6 Best Restaurants in Manayunk, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

It's all about the ice cream, hot fudge, and homemade whipped cream. They scoop Bassetts ice cream and make fabulous sundaes, but the bakery is pretty standard.

Housed inside a former greenhouse, Cake is a refined spot for breakfast and lunch, though the sweets and pastries are still a highlight at this former bakery. The menu includes creative twists on lunchtime classics: try the Philly cheesesteak marsala or the croque monsieur brushed with apricot mustard. Light streams in through the greenhouse glass and a fountain occupies the center of the room.

Known for the varieties of pad Thai—from crispy duck to peanut-crusted scallop—and delicious soups, this Thai bistro is a nice, calming escape from the noisy restaurant scene of Main Street. Enjoy authentic Thai flavors in your lime-infused Thai sausage, po tek (a spicy seafood hot pot with basil and lemongrass) portioned for two, or the various face-flushing curries.

This high-quality sushi joint has friendly service and particularly good rolls, including fun ones like the Hollywood—a massive creation with tempura shrimp, avocado, salmon, and eel sauce. Near the bottom of Chestnut Hill, Hokka Hokka also serves a variety of tempura and other Japanese dishes for the non-sushi eater.

People come to McNally's more for the food than the beer (families are welcome), and generally order one of the six featured sandwiches. The Schmitter, a cheesesteak on a kaiser roll with fried salami, fried onions, and a special sauce, is insanely delicious. Rivaling the Schmitter is the vegetarian sandwich option, the G.B.S. (George Bernard Shaw), which has mushrooms, peppers, tomato, and lettuce draped in cheese and special sauce. For an even more heavenly taste, ask for fried veggies on the G.B.S. At a close third is the Dickens—hot turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on a kaiser roll.

Lively and upbeat, Le Bus is a solid choice for high-quality basics like burgers, tacos, and fish-and-chips. Winnie's also serves breakfast and baked goods.