by Brenda Hillegas
Photos by Big T’s House of Photos
A stroll along Manayunk’s Main Street can feel like a trip across continents because, in just a few blocks, you can discover tastes and cultures from all over the world. Slurp up ramen and other dishes inspired by the streets of Tokyo, breathe in the bold and flavorful spices of India or Thailand, order up some tacos as you take in traditional artwork, or unwind with handmade pastas and pizzas straight from Italy. Each restaurant has a story, a family recipe, and a new spin on a classic tradition. Come hungry and leave your passport at home.
AtRamen
4357 Main St.
Traditional hand-crafted ramen in a cozy space filled with anime decor. Build your own with plenty of fresh, housemade broths and toppings. Curry dishes and additional Japanese appetizers like pork buns, dumplings and takoyaki are perfect for sharing.
Cactus Cantina
4243 Main St.
Southwestern and Mexican influenced cuisine can be found at Cactus Cantina- Santa Fe eggrolls, Texas shrimp, enchiladas- with the freshest ingredients in all of their dishes. Tequila lovers can pick from a variety of 40 options. With a variety of specials each day of the week, this is an excellent spot to gather with friends over margaritas, tacos, or wings.
Chabaa Thai Bistro
4343 Main St.
Chef Moon Krapugthong’s dishes are inspired by her upbringing in Bangkok, Thailand, where she helped her father prepare exotic and flavorful dishes with whatever could be found at the market each morning. If you’re not sure what to order, check out the “Moon’s Recommendations” section of the menu and don’t forget to look up at the beautiful, handcrafted ceiling canopy and floral art decorating the walls.
Dara’s Mediterranean
4401 Cresson St.
New location coming soon: 4409 Main St.
The Mediterranean inspired menu uses the bold flavors of North Africa, Southern Spain and South East Asia. Dishes are the product of decades of professional culinary experience but are filled with passion from skills learned through generations of home cooks. Meals are healthy, natural and scratch-made with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, plus hand pies!
Han Dynasty
4356 Main St.
Han Dynasty brings Sichuan style spice to Main Street and beyond with 10 locations across Philadelphia and NYC. The restaurant chain, opened by Han Chiang and his mother in 2007, is committed to serving authentic cuisine from the Sichuan Chinese culture, as well as the tradition behind the dishes. Ordering from the “Shifu Specials” menu is the best way to explore the Han Dynasty menu. They also have gluten free items.
La Roca
4161 Main St.
Mexican street food, house-made sauces, plenty of vegetarian dishes- La Roca is constantly cooking up new ideas so you always have a reason to return! The taco selection is bursting with flavor combos you don’t always see on a menu- Thai shrimp, brussels al pastor, and portabello mushroom. Can’t decide? Try a taco tasting and pick a few! How many skull decorations and inspired artwork can you find across the restaurant?
Lucky’s Last Chance
4421 Main St.
The chill, dive-bar vibe and an exceptional beer selection make this a great place to hang and unwind. Even better- their epic selection of American staples like hot dogs, burgers, tater tots and mac and cheese. Order from the menu or build your own creations. Lucky’s Last Chance also cooks up over-the-top Burger of the Month specials so you have to visit more than once!
Manayunk Indian Grille
4425 Main St.
Journey to the heart of India with authentic flavors and bold spices at Manayunk Indian Grille. You’ll find something for everyone on their menu, all made fresh and in-house, from Indo-Chinese options, salads, Kati Rolls, Tandoor dishes and more.
Main Street Pho
4307 Main St.
Main Street Pho takes pride in their ability to share Vietnamese dishes like bowls of pho, banh mi (Vietnamese hoagies originating on the streets of Saigon), vegetarian wok dishes, and dumplings. This is a cozy spot for warm dishes and a cup of Ginger Glow Brew with fresh ginger and brown sugar to create a delicious wellness drink.
Mia Ragazza
4411 Main St.
Mia Ragazza puts a Philly twist on Central Italian cuisine. Roman-style pizzas and handmade pastas fill the menu. Come for a full meal, enjoy brunch, or indulge in happy hour with one of their creative cocktails. Don’t leave without trying their signature tiramisu espresso martini, or pair a glass from their wine list with your meal.
New Leaf II
4260 Main St.
Come here to order your favorite Chinese dishes, street fare, dim sum, plus a Japanese sushi bar and sushi-forward dishes. New Leaf II also offers a full bar and bubble teas. Their daily happy hour starts early at 3pm, through 6pm, and includes mix-and-match sushi rolls plus beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers.
Pizzeria L’Angolo
4105 Main St.
Here, you can enjoy the authentic vibes of a rustic, gourmet-yet-casual Southern Italian pizzeria. Signature recipes for red pizzas, white pizzas, and “della nonna” square pizzas are flavorful with the freshest vegetables and dough as well as local meats and cheeses. Everything is handcrafted daily by professional chefs.
Taqueria Amor
4410 Main St.
They’re known for their colorful pop-ups throughout the year, featuring themed menus for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and other events, so this is the best spot for a carefully designed cocktail and Instagram-worthy photos. Aside from the amazing decor, Taqueria Amor has filling and affordable lunch combos, a large tequila selection, and a kids menu for family nights out.
Yanako
4345 Main St.
Chef Moon’s Japanese restaurant features wooden walls and a simple interior, drawing inspiration from the small food stalls that line the streets of Japan. Order from a sushi bar menu, connect over shared plates, or stop in for lunch to try Thai dishes and bento boxes.
Zesty’s
4382 Main St.
Chef Athanassios “Tom” Konidaris- born on the island of Lefkas, between Greece and Italy- brings a unique fusion of Italian, Greek and Mediterranean flavors with a fresh seafood menu, handmade pastas and other Greco-Roman dishes. Much like his downtown restaurant Onassis in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, you’ll find a lively atmosphere and sometimes even belly dancers. Enjoy a glass of wine at the bar or at a seat outside!