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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in University City

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
1. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11343)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 119 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Parc restaurant
2. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17438)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 236 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of The Love restaurant
3. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7323)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 212 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. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.4
Awesome(1166)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 68 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a hot spot due to its festive atmosphere and delicious food, as highlighted in the reviews. Customers love the seasonal changes, creative presentations, and the excellent service. The restaurant has also been featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise and more, making it a must-visit place. One review said, 'Simple comfort foods done well, with some fun twists. The decorations make it such a fun atmosphere and hot spot it visit.'
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
5. Barclay Prime
4.8
Exceptional(5435)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 99 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
6. Saloon Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2569)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 42 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a hot spot because of its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Customers rave about the 'outstanding' service, 'amazing' food, and 'beautiful surroundings.' The 'unique and interesting' setting, which includes two dining rooms and a vintage bar, adds to the appeal. The restaurant's consistent quality and excellent value also make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
7. El Vez
4.7
Exceptional(7039)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 140 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
8. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13236)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 120 times today
Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.
A photo of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia restaurant
9. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia
4.6
Exceptional(9462)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Center City
Booked 119 times today
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood and premium wines from our award-winning wine selection.
A photo of Morimoto restaurant
10. Morimoto
4.7
Exceptional(6771)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Center City
Booked 87 times today
Morimoto is serving contemporary Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef prepares traditional dishes with a modern flair.
‘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
  • KellyVIP
    New York City •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I always have a great experience at PARC, but my Christmas night dinner was nothing short of exceptional. From the warm welcome I received at check in, my wonderful server, Miss Amy’s attentive and fun service, and my delicious meal, this particular visit is one I’ll happily remember. Also, a special thank you for always treating solo diners with respect! It’s for all these reasons I’m a loyal + faithful PARC diner. Looking forward to my next visit!
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • daniel
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As always.....never disappoints!! One of Philadelphia s best!
    More info
    Barclay PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Stefanie
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had such an excellent experience tonight. Our server Ryan was knowledgeable and friendly. Made awesome recommendations. We were very well tended to. Food was also outstanding. This was by far the best experience we had at Buddakan.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Diamond
    Philadelphia County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This has become out Christmas Eve tradition to have lunch at Craftsman Row. This year we had Marissa as a waitress and she was incredible.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    •
    4.4
  • Tristan
    Philadelphia County •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 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

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