Does PA have the best restaurants in the US? The NYT thinks these 3 are among the top 50

Three Pennsylvania restaurants recently earned recognition as some of the best restaurants in the U.S., according to the New York Times.

The newspaper’s third annual Restaurant List honored a trio of Keystone State representatives selected by a dozen reporters, editors and critics who traveled all across the country in search of their favorite and most exciting spots. About half of the 50 restaurants featured in this year’s list opened within the last year or so, the New York Times said.

“Despite the upheavals in recent years, this is an expansive moment for independent restaurants,” the New York Times wrote. “We can’t help but feel that cities and towns in the United States are better to eat in today than they ever have been.”

Here’s what you need to know about the Pennsylvania restaurants that made this year’s New York Times Restaurant List.

El Chingon

This Philadelphia-based taco and sandwich shop opened in November 2022 in South Philadelphia. According to the New York Times, chef and owner Juan Carlos Aparicio opened El Chingon by combining Pueblan family recipes with skills he learned working in upscale French and Italian restaurants for years.

“El Chingon doesn’t clamor for attention or traffic in gimmicks; it’s simply a neighborhood restaurant, albeit one of the highest order,” the New York Times’ Nikita Richardson wrote.

El Chingon’s menu, supported by house-baked bread and fresh produce, features tacos, sandwiches and plenty of appetizers, including rabbit tinga tostadas and elote. Additionally, a lunch and brunch menu offered between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. features favorites like chilaquiles, chalupa poblana and huevos con mole.

You can find El Chingon at 1524 S. 10th St. in Philadelphia. The restaurant is closed Monday, but open from at least 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the rest of the week, though hours vary by day. Full menus and hours are available at elchingonphilly.com.

My Loup

Located just off Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, this French-influenced restaurant offers a memorable experience for diners thanks to its eccentric but exciting menu. Chefs Alex Kemp and Amanda Shulman each bring their own cooking experiences to the restaurant, resulting in a wholly unique experience.

“’Je me souviens’ (I remember) is the motto of Quebec, and it’s also a vibe at this newcomer in the City of Brotherly Love, where you might remember things about restaurants that have been missing in recent years — namely fun,” New York Times editor Sara Bonisteel writes.

My Loup’s appetizer and small plate selections offer oysters, pickled shrimp, beef tartare and a smoked eel Caesar salad. Entrees include grilled swordfish, half-roasted chicken and a $130 Cote de Boeuf dish intended for two.

You can find My Loup at 2005 Walnut St. The restaurant, which opened in May, operates from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are available online at myloupphl.com.

Kalaya

This Thai restaurant rounds out Phialdelphia’s (and Pennsylvania’s) trio of representatives among the New York Times’ best restaurants. Kalaya opened in a new spot in November 2022 as the latest product of Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, who took to the restaurant business after working as a flight attendant. Now, her Fishtown neighborhood restaurant offers “forcefully spiced, luminous cooking.”

“Be sure to order the flower-shaped shaw muang, the fiery venison curry and the goong phao, with its grilled freshwater prawns,” the New York Times’ Brett Anderson advises. “And while you eat, marvel at the realization that this preternaturally gifted chef and restauranteur didn’t open her first place until age 50.”

Kalaya’s menu includes dumplings, curry dishes, stir fry, cocktails and more. Reservations are also accepted through an online form at kalayaphilly.com.

You can find Kalaya at 4 W. Palmer St. in Philadelphia. The restaurant is open for dinner from at least 5 to 10 p.m. daily and for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekend.

The New York Times Restaurant List

The famed newspaper’s third Restaurant List features establishments from 28 U.S. states, ranging from Washington to South Carolina. No state landed more representatives on 2023’s list than California and New York, which each had five restaurants featured.

Visit nytimes.com/interactive/2023/dining/best-restaurants-america.html to check out each restaurant, read brief reviews, browse menus and more.