Germantown Avenue is about to get a flavor boost as Northwest Philadelphia celebrates Mt. Airy Restaurant Week from March 9 to 15 and local eateries serve up everything from bread tastings to four-course meals during seven days of culinary surprises.
More than a dozen local foodie destinations will offer special menus and dining deals as part of the weeklong spotlight on dining in Mt. Airy and the surrounding community. Inspired by Toska Restaurant & Brewery co-owner Jim Osmanollaj, the event will showcase everything from $7.50 artisanal bread tastings to elaborate four-course feasts, giving food lovers a perfect opportunity to explore the neighborhood's diverse dining scene.
"Restaurant Week is a great way to showcase the talent in our community," said Phil Dawson, executive director of the Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation, which is hosting the event. "It's an opportunity for neighbors and visitors to discover some of the great food, coffee, cocktails, baked goods, and more we have to offer."
Offerings include the full spectrum of Mt. Airy's culinary landscape, from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. What makes this Restaurant Week distinctive is its inclusive approach – participating businesses have crafted their own offerings rather than adhering to a standard format, ensuring that the event represents the neighborhood's diverse food culture.
Bar Lizette, located at 7152 Germantown Avenue, will present a three-course dinner menu for $45, with vegan options including Bistro Salad, Mushroom Cassoulet, and Chocolate Pot de Creme. Meanwhile, artisanal Downtime Bakery invites customers to embark on a sourdough bread tasting journey for $7.50, complete with European butter and gourmet jam.
Toska Restaurant & Brewery, whose owner helped inspire the event, will offer a four-course prix-fixe menu for $40, allowing diners to select from options including cucumber caprese, truffle fries, wood-fired wings, and chocolate lava cake. The restaurant, which opened in 2023 at 7136 Germantown Avenue, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.
For those seeking health-conscious options, The Juice Room will feature three special health-boosting juices throughout the week – Green Ike (apple, kale, cucumber, lemon, ginger), Sunshine (orange, apple, grapefruit, carrot, turmeric), and Juanita (beets, carrots, apple, ginger, lime) – at $5 each for the 12 oz. size, with the option to add housemade soup starting at $4.50.
Those with a sweet tooth can visit Zsa's Ice Cream, which will feature three-flavor scoop flights for $13 and mini croissant waffles topped with ice cream for $8.75. For a unique dining experience, Young American Cider will host a special reservation-only event priced at $30 per person, featuring cider or kombucha pairings with a multi-course meal including gluten-free options.
Malelani Cafe has announced they will offer a free side or drink with the purchase of any entrée, or $2 off any appetizer during the week-long event. Drink options include double-shot Americano coffee (hot or iced), hot craft tea, iced tea, cucumber lemonade, or mango lemonade, available while supplies last.
Additional participants include Fino's Pizzeria, Golden Crust Pizzeria, Herb Scott Catering, High Point Cafe (with locations at both 602 Carpenter Lane and 7210 Cresheim Road), Jansen, Mi Puebla, and Mt. Airy Coffee Co., with more establishments expected to join as the event approaches.
According to Dawson, this inaugural Restaurant Week reflects Mt. Airy's growing reputation as a destination for local foodies. The neighborhood's culinary scene has expanded in recent years, with new establishments joining longtime favorites to create a diverse dining landscape that ranges from international cuisine to traditional Philadelphia fare.
The event offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to support local businesses while exploring new culinary experiences or revisiting favorite spots.
For more information about Mt. Airy Restaurant Week and participating businesses, visit mtairycdc.org and the eateries' websites to make reservations where necessary.
