These Restaurants Are Keeping Tradition Alive
- SecondsPls
- Sep 28, 2024
- 3 min read
In a world where food trends come and go in a blink, there’s something deeply comforting about a restaurant that sticks to its roots. Family recipes, passed through generations like heirlooms, are why these places have become such cherished establishments. From nose-to-tail eating, to time-tested culinary techniques, these institutions have mastered the delicate art of preparing timeless recipes. We love these places because they aren’t just restaurants, they are beloved landmarks. If you desire traditional food executed to perfection, these are the spots for you!
Known for pioneering the nose-to-tail dining movement, St. John, established by Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver in 1994, focuses on preserving the tradition of using every part of the animal. When you see bone marrow on toast at an upscale restaurant today, you can thank St. John for bringing this dish to light. St. John’s minimalist approach and devotion to traditional British fare have made it a staple of culinary culture, loved by icons such as Anthony Bourdain.
26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY, United Kingdom
Opened in 1956, Ding Ho is celebrated for its fusion of Cantonese flavors with an American flair. The restaurant’s famed War Sue Gai (wok-fried chicken topped with chopped nuts, covered with house-made gravy, and served on a bed of iceberg), handmade egg rolls, and duck sauce (which they make by the gallon) have stayed true to family recipes since its inception. With strong American influence, guests in the 50’s often requested white bread to dip into their War Sue Gai. Without hesitation, Ding Ho began serving fluffy classic bread with all of their meals. The restaurant’s dedication to tradition, both in cuisine and its old-school dining experience, keeps locals and visitors coming back for a taste of comfort.
120 Phillipi Road, Columbus, OH 43228
Family-owned since 1946, Olneyville New York System is famous for its hot wieners (hotdogs) served “all the way,” slathered with mustard, onion, celery salt, and meat sauce—all made in-house. The James Beard Award-winning hot wieners are made from beef, pork, and veal situated in a delicate steamed bun. Passed down through generations, this Rhode Island institution preserves the classic diner-style experience, serving comfort food steeped in East Coast history. Don’t sleep on the coffee milk and chili fries either!
18 Plainfield Street, Providence, RI 02909
(401) 621-9500
Founded by the Gonzalez family in 1979, El Rey de las Fritas is the undisputed king of the Frita Cubana, a Cuban burger made from a 100% ground beef patty infused with a secret blend of spices, topped with finely cut onions and crispy julienne cut potato strings, wrapped up in a Cuban bread bun. Their secret family recipe, perfected over decades, is a cultural staple in Miami’s Cuban community.
1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
(305) 644-6054
Holsten’s has been serving up classic American comfort food and house-made ice cream since 1939. Known for its burgers, onion rings, ice-cream sundaes, hand-spun shakes, and candies, you may also recognize Holsten’s from the infamous final scene of "The Sopranos." The interiors have remained practically untouched since the mid-1900s, keeping the classic ice cream parlor experience alive.
1063 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Founded in 1945, Van Dobben is a Dutch institution known for its traditional croquettes, sandwiches, and croquette sandwiches (!) which have become a beloved part of Amsterdam’s culinary culture. The simple family recipes and comforting interiors have remained unchanged since its inception. This place is special, it scratches an itch and evokes a serious feeling of familiarity—similar to being served a simple sandwich and glass of milk on a small plate as a child by your grandparents—these ladies put love into everything they prepare. With every dish, comes a short glass brimming with mustard which is meant to be slathered on everything. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of buttermilk (though, we’re still getting used to this tradition!).
Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat 5-7-9 1017 BH Amsterdam
020 62 44 200
An old-timey ice cream parlor opened in 2004 by the Berley brothers, Franklin Fountain pays homage to early 20th-century ice cream parlors and soda fountains with its vintage decor and classic recipes. They specialize in sundaes, homemade sodas, and ice creams, all crafted with techniques that honor the long history of confectionaries before them. The sodas are dispensed from an early 1900s bronze & onyx marble soda fountain, and the sundaes are served in what may look like a classic Chinese takeout container, but this is actually a nod to the first Breyer’s ice cream container from the 1950s.
116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
(215) 627-1899
Comments