Philadelphia’s dining scene is having another big moment on the national stage. Two Philly restaurants, Honeysuckle and Sao, have been named among Best New Restaurants of 2026 by Bon Appétit. The Philly restaurants join 17 others across the county the magazine says are pushing American dining in exciting new directions.
The annual list highlights restaurants whose chefs are taking risks and challenging familiar formats. This year, Philly made its mark with two very different restaurants. Read on to learn a little about the winners and why you need to make reservations like yesterday.
Honeysuckle brings Philly history to the plate
Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate’s Honeysuckle has been recognized for its inventive tasting menu. The menu draws from Philadelphia, Black American history, pop culture, and a dose of nostalgia.
The restaurant’s dishes turn familiar ideas into something entirely unexpected. One standout highlighted by Bon Appétit is Gumbo Not Gombo, a creative take on a classic dish. It combines seafood, tangy brother, nori made from dehydrated collards and okra.
Another is McDonald’s Money, a playful take on fast food nostalgia. The double smash burger is topped with rémoulade, caviar, and truffles and served on milk bread toast.
Honeysuckle’s beverage program similarly explores the African diaspora through ingredients and techniques including heritage rum, plantain washes, and sorrel.
Sao takes Southeast Asian cuisine somewhere unexpected
In Passyunk Square, Sao is earning recognition for its bold approach to Southeast Asian cooking.
Created by Phila and Rachel Lorn, the duo behind Mawn, the restaurant operates as a Southeast Asian raw bar but goes far beyond what that description might suggest.
As noted by Bon Appétit, the menu combines Southeast Asian flavors with unexpected ingredients and techniques. Dishes include hamachi crudo with coconut cream, Cambodian papaya salad, and mee caton featuring wide noodles, beef, and rich hoisin-based gravy.
Moreover, Sao also isn’t afraid to mix influences, incorporating everything from smoked fish and hoe cakes to Parmesan and fish sauce caramel.
Together, Honeysuckle and Sao showcase the kind of creativity that continues to make Philadelphia one of the country’s most exciting food cities.
