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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in University City

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87 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
1. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.7
Exceptional(5463)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 55 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
2. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17330)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 406 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
3. SkyHigh
4.7
Exceptional(2773)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 72 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 The Love restaurant
4. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7226)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 136 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
5. Butcher & Singer
4.8
Exceptional(8788)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Center City
Booked 88 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 The Dandelion restaurant
6. The Dandelion
4.7
Exceptional(8082)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 148 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 Barclay Prime restaurant
7. Barclay Prime
4.8
Exceptional(5392)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 101 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
8. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.6
Exceptional(1075)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 90 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 Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
9. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(2345)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 13 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 Talula’s Garden restaurant
10. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13170)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 100 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.
‘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
  • Francis
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    We loved the dining experience. Our server was amazing, very attentive. Theresa was great. We will definitely be back to enjoy this again. Thank you!
    More info
    SkyHighPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • Lynnvip
    Philadelphia County •70 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Wonderful service Didn’t feel rushed at all Wonderful food and cocktails!
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Laurievip
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We were greeted, seated and then treated to a lovely dining experience. We started with a couple of the specialty cocktails-Romarin and Nouveau Basilic: their pour was generous as our drinks lasted through our meals. A bonus of a basket of bread was brought to our table, such a rarity! Baguette, sourdough and what seamed a seasonal bread with cranberry and walnuts with beurre---seemed such a treat! Our waiter was attentive and made well informed dinner suggestions after asking us our preferences and we enjoyed the beef bourguignon; duck a l'orange and roasted chicken. Parc has made our top 10 list of places to eat while in Philly!
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • amy
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food and service were great! I would have liked if the waiter slowed down a bit when telling us about the specials as none of us at the table really understood him
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    •
    4.7
  • Ryan
    Philadelphia County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had not been there in 5 years and it was amazing as always. We def wont be waiting another 5 years for our next visit. Dirk provided great service. We had the amazing crab cocktail as an app which both the mustard and cocktail sauces were not wasted. We tried 32oz porterhouse for 2 and it was a real winner (gotta add that truffle butter). We were celebrating my wife's birthday and they provided a complimentary birthday treat which was a homemade vanilla ice cream on top of a chocolate shell on top of a brownie. It was the perfect size for two "full" people to share after a big meal.
    More info
    Butcher & SingerPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Center City
    •
    4.8

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