Discover Philadelphia’s Culinary Treasures with Chef Mike Solomonov

Local Philadelphia Chef Mike Solomonov shares his favorites.

Philadelphia is a city renowned for its cheesesteaks and hoagie subs; however, the best local food often comes from unexpected places. Chef Mike Solomonov, a local expert, guides viewers on a food tour to discover hidden gems throughout the city.

Down North Pizza – A Unique Twist on Classic Pizza

Solomonov’s first stop is Down North Pizza, which puts a spin on thin East Coast pies by offering a delectable deep-dish thick crust instead. The square slice, loaded with toppings, resembles focaccia bread. Owner Muhammad Abdul-Hadi shares that the dough is the true star of the operation. Moreover, viewers learn about the shop’s mission, as Abdul-Hadi explains how he employs formerly incarcerated individuals and even provides them with the opportunity to live in apartments above the restaurant.

Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice – A Refreshing Treat

Solomonov continues his tour at Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice, where he samples fresh flavors made by owner Siddiq Moore. Known for being health conscious, Siddiq creates all of his treats using real fruit — even showcasing a large container of cantaloupes. His mission is to bring the joy of boardwalk-style treats to the local community, and the neighborhood has even honored him by renaming the street after his business.

Pho and Vietnamese Culture – A Culinary Exploration

As the tour progresses into the center city near South Philly, Solomonov emphasizes that despite being close to the Italian market, this tour does not focus on cheesesteaks. Instead, he visits Wing Phat Plaza, an unassuming strip mall that houses some of the best Vietnamese markets and produce in the area. At Pho75, Solomonov enjoys a giant bowl of pho customized with lime and jalapeno, perfectly complemented by a sweet iced coffee made with condensed milk. He notes that the diverse immigrant culture in Philadelphia enriches the local food scene.

a.kitchen + bar – Modern Bistro French Cuisine

Traveling to Rittenhouse Square, an area celebrated for its vibrant bars and restaurants, Solomonov visits a.kitchen + bar, where chef Eli Collins offers modern Bistro French cooking focused on seasonal produce. Before diving into the meal, Solomonov engages in a conversation with Ellen Yin, owner of High Street Hospitality Group, discussing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Philadelphia’s restaurant scene and the ongoing challenges for women seeking to establish themselves in this industry.

Royal Sushi & Izakaya – An Omakase Experience

The tour concludes in Queen Village at Royal Sushi & Izakaya, where owner Jesse Ito presents a unique Omakase experience. Solomonov samples meticulously plated fish, enjoying the connection that diners have with their meals. “People want to feel the heart and soul of a restaurant,” says Ito. As a fitting end to this culinary adventure, Solomonov concludes the Philadelphia food tour by encouraging visitors to dine at these beloved local institutions next time they find themselves in the city.

For those eager to explore Philadelphia’s food scene, the culinary offerings highlighted by Chef Solomonov provide an excellent starting point. Experience the flavors and stories that make this city’s cuisine truly special.