Chow Now: Kanella

You know how some people bring out a special set of plates or an extra shiny set of silverware when guests come over? Well when it comes to taking people out, Kanella is my fancy Philadelphia china. It’s the perfect place to take a friend for brunch, a fun restaurant to bring a group of people who love good food, and a great dinner destination to drag your parents to—especially when they’re picking up the bill.

I’ve been to Kanella a couple of times now, and on each occasion every dish I’ve had a bite of has been nothing short of delicious. The restaurant serves traditional Cypriot food—a cross between Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines—with a focus on fresh ingredients and an eye for detail.

Unlike some similar restaurants I’ve tried, the chefs at Kanella prepare the food with a restrained hand. Rich, nutty tahini and bright capers lend their powerful flavors to many of the dishes, but they never overpower the flavors of the food they’re sharing the plate with.

The menu always has a couple of unique specials, like the rich cow’s head stew they offered on my past visit or the gamey plate of traditional roast goat they offered when I was there for dinner.

And don’t get me started on Kanella’s seafood. From whole grilled fish to the lemony mixture of shrimp and orzo I had for lunch, everything tastes fresh and bright—a far cry from the days old fish I usually see around Philadelphia.

My shrimp and orzo dish really was spectacular. Tender whole shrimp and salty bits of feta studded a brothy mixture of olive oil and lemon, while chewy bits of orzo added heft to the mix. It came served with two crusty slices of bread drizzled with hot olive oil—perfect for soaking up the lemony broth left sitting in the bottom of the bowl once I had finished off everything else.

So CHOW NOW at Kanella! No matter what you get, you can’t go wrong.

-Chase Matecun