Best Casual Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

111 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7331)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 214 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.

2. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(88)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 46 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 Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

3. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(689)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 55 times today

Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &

4. Aleksandar

4.5

Awesome(504)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 17 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!

5. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2094)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 37 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.

6. River Twice

new

4.7

Exceptional(29)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • South Philly

Booked 12 times today

River Twice is a Modern American restaurant that celebrates the richness of our regions bounty located on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Our menu frequently changes to reflect the finest of what local purveyors have in season to give guests a unique experience with every visit in our intimate but casual atmosphere. Our thoughtfully curated beverage list and wine pairings coincide with our dedication to develop a sincere connection to the Delaware River Valley and mid-Atlantic region. Our intimate, window-lined dining room offers a charming view of the iconic Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Avenue. The dining room surrounds an open kitchen where you will be able to see our chefs at work.River Twice has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, has earned Chef Randy Rucker’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently Chef Randy Rucker garnered a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

A photo of Porcini - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Porcini - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2033)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 6 times today

Established in 1996, Porcini restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for neighborhood and locals alike.Leading the "BYOB Renaissance" in Philadelphia, Owners Maîtred David, and Exec. Chef Steven Sansone combine their knowledge in fine dining, and Trattoria style to create a unique, memorable upscale casual dining experience.Fresh house made pastas and focus on authentic product's imported from Sicily, Italy and neighboring Mediterranean countries. Theses items are paramount to Chef Sansone's family and regional recipes. The warm welcome from David as if your a long time friend and a knowledgeable service staff completes your visit.

8. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(430)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 23 times today

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

A photo of Village Whiskey PHL restaurant

9. Village Whiskey PHL

4.5

Awesome(603)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 31 times today

Featuring a comprehensive selection of more than 200 whiskeys alongside what has been called the country’s best burger, Village Whiskey is an instant classic. Envisioned by Chef Garces as a spot where he and his team could enjoy a drink and a snack after a long night in the kitchen, the restaurant’s focal point is the central bar that is home to their near-encyclopedic catalogue of Chef Garces’ favorite spirit, whiskey. Our able bartenders shake and stir classic and contemporary cocktails in a space evocative of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Our Whiskey Menu can be enjoyed with our Award-Winning Village Burger or Tasting Menus offered in our more intimate Dining & Tasting Room

10. La Viola Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(440)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 13 times today

For PARTIES OF 10+, please call 215 735 8630 to make a reservation. To place an order, call us at 215-735-8630.To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8630. Walk-ins are welcome!La Viola Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner during the week and dinner on weekends. A fine-dining establishment, it specializes in Italian fare. Some items on the menu at La Viola - East include pasta such as bowtie pasta with shrimp, along with a linguini pasta dish with veal. In addition to pasta, La Viola serves a variety of seafood and grilled steak entrées. No alcohol is served at La Viola - East, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champagne to accompany your meal. Offering a casual but chic dining space, its décor includes wood furnishings and chandelier lighting.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SusanVIP
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Charming place near Rittenhouse Square. Interesting menu with diverse choices. The beef tartare and mussels were outstanding. Small wine list but excellent and fairly priced choices. The service was friendly and well paced. Highly recommend.
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AleksandarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Center City
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4.5
S
SusanVIP
New York City •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days 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 !
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
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4.6
W
WilliamVIP
Philadelphia County •334 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first time at lock bar and overall it was very good. We did not know being Christmas Eve of the kitchen was closing early which we were not thrilled about because we had a later dinner reservation and it forced us to order before we wanted to. The server also had a few miscues on the timing of things sending out the food too early but they rectified it and it was all okay. We both have the cream of crab soup which was very very good. I have the crab cake and the server said it was considered some of the best in the city and I would agree with that it was all pure crab meat no filler.
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Loch Bar - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.5
T
Tristan
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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.
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
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4.8
W
Wendi
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Nov 2024
We ate in the the board area. TVs around which we enjoy. 5 of ate. All enjoyed meals and drinks. Service is superior. Food is very good.
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Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
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4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

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111 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

2. Little Water

3. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4. Aleksandar

5. a.kitchen

6. River Twice

7. Porcini - Philadelphia

8. Tria Rittenhouse

9. Village Whiskey PHL

10. La Viola Bistro

See what locals rave about

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