Tommy DiNic’s — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Up until 2005 I thought Philadelphia was all Cheesesteaks. Boy was I wrong. Before I was even yelping I heard grumblings of 1 sandwich to rule them all. My first trip to Reading Terminal Market had me preaching that very bold statement. 3 trips to Philly and this was my first Roast Pork. They may sell more cheesesteaks in Philly and yes you can get decent one’s all over the country, but I have never had a roast pork like Dinic’s. I’m only writing this after a few more trips to try the competition.

The best sandwich in American.

A few things you should know is that if you plan to go here now the service was WAY better in years past and the lines not as long, but they move quickly, not fast, but quick. Had I written this review 8 years ago there would have been nothing bad to say about it, but with more insight I can say it’s a delicious sandwich. The best of it’s kind and the best in America, but with prices going up, lines getting longer, service slipping and the sandwich builds getting sloppier I have to admit I’ll only get 1 per trip and not on the way in and out of town.

The slow roast pork has simple seasonings, sliced thin after a long rest. The broccoli rab is nice and bitter. For those spinach lovers who have never had broccoli rab your in for a surprised, it’s much more full, much more bold and nuttier. The sharp provolone is great, I actually like extra on mine. It’s a bit like hand crumbled bleu cheese in that there isn’t uniformity in pieces. The roll is somewhat soft, but good crust and it holds up to the meat being heated in the jus before serving. The garlic aftertaste is comforting. The Brisket is kind of bland (glad I shared it), roast beef is also excellent like the pork, but get the peppers, shaved thin, but needs horseradish only works on the beef and not the pork.

Italian sausage is fresh, but overpowered by the fennel taste. I wish I had more pepper or some countering taste in the sausage itself. I’ll take an authentic brat over an authentic Italian sausage. Meatballs are large, but tastes more like meatloaf. The breads are standard across the board. The sauce could be real ragu to take it above.

It’s a must stop, it’s a superb sandwich. The Roast Pork is amazing, still the best in the only city you can really get it, but I have to admit it’s...

I’ve been coming to DiNic’s at Reading Terminal for close to 20 years, and this most recent visit was easily the most disappointing I’ve ever had there.

I went in craving the classic pulled pork with broccoli rabe and provolone — the sandwich I’ve enjoyed countless times over the years — only to find no pulled pork available, just roast pork. I figured I’d still give it a shot, but unfortunately the sandwich simply didn’t deliver.

The pork was just OK — not especially juicy or flavorful, and felt like it had been sitting around toward the end of the day. The broccoli rabe was mostly stems, missing that tender, leafy bitterness DiNic’s used to nail. The jus was average, lacking depth and richness. Presentation and service were similarly lackluster.

What really sealed the disappointment was the price: $27 for one sandwich and two drinks. And on top of that, each add-on including provolone was an extra dollar — which felt excessive given the final product.

For a place I’ve enthusiastically recommended to friends and family for almost two decades, this visit was a letdown. At this point, I can’t confidently recommend DiNic’s the way I used to. Maybe I caught them on an off day — but even on an off day, a Philadelphia institution should perform better than “average.”

If you’re able to travel a bit further south in Philly and want to experience what a top-tier roast pork sandwich should still taste like, head to John’s Roast Pork. It remains the gold standard — juicy, balanced, loaded with flavor, and worth the trip when you’ve got the time and you’re in the area.

I truly hope DiNic’s gets back to the quality and consistency that made it a legend, but as of now, the magic...

You cannot deny that Tommy Dinic’s is fashioned as one of the greatest sandwich places in Philadelphia, let alone in the nation. Back to a bittersweet childhood upbringing, brought me back to Reading Terminal market, to a bittersweet broccoli rabe, succulent pork, and sharp provolone.

I’ll just say, it’s a heck of a sandwich! I’m not usually in for pork, but Tommy Dinic’s made me love it! Their topping is bitter but the juicy flavors overpower the rabe. The pork was tender and the cheese was immediately hitting my senses. The bread is the only thing I have to dock on this sandwich. It’s too soft for my liking. I would’ve rather had a bread that is soft and fluffy on the inside, and crispy and crumbly on the outside. That way, I can savor the already amazing sandwich for what it’s worth.

The best thing about this sandwich, it has greatly impressed me that the roast pork’s reputation lines up against the immensely popular cheesesteak! I’d give the upper hand to the cheesesteak, but don’t dismiss what flavors you’d be missing out on with Dinic’s!

Don’t overlook Philly as a hotspot destination for food, beyond its history. Food culture is about a good as it could ever get.

Couldn’t believe how quick the service was considering the line. I was fortunate enough to meet the owner who took care of my meal. He was a great man who obviously has carried his family tradition that has its loyal customers and tourists enjoy his hospitality and food.

I would most definitely recommend you visit...