Greater Philadelphia natives are passionate about many things, including food. 

• Authentic tamales, homemade pasta, exquisite sushi -- it's all here. 
• Small, intimate BYOs abound.
• Local open-air markets tout "buy local, eat fresh."
• Philadelphia cheesesteaks.

Here is just a taste of some of the regions culinary stars:

Amada, Philadelphia. Chef Jose Garces has established himself a leader in creating modern interpretations of Latin cuisines. Chef Garces has a recent Iron Chef win under his belt and has won praise for his restaurants in Bon Appetit, Travel & Leisure, Esquire, Food & Wine and Condé Nast Traveler.

Zahav, Philadelphia. Savor the culinary creations of James Beard Award winner, Chef Michael Solomonov. Bon Appetit included this Israeli restaurant in its “Hot 10 Summer Blockbusters.” Esquire named Chef Solomonov’s latest to its “Best New Restaurants of 2008" and now Food & Wine includes Zahav in its “Best Restaurant Dishes of 2008.”

Zeppoli, Collingswood, New Jersey. Classic yet very simple, Italian cuisine with a strong focus on Sicilian. Combining New and Old World traditions, Zeppoli offetrs Antipasti, homemade/imported pastas, grilled or roasted meats, and fish, as well as house made desserts and Gelati.

Zama is the new eponymous restaurant by Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka, one of the Philadelphia’s most venerated sushi chefs. The restaurant offers a tantalizing assortment of a la carte sashimi, as well as a wide variety of sushi, entrees, Japanese beers, a stellar list of sakes and wines hand-picked to complement the cuisine.

The Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, is one of the oldest farmer's markets in the United States with an astounding selection of baked goods, meats, poultry, seafood, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, cookware and ethnic restaurants. 

Elements Chef, Scott Anderson, is the culinary creative force at this Princeton, New Jersey restaurant. With a focus on locally grown, sustainable products, Chef Anderson's team draws from the many cultural influences of the world to create fresh and inviting flavors.

Harry's Seafood Grill, located along the waterfront of the City of Wilmington, Delaware, offers up a fresh raw bar, award-winning crab cakes, outstanding lobsters, and other imaginatively prepared seafood.