I haven't been to Philadelphia in over 3 years

[lost squirrel]

and I'm sad about it.

But, the good news is that I'll be back in the states for a vacation in a few months and I've planned a philly day-trip as well.

Breakfast at Joy Tsin Lau or the Imperial (leaning towards Joy) and a walk around Chinatown
Slice of pizza for a snack on South St. and some shopping
A cheesesteak/pork sandwich snack (the ladyfriend and I will split one)

I need a dinner idea for something I can't get anywhere else, are there any places in Little Italy I should try?
or perhaps something along the Constitutional Walking Tour I should stop and try?
http://www.theconstitutional.com/tour...

no Japanese food please!

[malkazanie]

Definitely do Joy Tsin Lau over Imperial Inn for dim sum, or better yet, go to Ocean Harbor right across the st from Joy Tsin Lau. I've always found Imperial Inn's dim sum pretty blah, and JTL is solid - but Ocean Harbor's is the best in Philly, in my opinion.

[lost squirrel]

I've never been to Ocean Harbor, I'm afraid that it won't live up to my expectations. It wouldn't be a big deal, but it's been years since I've been in Philadelphia and it's going to be years again until I get back a second time!
Maybe I'll send some family there in advance to scope it out.

[bakerloo]

For a unique and delicious experience, go to Dmitri's at 3rd and Catherine, just south of South St. But be warned: cash only, BYO.

[Buckethead]

One of my favorite restaurants to open since you've left is Zahav, which is a block south of the City Tavern, which is on the Constitutional walking tour. I'd recommend stopping in there. Ansill is my other favorite.

[Bigley9]

In addition to the Italian places Saturninus recommends (on east Passyunk, an area largely redeveloped since you left) I'd add Le Virtu. Also in that same area there are many new hole in the wall taqueria's thanks to a growing Mexican population - my fav is del pueblo on 9th between federal and washington.
In a different vein there is Ansill (he had Pif when you were last here) at 3rd and Bainbridge : http://www.ansillfoodandwine.com/
and Gayle just up the street on 3rd that has been written up in food and wine http://www.gaylephiladelphia.com/ http://www.foodandwine.com/restaurant...

[lost squirrel]

I'm very excited about the taqueria news, the Mexican food scene in Tokyo is not that great at all.

[Bigley9]

Oh then search this board - there are LOTS of options now! It has been great!

[Buckethead]

In that case listen to Bigley and go to Los Taquitos de Puebla, it's probably the best of the tacquerias. Tacqueria Veracruzana is very good too. If you want to go a bit more upscale, I really like Las Bugambilias (not a tacqueria), on South St. just east of 2nd.

[saturninus]

Do people often call the Italian Market or South Philadelphia Little Italy?

For Italian in general I like Paradiso, Caffe Casta Diva, Marra's and Branzino.

[lost squirrel]

I have no idea, it's how I've always referred to it (grew up in Allentown) but maybe that was just my family.

[Bob Loblaw]

where else have you been in those 3 years?
it sounds like not China, but where you shoudl go in Philly depends on what you can/can't eat in your new hometown.

[zumir]

Welcome back to a great town. I'm sure you will get some good ideas here.