Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia County

Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in University City

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

89 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5477)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 29 times today
An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.
A photo of Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17426)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 235 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of SkyHigh restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2808)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 53 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.
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1152)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 67 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a special place that captures the spirit of celebration and good times with its festive atmosphere. It's famous for its holiday pop-ups, with this year's Christmas Pop Up being super-sized and decked out. Reviewers rave about the theme, decorations, and food, describing it as 'fun', 'delicious', and 'creative'. The place is 'always outstanding', with 'stellar' service and a 'great' menu. So, whether you're in the mood for a burger, a cocktail, or a slice of nostalgia, Craftsman Row Saloon is the place to be!
A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7304)
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 Butcher & Singer restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8816)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Center City
Booked 51 times today
Butcher & Singer is a classic American chophouse perfect for special occasions. With its sophisticated, relaxed clubhouse setting and hand-cut steaks and chops, it's described by reviewers as 'impeccable', 'stunning', and 'perfect' for celebrations. The ambience is characterized as 'quaint', 'classy', and 'elegant', with leather booths, dark wood paneling, and low lighting. The service is consistently noted as 'first-rate', 'attentive', and 'graceful', making it a must-return restaurant for future celebrations.
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5430)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 70 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8121)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 100 times today
London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.
A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2368)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Jean-Georges Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1359)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Center City
Booked 35 times today
Jean-Georges Philadelphia Tasting Menu is the perfect spot for special occasions. Reviewers rave about its breathtaking views, exquisite food, and outstanding service. It's described as the 'perfect restaurant for those incredibly special occasions' and a 'spectacular experience for birthday celebrations'. The high overall ratings and frequent mentions of special occasions in the reviews make it clear that this restaurant is the go-to place for making memories.
‘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
  • BebeVIP
    Philadelphia County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a delicious brunch at the Love-excellent service, interesting menu, large portions. I would give it 5 stars but the potatoes served with the eggs were useless-too salty, no other seasoning-just unembellished potatoes straight from the fryolater. Everyone at the table agreed. Everything else was fabulous, tho.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • RogerVIP
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I a bacon cheeseburger that was better than I expected. Washed it down with a vanilla milkshake. My daughter got the grilled cheese and she liked it . She considers herself a bit of a grilled cheese connoisseur. We came two Wednesdays before Christmas and the place was jam-packed but it was a great atmosphere and the decorations are splendid. It seemed like everyone who stepped through the door was immediately in a joyous mood. I guess it’s the ambience of the place.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.5
  • MariaVIP
    Philadelphia County •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Always the perfect spot for a reunion with friends! Parc’s food, service and professional staff met all our expectations today: from the seafood appetizers to the the trout amandine, comforting roasted chicken, delicious mussels, and chicken paillard, everyone enjoyed their lunch. Our server, Tiffany, was wonderful.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • JamesVIP
    Philadelphia County •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Outstanding food. Great, fresh taste and nice presentation. Service was prompt and attentive. Server was welcoming and informative. Thank you, Lillian. It was a wonderful family evening.
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.7
  • Jamila
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We had excellent service and the waiter gave wonderful recommendations. He was very attentive and the ambiance was amazing. Love the partnership with the school district for the students to play jazz on Mondays. They sounded great and very professional.
    More info
    SkyHighPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
    4.7
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo