James Beard Award Semifinalist® Yun Fuentes’s Philadelphia Dining Guide
Philly’s best cheesesteak, roast pork sandwich, Latin food, and sushi, according to the chef/owner of BOLO.
Ceviches at BOLO.
Mon, February 2, 2026
Philadelphia might be best known for iconic eats like Philly cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches, but its burgeoning independent restaurant scene has made it a national dining destination. The city’s deep well of culinary talent expressing their unique and multi-cultural perspectives is what makes Philadelphia’s dining scene so diverse and compelling—and a featured city in the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series. To find out where to eat in Philadelphia, we asked James Beard Award semifinalist® Yun Fuentes, chef/owner of BOLO, a Latin American restaurant and rum bar, for his top picks.
Below, Fuentes shares his take on the best restaurants in Philly, including where to find the perfect cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich, the Puerto Rican dish he can’t live without, and the James Beard Award–winning restaurant where he celebrates special occasions.
Yun Fuentes. (Photo: KC Tinari)
The suckling pig dinner at BOLO.
Stuffed plantains at BOLO.
BOLO's second floor space.
What does it mean to be part of the JBF Taste America TasteTwenty cohort?
Being part of the TasteTwenty cohort is an honor. More than a personal culinary achievement, I consider this a way of bringing into the spotlight the flavors and traditions of Puerto Ricans who live abroad but continue to hold dear those cultural values that make us proud.
What do you love about the food scene in your city?
I love Philadelphia’s food scene because of the diverse cultural backgrounds it brings to the table. And it does so while delivering high quality product [and] remaining approachable and inviting to all.
Go-to spot to take visitors:
I often take visitors to South Street and walk around visiting different curiosity stores and stop at Jim’s South St. for a cheesesteak (cheesesteak order: American [cheese], “with”, meaning with grilled onions, and a side of pickled hot peppers) or Puyero for some Latin food. Another place I take folks to is Reading Terminal Market, where they get to explore and find their new local favorite. El Merkury delivers bold Latin American flavors and Tommy DiNic’s has a killer roast pork sandwich with provolone and broccoli rabe.
If I’m feeling a little more in the restaurant mood, I’d probably go to PARC—it never misses and we find something for everyone. PARC is Stephen Starr’s brasserie located in front of Rittenhouse Park that delivers classic French fare with a spot-on level of excellence. I get the chicken liver parfait, onion soup, and trout amandine.
Little Walter's is known for its pierogies.
Must-try dish in your city:
Roast pork sandwich—I get them at John’s Roast Pork. It’s something I would like to work on myself and perfect. A good cheesesteak is great but a roast pork sandwich (a slow-roasted pork sandwich with provolone, often served with broccoli rabe or spinach on a seeded Italian bread) with long hots (long, thin green peppers with a medium-low level of heat, often served roasted/pickled)—it's a thing of beauty.
Best special occasion restaurant:
Friday Saturday Sunday. They know how to make a moment memorable. I have many great memories at Friday Saturday Sunday. The food, drink, and hospitality are at a level that I aspire to achieve at my restaurant someday. Truly inspiring, every time!
What does an ideal night out in your city look like?
There’s so much to do in the city at night; I would start by having a late lunch at Amy’s Pastelillos, [then] catch a show at the Helium Comedy Club. [Next, I’d] grab some sushi at Vic Sushi Bar and head over to 48 Record Bar in Old City for a cocktail and good music, followed by a quick stop at MilkBoy in South Street, grab a beer [and] a snack, and head back home.
What restaurant are you most looking forward to checking out?
Little Walter’s. My wife introduced me to pierogies; I’ve heard he makes the best, so I have to try them. I'm also curious about the cuisine; everything I read on the menu seems very interesting. I’m drawn by the concept; perhaps because it’s a chef exploring his heritage, I want to experience that journey. I do the same at BOLO with my heritage and culture; I hope people want to come in to experience ours as well.
Puyero's Pabellón arepa.
El Coqui's quesitos.
Esposito's.
Restaurant dish you’d cry over if they took it off the menu:
The quesitos [flaky Puerto Rican pastries with a sweet cream cheese filling and sugar glaze] at El Coqui in Harrowgate Plaza Shopping Center. There’s something about quesitos that is somewhat unorthodox in the flaky pastry world or layered dough realm, for that matter. When folks top the pastry with the syrup, it gives it a new texture. Those are the ones I prefer—especially when they are still warm! I wouldn’t know what to do if I [didn't] have a quesito at least once a week. I’d probably have to move back to Puerto Rico.
Favorite food/drink specialty shop:
Di Bruno Bros. in the Italian Market for cheese, charcuterie, and wine; Esposito’s for any meats; Hung Vuong Market for Asian [products] and some Caribbean products. And shoutout to Guavaberry Foods the bodega/cornerstore near my house, who always brings in all the Boricua stuff I need for home—gracias!
Who is another chef you admire in your city (and why)?
Marc Vetri. I’ve never worked for him, but his restaurants, career, and books are inspiring. The way that he has intertwined his cooking, heritage, and culture with this city is what I aspire to do one day.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® culinary series presented by Capital One brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. The Taste America TasteTwenty cohort, comprised of 20 exceptional chefs and changemakers, showcase their talents and represent their city’s independent restaurant community at walkaround tastings and dinners nationwide.