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Best Cozy Restaurants in University City

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134 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5487)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 74 times today
An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.
A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
4.5
Awesome(177)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • University City
Booked 3 times today
LaScala's Fire at University City is located at 32nd & Chestnut on the Drexel University Campus. (This is not our Old City location.)* NOW WITH A FULL BAROpen Table's Diner's Choice 2022, 2023
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8149)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 144 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.
A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7367)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 206 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1198)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 43 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a cozy place because of its festive and fun atmosphere. It's often decorated in a fun and festive way, adding to the coziness. As one reviewer put it, 'The Christmas decor was outstanding! The food was excellent, the service was great, and the ambience was perfect for Christmas.' This place is also known for its friendly and efficient servers, contributing to the cozy atmosphere. Plus, the year-round iconic burgers and other comfort foods make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy good food.
A photo of Fiorella Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(128)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Bella Vista
Booked 71 times today
The Fiorella you see today is still the intimate space you know & love! Chef Marc Vetri and his team bring decades of talent & experience to this special space, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Pasta is the main event at Fiorella, with rotating antipasti and desserts rounding out the menu.A la carte seating is available both in our indoor dining room and outdoor patio, year round.Indoor seating is predominantly at our chef's counter, with a few high-top tables outlining the space. Table vs. counter reservations are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.Patio seating is shaded from sun in summer and insulated with heaters in winter. Due to the nature of outdoor reservations, Fiorella may have to cancel outdoor service for severe weather.Looking to dine with a larger group or want to try a different taste of Fiorella? Join us upstairs for our Pasta Club chef's selection!From the whole Fiorella Team, thank you for your continual love and support!
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5452)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 81 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Little Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(95)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 61 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 a.kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2101)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 31 times today
a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.
A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(508)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 19 times today
Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!
‘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
  • BonnieVIP
    Philadelphia County •732 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoyed lunch in the bar at table near window away from crowd and noise. Food and service were excellent. Cozy atmosphere. We will definitely return for lunch in the future.
    More info
    The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
    4.7
  • AownVIP
    Baltimore / Maryland •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I cannot recommend The Love enough…the food was excellent! Everything we ordered was superb! The drinks were delicious and unique. The service from everyone start to finish was top notch. I really liked the feel and look of this establishment, it’s inviting and warm. The music selection was complimentary. The crowd is a nice mix of people. Clean, spacious restrooms too! I LOVED everything! Can’t wait to go back
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Karen
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    One of my favorite center city cafes. Great food, drinks and it's beautiful. We had fried shrimp, Brussel sprouts, french onion soup, chicken ceasar salad. We also had a couple christmassy drinks. Everything fun and fabulous I go at least 4 times a year. I always bring someone because it's great
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.4
  • Ada
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was great. Absolutely delicious! Great service. Great staff. I recommend!
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.6
  • Chrissy
    Virginia •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 6, 2024
    We were seated immediately upon arrival. Our waitress came over within 2 minutes of us sitting down (hadn’t had a chance to select drinks or food) and brought water. We don’t see her again for another 10 or so minutes. After ordering, we waited another 10 minutes for my drink and had to request my husbands drink again. The lavender martini was delicious but tasted heavy on the orange with little lavender to taste. We ordered wood fired pizzas (sausage/pepperoni and the short rib). They were both tasty but each slide of the short rib pizza had about 1 bite of short rib…was heavy on the mushroom and onion. I suggested the chef spread the love of the short rib more throughout the pizza. We did list that we were celebrating our birthdays but there was no recognition of it (not even a Happy Birthday upon arrival)…not sure what the point was of listing this. Overall, the experience was ok but for $70, wouldn’t say it was entirely worth it.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
    4.5
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