on a plate, these three bird-shaped delicacies are boldly made with caramelized cod and preserved radish.
Tostadas at LMNO
A definitive small plate from Stephen Starr’s glowing Fishtown restaurant, these filling tostadoes are made in a variety of impressive ways (such as Mariscos (shrimp, scallops, octopus), chorizo & calamari, and yellowfin tuna).
Patatas Bravas at Amada
This legendary bite has set the gold standard for the future of small plates in Philly. These confit potatoes topped with smoked paprika aioli and garnished with parsley are exceptional.
