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Best Restaurants for Foodies in University City

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Amada PHL restaurant
1. Amada PHL
4.7
Exceptional(8760)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Old City
Booked 55 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
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
2. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.4
Awesome(1216)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 10 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a foodie's paradise with its festive atmosphere and creative menu. The reviews rave about the 'delicious food', 'awesome atmosphere', and 'excellent service'. They have 'fun twists on comfort foods' and 'fun cocktails' that change seasonally. The decorations are often praised as a part of the overall 'fun atmosphere'. It's a place to enjoy good food and drinks in a charming setting, making it a must-visit for foodies.
A photo of Spice Finch restaurant
3. Spice Finch
4.7
Exceptional(1272)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Center City
Booked 23 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
A photo of The Love restaurant
4. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7483)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 178 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 AMINA restaurant
5. AMINA
4.4
Awesome(1433)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Southern • Old City
Booked 34 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.
A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
6. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(11440)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 100 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Fork - Philadelphia restaurant
7. Fork - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(5169)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Old City
Booked 40 times today
Fork in Philadelphia is a foodie paradise, offering a unique and evolving dining experience with a commitment to seasonality and local ingredients. The restaurant has been praised for its creative, well-prepared, and delicious dishes, as per the reviews. The ambience is described as warm and friendly, with an intimate setting that enhances the culinary journey. Apart from the exceptional food, the attentive and knowledgeable service adds to the overall dining experience. Fork has received accolades such as James Beard Foundation Finalist and Esquire's '100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose', solidifying its status as a foodie hotspot.
A photo of Thanal Indian Tavern restaurant
8. Thanal Indian Tavern
4.8
Exceptional(539)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Center City
Booked 10 times today
Welcome to Thanal Indian Tavern! Fresh Indian Cuisine for everyone! Our attempt is to transport you to into culinary journey of India by skipping all the touristy spots and take you straight to the heart of the culture. This unique food and drinks menu are to inspire and appeal to the explorer in you to experience Indian culture in a whole new way. We have re calibrated Indian cuisine with all its authentic splendor in an innovative style of subtle fusion and tinges of barbecue.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
9. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13320)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 118 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 Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
10. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(2412)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 20 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.
‘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
  • Tonya
    Philadelphia County •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The Love was awesome. The food was delicious. Highly recommend the Lovebirds and the pork chop! The Caesar salad starter was also so delicious and our waiter Nash was second to none! Thank you Nash for making our experience exceptional!
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Zane
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    People are sleeping on the French toast burger foreal. Sure you can’t finish it in one sitting but then you have the other half for the best breakfast ever.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    •
    4.4
  • Yemima
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Overall experience was amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to this restaurant when I first saw it on my instagram page. Finally my husband and I made the time to attend today, our waitress, of which I do not remember her name, not because she was not an excellent waitress, but because I’m more good with faces lolll. She was the woman who wore glasses and had a ponytail, soft spoken voice, knew that menu well, was very observant, and timely! She was very good and friendly, oh and by the way, she mentioned she’s going to Morocco lollll not to put her business out there butttt… I’m just glad we finally made it! The ambience is awesome…we truly enjoyed ourselves! We will be back soon! I will definitely post our experience
    More info
    AMINAPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Southern• Old City
    •
    4.4
  • Steve
    Virginia •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Amada Philly exceeded all expectations! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. The service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly. Now, the food—absolutely phenomenal! Every dish was bursting with flavor, perfectly prepared, and beautifully presented. The jamón ibérico, gambas al ajillo, and pulpo a la gallega were standouts, but honestly, everything we tried was exceptional. The paella was rich, aromatic, and perfectly cooked, and the selection of Spanish wines complemented the meal flawlessly. Whether you’re looking for an intimate date night, a celebratory dinner, or just an unforgettable dining experience, Amada Philly is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back soon!
    More info
    Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Dr. MelissaVIP
    New York City •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing everything! Had the valentines menu and it was phenomenal and so many fantastic dishes! Awesome staff as well.
    More info
    Spice FinchPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Center City
    •
    4.7

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