Philly’s restaurant energy cannot be denied.

Yes, I know I just took a big suburban detour for the latest edition of our glossy Ultimate Dining guide, which in October featured 160 spots in the counties surrounding the city.

But I was also keenly aware during those many long drives that, back in Philadelphia, the dining scene was still evolving at light speed, popping with the kind of fresh talent and smart ideas that have lately put us firmly on the national culinary map.

An early assumption was clearly wrong - that my lineup of favorites had not changed much since my first Top 25 in the inaugural 2016 dining guide. A big chunk of this list is different, with eight newcomers on my updated roll of city favorites.

The new additions (designated in orange) to the list are: Res Ipsa, Friday Saturday Sunday, and Kanella Grill in Center City; Royal Izakaya in Queen Village; Palizzi Social Club and El Compadre in South Philly; Walnut Street Cafe in University City; and the new Cheu project in Fishtown.

They join the roster of veterans that continue to prove they are not resting on their many-bell laurels. (Those reviews have been updated where necessary.)

Together, this group is sophisticated, diverse, and varied in price-point and style. But they all share a city that hungers for excellence - and gets the delicious feast it deserves.

— Craig LaBan