Philadelphia, PA
- Often overlooked in favor of fish or shellfish, the octopus is a real delicacy of the sea; when prepared right, it is meltingly tender, lean, and full of flavor. In celebration of International Octopus Day (10/8), below are a few Outrageous, tentacle-filled Octopus dishes.
Where to Get Octopus in Philadelphia
- Porta Philadelphia - Pan Roasted Day Boat Octopus (fingerling potatoes, capers, garlic, fennel, chervil, lemon, extra virgin olive oil). While Neapolitan pizzas may be what this Center City hotspot is known for, insiders know to order the octopus dish; this generous portion is perfect for sharing with your adventurous foodie friends!
- Scarpetta Philadelphia - Braised Octopus (garbanzo purée, pork sausage, fresh chickpea, corn). Treat yourself to braised octopus, one of Scarpetta’s best-selling dishes, alongside handcrafted pasta and a marvelous view of Rittenhouse Square for an unforgettable meal.
- Tinto - “Pulpo” aka Spanish Octopus (smoked green olive aioli, crispy potato, tomato escabeche). In the US, the octopus may seem foreign, but in Spain, it’s common to see it on menus across the board. Head to Tinto, Jose Garces’s sleek restaurant featuring cuisine inspired by the Basque region of Spain and enjoy a beautiful plate alongside a glass of Spanish wine for a perfect meal out.
- Stina Pizzeria - Octopus (almond romesco, black garlic, olive tapenade). The restaurant may have “pizzeria” in its name, but many of Stina’s standout menu items are Greek options. Here, octopus paired with flavors of black garlic and tapenade that result in flavors just as bold as the presentation on the plate.
- Kanella Grill - Grilled Octopus. If you’re going for Greek food, it doesn’t get more authentic than Kanella grill. Also, if you’re going for Greek food, ordering octopus is a must.
- Vernick Fish - Octopus carpaccio (lemon, caper, parmesan). For a truly unique, elevated take on octopus, Vernick Fish offers the perfect plate – sliced thin and dressed; guests can savor the pure flavors and unique texture of the exciting sea creature.
Joy Franklin
Food and Event Writer
My joy is aimed at food and foodie lovers. I enjoy covering trends, issues, and all things Philly
