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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in University City, Philadelphia County

Price
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23 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8598)
$$$$
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 190 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
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4.7
Exceptional(2423)
$$$$
• French American • Center City
Booked 49 times today
Located at 18th and Walnut, a.kitchen is a French inspired American restaurant rooted in seasonality and a deep love of wine. Led by Executive Chef Eli Collins, the menu moves from thoughtful small plates to refined lunch and dinner classics, all designed to pair beautifully with what is in your glass. Morning service features a seasonal breakfast, with weekend brunch offering a fresh take on daytime favorites.​Nationally recognized for its natural and terroir focused wine program, a.kitchen highlights iconic regions and emerging producers, with a knowledgeable team ready to guide your next pour. The bar offers a focused cocktail list and wines by the glass, making it ideal for a drink before dinner or a casual seat at the bar.​ In warmer months, enjoy sidewalk café dining with a relaxed European feel. Honored by Wine Spectator, The New York Times, Vogue, and the James Beard Foundation.
A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9082)
$$$$
• Greek • Center City
Booked 46 times today
The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(14015)
$$$$
• American • Washington Square
Booked 136 times today
Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.
A photo of Fogo de Chão - Philadelphia restaurant
4.3
Awesome(5431)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Center City
Booked 97 times today
Fogo de Chao in Philadelphia is a Brazilian steakhouse that has gained an international reputation for its unique dining experience, where guests can enjoy high-quality cuts of meat roasted over an open flame. Reviewers rave about the food, service, and ambience, with phrases like 'great food and service', 'excellent food and service', and 'great place to eat' frequently used. It's also mentioned as a great place for groups and celebrations, further solidifying its status as a popular, lively spot.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3000)
$$$$
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 60 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a hot spot because of its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Customers rave about the 'outstanding' service, 'amazing' food, and 'beautiful surroundings.' The 'unique and interesting' setting, which includes two dining rooms and a vintage bar, adds to the appeal. The restaurant's consistent quality and excellent value also make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Tuna Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1091)
$$$$
• Japanese • Old City
Booked 40 times today
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW PRIOR TO BOOKING Outdoor reservations are weather permitting and must be specified upon booking the reservation. Specific table requests are considered but not guaranteed. Tuna Bar is a Japanese Raw Bar and Grill concept created by Owner and Chef Kenneth Sze. Located in Old City Philadelphia, Tuna Bar boasts a relaxing, upscale atmosphere serving fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The diverse menu offers traditional and specialty sushi rolls, raw oysters, scallops, hand-selected fish, and shareable entrees. Tuna Bar offers a fully stocked bar of wine, sake, and spirits. There are no outside food and beverages allowed. There is a $40 dessert/cake fee for guests that wish to bring in a dessert/cake for their special occasion.
A photo of Friday Saturday Sunday restaurant
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4.9
Exceptional(1004)
$$$$
• American • Center City
Booked 13 times today
New American with a familiar name. Chef Chad Williams and his wife Hanna have taken a familiar spot and reinvented it. Craft cocktails at the main floor bar and delicious and inventive dishes in the second floor dining room. Please be aware that we do not have an elevator. For diners with limited mobility we offer the full dinner menu at the bar, and seating is first come first served. Reservations for the entire month open on the first of the month prior at 10am via OpenTable.Please email with any questions, as our phone line is information only.
A photo of Amada PHL restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8807)
$$$$
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 46 times today
Amada is an Andalusian style tapas bar & restaurant where James Beard Award Winning Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine in a rustic-chic setting. Serving Old City for 20 years, Amada is a Philadelphia staple that is perfect for all occasions. Specialties of the House include:Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Aljillo, Croquettas de Jamón , Paella Valenciana, Seasonal Sangrías, Craft Cocktails & Spanish WinesPrivate Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Events can be booked in our private dining rooms or throughout the restaurant seven days a week. For parties of 12 or more, please email our private events team at events@garcesgroup.com or call 215-625-2450
A photo of SOMO restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1534)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Manayunk
Booked 13 times today
SOMO is located in the heart of the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia right on Main Street. We are an American restaurant & bar featuring friendly service, delicious seasonal dishes and a wide assortment of craft beer, craft cocktails and wine. SOMO offers indoor & heated outdoor dining. Our outdoor dining is all covered & heated to keep you warm during your dining experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jon
    Nashville •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The food was inspired, every dish was so incredibly thought out to be both individually brilliant, but also fit into the flow of the meal itself. The halibut, sweet bread and beef were particular stand outs. The drinks were also very clever and delicious. This was for an anniversary and it did not disappoint!
    More info
    Friday Saturday Sunday$$$$• American• Center City
    4.9
  • Mike
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The Hostess Colleen Great. The server Alyssa Great. Food Great.
    More info
    Saloon Restaurant$$$$• Italian• South Philly
    4.8
  • Ron
    New York City •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    One word…. PERFECTION! Everything about the evening was outstanding. From being greeted by the friendly hostesses, to my amazing waitress, Kristen, who was extremely friendly and helpful when choosing my meal. The tuna Crudo was so fresh and flavorful with so many different ingredients. The salmon was cooked to perfection with wonderful compliments on the dish. The combination of flavors throughout the entire meal was fantastic!! Then there is the design of the restaurant which makes you feel like you’ve been transported into an English garden house. Even though the restaurant was packed, the noise level was totally fine! I cannot say enough good things about my entire experience. It is a MUST GO TO! A+++
    More info
    Talula’s Garden$$$$• American• Washington Square
    4.9
  • Cara
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Absolutely STELLAR experience! The food was fresh, expertly prepared, and will be remembered! The ambiance is lovely, as it feels refined but cozy and intimate. The staff was absolutely unbelievable! It’s the kind of service you would love to expect from a high quality restaurant, but these days rarely find. Austen, you are a gem, and the supporting servers never missed a beat. We witnessed what a great service team should look like, and even if the food wasn’t absolutely PHENOMENAL, we would go back for the service! Thank you to everyone who made our simple date night incredibly memorable!
    More info
    The Love$$$$• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Dan
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent staff from greeting to clean up. Wait staff knows the menu. Extra care with allergies greatly appreciated! It has been consistently excellent every visit!
    More info
    a.kitchen$$$$• French American• Center City
    4.7
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