BYO Beyond Banana Leaf

So you’ve been banned from Banana Leaf too? Join the club. Here are some our our favorite BYOs where, next time, you can class it up.

1. Terakawa
   • Ramen/Japanese
   • On campus!
   • Best for small groups, duos. Owner is lovely. 
2. Kaffa Crossing 
   • Ethiopian
   • 44th and Chestnut
   • So delicious and served family style! A casual, relaxed BYO for a small-medium sized group.
3.  Ekta
   • Indian
   • 40th and Sansom
   • Best for smaller/medium sized group. They have the buffet (much easier when doing a BYO) with a lot of options and good as heck campus Indian.
4. Melograno
   •  Italian
   •  Rittenhouse
   • Awesome staff, authentic Italian, seasonally decorated. Get the special. Definitely for an occasion, though. 
5. Audrey Claire 
   • Mediterranean
   • Rittenhouse
   • Cash only. Open kitchen. It’s a splurge, for sure… but at least not on the drinks!
6. Kanella Grill
   • Mediterranean 
   • Washington Square
   • Bustling, homey. Good food for sharing with a date or small group. Try the cinnamon-spiced meats.
7. Bocconcini 
   • Italian food
   • Center City (closer to South Philly, near Magic Gardens)
   • Great pasta, good for smaller groups. I’d probably feel a bit uncomfortable doing a boat race here…
8. Isot Mediterranean Cuisine 
   • Turkish food — salads, dips, kebabs, mezze platters 
   • Old City 
   • Date, small groups, larger groups up to ten people. Delicious teas and don’t skip the baklava.
9. Kalaya
   • Thai
   • Bella Vista (Italian Market area)
   • Mid-size groups. For something nice but not super fancy. Warms the soul.
10.  Cake Life
    • Desserts! Cakes, yes, but also cookies and kouign-amann.
    • Fishtown
    • Small, super low key. They’ll bring you cute glasses and everything. Pair wisely.