Best of Fooda Philadelphia Consumer Choice Awards 2016

It’s a good time to be a hungry Philadelphian. Every restaurant that opens up these days is really, really good. Whether you’re craving Neapolitan pizza, falafel or chicken and waffles, the Philly food scene has you covered. As hard as it was, we’ve narrowed down our favorite places to eat in the city. Now, we present you with the deliciously difficult task of choosing the best lunch spots in the following categories:

•      Mexican
•      Mediterranean
•      Asian
•      Italian
•      Southern

This is your chance to give major props to you favorite place to grab a midday meal in Philly. Once winners have been determined in all categories, we’ll hold another vote to determine the Single Best Lunch in all of Philly.

Best Mexican

Mole Poblano

When you’re craving authentic Mexican food, look no further than Mole Poblano. From tamales smothered in mole sauce to a variety of enchiladas, fajitas and seafood dishes, its menu is as vast as it is flavorful. And, with such heaping portions, you may even have leftovers to take home for dinner – if you can put your fork down.

 Wild Burrito

Wild Burrito presents a healthy approach to Mexican food with offerings specifically catered to the vegan and gluten-free crowd. Diners can chow down on the usual suspects, like Tacos Al Pastor and Chicken Quesadillas, as well as innovative menu items like avocado fries (drooling yet?) and their Buddha Bunny Vegan Brownie.

Best Mediterranean

 Pita Chip

The menu at Pita Chip celebrates the rich flavors of traditional Mediterranean food infused with an “American twist.” Diners can order their choice of protein or veggies in a wrap, rice bowl or salad format, which is then loaded with hummus and a wide selection of fresh toppings and homemade sauces.

 Makkah Market

Makkah Market is a Middle Eastern grocery store and causal cafeteria rolled into one. From shawerma platters, to lamb and beef kabobs, to vegetarian sandwiches, this unassuming eatery has all of your cravings for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine covered. They even offer baklava to satiate the inevitable afternoon sugar crash.

 Malelani Café

At Malelani, which comes from the South African Tswana word for “place of palms,” diners are delighted by a Mediterranean menu inspired by the owner’s Greek heritage. Perfectly tender gyros, hearty sandwiches and a selection of salads served with warm pita are made fresh in-house for the hungry lunch crowd.

Best Asian

Seiko Japanese

Experience the all of the culinary excellence Japan has to offer without stepping foot on a plane. Seiko Japanese serves up an unbelievable variety of fresh and affordable hand crafted rolls, noodle dishes, teriyaki entrees and a la cart items. For lunch, Seiko offers a Lunch Box with a perfectly sized portion of sushi and edamame.

 QT Vietnamese

Hopping on the phở bandwagon has never felt so right. QT Vietnamese serves up soup and noodle dishes, traditional bánh mì sandwiches and rice platters from its modest digs in Chinatown. With a mission to provide healthy Asian fare, QT only uses fresh, locally grown ingredients and leaves out the butter, oil and heavy cream.

Best Italian

 Soprano’s

Though the Italian mom and pop joints in Philly can be hit or miss, you can always count on a consistently delicious meal from Soprano’s. Whether you’re in the mood for baked pasta, meatballs or a fresh salad, the chefs at Soprano’s have the uncanny ability to turn basic Italian fare into an epicurean dream.

Eatalia

When you’re craving the warm comforts of Northern Italian cuisine, there’s only one spot in Philly that fits the bill. Eatalia offers an expansive menu of well-executed classics like Vodka Gnocchi and Chicken Marsala at agreeable prices. For hungry lunch goers on a budget, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Best Southern

 Wishbone Craft Fried Chicken

If your idea of fried chicken is limited to the stuff you get at the drive thru, you can stop reading here. Wishbone’s take on this Southern classic has a pretzel-spiked crust wrapped around tender, hormone and antibiotic-free meat. Toss in some homemade dipping sauces, sandwiches and Wishbone’s legendary Mac & Cheese for a lunch you won’t soon forget.

 Deke’s Bar-B-Que

When you’re craving classic BBQ that’s slow roasted and full of smoky flavor, only the best will do. Deke’s fulfills your wildest dreams for tender pulled pork sliders, brisket cheesesteak and a side of sweet honey cornbread to wash it all down. If you’re searching for Southern cuisine at a great price, look no further than Deke’s.

 Butter’s Soul Food

Much like its namesake, the soul food from Butter’s melts in your mouth. This modest counter-serve joint serves up homey and familiar comfort foods like turkey wings in gravy, candied yams, barbecue ribs and corn bread stuffing. The cakes and pies are even baked in the owner’s mother’s kitchen. Food coma, commence.