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No longer a best-kept secret, Greater Philadelphia’s dining scene has been heaped with praise and accolades in recent years from the likes of Bon Appétit and the James Beard Foundation.

And let’s face it, there are few places where you can get both a cheesesteak and lamb shoulder in one day, both cooked to perfection. That’s right: Philly has the best in casual eats and fine dining.

But with all these amazing dishes and restaurants, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of places to go, meals to try.

That’s why we rounded up the quintessential, gotta-have-it-while-you’re-here dishes that you can only get in Philadelphia.

From the roast chicken at Vernick Food & Drink and the shaw muang at Kalaya to a cheesesteak from Dalessandro’s and a roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s, here are the most Philly of Philly eats.

Zahav — Steve Cook’s and Michael Solomonov’s modern Israeli establishment — does everything well. After all, they were named the best restaurant in the country by the James Beard Foundation. But the lamb shoulder, glazed with pomegranate molasses and topped with chickpeas, has earned a cult following. It takes some planning to score a reservation, or you can show up just before 5 p.m. in hopes of getting a seat at the bar to taste this masterful dish for yourself. (Another option is to order a meal kit online to try your hand at culinary perfection at home.)

Where: Zahav, 237 Saint James Place

These tacos are worth waking up early for. On weekends starting at 5 a.m., chef Cristina Martinez — famous not only for her delicious food (she’s a two-time James Beard Awards best chef nominee in the Mid-Atlantic category), but also for her advocacy for undocumented workers’ rights — sells her juicy lamb barbacoa tacos on fresh homemade tortillas in the heart of the Italian Market. Fair warning: You’re gonna need more than just one.

Where: South Philly Barbacoa, 1140 S. 9th Street

It takes some planning to score a reservation at James Beard Award-winning chef Greg Vernick’s new American restaurant, but all the hype is worth it once you sink your teeth into the wood-fired roasted chicken. You’re probably thinking: Chicken? Really? At a top restaurant? Yes, really. The skin is crispy, and the meat is juicy, thanks to lemon jus. Bonus points for the delicious grilled romaine served on the side.

Where: Vernick Food & Drink, 2031 Walnut Street

In the land of cheesesteaks, it’s hard to pick just one. But out in Roxborough is Dalessandro’s Steaks, where you’ll find finely chopped bits of steak packed into a soft Amoroso roll with just the right amount of gooey cheese. There’ll probably be a line, but we promise, it’s worth the wait.

Where: Dalessandro's Steaks, 600 Wendover Street

Located in the iconic Reading Terminal Market, where you’re certain to find other culinary delights, is Tommy DiNic’s, the sandwich shop famous for its roast pork. For this must-have sammie, thin-sliced pork is piled high on a Sarcone’s roll, topped with your choice of broccoli rabe, roasted reds and/or sharp provolone. It’s rich, it’s pungent, it’s incredibly delicious.

Where: Tommy DiNic’s, Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street

No one would blame you if you skipped straight to dessert at Marcy Turney’s and Valerie Safran’s Barbuzzo (though we wouldn’t recommend it: their caciocavallo-stuffed meatballs are pretty awesome). The salted caramel budino has taken on a life of its own with its creamy, caramel-y budino, dark chocolate crust and sea salt. Order one as the finale of your Barbuzzo meal, or pick up a mason jar … or two … or three at Turney’s and Safran’s neighboring gift shop Verde during select times of the year.

Where: Barbuzzo, 110 S. 13th Street

Maybe you’ve seen the adorable blue-purple dumplings from Kalaya all over your Instagram feed. Guess what? They’re as delicious as they are beautiful. Among James Beard Award-nominated chef Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon’s stellar menu is shaw muang — flower-shaped dumplings filled with ground chicken atop a slice of cucumber. Pretty and pretty delicious all at once.

Where: Kalaya Thai Kitchen, 764 S. 9th Street

Originally situated on East Girard in Fishtown, pizza whiz Joe Beddia’s shop would attract long lines of hungry patrons eager to get a taste of the best pizza in America, as dubbed by Bon Appétit. Now in a larger Fishtown space with tables for dine-in and a beer, wine and cocktail list, Beddia’s pizzas — with a focus on simple and fresh ingredients on an organic crust — are still crowd-pleasers. Go for a classic pie with tomato, whole milk mozzarella and old gold, with the option to add toppings like cremini mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage, sicilian anchovies, greens, roasted onion and pickled chiles.

Where: Pizzeria Beddia, 1313 N. Lee Street

Sure, Philly is a meat-and-cheese kind of town, but for plant-based fare, Vedge is a national treasure. James Beard Award-nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby use seasonal vegetables in their dishes on the ever-changing menu. One of their staples, however, is grilled tofu. Cooked to perfection and paired with a seasonal sauce and a grain, you won’t even notice you’re not eating meat. Seriously.

Star chef Marc Vetri — and his super-intimate restaurant, located in a historic townhome — have racked up tons of recognition from the James Beard Foundation and many others, and with good reason. At special-occasion super spot Vetri Cucina, the menu is constantly changing to spotlight local seasonal ingredients, but there’s always a gnocchi dish on offer. Made without potatoes, the dish became such a crowd favorite that diners can’t get enough of it.

For a culinary experience that’s a bit more accessible, try one of Vetri’s other restaurants, Fiorella, where there’s plenty of pasta to go around, including sumptuous spins on gnocchi, like the ricotta gnocchi with fig.

Where: Vetri Cucina, 1312 Spruce Street

Hardena, a hole in the wall in Newbold, serves the best authentic Indonesian fare in the city. At this James Beard Award semifinalist (the satay, the collard greens, jackfruit stew), the beef rendang is the standout. Braised in coconut milk and spices, the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with flavor.

Where: Hardena, 1754 S. Hicks Street

For a seasonal Philadelphia treat that’s perfect for summa-summa-summatime, John’s Water Ice is a crave-able concoction of fruit and sugar mixed into a frozen treat. Using natural flavors from actual fruit, the water ice (don’t you dare say shaved ice) comes in an iconic Dixie cup in a variety of flavors: lemon, cherry, chocolate and pineapple. Open April to October, get it while the weather’s hot.

Where: John's Water Ice, 701 Christian Street

Are you ready to celebrate magic in Philadelphia?

This spring and summer, treat yourself — and your fellow Wizarding World fans — to the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, which includes free hotel parking, two untimed tickets to the world premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition and overnight hotel accommodations (while supplies last).

Where to find essential cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice and more...