Philadelphia’s dining scene continues to earn major national recognition. The Robb Report has released its list of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century, and three local gems made the cut, further cementing the city’s reputation as one of the most exciting food destinations in the country.
The ranking was voted by 250 chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, food experts, and well-traveled diners, who were asked to name the restaurants that have defined American dining since the year 2000. Voters considered influence, longevity, creatively, and cultural impact, not just what a restaurant looks like today but how it shaped the dining world at its peak
Robb Report 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century
Three local restaurants made the list including:
Kalaya: Thai cooking that changed the conversation
Kalaya earned a spot on the list for its bold, uncompromising approach to Thai cuisine. Chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon opened the restaurant as a small 32-seat BYOB in South Philly in 2019, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about restaurants in the city.
In 2022, Kalaya moved to a much larger space in Fishtown, allowing Nok’s vibrant Southern Thai flavors to reach an even wider audience. Dishes like her tom yum with giant river prawns and coconut-glazed grilled chicken have helped redefine what Thai food looks like on the national fine-dining stage.
Vetri: A philly institution that set the the standard
Marc Vetri’s flagship restaurants, Vetri, was recognized for its lasting influence on Philadelphia’s dining culture. Since opening in 1998, Vetri has introduced generations of dinners to refined, regional Italian cooking while also serving as a training ground for some of the city’s most celebrated chefs.
Today, the intimate tasting menu experience remains one of the city’s most coveted reservations, proving that classic technique and thoughtful evolution can still feel fresh decades later.
Zahav: A restaurant that changed Philly dining forever
Ranked highest among the Philly restaurants on the list and in the top 20 out of 100, Zahav continues to be one of the most influential restaurants in America.
When chef Michael Solomonov and restauranteur Steven Cook opened Zahav in 2008, Israeli cuisine was still largely unfamiliar to many diners.
By blending tradition, modern technique, and warm hospitality, Zahav introduced a new way of dining in Philadelphia. From its legendary hummus and salami to its celebratory lamb shoulder, the restaurant helped usher Philly into a new era of globally inspired, chef-driven dining.
Read the Robb Report
With three spots on Robb Report’s list, Philly’s food scene isn’t just thriving. Indeed, it’s shaping the future of American dining.
To see the full list of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century, visit the Robb Report official website here.