Shop Penn

Offering a taste of Asia here in University City, Escape across the globe to Japan with a transformative meal at Pod. An homage to traditional Japanese cooking techniques, the food is fresh and delicious with a touch of flair for fun. Enjoy classic, mouthwatering dishes like Wagyu Beef Hot Stone, Sunomono Seaweed Salad, Curry Udon, or Yuzu Prawn Robata. Sushi also takes its place at the table with rolls and maki created by Kevin Yanaga. Sake and specialty drinks take the experience up a notch for a perfectly well-rounded evening out.

Who doesn’t love to devour some delicious Mexican food? El Taco has been serving the University City community since 2018 and has now come to Shop Penn with its new location on Spruce Street. Chef Edna Luna takes the lessons learned from her mother who owned a restaurant in Guatemala and puts them to use making Mexican-inspired dishes including crispy tacos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls. When you visit, you have to try the homemade guacamole and salsas, with varieties ranging from creamy chipotle to smoky guajillo or the spicy El Scorpion.

Looking to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean? Drop into Greek Lady of 40th Street for some of the best Greek food in Philadelphia! This family-owned and operated staple has been serving up fresh Greek cuisine since 1982. Our recommendation is an order of stuffed grape leaves to start off then a classic gyro: lamb, chicken or the specialty house gyro with layers of marinated pork.

Sometimes nothing hits the spot better than an authentic wood oven pizza, well really every time. Pitruco Pizza’s Best of Philly-award winning pizzas are made from a long-fermented dough and carefully crafted toppings, then baked to order in a blazing-hot brick oven in under 3 minutes. Enjoy a delicious Soppressata Pie or a classic Margherita Pizza. Also make sure to keep your eye on their social media for new special pies that change Daily like a prosciutto, cipollini and caraway pizza or a Brûlée’d butternut squash, bacon, caramelized onions and sage pizza.

If you are looking for your culinary “Soymate” then look no further than DK Sushi in Franklin’s Table. Born from the underground izakaya at Double Knot, DK offers a menu of fresh, hand-rolled sushi that you can enjoy right there at the counter or get to go. Take a seat at one of the four counter stools and tuck in for a 13-course omakase experience that Food & Wine calls the best in all of Philadelphia! Some of the highlights include tempura crisp salmon, Wagyu beef tataki and sea urchin.

Ooh-La-La! Enjoy the atmosphere of a French bistro right here on Walnut Street in University City at Louie Louie. The menu features influences from European cafes and bistros and offers diverse dishes as well as homemade pastries and desserts. Head there for lunch and enjoy a delicious Tuna Nicoise Salad or a Croque Madam. And any trip to Louie Louie isn’t complete without an order of their superb fresh oysters served with cocktail sauce, their signature louie sauce and mignonette.