We Discovered Incredible Fish And Chips Spot Tucked Away In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a way of surprising you with food that feels like a mic drop, and Anastasi Seafood on South Ninth Street is exactly that kind of discovery.
Fish and chips sounds simple until it is done this well, crackly golden batter, flaky fish that steams as you break it open, and fries that make you keep reaching back into the basket “just for one more.”
Add the lively neighborhood energy outside, and suddenly a quick bite turns into a whole moment you want to repeat.
A truly great fish and chips spot nails the details. Hot oil timing, the right crunch, that clean seafood flavor, and a squeeze of lemon that makes everything pop.
It is comfort food with a little swagger, the kind that feels both casual and special at the same time.
Philadelphia has plenty of iconic eats, but this is the kind of place that earns loyal fans quietly, one crispy bite at a time.
My fork has a strict rule here: the first bite gets total silence, because talking can wait until the crunch is properly appreciated.
It’s Actually a Seafood Market First, Restaurant Second
Most people walk past thinking it’s just another fish shop, but that’s exactly what makes this place so special.
The restaurant sits right inside the market, separated by glass walls, so you’re literally surrounded by the freshest catch while you eat.
You can watch staff weighing out live crabs and cutting fresh fish while you wait for your meal. This setup might seem odd at first, but it’s actually brilliant.
Everything on your plate came from those display cases just feet away, meaning fresher is basically impossible.
The casual vibe keeps things relaxed and prices reasonable, even though the quality rivals fancier spots charging twice as much.
Sure, you might catch a whiff of the market while dining, and a few flies might buzz around during busy times. But honestly, that’s part of the authentic experience that makes Anastasi’s feel real instead of pretentious.
The Oysters Are Ridiculously Fresh and Properly Prepared
Let me tell you about the oysters here because they’re something special. Customers consistently rave about getting a dozen fresh oysters that taste like they just came out of the ocean.
The staff goes the extra mile by loosening them from the shell before serving, which is a small touch that makes a huge difference. At reasonable prices, you’re getting quality that matches what you’d pay premium dollars for elsewhere.
The presentation comes correct too, with everything properly chilled and garnished. Some reviews mention the Blue Point variety specifically, though flavors can vary depending on what’s freshest that day.
I grabbed a half dozen on my last visit and they were perfectly briny with that clean, oceanic taste. The texture melted in my mouth just right.
If you’re an oyster lover, this spot absolutely needs to be on your radar for your next seafood craving.
Those Crab Cakes Pack Serious Flavor and Size
The crab cakes at Anastasi’s have built quite the reputation, and after trying one myself, I totally get why. These aren’t those sad little hockey pucks filled with breadcrumbs you find at chain restaurants.
We’re talking generous portions of actual crab meat, broiled to golden perfection with just enough binding to hold everything together. The broiled crab cake sandwich is a particular favorite, offering incredible value for what you get.
Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy or greasy. Multiple reviewers call them the best they’ve had, with jumbo sizes that justify the price tag completely.
One thing to note is that some recent reviews mention the cakes have gotten smaller and might use claw meat instead of lump crab now. Still delicious, but something changed.
Either way, they remain a solid choice and pair beautifully with their crispy fries.
Blue Crabs Are the Real Deal for Home Cooking
Finding truly fresh blue crabs in Philadelphia can be surprisingly tough these days, which makes Anastasi’s selection even more valuable. They sell them live by the dozen or bushel, and regulars swear by their quality.
One customer even cracked them open to check the meat inside and confirmed they were legit fresh. The crabs come in different sizes, and you can request all males if you prefer.
They also offer cooking services if you don’t want to deal with steaming them yourself at home. Just grab their special crab seasoning while you’re there because it adds the perfect flavor kick.
Always check your crabs before leaving, and don’t hesitate to speak up if something looks off. When they get it right, these crabs are absolutely worth the trip down to South 9th Street.
The Lobster Roll Might Be the Best You’ll Ever Taste
Sometimes you bite into something so good it ruins other versions forever. That’s what happened to one customer who declared Anastasi’s lobster roll the best they’d ever had, and honestly, I’m not surprised.
Fresh lobster meat piled high on a perfectly toasted roll creates magic when done right. What sets this version apart is the quality of the lobster itself, coming straight from their market cases.
No frozen, pre-packaged stuff here. The coleslaw and fries that come alongside were also called outstanding, which tells you they care about the whole plate, not just the star attraction.
The place does get busy during peak lunch hours, so expect a bit of a wait. Limited seating means you might need to grab your roll to go, but the outdoor space can be nice when available.
Worth every minute of patience for that first incredible bite of sweet, tender lobster.
Located Right in the Historic Italian Market District
You’ll find Anastasi Seafood at 1039 S 9th St, right in the heart of Philadelphia’s famous Italian Market neighborhood.
This area has been feeding the city since the early 1800s, making it one of the oldest outdoor markets in America.
Walking through feels like stepping back in time, with vendors calling out specials and the smell of fresh produce everywhere.
The location puts you well past the touristy sections, which means better prices and more authentic experiences.
Street parking can be tricky, but several parking garages sit within easy walking distance. Paid lots and garages sit nearby along Washington Avenue, so you can park close, then walk over in just a few minutes.
Bonus tip: if you’re driving in, bring a little cash for meters, and expect nearby garage rates to vary by day. That keeps the logistics simple, which is pretty nice overall for any Philadelphia food run.
The Seafood Platters Offer Serious Variety and Portions
When you can’t decide on just one thing, the seafood platters solve that problem beautifully. These combinations typically include shrimp, fish, clams, and sometimes scallops, giving you a taste of everything the ocean offers.
Portions run generous enough that taking leftovers home is pretty much guaranteed. The broiled and grilled options both have their fans, though some customers report inconsistency with the broiling technique.
When executed properly, you get nice char marks and that smoky flavor that makes seafood sing. The vegetables that come alongside might be a bit oily according to some reviews, but the main event usually delivers.
Prices hover in the moderate range considering the amount of food you receive. A mini platter satisfies most appetites completely, while the full version could easily feed two people.
Just be aware that seasoning levels vary, so don’t be shy about asking for extra spice or sauce on the side if needed.
That Crab and Shrimp Soup Deserves Its Own Fan Club
Forget everything you think you know about seafood soup because Anastasi’s version plays in a different league entirely. We’re talking huge pieces of crab swimming in flavorful broth that tastes like the ocean gave you a warm hug.
The shrimp are plump and perfectly cooked, not those sad rubbery bits you find in most soups.
Multiple customers specifically call out this soup as a must-try item, and one person loved it so much they’d make the trip back just for another bowl.
The lobster bisque also gets serious praise, though it runs about fifteen dollars, which some find steep for soup. Both options deliver rich, satisfying flavors that work perfectly on cold Philly days.
The portion sizes are substantial, so you might want to share if you’re planning on ordering other dishes too.
Either way, starting your meal with one of these soups sets the tone for an excellent seafood experience.
The Hours and Service Style Keep Things Accessible
Anastasi Seafood operates daily, opening at 9 AM and closing at 5 PM Sundays, 5:30 Mondays and Tuesdays, and 6 Wednesdays through Saturdays. Sunday closes a bit earlier at 5 PM.
They’re open Tuesdays too, so plan accordingly. You can call ahead at 215-462-0550 to confirm hours, ask about seating, or place a takeout order.
The service gets mixed reviews, with some customers praising the friendly, accommodating staff while others mention inattentiveness.
Ms. Cindy gets called out by name for being especially welcoming, taking reservations and escorting guests to tables near the fireplace.
When the team is on point, they’re genuinely happy to serve and make you feel welcome. The casual setup means this isn’t a fancy white-tablecloth experience, which keeps expectations and prices reasonable.
Seating is limited, so arriving during off-peak hours gives you better odds of snagging a table. The no-frills atmosphere actually adds to the charm for most visitors.
The Grilled Octopus and Branzino Show Real Cooking Skills
Not everything here is fried or broiled, and the grilled options prove these folks know their way around fire. The grilled octopus salad earns particular praise for being perfectly tender with a nice char, which is tricky to pull off.
Octopus can turn rubbery fast, but Anastasi’s nails that delicate balance between texture and flavor. The whole grilled branzino is another standout, cooked to the point where the flesh flakes beautifully off the bone.
Some reviews mention it comes pretty plain without heavy seasoning or herbs, which lets the fish quality shine through. If you prefer bolder flavors, just ask for extra lemon or their special sauce on the side.
These Mediterranean-style preparations reflect the Italian Market heritage and show versatility beyond typical American seafood joint fare.
The octopus especially gets mentioned as not-to-be-missed, though portions can be small. Still, when seafood is this fresh and properly cooked, even small portions satisfy in ways that matter most.