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The salmon kebab from Kanella comes plated with grilled green lettuce, fiery red harissa, sweet purple onions, and a wedge of lemon.
The salmon kebab from Kanella comes plated with grilled green lettuce, fiery red harissa, sweet purple onions, and a wedge of lemon.Read moreZoe Greenberg / Staff

Kanella

Mediterranean, Greek, Turkish$-$$

With the arrival of new chef-owner Tayfun Abuska in 2022, this Washington Square West BYOB shifted gently from Cypriot to Turkish flavors in its falafel, spanakopita, kebabs, etc. Critic Craig LaBan approves: “The well-balanced hummus is deepened by both fresh and roasted garlic plus a gloss of Aleppo-infused chili oil. Three levels of smoke anchor the mutabal eggplant salad before it’s cooled with yogurt. The addition of fat from lamb ribs and beef rib-eye helps the adana kebab approximate the savor of Turkish lamb.” For one of the best flavor values in town, talk your table into going for the four-dish Taste of Kanella feast.

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The Inquirer aims to represent the geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity of the region in its coverage. Inquirer staffers and contributors do not accept free or comped meals — all meals are paid for by the Inquirer. All dining recommendations are made solely by the Inquirer editorial staffers and contributors based on their reporting and expertise, without input from advertisers or outside interests.

Restaurant Details

1001 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107
267-928-2085
https://www.kanellarestaurant.com/
kanellagrill