University City is filled with culinary delights and a nice mix of cafes, bars, and restaurants sure to satisfy anyone’s palate, writes Hira Qureshi for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

For a quick bite, the 24-hour Makkah Market is a solid option. Hearty meals at the market include lamb stew, chicken tawook, and kufta kebab for $10 or less. There are also tasty desserts, like baklava, rice pudding.

A good choice for cafes is Madis Coffee House, which serves up a variety of iced and hot beverages, from chocolate syrup-laden iced espresso to warming butterscotch caramel lattes and matcha. Or at ReAnimator Coffee, you can discover one of Philadelphia’s best espresso tonics, along with a selection of drip coffees and lattes.

If you’re in the mood for a hearty Palestinian feast, Renata’s Kitchen is your best choice. For brunch, maybe try the French toast with mango-pineapple chutney, shakshuka, and falafel platters, or a harissa-marinated chicken with grilled pita and zaa’tar-crusted branzino with hand-rolled maftool for dinner.

Walnut Street Cafe features an all-day menu with dishes like beet and pomegranate salad, steak frites, and summer squash lasagna. 

If you’re looking for a bar, Local 44, which features plenty of local brews, is your answer.

Read more about some of the best establishments to dine in University City at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in April 2024.