Best Restaurants for Foodies in University City

31 restaurants available nearby

1. SkyHigh

4.7

Exceptional(2817)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 64 times today

Philadelphia's SkyHigh restaurant presents a chic and comfortable dining experience specializing in approachable Jean-Georges cuisine. Experience panoramic views and world-class service.

2. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(88)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 47 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. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2200)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 48 times today

Vernick Fish presents Philadelphia’s own, Chef Greg Vernick’s exploration beyond the boundaries of a seafood restaurant. His ingredient-driven cooking style, paired with a love for global flavors, results in an inventive menu of fish and shellfish dishes, and a range of vegetable preparations. Taking a detailed, seasonal, and sustainable approach with small and large plate offerings, the kitchen brings new life to the favorite hallmarks of American oyster bar fare and raw bar. Complementing the experience are well-crafted cocktails, and a focused wine list of seafood-friendly white and sparkling offerings, as well as light, fresh reds.

4. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13239)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 151 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.

5. Amada PHL

4.7

Exceptional(8723)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Old City

Booked 73 times today

Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com

6. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7330)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 231 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.

7. Spice Finch

4.8

Exceptional(1259)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 15 times today

Named after the bird that populates nearly every port along the ancient maritime spice routes, Spice Finch pays homage to a passerine that does not sing, yet is known to vocalize or chirp in recognition of good eats. We are inspired by the distinctive flavors of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and heavily influenced by the cultures and culinary traditions of Morocco and Greece. Our menu is a bold, seasonally accurate menu featuring an array of small plates, vegetables, grilled meats and fish. Follow us on Instagram @SpiceFinchPhilly

8. AMINA

4.5

Awesome(1370)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Southern • Old City

Booked 50 times today

Owner Felicia Wilson and Chef Partner Darryl Harmon, who hails from Gouldstown, NJ in Cumberland County, which is considered the oldest black community in the U.S., is an award-winning chef for The Lure Group in New York City. He previously served as the Executive Chef at the Water Works Restaurant in Philadelphia between 2007 and 2012.

9. El Vez

4.7

Exceptional(7039)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City

Booked 106 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 Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant

10. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2369)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 10 times today

Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is a unique space that invites guests to become part of our family. The intimate dining rooms evoke the charms of Italy with custom crafted features including hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, Richard Ginori porcelain and Venetian glassware.Showcasing the constantly evolving, dynamic creativity of Chef Vetri and his team, Vetri Cucina serves a classic tasting menu at $165pp using the highest quality local and specialty ingredients. The menu is inspired by both classic Italian recipes and our extensive culinary research across the globe. Vetri Cucina also offers a seasonal Forchetta menu which is a premium tasting menu experience at $215pp. These are the restaurant’s sole dining options, designed to provide each guest with a memorable, unparalleled experience. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month: ie. On October 1st, reservations are released for the month of November.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

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
•
4.6
J
Jose
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Again, on December 25th, I went to SkyHigh for the second time, and this time, I invited my parents since they had never been to a restaurant above all in the heights and in the skies like SkyHigh. It was a very calm, relaxed atmosphere, with excellent service and very professional, as always! My parents and I were delighted and happy. We enjoyed ourselves a lot. I will definitely go back again.
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SkyHighPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7
K
Kim
Georgia •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great atmosphere, warm lighting and decor with a relaxing ambience. Efficient and friendly service. Varied and interesting menu selections and free of the eternal and uninspiring steak and green beans offering. Would definitely return and recommend.
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Talula’s GardenPrice: Very Expensive• American• Washington Square
•
4.9
J
JuliaVIP
Philadelphia County •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
7 fishes Christmas dinner was awesome. Everything tasted amazing, and service was great. Looking forward to coming back. Thank you!
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Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
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4.7
K
KathrynVIP
Philadelphia County •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Incredible experience from food to service . We had a custom wine pairing which was perfect
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Vernick FishPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7

Best Restaurants for Foodies in University City

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. SkyHigh

2. Little Water

3. Vernick Fish

4. Talula’s Garden

5. Amada PHL

6. The Love

7. Spice Finch

8. AMINA

9. El Vez

10. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

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