Best American Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

136 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7369)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 178 times today

The Love, nestled in the vibrant Rittenhouse Square of Philadelphia, is a delightful haven for fans of Contemporary American cuisine. With a menu that emphasizes truly seasonal and local ingredients, this spirited café delivers "off the charts" delicious dishes with a creative twist on classic flavors. Diners rave about the "exceptional meal" experiences, often highlighting the attentive and "homey hospitality" offered by the passionate staff. The ambiance is cozy yet lively, making it a perfect spot for celebrations or intimate gatherings. Whether indulging in brunch or dinner, The Love consistently offers "consistently delicious food and drinks" that keep patrons coming back for more.

2. Barclay Prime

4.8

Exceptional(5454)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 68 times today

Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, is the epitome of exquisite American cuisine, offering a classic steakhouse experience with a modern twist. This luxury boutique steakhouse is celebrated for its "exceptional" food and "top-notch" service, creating an unforgettable dining atmosphere. Diners often rave about the meticulously prepared American Wagyu and the rich, delectable lobster bisque. One patron exclaimed, "The best steak I have ever had!" while another praised the "flawless" Mac & Cheese. Barclay Prime's dedication to quality and authenticity makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking an extraordinary American dining experience in the heart of Philly.

3. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(97)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 26 times today

Little Water in Center City, Philadelphia, offers an exceptional American dining experience that truly stands out. This restaurant seamlessly melds the rich, diverse flavors inspired by America's coastal regions, delivering a “phenomenal dinner” that consistently delights patrons. Known for its inventive, fresh, and delicious seafood dishes, Little Water is the perfect spot for seafood enthusiasts. Guests rave about the “incredibly fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented” dishes like the swordfish belly tartare and fried whole bass. The vibrant ambiance and “exceptional service” add to the inviting atmosphere, making Little Water a must-visit destination for a taste of authentic American coastal cuisine.

4. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2102)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 29 times today

At a.kitchen, located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, the Dining Bar experience is nothing short of exceptional. Guests rave about the "creative, flavorful, and satisfying" dishes crafted by Executive Chef Eli Collins, whose innovative approach blends French-inspired American cuisine with a touch of bistro elegance. The adjoining a.bar elevates the experience with its cocktail-focused offerings and a menu of delightful snacks and seasonal dishes. Patrons consistently highlight the "superb" wine list, featuring natural wines that are expertly paired with the menu. With "attentive and professional" service and a lively yet cozy atmosphere, a.kitchen ensures an unforgettable dining experience.

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

5. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(696)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 63 times today

Loch Bar in Center City, Philadelphia, is a standout destination for authentic American cuisine, offering a delightful blend of land and sea that captures the essence of classic American seafood taverns. Located on the vibrant Avenue of the Arts, this restaurant has garnered praise for its "fabulous food" and "excellent service," making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors. Diners rave about the "great selection of oysters" and "amazing crab cakes," all crafted with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The lively atmosphere, complemented by an extensive whiskey list and live music, promises a memorable dining experience that embodies the best of American culinary tradition.

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

6. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6

Exceptional(5488)

Price: Moderate

• American • University City

Booked 71 times today

White Dog Cafe in University City, Philadelphia, is a true gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine. Since 1983, it has set the standard for quality by using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local ingredients sourced from farms within a 50-mile radius. This dedication to freshness and sustainability ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor. Diners praise the "excellent service and food," noting the restaurant's ability to accommodate various dietary needs. The whimsical dog-themed decor adds a charming touch, creating a unique dining atmosphere. It's no surprise that White Dog Cafe is celebrated as a "UC favorite," consistently delivering outstanding food and service.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

7. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1795)

Price: Moderate

• American • University City

Booked 51 times today

Louie Louie Bistro Bar in University City, Philadelphia, is a gem for those seeking authentic Bistro cuisine with a modern twist. This American bistro with a French-inspired menu excels in delivering "delicious" and "stellar" dishes, making it a standout dining destination. The ambiance, described as "vibrant without being noisy," perfectly complements the exquisite seasonal dishes and extensive beverage program. Guests rave about the "fantastic service" and the meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a memorable dining experience. The décor, an homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes, offers a charming backdrop for gatherings, making Louie Louie a must-visit for Bistro enthusiasts.

A photo of The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live! restaurant

8. The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live!

4.5

Awesome(1291)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • South Philly

Booked 43 times today

The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live! offers an exceptional American dining experience that beautifully bridges the classic and the contemporary. Located in South Philly, Philadelphia, this upscale steakhouse is celebrated for its "fantastic food and impeccable service," providing diners with an unforgettable culinary journey. Guests are treated to a unique blend of historic steakhouse charm and modern flair, featuring expertly prepared steaks and seafood. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by live vocal performances and the interactive art of tableside cocktail creation. With rave reviews and a reputation for making every occasion special, The Prime Rib stands out as a must-visit for American cuisine enthusiasts.

9. River Twice

4.6

Exceptional(34)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • South Philly

Booked 8 times today

River Twice in South Philadelphia epitomizes excellence in Contemporary American cuisine by masterfully celebrating the Delaware River Valley's bounty. Chef Randy Rucker, nominated for a James Beard Award, curates ever-changing, inventive menus that showcase seasonal, local ingredients, offering guests a unique dining experience with every visit. As one reviewer raves, "The food was exquisite, dare I say edible works of art filled with vibrant flavors and thoughtful components." The intimate dining room and open kitchen create a warm, engaging atmosphere where culinary magic unfolds, making River Twice a "must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable meal without pretension."

10. The Butcher Bar

4.5

Awesome(1568)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 38 times today

The Butcher Bar in Center City, Philadelphia, is a steak lover's paradise, offering an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. Celebrated for its impeccably cooked steaks, the restaurant garners praise for its "perfectly cooked" steak dishes, which stand out as a centerpiece of the menu. Diners rave about the quality of the meat, noting its exceptional taste and how it consistently meets high expectations. With an inviting atmosphere and attentive service, The Butcher Bar ensures every meal is memorable, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a top-notch steak experience. Whether for a casual outing or a special occasion, this steak haven delivers satisfaction every time.

‘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

L
Lindsey
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food was amazing and service was great! Would definitely return again! Good value for the high quality of food!
More info
Loch Bar - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.5
G
George
Greater Boston •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
I unfortunately think this place suffered from being overhyped. The ambience and service were fantastic. However the food did not blow us away. While there were some highlights including the raw bay scallops, the hash brown, and the “Caesar like salad”, most was forgettable. For the price tag and portion sizes, we left a bit disappointed. Overall, good little spot. Not rushing back though.
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
M
Maria
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Last night at Barclay Prime in Philadelphia, PA was magical. The purpose of our visit was to celebrate a family member who is going to a military academy soon. The staff was attentive to this and surprised her with a small cake with a candle on it, and "congratulations" was written on the plate they served her the cake in. This was a very nice touch, it surprised our family member, and left her with a core memory and boost during such an important and special time in her life. Thank you Barclay staff for a wonderful experience.
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Barclay PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
A
AownVIP
Baltimore / Maryland •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I cannot recommend The Love enough…the food was excellent! Everything we ordered was superb! The drinks were delicious and unique. The service from everyone start to finish was top notch. I really liked the feel and look of this establishment, it’s inviting and warm. The music selection was complimentary. The crowd is a nice mix of people. Clean, spacious restrooms too! I LOVED everything! Can’t wait to go back
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
A
Ada
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was great. Absolutely delicious! Great service. Great staff. I recommend!
More info
White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
•
4.6

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Southwest Philadelphia

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Best American Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

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136 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

2. Barclay Prime

3. Little Water

4. a.kitchen

5. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

6. White Dog Cafe - University City

7. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

8. The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live!

9. River Twice

10. The Butcher Bar

See what locals rave about

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