Best Restaurants for People Watching in Bella Vista, Philadelphia County

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanJapanese

Regions

CamdenPhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Center CityCherry HillChinatownCollingswoodMediaPenn's Landing

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(8681)

$$$$

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 164 times today

Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.

2. Mona

4.3

Awesome(418)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 24 times today

MONA is Center City Philadelphia’s go-to destination for modern Mediterranean dining with a Greek soul. Located in the heart of Midtown Village, MONA brings Aegean charm to the city with whitewashed walls, olive trees, and floral accents that feel like a quick coastal escape—no passport required. Enjoy beautifully crafted shareable plates, fresh seafood, grilled specialties, and signature cocktails in an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere—ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, business meals, and relaxed group dining. Join us for Happy Hour, stay for dinner, or stop in for cocktails and late-night bites. For larger gatherings, MONA also offers a private island–inspired room for private events of 30+ guests. Dress code: smart-elegant; no shorts, hats, athletic wear, sneakers, or hoodies.Dress Code: To maintain our upscale atmosphere, we kindly ask guests to refrain from wearing hats, hoodies, or steel toe boots. Thank you for your understanding.

3. Burrata

4.9

Exceptional(1445)

$$$$

• Italian • South Philly

Booked 16 times today

Burrata is the creation of Dejvi Furxhi. This Italian BYOB, located in the heart of Passyunk, serves authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Burrata offers diners 2 and 4-top tables lit with tea light candles - perfect for a cozy date night or dinner with friends and family.Experience the best and freshest produce, never frozen and cooked-to-order, with our homemade pasta dishes, seafood selections, and nightly specials. Do not forget to BYOB your fave wine, Rose or Prosecco. And make sure to end the night with something sweet from our "impossible-to-pass on" desserts. Make your reservation today!

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4. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(18708)

$$$$

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 254 times today

Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."

5. Mercato

4.7

Exceptional(2104)

$$$$

• Italian • Center City

Booked 12 times today

Mercato BYOB is a festive and modern Italian eatery that lets you bring your own drinks. A simple and to the point menu focuses on quality over quantity and features items like ricotta raviolo and a spicy crab bucatini with squid ink pasta.The artisan cheeses and house-cured meats at Mercato BYOB are perfect for sharing and are paired with sauces and condiments like agrodolce and pickled white grapes. A whole grilled artichoke appetizer will undoubtedly turn you into the vegetable's biggest fan. Heavier dishes, like the Grilled Hanger Steak with yukon gold potato wedge, are equally impressive. Mercato BYOB opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant has a four course tasting menu that is ideal for groups. Conveniently located to all the theatres, shopping and convention center. Outdoor seating available when weather permits.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

6. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.5

Awesome(2065)

$$$$

• American • University City

Booked 22 times today

Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.

A photo of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia restaurant

7. McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia

4.1

Excellent(5287)

$$$$

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 21 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, directly across from the historic City Hall and on the renowned Avenue of the Arts, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks brings the freshest seafood dining experience to Philadelphia, PA. Enjoy traditional white tablecloth dining in dark wood-paneled rooms accented by handcrafted stained glass ceilings and mosaic-tiled floors. From fresh seafood and shellfish to Steak and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expectations. As our guest, you will experience culinary excellence at its best. Our menus reflect seafood from the Pacific Rim, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. We also source products from local ranches, farms, and wineries to showcase regionally inspired dishes.

A photo of La Fontana Della Citta restaurant

8. La Fontana Della Citta

4.2

Awesome(2131)

$$$$

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 4 times today

Experience the taste of Italy at La Fontana Della Citta, where every dish is crafted with tradition, passion, and fresh ingredients. Enjoy classic Italian favorites, handmade pastas, and hearty seafood and meat dishes served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving comforting Italian flavors, La Fontana Della Citta brings the charm and soul of Italy to Philadelphia.

9. Bridget Foy's

4.7

Exceptional(918)

$$$$

• American • Society Hill

Booked 5 times today

Bridget Foy's restaurant has been a Philadelphia staple since 1978. Bouncing back from a devastating fire in October 2017. Serving up tasty comfort food, cocktails, beer and wine for heated outdoor patio seating, indoor seating and bar area WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 11am-9pm & BRUNCH SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11am-3pm.5% Discount for CASH PAYMENTS

A photo of Keating's Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen restaurant

10. Keating's Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen

3.8

Excellent(325)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Penn's Landing

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Bar + Kitchen — a vibrant social eatery where friends gather to share stories, celebrate milestones, and indulge in culinary craftsmanship, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Delaware River.Nestled along the waterfront, Rope & Anchor offers a contemporary American menu that highlights sustainable seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and hand-crafted cocktails. Whether you're enjoying live entertainment indoors or dining al fresco on our seasonal outdoor patio overlooking the river, every experience is elevated by breathtaking views and nautical charm.Looking for something more intimate? Our private dining options provide the perfect setting for special occasions, business gatherings, or simply a more personalized experience — all with the same exceptional service and attention to detail.Step away from the city’s hustle and into our riverside retreat. Cheers!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kristen
Baltimore / Maryland •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We dined here to celebrate our daughter’s graduation. The service was impeccable. The food was delicious. The fried chicken was a big hit, as was the tuna appetizer—highly recommend. Our server even sent over some raspberry coffee cake for dessert. We will be back!
More info
The Love$$$$• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
T
TrishGold
Philadelphia County •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great little place! Exceptional service without being intrusive or rushed. Menu was varied and interesting. Things I have had before were better here - calamari and beet salad appetizers for example. Also the scallops were fantastic. Limoncello cake was a delicious dessert. I look forward to returning.
More info
Burrata$$$$• Italian• South Philly
•
4.9
D
Donna
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Celebrated my daughter's 28th birthday and my dad's 28th birthday ;-) last night, and we were a party of 10. Jessica and her crew of helpers were very friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious. Looking forward to our next experience!
More info
Mona$$$$• Mediterranean• Center City
•
4.3
D
DavidGold
New York City •12 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 6, 2026
Always my favorite local spot in the city!! Consistently delicious!! Plus a BYOB!! A no brainer!
More info
Mercato$$$$• Italian• Center City
•
4.7
S
Stephen
Philadelphia County •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 3, 2026
A good place for a leisurely lunch. The food was excellent and the service was perfect.
More info
McCormick & Schmick's Seafood - Philadelphia$$$$• Seafood• Center City
•
4.1

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