Crescent City

Ninth and South sts., 215-627-6780

Plans to open this Southern spot last December were hampered by labor holdups, but owner Michael Munoz has smoothed out the wrinkles and will officially open for lunch and dinner this weekend. Chef Michael Duplantis gathered Gulf Coast recipes to flesh out the flavorful menu—just don't call it "Cajun," or they'll toss cayenne in your eye. Bite This: The cioppino (a thick sausage/seafood stew) sounds hearty enough to unleash your inner Paula Deen.

Le Virtu

1927 E. Passyunk Ave.

Merry marrieds Cathy Lee and Francis Cretarola envision a June opening for their restaurant, which aims to exceed the limitations of Italian-American cuisine. "There won't be any 'gravy' in the South Philly sense," says Lee. An adjacent lot will double as an outdoor dining area and herb garden. Bite This: Le Virtu ("the virtues") is a traditional dish served in Italy's Abruvvo region. It contains seven varieties of beans, vegetables, meats and pastas.

Flying Monkey Patisserie

Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch sts., 215-922-2317, www.flyingmonkeyphilly.com

GM Paul Steinke reports that Reading Terminal has finally plugged the holes left by departed businesses, and we'll soon see the opening of baker Rebecca Michaels' Flying Monkey Patisserie. Michaels has long sought a Center City space for her specialty dessert/pastry catering outfit. Construction should be finished in late April. Bite This: Almond pear tarts, pizza brioche and ginger lime tea cake are just three of Michaels' imaginative confections.

Herschel's East Side Deli

Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch sts., 215-922-2317

Come May, New Yorker Steve Safern and Delco's Kathy Murphy will start construction on Herschel's, which is named for Steve's uncle. Safern formerly owned and operated Katz's, a similar outfit in Manhattan. Spataro's, a Terminal favorite since 1947, will relocate to center court to accommodate the new business. Bite This: Traditional Jewish eats are the focus here—expect standbys like whitefish salad, kugel and bialys.