As we kick off the new year, Center City continues to grow with exciting new spots to check out. Whether you're an office worker looking for lunch or visiting Center City from out-of-town, make sure to explore these recently opened retailers and eateries in 2025. And if you’re looking for even more new places to try, be sure to check out our previous update!  

Bao & Bun Studio 

With over 20 years in the restaurant industry and experience at renowned Philadelphia Asian restaurants like Sampan and Buddakan, Chef Sam is now making waves with his own concept that blends traditional bao buns and Chinese flavors with Western influences. 
📍 1136 Arch Street in Reading Terminal Market 
🔗 Website 

Black Turtle Coffee 

Philadelphia’s beloved Black Turtle Coffee — known for its ethically sourced beans and meticulous brewing process — opens its second location right by Rittenhouse Square. 
📍 129 S. 18th Street  
🔗 Website 

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop  

Everything’s better when it’s in a dumpling! This new addition to Sansom Street serves up both traditional and adventurous dumplings, smash burgers, bowls, boba, and more. 
📍 1504 Sansom St.  
🔗 Website 

Cellar Dog 

Looking for a night out with plenty of entertainment? Cellar Dog on 15th Street has you covered with live music, billiards, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more.  
📍 258 S. 15th St. 
🔗 Website 

Chengdu 

The menu at Chengdu Center City uses unique flavors and fresh ingredients to create meals that represent classic Chinese cuisine and Sichuan staples.  
📍 1508 Sansom Street 
🔗Website 

Chubby Chicks Café 

A popular South Jersey brunch spot, Chef Keira’s new outpost of Chubby Chicks Café has made its way to Walnut Street with out-of-the-box brunch dishes you won’t find anywhere else. 
📍1111 Walnut St.  
🔗Website 

Curtain Call 

Curtain Call transforms seamlessly from day to night, offering something for every mood. During the day, it’s a welcoming café serving hot drinks, fresh salads, and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. By evening, it becomes a vibrant lounge bar with a menu of small sharing plates and specialty cocktails, perfect for unwinding or enjoying a night out.   
📍300 S. Broad St., Kimmel Center  
🔗Website 

Dara Thai

Midtown Village welcomes Dara Thai, specializing in traditional Thai dishes like drunken noodles and more. Their motto, "The Star of Thai Home Cooking," reflects the owners’ deep commitment to honoring their heritage and family recipes. 
📍1221 Walnut St. 
🔗Website 

Dear Daphni 

The newest addition to the Michael Schulson restaurant collective, Dear Daphni, brings a fresh spin to Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on shared dining. Located in The Laurel, near Rittenhouse Square, it’s the perfect spot for a meal before taking a stroll through the park. 
📍1911 Walnut St. 
🔗Website 

Equinox  

Equinox, a premier fitness brand, has opened its first-ever Philadelphia location in Rittenhouse Square. Offering state-of-the-art facilities for group fitness, personal training, and wellness services, it’s the ultimate place to elevate your fitness routine. After your workout, unwind with a spa treatment or massage! 
📍1921 Walnut St. 
🔗Website 

Feng Hotpot  

Feng Hotpot, originally from Taikouli, Chengdu, brings authentic Szechuan hotpot to the heart of Philadelphia. With bold flavors and handmade dishes, it’s a true taste of Sichuan cuisine that’s sure to spice up your dining experience. 
📍1310 Walnut St. 
🔗Website 

Framebridge 

Looking to preserve your favorite memories or artwork? Framebridge, a custom framing shop, has opened its doors in Rittenhouse Square. Whether it's a child’s art project, a 3D keepsake, or a fine art piece, Framebridge offers expert framing services for all your needs. 
📍113 S. 18th St.  
🔗Website 

Jamaican Jerk Hut 

Jamaican Jerk Hut in the Comcast Concourse brings an authentic taste of Jamaica to the Comcast Concourse, with specials like jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, and natural juices. 
📍1701 JFK Blvd. Comcast Concourse  
🔗Website 

JD Sports 

Sneakerheads, rejoice! JD Sports has arrived in Philadelphia, offering a wide selection of basketball, running, and casual shoes from top brands like Nike, adidas, Jordan, and New Balance, along with sportswear from brands like The North Face and Hoodrich. 
📍1528 Chestnut St. 
🔗Website 

Koch’s Deli 

Family-run Koch’s Deli is now open seven days a week, serving up all the Jewish deli classics you crave including their famous hot corned beef special. 
📍618 Market St. 
🔗Website 

Mona 

Mona, from Craft Concepts Group, brings upscale Mediterranean fusion to Chestnut Street. With fresh cocktails, incredible food, and a vibrant atmosphere, this Instagram-worthy restaurant is sure to become your new go-to spot for dining out with friends. 
📍1308 Chestnut St. 
🔗Website 

New Balance 

This Walnut Street staple has opened a larger storefront just a few doors down! Shop from a vast assortment of New Balance footwear and apparel while also getting personalized one-on-one service to help you find the perfect fit.  
📍1619 Walnut St. 
🔗Website 

Pergola 

Located on the 19th floor of The Bellevue, Pergola rekindles the imagination of the original open-air rooftop. Sip on crafted cocktails, enjoy classic grand hotel fare, and ingredient-forward American cuisine in an effortlessly romantic space. 
📍 The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St. 
🔗Website 

Perfumery 

Perfumery offers a diverse selection of exquisite fragrances and is local- and female-owned and operated.  
📍 901 Market St. Inside the Fashion District 
🔗Website 

Pita Chip 

Located in the Comcast Center Concourse, Pita Chip is a modern Middle Eastern fast casual restaurant inspired by Syrian street food. This new spot is owned by native-Philadelphian and head Chef Omar Alsaadi.  
📍 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Concast Center Concourse 
🔗Website 

Pizza Hut 

The latest Pizza Hut location in Center City is serving up classic pies like Meat Lovers® and Original Stuffed Crust® as well as signature wings, pastas and desserts. Order online or on the mobile app for carryout, curbside or delivery.  
📍 801 Arch Street 
🔗Website 

Play Mini Golf 

Play Mini Golf is an interactive Egyptian-themed mini golf course with a large recreational and event space area that includes ping pong tables, comfortable seating, and TVs with gaming consoles. 
📍 901 Market St. Inside the Fashion District 
🔗 Website 

Portabella 

Based in NYC, Portabella is the largest privately-owned men’s specialty store in the U.S. They offer a diverse collection of lifestyle wardrobes for men and pride themselves on a positive in-store experience.  
📍 901 Market St. Inside the Fashion District 
🔗Website 

Rival Bros. Coffee 

Founded by longtime friends chef Jonathan Adams and roaster Damien Pileggi, Rival Bros Coffee offers a selection of custom, house roasted blends and seasonal single-origin beans that have been carefully sourced and specially roasted to provide the best drinking experience possible.   
📍 1134 Sansom Street 
🔗Website 

Taylor Chip 

A local favorite from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Taylor Chip brings indulgently dense, gooey, and utterly delicious cookies, along with coffee, ice cream and more treats.  
📍1807 Chestnut St. 
🔗Website 

Satori Laser 

The largest laser center chain in the Northeast has arrived on Chestnut Street. Satori offers top-tier laser hair removal services for all your skincare needs.  
📍1921 Chestnut 
🔗Website 

Sunglass Hut 

Sunglass Hut, a global leader in sunglasses retail, has moved onto Chestnut Street, offering a wide selection of high-quality fashion and performance eyewear from top brands. 
📍1705 Chestnut St. 
🔗Website 

Surf City Squeeze 

Need a healthy pick-me-up during the day? Surf City Squeeze, located on Walnut Street, offers a variety of smoothies, including Signature, Pumped Up, and Sweet Smoothies—perfect for a refreshing burst of energy. 
📍1206 Walnut St.  
🔗Website 

Uncle Gus’ Steaks 

Now open in Reading Terminal Market, Uncle Gus’ Steaks comes from the owners of Pearl’s Oyster Bar, Tommy DiNic’s and Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly and offers 12” steak sandwiches with a choice of cheese and toppings. 
📍 1136 Arch Street in Reading Terminal Market 
🔗Website 

Verizon 

The newest Verizon location on North Broad offers a variety of services for mobile, internet and more. 
📍 490 North Broad Street 
🔗Website 

Did we miss any new openings or are you opening soon within Center City District’s boundaries? Please email us at shop@centercityphila.org with more information.