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Best Historic Restaurants in Swarthmore

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Village Vine, Wine Bar + Bistro restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• Wine Bar • Swarthmore
Booked 7 times today
Village Vine is an award winning wine bar and bistro in historic Swarthmore, Pennsylvania just a short train or car ride from Center City Philadelphia. VV brings together sustainable, unique delicious wines by the glass, flight and bottle, original craft cocktails, and Chef/Owner John Hearn's delicious and inspired shareable dishes made from local, regional and seasonal ingredients. Experience the joys of lesser known wine-producing locales, innovative cocktails and the foods that accompany them.
A photo of Butcher & Singer restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8824)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Center City
Booked 88 times today
Butcher & Singer, in the amazing historic location of 1500 Walnut, is an intimate and sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed clubhouse setting. We brought back the true classics from perfect Manhattans and Sidecars to hand-cut steaks and chops, and freshly caught fish. Timeless and fun for all in the continued age of the American chophouse.
A photo of Little Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(87)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 41 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 Victor Cafe - Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4771)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 50 times today
The Victor Café is an Italian restaurant that cultivates old traditions and seamlessly blends them with new ones. With classic Italian dishes and unforgettable live music, we invite you to join us for many enjoyable evenings for years to come. PLEASE NOTE: Multiple reservations made for the same party cannot be seated together. To book large parties that are not available by default on OpenTable, please contact the restaurant directly. When booking, party size should encompass total number of guests, including children. We try our best to accommodate special requests, however they are not guaranteed.
A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5480)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 50 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 The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live! restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1279)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • South Philly
Booked 34 times today
Prime Rib is a contemporary fine dining restaurant, blending a historic steakhouse and cocktail lounge with distinctive twists. Highly personalized touches include a curated selection of steak knives presented to diners prior to entrees arriving and tableside cocktail creation based on guests’ preferences. White glove service without the white gloves... it’s hip - even a little provocative. The vibe and energy from the lounge is fueled by live vocalists, while the bar and lounge serve crave-worthy cocktails that keeps guests returning to us time and time again.
A photo of Gatehouse at the Navy Yard restaurant
4.2
Awesome(973)
Price: Moderate
• American • South Philly
Booked 13 times today
Situated at the entrance gate to Philadelphia's historic Navy Yard, an old gatehouse houses this lively yet laidback eatery featuring a large outdoor patio and beer garden. Boasting happy hour specials and shareable plates, lunch specials and a full dinner menu, Gatehouse is the ideal spot to enjoy a few light bites and beverages or sit down to a flavorful meal. It's proximity to event and sporting venues also makes it the perfect stop before a concert or game.
A photo of The Inn at Grace Winery restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(299)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Glen Mills
You may join us Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings in our picturesque Manor House Dining Room for a pre-fix three-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Dan Wood. Dinner starts at $75 per person. If you have an allergy or dietary restriction please contact us ahead of time as certain accommodations will need to be made. Please note the day of requests may not be able to be accommodated. Please note auto gratuity is added to large parties. All sales are final at the ​time of purchase.
A photo of Akwaaba Tea Salon restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(59)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • West Philadelphia
Booked 7 times today
Whether you come cute with your girls, make it a date with your mate, visit as a mommy-daughter duo or take time just for you, Akwaaba Tea Salon & Event Space offers 90 minutes of pure indulgence in a sophisticated sanctuary. Here’s where you can take a breath while you take a sip of fine, loose-leaf teas and experience a cultural spin on traditional English High Tea fare. Think deviled eggs with a chunk of Southern-fried chicken instead of egg salad finger sandwiches. And homemade peach cobbler and banana pudding upstage macaroons every time! Oh, and did we mention the live jazz music at our 1 pm Sunday seating?!Akwaaba Tea Salon and Event Space is the latest hospitality experience from Monique Greenwood, the former Essence magazine editor-in-chief who took the lodging industry by storm with the 1995 launch of her award-winning Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns, one of which is in Philadelphia, right down the street from the new tea salon and event space.
A photo of Rex at the Royal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(306)
Price: Expensive
• Southern • South Street
REX at The Royal provides guests with transformed southern fare, a full bar, daytime cafe and curated bottle-shop housed in the historical Royal Theatre, known as a staple in the rich cultural history of the City of Philadelphia for its role as a hub for Black culture and artistry, including film-making and live music, during the 20th century. REX at The Royal, now operating out of the newly-renovated theatre, maintains key tenets of the historical site including a stage for live music performances, as well as sweeping arches and other details sustained from the original design. REX at The Royal cuisine pays homage to the great early 20th-century African-American chefs who adapted traditional southern fare to Philadelphia’s urban landscape. The concept’s foundation lies in the Lowcountry cuisine of the Southeast Atlantic coast, influenced as it was by the grains and traditions of the African diaspora melded with the local agriculture and fisheries.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SusanVIP
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Very welcoming place. We sat at the bar and it was wonderful. The drink menu and wine menu were great . Very thoughtful wine picks. Food was exceptional! The Caviar service did my disappoint! It was what they describe as a chef’s ounce of caviar! Which was a very generous amount of ocetra caviar to say the least . The Caesar salad was also a great surprise you have try! Service was great and we will definitely going back !
    More info
    Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
    4.6
  • KellyVIP
    New York City •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I enjoyed a Christmas Eve meal at the ever excellent Butcher + Singer. Everything was wonderful - from a warm welcome at check in, my fabulous, attentive server, Miss Brandy and, of course, the perfectly prepared food. Dining at Butcher + Singer is always a treat, but this particular meal will always be remembered as extra special. Thank you for another exceptional experience!
    More info
    Butcher & SingerPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Center City
    4.9
  • Michael
    Philadelphia County •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wow! This was an awesome experience! As a fan of the Rocky film series, I knew about this place from the Rocky Balboa and Creed films. It is so much more than that, though. As the founder was a major player in early 20th century opera recordings, The Victor Cafe has an opera theme permeating its soul. The walls are adorned with photos of the opera greats, opera music plays softly in the background, and, most importantly, the waitstaff are all classically-trained opera performers. Every half hour or so, they gather everyone’s attention to perform a selection from a popular opera, complete with a synopsis of the story they’re about to tell through their performance. Every performer was wonderful and this made for a unique, joyful and memorable experience for my family. I grew up on Italian cuisine, and this was among the best I’ve had in a long time. We shared the Calamari Fritti, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that we could have substituted Smelts for the calamari. This was a staple of our Christmas Eve dinners when I was young. My Veal Saltimbocca was perfect, as was my Daughter’s Prince Igor (penne with a vodka blush, salmon, tomato, and Asparagus). We enjoyed our cannolis while watching our last performance of the evening. Breathtaking! Special shout out to our server, Brenna, who took our dessert order mere seconds after completing her duet! Remarkable! I can’t say enough about The Victor Cafe; if you’re looking for a classic South Philly Italian Restaurant, paired with one of the most wonderful and unique experiences you’ll find today, then this is the place for you.
    More info
    The Victor Cafe - PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Philly
    4.9
  • Anne
    New York City •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 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
  • esther
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    First time but not our last. On our way to a play and wanted a great meal before. Perfect spot. Delicious food, amazing service. We brought my great niece and she was treated so well! Highly recommend.
    More info
    Village Vine, Wine Bar + BistroPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• Swarthmore
    4.9
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