Grab your friends and get hungry: The Inquirer Food Fest is back.
Now in its second year, Inquirer Food Fest will take over the Fillmore in Fishtown on Saturday, Nov. 14, with a revamped format that means fewer lines — and more food from some of Philly’s most dynamic chefs and bakers.
Already on this year’s lineup: Michelin-starred restaurants, James Beard Award-winning chefs, pop-up bakeries, and hands-on classes that get you in the kitchen.
Here’s a full guide.
🍴 What is it?
Voted one of the top five food festivals in the United States by USA Today readers, the Inquirer Food Fest is a daylong event that showcases all that’s exciting about Philadelphia’s culinary scene in one place. It brings together nearly 50 of the city’s most dynamic chefs for never-been-done-before collaborations, a bake off, live demonstrations, and exclusive bites.
All food is included in the price of your ticket, which includes free parking and drink tickets,among other to-be-announced goodies.
👀 What’s different this year?
Last year’s Inquirer Food Fest had Jordan Mailata judging a pastry competition, limited-edition cheesesteak drops, and a class with Party Girl Bake Club that had attendees leaving with their own miniature cake.
This year, we’re streamlining our format to ensure all guests have the best chance possible of tasting the food they’re most excited about.
What does that mean?
The Inquirer Food Fest will be split into two three-hour-long tastings: one from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and another from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Both will bring together a distinct lineup of 20+ chefs and bakers, along with access to live demonstrations and entertainment. You can see who will be part of each tasting here.
Can’t decide? Daylong tickets are also available. They grant access to both tastings, plus a private cocktail reception to enjoy in between.
📅 When and where
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. — 6:30 p.m. (no reentry)
Location: The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123
💵 Ticket options
Tickets are on sale now at foodfest.inquirer.com. Here’s what they will get you:
- First Tasting (regularly $150, $135 through July 30)
- Second Tasting (regularly $150, $135 through July 30)
- All-Day Access Pass (regularly $299, $289 through July 30)
🍝 Who is participating in the first tasting?
Exclusive bites are up for grabs from Philadelphia chefs at the first tasting. Highlights include:
- Friday Saturday Sunday, the Michelin-starred Rittenhouse Square restaurant
- Doro Bet, the Ethiopian fried chicken spot that the New York Times can’t get enough of
- Sao, the East Passyunk raw bar from Phila and Rachel Lorn, the couple behind Mawn
- Pine Street Grill, for elevated diner fare from culinary power couple Alex Kemp and Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club and My Loup
- Fiore, the breezy Italian cafe from Ed Crochet and Justine MacNeil that is fresh off its first James Beard nomination
- Mod Spuds, chef Ange Branca’s newest venture — an ode to Great Britain’s jacket potato
- Gilda, the Portuguese cafe in Fishtown that always has a line out the door
- The Bread Room, acclaimed restaurateur Ellen Yin’s bakery
- Rougarou Baking, the new Jewish-Cajun bakery in Queen Village that already has long lines
- … & more
🍝 Who is participating in the second tasting?
The second tasting brings together even more of Philly’s most exciting restaurants, bakeries, and pop-ups. A preview:
- El Chingón, the South Philly BYOB from Carlos Aparicio with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand
- Fiorella, Marc Vetri’s pasta spot in the Italian Market
- Ogawa Sushi & Kappo, Old City’s high-flying omakase counter
- Scampi, Liz Grothe’s quirky Midwest-meets-Italy supper club
- Tabachoy and Manong, chef Chance Aines’ buzzy duo of Filipino restaurants
- Emmett, Chef Evan Snyder’s James Beard-nominated Levantine restaurant on Girard Ave.
- Manna Bakery, Saif Manna’s bakery, a favorite at farmers markets, with a brick-and-mortar on the way
- & more …
If you go:
📅 Nov. 14, 11 a.m. — 6:30 p.m., 💵 $135+,📍29 E. Allen St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 foodfest.inquirer.com
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