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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University City

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
1. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.7
Exceptional(5480)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • University City
Booked 14 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 Little Water restaurant
2. Little Water
4.6
Exceptional(86)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Booked 20 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 The Love restaurant
3. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7322)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 92 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. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13237)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Washington Square
Booked 60 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
5. Fork - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(5122)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Old City
Booked 17 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
6. Moshulu
4.7
Exceptional(8712)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Penn's Landing
Booked 25 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
7. Fia Philadelphia
4.4
Awesome(63)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Booked 4 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
8. Square 1682
4.4
Awesome(2067)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Center City
Booked 16 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
9. Wood + Slate
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."
A photo of River Twice restaurant
10. River Twice
new
4.7
Exceptional(28)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • South Philly
Booked 14 times today
River Twice is a Modern American restaurant that celebrates the richness of our regions bounty located on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Our menu frequently changes to reflect the finest of what local purveyors have in season to give guests a unique experience with every visit in our intimate but casual atmosphere. Our thoughtfully curated beverage list and wine pairings coincide with our dedication to develop a sincere connection to the Delaware River Valley and mid-Atlantic region. Our intimate, window-lined dining room offers a charming view of the iconic Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Avenue. The dining room surrounds an open kitchen where you will be able to see our chefs at work.River Twice has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, has earned Chef Randy Rucker’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently Chef Randy Rucker garnered a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • meredith
    Cancun / Riviera Maya •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server was wonderful on Christmas Eve. Food was amazing, ambiance was beautiful, our service was the best part. Courses were timed perfectly, accommodated my parents who are vegan, absolutely loved everything about Talula’s!
    More info
    Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
    •
    4.9
  • Christina
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Christmas Eve Seven Fishes dinner was truly spectacular! The newly remodeled restaurant is beautiful, and the ambience was warm and buzzing. Can’t forget the food — which was wonderful. Owner Ellen Yin was there circulating and helping out the staff, which really made the whole night special. Thank you Fork for helping make this year’s Christmas festivities memorable!
    More info
    Fork - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Tristan
    Philadelphia County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great experience, great food! My dad has some food intolerances and they were so accommodating and attentive, it’s minor but was really wonderful they could accommodate. Made sure we knew what was in what dishes and it was super easy to order. Everything was fantastic and surprisingly large portions. Can’t wait to go again.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Anne
    New York City •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We enjoyed our own private room as it was a quiet night. Our waitress was delightful! I’m sorry to not remember her name. She’s was very engaging and attentive. We could not have had better service!
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    •
    4.7
  • DeannaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days 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

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in University City

Discover the vibrant dining scene in University City, Philadelphia, where Contemporary American cuisine takes center stage. This locale is renowned for its innovative approaches to American classics, offering a diverse array of dining experiences that cater to the discerning palate. Restaurants here pride themselves on crafting menus that blend traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques, often using locally sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and support local producers. The area's commitment to sustainability is evident, as many establishments focus on farm-to-table practices, which not only enhances the dining experience but also contributes to the community and environment. Whether you're seeking a casual dining atmosphere or a more sophisticated setting, University City's Contemporary American restaurants provide settings that suit various moods and occasions. Each restaurant offers a unique take on American cuisine, promising an unforgettable culinary journey right in the heart of Philadelphia County. This focus on quality, innovation, and community support makes University City a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking for Contemporary American dishes.

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