Bringing the bustling energy of a Portuguese cafe to Fishtown, Gilda (pronounced Jil-da) is run by husband-chef team, Brian Oliveira and Brian Mattera, who met in this very space, while working at Girard. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick pastry with the signature Pastel de Nata and a coffee or want to take your time with the Char-Grilled Piri Piri Chicken, there are no bad options on the focused menu.

There’s nothing more romantic than a cozy BYOB where you’re sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow diners. That’s the exact vibe you’ll get at Illata, an unfussy neighborhood gem focusing on local seafood and produce. Start your meal with freshly baked sourdough via the Bread and Butter or opt for the Marinated Mussels with hakurei turnips, then fill up on Rigatoni Amatriciana before topping it all off with a Chocolate Cream Puff for dessert.

Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran expanded their Midtown Village dining empire (see: Barbuzzo, Bud & Marilyn’s, and Little Nonna’s) with the recent opening of Darling Jack’s Tavern. The menu is inspired by international taverns and features Coal Grilled Oysters, Steamed Mussels with housemade Portuguese sausage, a dedicated section of thin-crust Tavern Pizza, Coal Grilled Steak Frites, and Gochujang Glazed Lamb Ribs. Pair everything with signature martinis, natural wine, and craft beer.

Amanda Schulman, of Her Place Supper Club, and her fiance, fellow chef Alex Kemp, opened this French-inspired restaurant that’s only open on weekdays. Within the cozy dining room, the menu highlights their past cooking experiences as well as seasonal ingredients with plenty of seafood and foie gras. Just a heads up: the “p” in My Loup is silent.

Opened last fall, Doro Bet marks the third local food venture for sisters Hayat Ali and Mebruka Kane. Located in West Philly, this Ethiopian chicken house Doro Bet is best known for their signature juicy and gluten-free fried Chicken Sandwiches served on a toasted brioche bun. The secret sauce (or spice, rather) is the lemon turmeric and berbere in the batter.