Little Water

Visa Dining Collection

4.7

208 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 3, 2025

April 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 50 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Charming

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 337-3343
Website
https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Randy Rucker
Private party facilities
Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.

Location
261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Neighborhood
Center City
Cross street
20th street and Manning street
Parking details
None
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

What 208 people are saying

Little Water reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Little Water is a vibrant and inventive dining spot in Rittenhouse, renowned for its "exceptional service" and "fantastic food." The seafood-focused menu features standout dishes like the swordfish Milanese and raw bar offerings. Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches, including signed cards for celebrations. Despite occasional noise, it's a "must-visit" for seafood lovers.

208 Reviews

A
Anju
Philadelphia3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot - delicious and creative dishes. Amazing drinks and excellent service. We sat at the bar and just enjoyed the company and interactions with the bar team.
Is this helpful?
B
Betty
Philadelphia4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Love Little Water. Have been there many times. Always quite pleased. The service is efficient, Waiters are polite and well informed. Food has always been delicious and savory.
Is this helpful?
T
Tina
New York City10 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 26, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Apps were amazing. Dessert pretty good. Halibut was over cooked and dry. Pork also dry.
1 person found this helpful
K
Kylie
Philadelphia4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lunch is a must! The menu varies slightly to dinner (with a bit of overlap) allowing for sandwiches and salads to take a more prominent role. Blown away! Will definitely be back for lunch hours.
Is this helpful?
m
marita VIP
Atlantic City45 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is my third time dining at Little water. The black Seabass was delicious. I did not disappoint a little saltier than usual but understandable considering the way it’s prepared. The Caesar was loaded with garlic. I’m still tasting it today and I’ve had this on two separate occasions it was over seasoned But still delicious. I don’t wanna sound like I’m complaining, but I just thought someone needed to know. love the atmosphere and the staff is always attentive and so pleasant! Collin or Connor (sorry can’t remember which) our server was fabulous.
Is this helpful?
S
Shannon
Philadelphia2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I dined here for a celebratory dinner and they treated us with such kindness. They sent out a card signed by the staff to say congrats and it’s little things like this that go a long way. We enjoyed all of our food and dare we say we even ordered a bit too much food. Still we made room for dessert and the maple cremeux was FANTASTIC!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh1 review
5.0
Dined on March 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Creative dishes, executed extremely well. Great ambiance and waitstaff
Is this helpful?
JS
JamesS
Milwaukee47 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and drinks. Excellent service. It would be nice if the menu had a few more options that weren’t fish/seafood and that weren’t shellfish based. Ie, for vegetarians and people who can’t eat shellfish.
Is this helpful?
M
Max VIP
Philadelphia6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic food. Really enjoyed the whole fried black bass which not exaggerating was one of the best fish dishes we've ever had. Friendly and prompt service.
Is this helpful?
E
Elisabeth VIP
Philadelphia5 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is always amazing. Great spot for a quick lunch with friends.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.7 stars by 208 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Booked 50 times today

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

Cross street
20th street and Manning street
Neighborhood
Center City
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Randy Rucker
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

Website
https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
Phone number
(215) 337-3343
Private party facilities
Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.

Little Water

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 208 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Little Water restaurant rated?

Is Little Water currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat