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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in University City

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109 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5463)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 57 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 Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17330)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 390 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
4.8
Exceptional(7226)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 137 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 Melograno restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1626)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 11 times today
Melograno was established in 2003 by Chef Gianluca Demontis & Rosemarie Tran. The couple met in Rome when Rose was studying abroad. When Luca relocated to Philadelphia they wanted to represent his roots. Located in the beautiful Rittenhouse Square, surrounded by shops and entertainment. Melograno is a warm haven for good food and comforting service. A place to enjoy with friends and family. We are a BYOB so bring the spirits of your choice, we are happy to serve you.
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8082)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 141 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1075)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 94 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a neighborhood gem for its festive, unique ambiance and creative menu. Reviews rave about the 'fun cocktails', 'outstanding' decorations and 'excellent' service. It's praised for being a 'great place for bar food' with a 'fun atmosphere'. It's also noted for its 'charming establishment' and 'friendly efficient servers'. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit place in the Old City neighborhood.
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5393)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 92 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(13170)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 99 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 El Vez restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7009)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 99 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 Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8743)
Price: Very Expensive
• Greek • Center City
Booked 48 times today
Estia in Philadelphia is a neighborhood gem. It's a unique Greek restaurant with a warm, inviting ambiance and a menu of authentic Greek specialties. As one reviewer said, 'Estia is one of my favorite restaurants and my neighborhood gem.' The food is consistently praised as 'delicious', 'creative', and 'fresh', and the service is often highlighted as 'impeccable' and 'friendly'. It's also loved for its excellent location, in the heart of the theatre district.
‘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
  • Lynnvip
    Philadelphia County •70 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wonderful service Didn’t feel rushed at all Wonderful food and cocktails!
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Laurievip
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were greeted, seated and then treated to a lovely dining experience. We started with a couple of the specialty cocktails-Romarin and Nouveau Basilic: their pour was generous as our drinks lasted through our meals. A bonus of a basket of bread was brought to our table, such a rarity! Baguette, sourdough and what seamed a seasonal bread with cranberry and walnuts with beurre---seemed such a treat! Our waiter was attentive and made well informed dinner suggestions after asking us our preferences and we enjoyed the beef bourguignon; duck a l'orange and roasted chicken. Parc has made our top 10 list of places to eat while in Philly!
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Robynvip
    Philadelphia County •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It’s always such a pleasure to dine at Melagrano! Our server was from Italy and was incredibly friendly and helpful with the menu. The food is so fresh and delicious and the portions are generous. My husband had the lamb shank and he said it was one of the best he’s ever had- the meat just fell off the bone! This has been and continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in town.
    More info
    MelogranoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • amy
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food and service were great! I would have liked if the waiter slowed down a bit when telling us about the specials as none of us at the table really understood him
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.7
  • Tim
    Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Charming re-creation of an English Pub. English Pub food has gotten much better than it once was, and The Dandelion's food was excellent. From the Dandelion salad to the Root vegetable soup to the Rabbit Pie, all excellent. Our server (I regret I've forgotten her name) was perfect - friendly, efficient, professional. Only negative (for us) was the noise level - we ate upstairs during the lunch rush, and it was busy and noisy with energetic conversations with several tables of 6 or so surrounding us, which of course has pros and cons. But still highly recommended. We did not inquire if a quieter table was available - I think it may have been.
    More info
    The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
    4.7
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