When it was announced that Philadelphia would be getting its very first Michelin-starred restaurant (with the actual recipient still under wraps), the buzz immediately began. Which spots might earn the honor? One name that kept popping up was Kalaya, so of course we had to check it out for ourselves.

Reservations & Atmosphere

We snagged a bar seat for 7:00 p.m. on a Tuesday, which wasn’t easy — the prime times were long gone. If you’re flexible, you can usually find something online, but don’t expect to just walk in. The dining room was packed from the moment we arrived until the moment we left three hours later, and once the food started coming, we understood why.

Drinks to Start

First things first: the cocktails. Unique, vibrant, and full of flavor. A favorite was the Lum Young — described as “a mysterious blend of gins, coconut, lemongrass, galangal, lime, and turmeric.” Bright, complex, and dangerously easy to sip. It’s a must-order.

The Tasting Menu

At $75 per person, Kalaya’s tasting menu was well worth it. Unlike some tastings that can leave you nibbling on tiny bites or feeling overboard with different flavors and courses, this one strikes a perfect balance. You get to select items from the menu, and the kitchen adds complementary sides and accompaniments.

One standout example was the spicy lamb and goat curry, which came with cool pickled cucumbers. The contrast of fiery heat with crisp, refreshing acidity was brilliant.

Another highlight and the dish we’ll be dreaming about until our next visit — was the Shaw Muang chicken dumplings. They were almost too beautiful to eat (almost). We devoured them before I could even snap a photo. Trust us: don’t skip them.

The Only Downside

Parking in Fishtown is notoriously tricky. Kalaya does list a nearby garage on their website, which we used, but give yourself some extra time. It’s worth it.

Final Thoughts If the Michelin team is scoping out Philly, Kalaya absolutely deserves to be in the conversation. From the cocktails to the dishes, everything was thoughtful, flavorful, and beautifully executed. This is one we’ll 100% be back to — and soon.