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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in University City, Philadelphia County

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134 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
1. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.7
Exceptional(5655)
$$$$
• American • University City
Booked 143 times today
Since 1983, White Dog Cafe University City has been a destination in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's campus for dining, libations, and celebrations in a trio of Victorian brownstones. The first restaurant in Philadelphia to utilize environmentally sustainable, organic, and locally sourced foods from farms within a 50-mile radius, White Dog is renowned for its warm hospitality and innovative cuisine. The charming brownstones were completely renovated, providing a variety of dining rooms with whimsical dog decor, fixtures, and stunning artwork.
A photo of Steak 48 - Philadelphia restaurant
2. Steak 48 - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(6060)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 87 times today
At Steak 48 in Philadelphia, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. The diverse menu at our Philadelphia steakhouse location will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Our master butchers custom cut 28-day wet-aged steaks by hand for cooking in our 1800-degree broiler. Much of our beef comes from Midwestern farms in Michigan and Wisconsin as well as premium Wagyu beef brought in from the Mishima Reserve. Enhance your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail made from local ingredients. Make your reservation today. We can't wait to see you!
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
3. The Dandelion
4.7
Exceptional(8458)
$$$$
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 125 times today
London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
4. Barclay Prime
4.9
Exceptional(5817)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 75 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of SkyHigh restaurant
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5. SkyHigh
4.7
Exceptional(3568)
$$$$
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 66 times today
Crowning the 60th floor of Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center, SkyHigh elevates Philadelphia's rooftop dining as the city's highest lounge. This upscale destination pairs panoramic views with approachable Jean-Georges cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and live music in an elegant setting. Recognized among Philadelphia's premier rooftop destinations, SkyHigh delivers exceptional dining from breakfast through dinner, including celebrated Sunday brunch with three-course menus and decadent dessert buffets. Whether seeking rooftop venues in Center City, high-end dining, or sophisticated cocktail lounges, SkyHigh offers an unforgettable experience above the clouds with world-class service and stunning cityscape views.
A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
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6. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11499)
$$$$
• Asian • Old City
Booked 113 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Her Place Supper Club restaurant
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7. Her Place Supper Club
4.9
Exceptional(119)
$$$$
• American • Center City
Booked 2 times today
May reservations available Sunday, 4/19 @ 6pm ET. We are fully committed for April reservations. Please add your name to Notify Me for any openings.Her Place is kind of like a restaurant but kind of like a dinner party. The menu changes triweekly, sometimes daily, sometimes a la minute. Imagine showing up to your mom's friend's house for dinner and just eating whatever she makes -- it's a little like that. The food leans French and Italian with some Jewish touches swirled in. We offer two seatings of 26 guests Monday - Friday, at 6pm and 8:30pm. Our maximum reservation is for 6 guests. We have wine and cocktails!!
A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
8. Aleksandar
4.4
Awesome(681)
$$$$
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 20 times today
Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!
A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
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9. a.kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(2421)
$$$$
• French American • Center City
Booked 40 times today
Located at 18th and Walnut, a.kitchen is a French inspired American restaurant rooted in seasonality and a deep love of wine. Led by Executive Chef Eli Collins, the menu moves from thoughtful small plates to refined lunch and dinner classics, all designed to pair beautifully with what is in your glass. Morning service features a seasonal breakfast, with weekend brunch offering a fresh take on daytime favorites.​Nationally recognized for its natural and terroir focused wine program, a.kitchen highlights iconic regions and emerging producers, with a knowledgeable team ready to guide your next pour. The bar offers a focused cocktail list and wines by the glass, making it ideal for a drink before dinner or a casual seat at the bar.​ In warmer months, enjoy sidewalk café dining with a relaxed European feel. Honored by Wine Spectator, The New York Times, Vogue, and the James Beard Foundation.
A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Authentic Italian restaurant
10. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Authentic Italian
4.8
Exceptional(2720)
$$$$
• Italian • Center City
Booked 65 times today
*****For parties of 5 or more, please contact the restaurant directly @ www.grancaffelaquila.com or call 215.568.5600*****Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Culture School. The culinary & wine program features all 20 regions of Italy by award winning culinary & wine director Riccardo Longo. Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Stefano Biasini & award winning coffee roasted in house. Reservations are not accepted for dessert. The second floor dining room is reserved for Dine-In tables for both lunch & dinner. Walk in dessert tables will be seated on the first floor, first come - first served. We also have two bars for walk in seating at all times. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner & Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring a expertly trained staff & authentic environment.Hosting private groups from 10-200 for Lunch, Dinner, & Happy Hour (Aperitivo). More info @grancaffelaquila.com

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Pamela
    Philadelphia County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Brunch on the (covered) patio was fantastic. The space was lovely. The food was outstanding. The service was excellent. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Aleksandar$$$$• Contemporary European• Center City
    •
    4.4
  • neilGold
    Philadelphia County •88 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great cocktails. Excellent seafood tower with added caviar with all the accoutrements. Very well curated appetizer selection -- foie gras, bone marrow etc. -- also available as accompaniments for entrees. We each got various cuts from the American wagyu section of the menu, all delicious and well prepared and presented (all steaks were cut into pieces.) I got a rib cap which is rare to find on a menu. Lobster tail side order was to die for. Wonderful side dishes -- truffle mac and cheese, white asparagus etc. Service was attentive and seamless. Wine program wasn't perhaps as imposing as other steakhouses but once again thoughtfully curated. Desserts were okay, but the banana creme brulee was amazing.
    More info
    Barclay Prime$$$$• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.9
  • Kyle
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amazing experience from start to finish. The food and entire staff were great. The Michelin recognition is truly deserved.
    More info
    Her Place Supper Club$$$$• American• Center City
    •
    4.9
  • Dan
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Excellent staff from greeting to clean up. Wait staff knows the menu. Extra care with allergies greatly appreciated! It has been consistently excellent every visit!
    More info
    a.kitchen$$$$• French American• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • Brenda
    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Lovely, delicious lunch outdoors. The carmelized onion dip was especially good and we liked our tuna melt and fish sandwich too. Crème brûlée and strawberry cheesecake were the perfect endings. Yum!
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University City$$$$• American• University City
    •
    4.7

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