Penn students tend to have a strong desire to try out Philly foods. Whether you’re a Philly native, a “Philly” native (aka Lower Merion, Gladwyne, South Jersey native), or a true Philly newbie, you should make it your mission to try out the amazing food this city has to offer. It’s more affordable than New York’s cuisine, but just as delicious (if not more…am I right, Philly folks?).

One Philly restaurateur stands out above the rest: Stephen Starr. You can find his countless themed restaurants all over the city, making your next food outing easy and exploratory. But which dishes must you try at his restaurants? I’ll give you some insight as a Penn student and true Philly native. Now keep in mind that I have NOT been to every Stephen Starr restaurant, despite my near 20 years in this city. So just remember that I have some tasting left to do, just like you.

Appetizers:

Seared Tuna Tacos – Jones – Olde City

This appetizer comes with two corn shelled tacos filled to the brim with seared tuna. Served with avocado and a delicious aioli sauce, these tacos can serve as an entrée if you decide to get a salad or soup on the side.

Beef Tartare – The Dandelion – Rittenhouse Square

What can I say? I’m a sucker for raw meats. Let this be your first beef tartare experience if you have one, because it’s served with amazing toasted bread and tastes just right on your tongue. This appetizer is also meaty enough to be a part of your main course, but don’t skip out on some of the other amazing dishes The Dandelion has to offer.

Japanese Caesar Salad – Pod – University City

All I can say is that even if you don’t like salad, you will like this Japanese/Asian fusion rendition of the famous Italian salad. It’s reliably dressed perfectly, and it’s just enough for you to save room for the sushi or Pad Thai you plan on eating at this funky restaurant later.

Macho Nachos – El Vez – Gayborhood

Don’t skip out on nachos. In fact, make it your main course if you must. They’re loaded with deliciousness like sausage and crema fresca. But if you’re gonna go in on these nachos, make sure you don’t skip out on a frozen marg. They are also to die for.

Entrees

Rabbit Pappardelle – Parc – Rittenhouse Square

Sorry these are all strange meat dishes, but hang on tight. This pasta is absolutely to die for. The pappardelle is my absolute favorite, and the tender rabbit meat complements the thick pasta like you would not believe. Trust me—you gotta try it.

Rad Na – The Continental – Olde City, Rittenhouse Square

This restaurant is great because you can get a variety of food lovers to enjoy a meal inspired by their favorite cuisine (think: Japan, Thailand, New Orleans, Sicily…). This entrée is perfect for the Thai perfectionist. It does not skimp on your favorite parts of a classic Pad Thai. The peanuts will make you go nuts.

Piccante Pizza – Stella – Headhouse Square

Pizza purists may protest, but this pizza makes a full meal. The capicola serves as your protein, provolone as your dairy, and tomato as your veggie. Not to mention the thin, delicious crust as your carb. Nutritionists’ delight.

Raw Diver Scallops – Serpico – South Street

Nom nom nom. More raw food. Sorry, not sorry. Seafood lovers and meat lovers can seriously enjoy this dish, served up with some really yummy, sort of unidentified sauce. The restaurant itself is super sceney, as it seems like there’s nothing really inside when you’re looking at the entrance. However, upon entrance, you’ll realize this place has got it poppin’.

Desserts:

Duncan Hines Chocolate Layer Cake – Jones – Olde City

Jones, again. I must admit it’s my favorite restaurant of all time. Let me tell you—don’t skip this dish just because you see a name brand in its title. Jones takes this classic dessert to the next level. It’s amazing and fudgy, and they don’t give you a tiny piece either. Also, the cold glass of whole milk is the perfect touch.

Blond Bombshell – The Continental – Olde City, Rittenhouse Square

Ever since my camper days, I’ve been searching for the blondie that compares to the ones from the dining hall. I’ve yet to find one that matches such deliciousness, but the Blond Bombshell at The Continental comes pretty close. Served up with ice cream, and oh, whipped cream, you can’t get enough of this dish. But beware—it’s not really big enough to share.

Chocolate Cigar – Alma de Cuba – Rittenhouse Square

This is a real crowd pleaser. It comes with a cigar cake and matches, all of which are totally edible (not to mention totally scrumptious). Don’t skip this dish at Alma de Cuba. Make sure you save room because some of those entrees and apps are reeeeally filling. This dessert is relatively small, though, so you can fit it into your extra dessert tummy.