Philadelphia 2023 foodie guide – whet your appetite

After honing his culinary skills at restaurants in Canada, England and the US, Canadian chef Alex Kemp found himself at Momofuku Ko in New York City alongside an up-and-coming American chef, Amanda Shulman. Clearly something was heating up in that kitchen: Now, six years later, Kemp and Shulman are partners in life and business, with not one but two hot eateries in foodie-friendly Philadelphia.

The couple opened in May My Loupe, named one of “The 12 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2023” by Bon Appétit magazine. Their new spot has been packed every night since its debut. (Book well in advance: they are only open Monday to Friday, 5pm to 10pm)

Shulman is also the owner and culinary genius behind it Her Place Supper Club, which Bon Appétit has named to its “50 Best New Restaurants 2022” list. Another accolade: she was a finalist at the 2023 James Beard Awards, in the Emerging Chef category.

My Loup focuses on fresh, French-inspired market cuisine, with dishes such as deep-fried softshell crab with hollandaise and caviar, alongside perfect wine pairings and classic cocktails. Kemp’s family roots are French Canadian, with both chefs citing their stints Joe Beef in Montreal as a major influence on their work today. My Loup’s menu changes regularly depending on the season and the range of locally sourced produce, meat and seafood.

The name of the restaurant refers to the Kemp family’s roots in Quebec. “Loup” means “wolf” in French, and it’s both Shulman’s tongue-in-cheek nickname for her partner and the name of their very unwolfish Dachshund.

When not running their own kitchen, Kemp and Shulman discover a diverse and friendly culinary scene in their adopted town. “The Philly restaurateurs were very hospitable,” says Kemp. Here are just a few of their favorite spots for your next trip to this foodie paradise.

For Philly on a plate: fiorella

This was one of Kemp’s first dining experiences in his adopted city. He describes it as “Philadelphia through and through. It’s nestled in the Italian market, and it is the epitome of comfort. Buttery, rich pastas and a cool wine list. Go!” The name Fiorella has been on the facade of this monumental building since 1892 – first as a sausage shop and more than a century later it changed hands as a pasta bar by Marc Vetri.

For small plates and star cocktails: A.kitchen+bar

Kemp says highly acclaimed chef Eli Collins is always pleased. “I love Eli’s cooking. A.kitchen is just down the street from my house and our restaurants. It’s so consistently delicious, and the cocktails are amazing.” The restaurant and bar have both received recognition for their wine and spirits programs, including an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator.

For Classical Korean: Kim’s BBQ restaurant

“I take all our out-of-town visitors here,” Kemp says of his favorite Korean BBQ in town. “It’s in North Philly and is simply the best. It’s like a dinner and a show – the staff are so friendly and everything is always perfect. A popular choice: barbecue your own meat while enjoying a glass of soju.

For an 8-course tasting menu: Friday Saturday Sunday

Shulman recommends this airy establishment, with a bar on the ground floor and New American dining, with an eight-course menu upstairs. “There’s no better place to eat a seemingly fine meal in Philly,” she says. “Chad Williams has put together a tasting menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously. One of the best dining experiences in town.”

For super sushi: Royal Isaac

“(Chef) Jesse Ito has been a good friend of mine for a long time and he is so incredibly talented. I just love the bustle of his dining room,” says Schulman. “You go into that space knowing you’re going to have a good time.” The restaurant offers a chef-led omakase meal, a 17-piece tasting menu served in an intimate eight-seat sushi bar.

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