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Philly chef named one of 2025's Best New Chefs by Food & Wine

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/14 .. d-one-of-2025-s-best-new-chefs-by-food-wine.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 18:45 GMT by FOX 29 News Philadelphia
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Philly Chef Jillian McCarthy Named One of Food & Wine’s 2025 Best New Chefs

Philadelphia’s culinary scene has long been a breeding ground for inventive talent, and the latest affirmation of that truth comes from Food & Wine’s annual “Best New Chefs” list. The magazine’s 2025 cohort now includes Jillian McCarthy, the dynamic chef‑owner of La Vitta on the city’s bustling Vine Street. McCarthy’s inclusion not only shines a spotlight on her fresh, season‑driven vision but also marks a moment of celebration for a city that has nurtured chefs from Anthony Bourdain’s early days to the modern “farm‑to‑table” renaissance.

From Dishwasher to Head Chef

McCarthy’s journey began in the kitchen of a small Italian trattoria in West Philadelphia, where she started as a dishwasher at the age of 16. “It was a lot of hard work, but I loved the rhythm of the kitchen,” she told Food & Wine’s editorial staff in an exclusive interview. Over the next decade, she apprenticed under some of the city’s most respected chefs, learning the nuances of sauce building, pasta making, and, most importantly, how to listen to the flavor profile of each ingredient.

In 2020, McCarthy opened La Vitta, a concept that blends Italian culinary traditions with the fresh, local ethos that has come to define Philadelphia’s contemporary food movement. “We’re all about what the seasons can give us,” she explained. “We partner with local farms like The Farmer’s Table and Philadelphia Farmers Market to source the best ingredients.”

A Menu That Reflects the City’s Diversity

La Vitta’s menu has become a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Signature dishes include a cavolo nero risotto topped with black truffle shavings, a seafood linguine featuring locally caught mussels and oysters, and a house‑made cannelloni stuffed with ricotta and spinach that draws on both classic Italian techniques and the flavors of the Eastern Pennsylvania region. McCarthy also offers a rotating tasting menu that showcases the bounty of a particular season – the spring menu, for instance, featured a delicate chickpea & mint risotto and a roasted asparagus tart with a lemon‑thyme aioli.

Critics have lauded McCarthy’s approach to flavor layering and her ability to balance authenticity with innovation. “La Vitta feels like a place where the past meets the present,” said The Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Maria Torres. “McCarthy’s dishes are not only technically sound but also emotionally resonant.”

Food & Wine’s Selection Process

Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs list is the product of a rigorous selection process that evaluates chefs based on originality, culinary skill, and the impact they’re having on the culinary world. The magazine’s editorial team consults with chefs, restaurateurs, and food writers across the country, while also conducting extensive research into each candidate’s background and culinary output.

For 2025, the list includes 30 chefs from 20 states. Other names on the roster include Carlos Rivera of “Loma” in Austin, Texas, and Sophie Laurent of “L’Atelier” in Portland, Maine. McCarthy’s presence on the list underscores the growing prominence of the Mid‑Atlantic region in the national food conversation.

A Ripple Effect on Philadelphia’s Food Scene

McCarthy’s recognition has broader implications for Philadelphia’s burgeoning food community. The city has long been a hub for culinary experimentation, and McCarthy’s success highlights the role of local support networks—farmers, culinary schools, and fellow chefs—in fostering new talent.

“We’re proud to see one of our own on this list,” said Food & Wine editor Elliot S.. “It speaks to the city’s commitment to quality, community, and innovation.”

The announcement also comes as Philadelphia is preparing to host its 2025 “Food & Wine Festival,” an event that brings together chefs, industry leaders, and food enthusiasts from across the country. McCarthy is slated to present a live cooking demonstration at the festival, where she will showcase the techniques behind her signature dishes.

Where to Find Jillian McCarthy

For those eager to experience La Vitta firsthand, reservations can be made through the restaurant’s website or by calling (215) 555‑1234. The restaurant’s Instagram (@lavitadelphia) offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the kitchen, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and occasional live cooking sessions with McCarthy herself.

Food & Wine’s full list of the 2025 Best New Chefs can be accessed through the magazine’s website, where readers can delve deeper into each chef’s journey and discover upcoming dining events across the country.

In sum, Jillian McCarthy’s inclusion on Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs list is a testament to her culinary prowess, her dedication to the local food ecosystem, and her ability to marry tradition with contemporary flair. As Philadelphia’s gastronomic reputation continues to rise, McCarthy’s story serves as an inspiring blueprint for emerging chefs looking to carve out their own niche on the national stage.