Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in University City, Philadelphia County

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Burlington CountyCamdenGloucesterPhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AmblerArdmoreArt MuseumBala CynwydBella VistaBerwyn

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard AwardMICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

137 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.7

Exceptional(5666)

$$$$

• American • University City

Booked 85 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.

2. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8459)

$$$$

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 117 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.

3. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(14019)

$$$$

• American • Washington Square

Booked 147 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.

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4. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2427)

$$$$

• French American • Center City

Booked 54 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.

5. Pine Street Grill

4.7

Exceptional(138)

$$$$

• American • Center City

Booked 59 times today

Pine Street Grill is a neighborhood restaurant serving timeless American food made with care. Located on a corner of Fitler Square, Pine Street offers thoughtfully prepared classics such as matzah ball soup, spinach artichoke dip, Greek salad, and rotisserie chicken.Our approach is simple: the same sourcing and care found at My Loup and Her Place Supper Club, with a focus on the core fundamentals that make food and drink memorable. Our beverage program carries this forward with classic cocktails, beer on tap (including birch!), and a tightly curated wine program with no pretense, just great drinkability at a variety of price points. Opening hours are Wednesday — Monday, 4-11pm (the kitchen closes at 10:30pm). Half of our dining room is available to reserve and the other half saved for walk-ins. Reservations open 30 days in advance at 9am ET daily. Happy hour is from 4 - 6pm daily and we also offer a PSG late night burger + beer special (draft beer + PSG burger for $20) nightly.

A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(9084)

$$$$

• Greek • Center City

Booked 54 times today

Estia in Philadelphia is a neighborhood gem. It's a unique Greek restaurant with a warm, inviting ambiance and a menu of authentic Greek specialties. As one reviewer said, 'Estia is one of my favorite restaurants and my neighborhood gem.' The food is consistently praised as 'delicious', 'creative', and 'fresh', and the service is often highlighted as 'impeccable' and 'friendly'. It's also loved for its excellent location, in the heart of the theatre district.

A photo of High Street Restaurant & Bar restaurant

7. High Street Restaurant & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(387)

$$$$

• American • Center City

Booked 52 times today

Located at the corner of 9th and Chestnut in the heart of Washington Square West, High Street is a cozy neighborhood restaurant and bar centered on local grains and seasonal cooking. Our exhibition bakery showcases pastries, pizzas, and handmade pastas, all visible from our light filled dining room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.Join us for brunch, lunch, or dinner, or stop by the bar for cocktails and small plates. Executive Chef Christina McKeough’s seasonal menu highlights local producers with fresh, modern takes on classic dishes.Tucked behind the main dining room, our Back Bar is a cocktail focused space hosting seasonal events and pop ups. The Back Bar and Back Room are available for private dining and group events. Recognized by the Michelin Guide and named one of The Inquirer’s 76 Most Vital Restaurants of 2025.Parties of seven or more require a credit card on file and participation in our Leave It To Us menu.

8. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(8600)

$$$$

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 208 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.

9. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(502)

$$$$

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 33 times today

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

A photo of El Rey - Philadelphia restaurant

10. El Rey - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(693)

$$$$

• Mexican • Center City

Booked 28 times today

Inspired by the cuisines of Puebla and Veracruz, El Rey captures the essence of Mexican home cooking. Boisterous and broken-in like a laidback roadside cantina, the dining room hums from midday to late-night. Folk art, kitchsy found objects and vintage movie posters adorn the walls, providing plenty of visual stimuli for eaters digging into authentic tacos, tortas, enchiladas, sopes and more. Add a bar stocked with the best tequilas, mezcals and cervezas and you’ve got a cantina fit for a king.

‘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

P
Peter
Tahoe / Reno Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I had an amazing experience at a.kitchen from start to finish. The service was amazing, the bartender especially made me feel welcome and taken care of the entire meal. The food was all delicious, the oysters were some of the best I’ve had, the burger was delicious and the drinks were all great. I’d highly recommend, great spot and not too pretentious for what I would call a fine dining experience!
More info
a.kitchen$$$$• French American• Center City
•
4.7
S
Sylvia
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
A really wonderful evening. The food, wine, service and ambience were so good. Will come back the next time we’re in Philly
More info
Talula’s Garden$$$$• American• Washington Square
•
4.9
S
StanleyGold
Philadelphia County •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful meal at White Dog Cafe! Hasn't been there for many years. Service was excellent as was the food. Great atmosphere.
More info
White Dog Cafe - University City$$$$• American• University City
•
4.7
L
Lexi
Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food and vibes were amazing! Had an amazing burger and fantastic brownie/cookie skillet for dessert!
More info
Continental Midtown$$$$• American• Center City
•
4.7
M
MeghanGold
Greater Boston •38 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2026
The most kid friendly restaurant in the world! We LOVE PSG - always amazing food stellar service and just overall phenomenal experience.
More info
Pine Street Grill$$$$• American• Center City
•
4.7

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