Below is a compilation of Philly restaurants we visited from October till December (in chronological order). Looking back, we went to a lot of cool places!

Wedge + Fig (dinner)

Pictured: Shackamaxon sandwich, John Oates sandwich, and Bacon-Lattice Mac+Cheese Pie

Highlight: You can either sit inside the café or in the “secret garden” out back. Definitely choose the latter option!

Lowlight: The proportion of ingredients in the sandwiches are extremely meat heavy, which isn’t a terrible problem except there was so much meat in my panini that most of the pieces were still cold!

Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi (dinner)

Pictured: Spicy salmon and mixed vegetable rolls, Salmon hibachi, Tiramisu, Red bean ice cream

Highlight: Solid Groupon deal and located smack in the middle of Walnut Street shopping. Also, they have more traditional style Japanese seating (although I found that sitting criss-cross applesauce the entire meal wasn’t the most comfortable).

Lowlight: N/A

White Dog Cafe (brunch)

Pictured: Crab cake burger, Lancaster County 3-Egg Omelet, Apple pie stuffed French toast

Highlight: Conveniently located in University City.

Lowlight: N/A

Doc Magrogan’s (brunch)

Pictured: Lobster & Asparagus Frittata, Apple pancakes, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Banana Nutella stuffed French toast

Highlight: Big portions, smooth French toast, and fluffy pancakes! Also, conveniently located in University City.

Lowlight: We went during Lobster month so were extra eager to try the lobster mac ‘n cheese but it was watery rather than rich.

Hickory Lane American Bistro (brunch)

Pictured: Pork belly eggs benedict, Thanksgiving themed eggs benedict, Pumpkin stuffed French toast, Red velvet crepe pancakes

Highlight: Good food all around but the sweet dishes reigned supreme (then again, I’m pretty biased). Plus, they’re open for Thanksgiving Day brunch.

Lowlight: N/A

Barbuzzo (lunch)

Pictured: Pasta (details forgotten), Antipasti plate from the chef’s bar, Pizzas (2), Salted Caramel Budino

Highlight: Skip the pasta and go straight for the pizza! The pizza here reminds me of the pizza I had in Venice. (The current menu doesn’t list the pizzas we tried though but one of them had black grapes on it, which was surprisingly (but not surprisingly) really delicious!)

Lowlight: The pasta was overshadowed by the pizza for sure.

Pod (dinner)

Pictured: Sushi/sashimi platter, Yuzu-Miso Chocolate Cake with Sake Foam, Chicken lettuce wraps, Assorted mochi ice cream, Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Vegan Stephen specialty roll, Mushroom & Sweet Pea Dumplings, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Highlight: This is one of my favorite restaurants in Philly! The food is light and actually modern Asian as advertised. Add to that a truly unique ambiance and great service, and that sums up Pod. Our table was sent lettuce wraps courtesy of the chef!

Lowlight: Pricy considering the small portions but I still love this place!

So Crepe (brunch)

Pictured: So Classic crepe

Highlight: They have an area at the back of the restaurant that’s perfect for a group of ten or so. The owners are also pretty friendly.

Lowlight: N/A

Zento (dinner)

Pictured: Tofu cheesecake with lychee and sake poached peach, Hang-On Salmon Roll, Angus Beef Roll, Vegetables Roll

Highlight: Really creative sushi! I personally am not big on raw fish, so I was happy to see rolls with cooked fish/meat on the menu. Hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had in my life.

Lowlight: Like Pod, the portions are small and pricey, but it’s just soooo goooooood.

Green Eggs (brunch for dinner)

Pictured: Figgy pudding oatmeal, Duck confit carrot hash, Gingerbread cookie French toast, Mint hot chocolate

Highlight:  Brunch for dinner! ‘Nuff said.

Lowlight: N/A