Where to Eat British Food in Philly, According to a Brit
From a full English breakfast to a sumptuous afternoon tea, here’s where to find the best British food in Philly.
Fish and chips at The Black Squirrel. / Photograph by Chloé Pantazi-Wolber
I’ve had my fair share of disappointing experiences ordering “British” dishes from restaurants in the 11 years that I’ve lived in the U.S. So, over the years, whenever I’ve longed for a taste of the U.K. — where I grew up — I’ve resorted to rolling up my sleeves and whipping up a shepherd’s pie or batch of scones at home.
But when I moved to Philadelphia from New York, I started looking for good British food all over again, eating my way through the city’s British-style pubs and restaurants. It turns out, it was easier to find than I imagined — though maybe I shouldn’t be too surprised in a city full of fantastic food.
Here’s where I’d go for a taste of the U.K. in and around Philly.
The Black Squirrel Pub and Haunt, East Falls
This East Falls restaurant describes itself as an elevated take on a British pub and inside it certainly looks like one, designed with eclectic wallpaper, exposed brick, and portraits of fancy-looking squirrels — a playful nod to its name. Of course, it’s not just about the atmosphere; Chef Arthur Cavaliere’s menu has plenty to please a crowd looking for good British fare. You’ll find British flavors all over the menu, but if you want the classics order the fish and chips — tender cod encased in a crunchy batter and moreish thick-cut fries served with a creamy shallot sauce, plus a cute mini British flag for decoration — or the cottage pie. While the latter features braised short rib rather than ground beef (as it’s traditionally made), the meat falls apart in your mouth and pairs beautifully with the velvety mash and medley of baby vegetables. And if you’re visiting over the spring or summer, do as the Brits do when the sun comes out and order a Pimm’s cup from the cocktail list. 3749 Midvale Avenue.
Stargazy, East Passyunk
If you’re looking for delicious, no-frills British food, you’ll find it at Stargazy. There’s a whole case of sweet and savory treats to choose from, including sausage rolls, shepherd’s pie, millionaire’s shortbread, and Victoria sponge. And each week, chef-owner Sam Jacobson cooks up classic meals you can order ahead to eat in — along with a mug of complimentary English breakfast tea — or for takeout. The fish and chips, available on Fridays and served with mushy peas, might be the most authentic I’ve had on this side of the Atlantic, made with thick-cut fries and accompanied by tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and a lemon wedge. On Saturdays, there’s a full English with all the components of a traditional breakfast: housemade Cumberland sausages; imported bacon rashers; baked beans; two sunny side-up eggs; Mighty Bread toast; mushrooms; a tomato; and black pudding. And most Sundays, there’s a roast consisting of roasted meat (the kind varies, as does the price based on the cut), meat-fat potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables, and gravy. 1838 East Passyunk Avenue.
The Dandelion, Rittenhouse
If you want the British bistro-pub experience, the closest you’ll get to it in Philly is the Dandelion. The dining area at the Stephen Starr restaurant is scattered across various rooms designed to look like an anglophile’s dream — think wood-paneled walls, upholstered chairs, and portraits of dogs that wouldn’t be out of place in a manor somewhere in the British countryside. Naturally, the menu fits the theme. Depending on when you visit (don’t worry, most of the classics are on the brunch, lunch, and dinner menus), you can order everything from a full English breakfast to a solid Sunday roast complete with a big Yorkshire pudding. Other signature dishes include bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie — made the right way with a fluffy potato-mash topping — and fish and chips served with tartar sauce. And for those looking for a daytime pick-me-up, there’s afternoon tea. 124 South 18th Street.
Afternoon tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room. / Photograph by Mike Prince
Mary Cassatt Tea Room, Rittenhouse
At the Rittenhouse Hotel, the Mary Cassatt Tea Room serves afternoon tea in an elegant dining room with white tablecloths, silver-trimmed china from England, and even a live harpist. Tea packages range from $75 for “The Signature” to $275 for “The Opulence,” which comes with caviar, with options in-between including sparkling wine, rose Champagne, and loose-leaf tea to take home. “The Signature” has all the classics: a pot of tea; finger sandwiches and a mini quiche; two flavored scones (orange and ginger, and gouda and chive, during my visit this spring); and seasonal petit desserts that look like tiny works of art. The purple sweet potato éclair — a subtly saccharine, lilac cream encased in soft-as-a-feather choux pastry — was my favorite thing on the tray when I dined there. 210 West Rittenhouse Square.
A Taste of Britain, Wayne
Walking into A Taste of Britain feels a lot like stepping into a cozy tea room in the English countryside. While there are plenty of options for lunch and dessert, the afternoon tea is the main event. For $39, the full afternoon tea comes with a pot of tea, eight pieces of tea sandwich with an array of fillings — when I visited, options included cucumber with sun-dried tomato pesto cream cheese, curried chicken salad, egg salad, and roast beef with horseradish sauce — plus a scone (available in a range of flavors, though I’d recommend the raisin for the most authentic experience), served with strawberry preserves, lemon curd, and clotted cream. Then, to finish, you get three seasonal mini pastries. For an extra $9, there’s an option to upgrade to “The Royal Treatment” with a Ribena blackcurrant spritzer and a chocolate truffle. And for anyone following a gluten-free diet, there’s an afternoon tea available for $39. Before you leave, stop by the charming restaurant shop to stock up on British treats like an assortment of crisps (a.k.a. chips to Americans) and Cadbury’s chocolate. 503 West Lancaster Avenue.
The British Chip Shop, Haddonfield
For a place with the name The British Chip Shop, it’s no surprise that its chips mean business. Order the fish and chips and you can expect a big heap of them on your plate — thick-cut, with a little of the potato skin left on for some crunch — with a serving of flaky battered cod and a lemon wedge perched on top. Mercifully, the fish and chips are offered on the menu in small and large portions (I found the small ideal for lunch). Other menu options include haddock and chips, bangers and mash, a minced beef and onion pie, and a selection of British desserts, scones, and more. 146 Kings Highway East.
