Dining in Philadelphia: It’s not all cheesesteaks

This country is full of great dining cities, no two quite the same, said Michael Bauer in SFGate.com. Recently, I left the Bay Area behind and tried a crop of new restaurants in Philadelphia whose chefs have brought a fresh “excitement” to the city’s dining scene. Along with local staples such as roast pork, pretzels, and, of course, cheesesteak, this “enlightening trip” included plenty of surprises.

Zahav

Home to chef Michael Solomonov’s “interpretation of Israeli food,” this space has an industrial feel, with a wood oven and a chef’s counter. Along with delightfully crispy cauliflower, try the puffy flatbread and the “creamiest, most intensely flavored hummus I’ve encountered.” 237 St. James Pl., (215) 625-8800, Zahavrestaurant.com

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Chifa

At this Jose Garces restaurant, Peruvian/Cantonese food is served in a stylish setting, where industrial fans hang from the ceiling. The ceviches are “pretty special,” but the red curry with king crab, tofu, eggplant, coconut, and jasmine rice sticks out as truly unique. 707 Chestnut St., (215) 925-5560, Chifarestaurant.com

Amis

The newest of the places I tried, Marc Vetri’s Roman trattoria has a laid-back vibe. Vetri’s “nutty” artichoke hearts and a buttery mortadella mousse were among the many dishes in the City of Brotherly Love that left me looking for an “excuse” to return. 412 S. 13th St., (215) 732-2647, Amisphilly.com