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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in West Philadelphia

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bistro Perrier at Walnut Hill College restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(621)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • University City
Booked 3 times today
Bistro Perrier at Walnut Hill College cordially invites you to our annual Holiday Buffet! Join us Tuesday, December 3rd, through Saturday, December 21st, for a delightful evening set in a winter wonderland.His world-famous restaurant, Le Bec-Fin, was one of the most renowned restaurants for over 40 years. Now, Georges Perrier is the inspiration behind Bistro Perrier, a classic French bistro at Walnut Hill College. Set inside a charming European courtyard, Bistro Perrier showcases traditional French fare and tableside service, led by Executive Chef Todd Braley. Located right in the heart of University City with free parking.
A photo of Little Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(85)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Booked 27 times today
Located in the historic neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square, Little Water is the latest restaurant from husband-and-wife team, Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Ruckers' experiences living along the Gulf Coast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions, Little Water is a contemporary coastal restaurant that celebrates the ecological diversity of life by the sea.The sister restaurant to the acclaimed East Passyunk Avenue gem, River Twice—which has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times, and has earned Chef Randy’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently, a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—Little Water continues the Ruckers' dedication to sustainability and local sourcing. With an a la carte menu inspired by the dynamic ecosystem of tranquil marshes, expansive bays, and secluded coves, Little Water captures the coastal spirit in a warm and lively atmosphere.
A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5477)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • University City
Booked 51 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of University City, Philadelphia, White Dog Cafe has been a bastion of farm-to-table dining since 1983. Celebrated for its commitment to environmentally sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, the cafe ensures that every dish served is fresh, authentic, and supports local farmers within a 50-mile radius. Patrons rave about the quality of food, with one noting, "The food is very fresh and exceptional." The whimsical dog-themed decor adds to the unique charm of the dining experience. White Dog Cafe stands out not just for its delicious, seasonally inspired cuisine but also for its warm hospitality and commitment to community and sustainability, making every meal a delightful and responsible choice for diners.
A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7299)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 181 times today
At The Love in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, every dish is a celebration of authentic American cuisine, crafted with seasonal and local ingredients that highlight the true essence of the region. Patrons rave about the "Nashville hot chicken" and the "ricotta ravioli," emphasizing not just the flavor but also the creativity poured into each plate. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with exemplary service, makes every meal a delightful experience. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, with one guest noting, "The food is always great...the service was perfect!" Whether you're enjoying brunch or dinner, The Love stands out as a gem in Philadelphia, ensuring "a fabulous experience all around" with its "interesting and unique" American dishes.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(13224)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Washington Square
Booked 122 times today
Talula's Garden in Washington Square, Philadelphia, is a jewel of American cuisine that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Celebrated for its innovative menu that evolves seasonally, the restaurant showcases the best of American ingredients with a hint of European flair. Guests rave about the "artful cuisine" and the "hospitable staff," making every visit memorable. One diner exclaimed, "The food was fantastic and the service was attentive and fast," highlighting the exceptional quality and service. The focus on sustainable spirits and a special emphasis on cheese add a unique touch. Whether it's for a special occasion or a delightful meal, Talula's Garden remains a top choice, consistently earning glowing reviews for its "delicious and beautifully presented" dishes and "exceptional food and service." This is truly a must-visit spot for anyone craving authentic and exquisite American fare in Philadelphia.
A photo of Fork - Philadelphia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5119)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old City
Booked 36 times today
Fork in Philadelphia’s Old City is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. For over 25 years, this culinary gem has delighted diners with its innovative dishes that highlight the best of local farmers, producers, and fishermen. The restaurant's acclaim is well-founded with multiple accolades, including a listing in Esquire’s "100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose" and several James Beard nominations. Patrons rave about the "excellent experience" from the ambience to the "delicious cuisine." Reviews consistently praise the "fabulous" service and the creative menu, ensuring that Fork is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of contemporary American excellence in Philadelphia.
A photo of Moshulu restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8710)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Penn's Landing
Booked 71 times today
Moshulu, proudly moored at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, is not just a feast for the eyes but a delight for the palate, especially for seafood lovers. This unique restaurant aboard a historic ship offers an array of exquisitely prepared seafood, earning rave reviews for its quality and presentation. Guests have gushed about the "tender swordfish with a beautiful presentation" and the "scallops that were amazing." The ambiance adds to the dining experience, with diners enjoying meals indoors or on the deck with panoramic views of the water. It's clear that Moshulu excels in delivering both a memorable setting and top-notch seafood, making it a must-visit for those seeking authentic seafood cuisine in Philadelphia.
A photo of Fia Philadelphia restaurant
4.3
Awesome(62)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Booked 18 times today
Libertine in Center City, Philadelphia, is a chic and sophisticated destination renowned for its exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service. With its strategic location in Midtown Village, it offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for a night out. The bar shines with its "scratch specialty concoctions" and an eclectic selection of 20 wines by the glass and local craft beers, ensuring a drink for every palate. Reviewers rave about the drink quality, with one guest exclaiming, "The drink was so tasty and the others I had a sip of, like the Hemingway and the Harry Styles, were amazing!" Another highlighted, "The cocktails were phenomenal!" making Libertine a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier beverage experience in Philadelphia.
A photo of Square 1682 restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2067)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Booked 20 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Center City, Philadelphia, Square 1682 stands out as a breakfast haven, offering an exceptional dining experience that keeps locals and travelers alike coming back for more. Patrons rave about the "absolutely divine" French toast and the "best omelette ever tasted in the USA," highlighting the quality and creativity of their morning fare. With dishes like the "delicious" American breakfast and the unique cobbler French toast with seasonal fruits, every meal is a delight. Reviewers consistently praise the attentive service and the upbeat ambiance, making Square 1682 the perfect spot for a memorable breakfast in Philadelphia. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to start your day or a cozy place to enjoy exceptional cuisine, Square 1682 is highly recommended for its standout breakfast offerings.
A photo of Wood + Slate restaurant
2.0
(0)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Welcome to Morea, a gem in Philadelphia's Center City, where the essence of Contemporary Mexican cuisine is elevated through a unique Asian fusion approach. At Morea, each dish is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, masterfully blended with vibrant Mexican spices and innovative Asian techniques, creating a culinary journey that diners rave about. Guests consistently praise the “delicious” flavors and “amazing” atmosphere, highlighting standout dishes like the pork belly bao buns with “super crispy skin” and the “flavorful” shrimp fried rice. The ambiance is described as “cozy” and “swanky,” perfect for any occasion—from a lively happy hour to an intimate date night. Morea's carefully crafted cocktails, such as the Strawberry Mexi-mule, add to the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Experience the best of Contemporary Mexican at Morea, where every meal promises an "unforgettable 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
  • DeannaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Little Water is a refreshing dinner spot offering a nice variety of seafood dishes. The service and pacing of the meal make this place shine - it is so relaxing to dine here! The staff keep glasses full. The pacing of the meal is excellent - they leave plenty of time for each dish to shine. Tables are spaced out nicely as well, further contributing to a relaxed dining experience. We had a 5:45 res on a Saturday night and stayed for about 2 hours as a party of 2 ordering apps, drinks & entrees. For a ladies night out, we tried the bread, swordfish crudo, Caesar salad & swordfish Milanese. Each course surpassed our expectations. The caesar salad was HUGE and delicious - definitely something you could split as a large side for 2 or a small side for 4. Excellent wine and cocktail selection as well. They also had some mocktails on the menu that looked tasty. Absolutely thrilled! Would return for a celebration
    More info
    Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
    4.6
  • BebeVIP
    Philadelphia County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Had a delicious brunch at the Love-excellent service, interesting menu, large portions. I would give it 5 stars but the potatoes served with the eggs were useless-too salty, no other seasoning-just unembellished potatoes straight from the fryolater. Everyone at the table agreed. Everything else was fabulous, tho.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Neil
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had an early reservation (5pm) and the place was quiet and fairly empty. The tables were close to each other but that was okay for an early reservation. The menu was varied and not overly large, but with enough choices as to suit just about everyone's tastes. The food portions were good and very rich, so you may only want to split an appetizer or a side. I highly recommend the short rib entre or the seared scallops and shrimp entre. Please note that your tab will grow quickly as the prices are a bit steep, but worth every penny. The wait staff was awesome. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable about the food and spoke freely about what his favorites were. He also emphasized that all entries were made fresh and there were no bad choices. The only downside was that the noise lever increased as the restaurant became more full, but that was to be expected. I highly recommend Talula's if you want a special place to treat yourself to a fine meal.
    More info
    Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
    4.9
  • JamesVIP
    Philadelphia County •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Outstanding food. Great, fresh taste and nice presentation. Service was prompt and attentive. Server was welcoming and informative. Thank you, Lillian. It was a wonderful family evening.
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.7
  • Briellen
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten at Fork. The service was excellent and they went out of their way to offer recommendations to us while visiting Philly. Recommend it to anyone visiting who doesn’t want touristy vibes.
    More info
    Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
    4.7
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