PENNSYLVANIA - As Pennsylvania gears up for a historic year—including the nation's 250th birthday and a massive influx of international tourism—the State culinary scene is hitting an all-time high. Following a milestone year that saw Philadelphia's first-ever inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide, 2026 is kicking off with a "brazen" slate of high-profile openings and long-awaited returns.
From Rittenhouse Square to Pittsburgh's Strip District, here are the five most anticipated Pennsylvania restaurant openings to put on your radar this year.
1. Butcher and the Rye (Pittsburgh)
The Hype: Perhaps the most celebrated "re-opening" in Western PA history. After a long hiatus, the James Beard-nominated Whiskey bar is officially returning to its downtown Pittsburgh home.
- The Draw: Known for its massive "wall of Whiskey" and upscale rustic fare, the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group is bringing back the creative menu that once made this a national destination.
- What to Expect: A refined cocktail program and a menu that balances rugged American classics with modern culinary precision.
2. Recipe Philly (Philadelphia)
The Hype: Scheduled to open in Center City at Broad and Arch Streets in Spring 2026, this 175-seat powerhouse is an entirely new concept for the city.
- The Draw: The menu is built exclusively around home cooks' recipes. The dishes were selected via a docuseries competition, ensuring that every plate has a unique, romantic backstory of family and tradition.
- What to Expect: A diverse, "best-of" menu featuring everything from soulful Italian pastas to classic American meat entrees, all served in a high-end, 175-seat setting.
3. Uchi (Philadelphia)
The Hype: One of the most successful Japanese concepts in the country is finally making its presence felt in the Rittenhouse area of Philadelphia, poised to become a premier destination in 2026.
- The Draw: Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, Uchi is known for its nontraditional approach to Japanese cuisine. The Philly location is one of the most talked-about expansions in the city's recent history.
- What to Expect: Exquisite hot and cold tastings, world-class sushi, and a level of service that has made the brand a legend in cities like Austin and Miami.
4. Adda Philly (Philadelphia)
The Hype: The beloved New York City brand is officially crossing the state line with a 2026 opening in Fishtown.
- The Draw: Adda is known for its bold, "unapologetic" Indian cuisine, which kicks the standard buffet fare in favor of regional specialties and street-food flavors that pack a punch.
- What to Expect: A vibrant, high-energy atmosphere with a menu featuring unique twists on traditional Indian dishes like goat biryani and paneer.
5. Muns Pizza (Pittsburgh)
The Hype: Every year has a "pop-up success story," and in 2026, it’s Muns Pizza. After years of legendary "Munsday" pop-ups at Allegheny City Brewing, the brand is opening its permanent brick-and-mortar home on the North Side.
- The Draw: Muns has built a cult-like following for its artisanal pies. This move represents a "brazen" step from a temporary weekend gig to a full-time neighborhood staple.
- What to Expect: Perfectly blistered crusts, high-quality toppings, and a dedicated local crowd that has been waiting years for a permanent seat at the table.
Bonus: The Chocolatier's Bold New Look (Hershey)
While technically an expansion of an existing brand, The Chocolatier Restaurant & Bar in Hershey is debuting a massive winter menu and expanded bar concept this year. It aims to bring chocolate-inspired savory dishes—like Heath Bar Crusted Salmon—to an even wider audience as Hershey prepares for a record-breaking summer season.
Why 2026 is PA's Big Year
With the MICHELIN Guide now firmly established in Pennsylvania and the state preparing for the spotlight of the 2026 World Cup and the Semiquincentennial, these openings are more than just new places to eat—they are the front lines of the State cultural identity. Whether you're looking for the comfort of a home-cooked recipe or the precision of world-class sushi, Pennsylvania's dining landscape has never looked more promising.
