Best Casual Restaurants in University City

119 restaurants available nearby

A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant

1. LaScala's Fire-University City

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Italian • University City

Booked 12 times today

LaScala's Fire at University City is located at 32nd & Chestnut on the Drexel University Campus. (This is not our Old City location.)* NOW WITH A FULL BAROpen Table's Diner's Choice 2022, 2023

2. Saloon Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(2534)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • South Philly

Booked 71 times today

Entering the Saloon, a family owned restaurant since it opened in 1967 is a bit like stepping into Philadelphia's past. Dark oak paneling, shiny brass and authentic local antiques create a warm congenial and casual atmosphere. The choice of two comfortable dining rooms each with its own vintage bars make dining and conversation a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Both bars feature a delicious and moderately priced food menu. The menu is Italian with seafood specials such as grilled octopus and dover sole. Saloon steaks and veal chops are legendary. Many prefer a plate of fried long hot peppers to compliment the steaks. All desserts and gelatos are made on the premises daily. The Saloon is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar and restaurant with a national reputation. And the parking is FREE!

A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant

3. Craftsman Row Saloon

4.5

Awesome(1068)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old City

Booked 114 times today

We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Holiday Wonderland Pop Up. This holiday season we are even more super-sized and decked out than ever and ready to provide the festivities and delights of the holiday season. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience of the holiday. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!Our year round Iconic Burgers, Milkshakes and other Sandwiches such as our Doritos Mozzarella Sticks, French Toast Burger and Donut Fried Chicken sandwich are always on the menu as we continuously change it up seasonally. Every moment can be magical time to share experiences with family and friends so check back for our other seasonal pop ups. Proudly featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!

4. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8077)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 152 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

5. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2342)

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.

6. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2173)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 63 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.

7. Bistro Romano

4.8

Exceptional(4945)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Society Hill

Booked 24 times today

This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia restaurant

8. Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(5209)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Center City

Booked 133 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

9. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(652)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 48 times today

Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &

10. Irie Entree

4.1

Excellent(259)

Price: Expensive

• Jamaican • University City

Booked 12 times today

"Jamaica is not just the home of Reggae icon Bob Marley and a place where everything is IRIE. Jamaica is also known for having one of the most flavorful cuisines in the world. Our upscale-casual eatery and bar offers a truly authentic combination of the best that Jamaica has to offer through our music, culture - and of course, our amazing food. Our aim is to excite taste buds, create great vibe and leave our customers always wanting a repeat of their experience!"

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jonathonvip
Philadelphia County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Consistently EXCELLENT for 35 years. Never had a bad experience. Parking is easy, service is always great and the food is as good as anywhere in the world. Never disappointing...except when we can't get in!
More info
Saloon RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• South Philly
•
4.9
L
Lev
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful service and tasty food, a little noisy during peak lunch hours but it adds to the cozy atmosphere! I appreciated the variety of gluten free options and care towards allergies
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The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
•
4.7
T
Tiffany
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Delicious and fun holiday themed food and drinks, the decor is beautiful. But in our 9 years as a family, we have never spent so much on a dinner with 2 kids. Not at Disney, not on vacation. I think that would detour me from going back, honestly.
More info
Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
•
4.5
W
Wendi
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
We ate in the the board area. TVs around which we enjoy. 5 of ate. All enjoyed meals and drinks. Service is superior. Food is very good.
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Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
•
4.4
W
William
Tampa / Central Florida West •5 reviews
4.0
Dined on Nov 4, 2024
The waitress forgot my guests cocktail. I had chicken piccata that had very little flavor and the pasta was overcooked Serving size was large. My friend had clams and linguine which she enjoyed very much. All in all a nice place.
More info
LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
•
4.4

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University City

Best Casual Restaurants in University City

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119 restaurants available nearby

1. LaScala's Fire-University City

2. Saloon Restaurant

3. Craftsman Row Saloon

4. The Dandelion

5. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia

6. Vernick Fish

7. Bistro Romano

8. Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia

9. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

10. Irie Entree

See what locals rave about

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