5 Great Philadelphia Restaurants for Runners
by Melissa Field
Summer may be coming to an end but we runners know the real fun is just around the corner. Oh autumn racing season, is there anything better? Whether you're tapering in preparation for the Philadelphia Distance Run, adding miles in anticipation of the Philadelphia Marathon, or hoping to squeeze in a 5 or 10k, now is the time to reap the rewards from all those hot summer training runs.
You burned it so you earned it!
Food anyone?
You can admit it: one of the many reasons you like to run is because you like to eat. But in a city filled with soft pretzels and cheese steaks, where is a good runner to turn? If you want to enjoy great food but also avoid any, shall we say, pit stops along the way, here are a few of my favorite healthy but hearty Philadelphia restaurants.
Dimitris
The Mediterranean diet is said to be one of the healthiest in the world and Dimitris does it right. Plenty of fish to take care of your omega-3 fatty acids, flavorful hummus, grilled vegetables, and fresh-from-the-oven pita bread to top it all off. Eat well and feel great!
Two locations:
225 S 12th St Philadelphia, PA 19107
795 South 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
Morning Glory
If you can catch Morning Glory on a weekday, you will rarely have to wait for a table. If not, this Philadelphia favorite is well worth the wait. The fresh fruit and seasonal pancakes meet your much-needed carbohydrates intake requirements. If savory is more your style, an array of frittatas with fresh vegetables, or the top-notch Vegetarian burger, will hit the spot. Many meals also come with Morning Glory's stellar biscuit, a crowd-pleasing favorite.
735 S 10th Street Philadelphia, PA 19147
Farmicia
When great minds from the White Dog Café and the Metropolitan Bakery come together to create a restaurant focused on serving quality organic, local food, you get Farmicia. With a relaxed and spacious atmosphere, Farmicia is a great choice for visitors. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all superb, but my favorite is actually the fresh-squeezed orange juice. Add coffee, eggs, Metropolitan bakery toast, and Famicia's lightly flavored, locally grown potatoes and you've got the perfect post-race breakfast.
15 S 3rd St Philadelphia, PA 19106
Horizons
Even if you're not vegan, you will love this restaurant. It popularity requires a reservation well in advance, but it's worth it. A mix of African, Mediterranean, and Caribbean flavors give tofu and vegetables a surprising kick. Horizons is the prefect place to take a group or vegetarians and meat-eaters for a special occasion. Though it's a tad pricey, it is well worth the expense and the adventure.
611 S 7th St Philadelphia, PA 19147
Ralph's Italian Restaurant
Where would we be without the pre-race pasta dinner? In Philadelphia, we are especially fortunate because we have an abundance of tasty choices. I had to pick one, so I picked Ralph's. Ralph's is great for a pre-race pasta dinner because many of their sauces are light and flavored with garlic. If you've ever tried to run after ingesting a heavy cream sauce, it's something you will never try again. Stick with the light sauces and a touch of garlic and you will be race ready the next morning.
760 S 9th St Philadelphia, PA 19147
Reaping the rewards from running will help keep you motivated and excited about the fall racing season. Gel shots and sport beans may provide fuel during a long run, but I still find nothing more satisfying than the classic Wawa milkshake post-run. Bon appétit and welcome to autumn!