Philadelphia, January 1, 2026
In a move that underscores its thriving culinary scene, Philadelphia is set to open over 40 new restaurants and bars. This range of establishments aims to cater to diverse tastes, from upscale dining to innovative food halls, enhancing the city’s gastronomic reputation. Noteworthy openings include the expansion of Wonder Food Hall and Chef Greg Vernick’s trattoria, Emilia, alongside several other exciting new venues. This growth reflects the city’s commitment to culinary innovation and showcases its vibrant cultural heritage.
Philadelphia Welcomes Over 40 New Restaurants and Bars in 2026
Philadelphia is set to welcome more than 40 new restaurants and bars in 2026, reflecting the city’s vibrant and evolving culinary landscape. These establishments range from innovative food halls to upscale dining experiences, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences.
Notable Openings in 2026
- Wonder Food Hall Expansion: Following the success of its Rittenhouse Square location, Wonder Food Hall plans to open new venues in Drexel Hill and Roxborough in early 2026.
- Emilia: Chef Greg Vernick’s highly anticipated trattoria, Emilia, is set to debut in Fishtown–East Kensington in winter 2026, offering a menu focused on pasta, seasonal vegetables, antipasti, and wood-fired entrées.
- Assembly Pizza Co.: Joining the Gather Food Hall in Schuylkill Yards, Assembly Pizza Co. will open on January 1, 2026, completing the food hall’s six-vendor lineup.
- Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley: Set to open on South Broad Street in October 2025, this establishment will become Philadelphia’s largest Black-owned restaurant, offering elevated Southern comfort food.
- Stateside Live!: Formerly known as Xfinity Live!, this South Philadelphia entertainment complex is undergoing a $15 million expansion, including a new outdoor beer garden, with completion expected in early 2026.
- Craft Pizza: Opening on January 1, 2026, Craft Pizza will be part of the Gather Food Hall in Schuylkill Yards, adding to the diverse culinary offerings in the area.
- Alex’s Pizza: Known for its iconic red sauce swirl, Alex’s Pizza is expanding to Ocean City, with a new boardwalk location set to open in spring 2026.
- Maize: Slated to debut in Denver, Colorado, in spring 2026, Maize is the first tasting menu restaurant from Johnny and Kasie Curiel of Fonda Fina Hospitality.
Background Context
Philadelphia’s dining scene has experienced significant growth and recognition in recent years. In November 2025, the city received its first-ever inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide, earning three coveted MICHELIN Stars and 21 other recommendations for its restaurants. This milestone highlights the city’s rich culinary history and its appeal to both residents and visitors.
The upcoming openings in 2026 are part of a broader trend of culinary innovation and expansion in Philadelphia. These new establishments aim to enhance the city’s reputation as a gastronomic destination, offering a variety of dining experiences that reflect its diverse cultural heritage and contemporary trends.
Key Features of Philadelphia’s 2026 Restaurant Openings
| Establishment | Location | Opening Date | Concept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wonder Food Hall Expansion | Drexel Hill and Roxborough | Early 2026 | Multi-restaurant food hall offering diverse culinary options |
| Emilia | Fishtown–East Kensington | Winter 2026 | Trattoria focusing on pasta, seasonal vegetables, antipasti, and wood-fired entrées |
| Assembly Pizza Co. | Schuylkill Yards | January 1, 2026 | Craft-driven pizza concept |
| Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley | South Broad Street | October 2025 | Elevated Southern comfort food |
| Stateside Live! Expansion | South Philadelphia | Early 2026 | Entertainment complex with new outdoor beer garden |
| Craft Pizza | Schuylkill Yards | January 1, 2026 | Part of Gather Food Hall’s six-vendor lineup |
| Alex’s Pizza | Ocean City Boardwalk | Spring 2026 | Expansion of iconic pizzeria |
| Maize | Denver, Colorado | Spring 2026 | First tasting menu restaurant from Fonda Fina Hospitality |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some notable new restaurants and bars opening in Philadelphia in 2026?
Philadelphia is set to welcome over 40 new establishments in 2026, including Wonder Food Hall’s expansions in Drexel Hill and Roxborough, Chef Greg Vernick’s trattoria Emilia in Fishtown–East Kensington, Assembly Pizza Co. joining the Gather Food Hall in Schuylkill Yards, Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley on South Broad Street, and the $15 million expansion of Stateside Live! in South Philadelphia.
What is the significance of Philadelphia’s inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide?
In November 2025, Philadelphia received its first-ever inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide, earning three MICHELIN Stars and 21 other recommendations. This recognition underscores the city’s rich culinary heritage and its growing appeal as a dining destination.
How do these new openings contribute to Philadelphia’s culinary scene?
The upcoming openings in 2026 reflect a trend of culinary innovation and expansion in Philadelphia, aiming to enhance the city’s reputation as a gastronomic destination. These establishments offer a variety of dining experiences that showcase the city’s diverse cultural heritage and contemporary trends.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
