Best Casual Restaurants in Rittenhouse Square

114 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7325)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 224 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(87)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 40 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.

3. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(503)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 16 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!

A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

4. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8793)

Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 77 times today

The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

5. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2094)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 30 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.

A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant

6. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2168)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 50 times today

For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.2nd Floor Reservations are for Lunch & Dinner service only. Dessert service may be provided on our first level anytime.

A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant

7. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

4.4

Awesome(909)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 29 times today

Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.

8. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(429)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 31 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 Porcini - Philadelphia restaurant

9. Porcini - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2033)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 5 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.

10. La Viola Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(440)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 10 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 1 day 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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4.6
S
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 !
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
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4.6
T
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.
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
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4.8
E
ElizabethVIP
Philadelphia County •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely wonderful. Delicious food and friendly service. Our favorite place in the city for special occasions.
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Estia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City
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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 Rittenhouse Square

Price

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Top Rated

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Award-winning

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114 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

2. Little Water

3. Aleksandar

4. Estia - Philadelphia

5. a.kitchen

6. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

7. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

8. Tria Rittenhouse

9. Porcini - Philadelphia

10. La Viola Bistro

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