Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Street

40 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Water

new

4.6

Exceptional(52)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 34 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.

2. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7231)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 180 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.

3. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13170)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Washington Square

Booked 104 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.

4. Fia Philadelphia

4.4

Awesome(50)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 24 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 Fork - Philadelphia restaurant

5. Fork - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(5103)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Old City

Booked 30 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.

6. Moshulu

4.6

Exceptional(8697)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Penn's Landing

Booked 27 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 White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

7. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.7

Exceptional(5464)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • University City

Booked 63 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.

8. Wood + Slate

(0)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 1 time today

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."

9. Square 1682

4.4

Awesome(2061)

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.

10. Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

3.8

Excellent(152)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Old City

Booked 2 times today

Franklin Social, at the Renaissance Hotel Philadelphia Downtown, serves up contemporary American dining in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City Historic District.Gather with friends, family and colleagues, as Ben Franklin frequently did in his time – He was quite the entertainer didn’t you know and enjoy a meal showcasing an attitude that's all Philly. Join us for a craft beer from around the corner, or an award-winning wine from around the world.Whether you're craving a quick bite or full meal, Franklin Social will bring you the best products and flavors from around the region to entice your taste buds. All of this Philly flair is brought to you by a friendly and engaging team that should make you feel right at home. Franklin Social allows you to take part in a piece of American history, while creating a piece of your own history all in a vibrant, welcoming environment.

‘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

A
Aminah
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Hubby and I went for date night the day after Thanksgiving and the experience was amazing!
More info
Fia PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.4
D
Derek
Philadelphia County •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It’s always a pleasure to dine at The Love!. The menu is generous and tasty; and the wine and beverage selections are spot-on. A special mention on the flavorful and hearty mushroom soup! Oooo and our server, Zack was ultra attentive and professional! An all-around great experience was had. Thank you! - D. Rossi
More info
The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
J
Jude
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our Thanksgiving dinner at Fork was everything we hoped for, from inventive takes on traditional dishes (like cranberry sauce flavored with star anise) to the newly renovated (moody, sophisticated) dining room. Highlights included fresh oysters and perfectly dressed tuna crudo, and roasted butternut squash stuffed with tangy labneh. No detail is overlooked—even the parsley butter for the dinner rolls was memorable. Creative cocktails like the “Sibling Rivalry” and a surprisingly smooth barrel aged Wild Turkey (a nod to the presumed centerpiece of the holiday meal) set the vibe, and service found the sweet spot between unobtrusive and efficient. Can’t wait for the seven fishes on Christmas Eve.
More info
Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
•
4.7
P
Paigevip
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The best food and best staff. I will be coming here time and time again ❤️
More info
Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
J
Jon
Virginia •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious entrees. Comfortable but elegant setting. Absolutely splendid servers!
More info
Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
•
4.9

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Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Street

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40 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Water

2. The Love

3. Talula’s Garden

4. Fia Philadelphia

5. Fork - Philadelphia

6. Moshulu

7. White Dog Cafe - University City

8. Wood + Slate

9. Square 1682

10. Franklin Social Kitchen & Bar

See what locals rave about

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