Marabella Meatball Co.
1211 Walnut St.
Sauce-covered spheres are shaping up as the new year’s most savory food trend. This brand-new baller serves up beef, pork, chicken or vegetarian versions in full-size sandwiches, sliders and plates for sit-down and takeout.
Monsu
901 Christian St.
Modo Mio chef/owner Peter McAndrews will shift his smash sandwicherie Paesano’s II to 1017 S. Ninth St., formerly Bebe’s Barbecue, to make way for his casual, affordable Sicilian BYOB serving dinner and weekend brunch.
Fathom Seafood House
200 E. Girard Ave.
Fishtown will soon be swimming in Fish/Little Fish owner Mike Stollenwerk’s smoked-fish pierogies, oysters, marinated mussels and raft of draft brews. Just don’t ask for a burger.
The Corner
102 S. 13th St.
Longtime Buddakan exec Scott Swiderski departed Starr to spin comfort grub with global influences in this remake of APO cocktail bar. Former Snackbar chef John Taus lends a hand as sous, and meatballs take a star turn in a salad that requires no resolution.
In the ’burbs
Cantina Feliz
424 S. Bethlehem Pike,
Fort Washington
Look here for huaraches (topped fried masa, not the sandal), tacos, and suckling pig from Distrito vet Tim Spinner. Opening in the former Alison 2, the space has been made over with bright murals from Day of the Dead artist Alison Dilworth.
Must see:
Dandelion
122-4 S. 18th St.
Designer Shawn Hausman (Parc, Butcher & Singer) brings Stephen Starr’s vision of a cozy English pub to life in Rittenhouse, complete with wood-burning hearths and a labyrinth layout. Pubby Brit classics like fish and chips, rabbit pie and sticky toffee pudding fill out Norwich native Robert Aikens’ menu.
