Best Casual Restaurants in University City

116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant

1. LaScala's Fire-University City

4.6

Exceptional(179)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • University City

Booked 6 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(2584)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • South Philly

Booked 90 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!

3. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 42 times today

Located in the historic neighborhood of Rittenhouse Square, Little Water is the latest restaurant from husband-and-wife team, Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Ruckers' experiences living along the Gulf Coast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions, Little Water is a contemporary coastal restaurant that celebrates the ecological diversity of life by the sea.The sister restaurant to the acclaimed East Passyunk Avenue gem, River Twice—which has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times, and has earned Chef Randy’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently, a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—Little Water continues the Ruckers' dedication to sustainability and local sourcing. With an a la carte menu inspired by the dynamic ecosystem of tranquil marshes, expansive bays, and secluded coves, Little Water captures the coastal spirit in a warm and lively atmosphere.

4. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8154)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 120 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.

5. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7382)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 220 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.

6. Mona

new

3.8

Excellent(42)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 98 times today

A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant with a Greek-forward menu, set in a lively and upbeat atmosphere. The space flows seamlessly with an open layout, blending communal dining areas and intimate corners. The design features modern touches alongside traditional Greek elements like whitewashed walls, floral accents, and olive trees, evoking the charm of the Mediterranean.Please be advised of the following dress code:No hatsNo hoodiesNo steel toe boots

7. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2209)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 71 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.

8. Bistro Romano

4.8

Exceptional(4986)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Society Hill

Booked 31 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

9. Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia

4.3

Awesome(5255)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Center City

Booked 113 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.

10. Capri

4.7

Exceptional(83)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Philadelphia

Booked 42 times today

We’re excited to announce that we’re finally opening our doors to the city of Philadelphia! —Capri is about to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the heart of the city!We’ve poured our passion into creating a dining experience that celebrates authentic flavors and warm hospitality. As six cousins from a village in northern Albania, who immigrated here at a young age and have worked in the restaurant industry for 18 years.Join us for dinner Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 10:00 PM, and indulge in our vibrant brunch on weekends: Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 3:00 to 10:00 PM, plus Sunday brunch from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 3:00 to 9:00 PM. Don’t miss our stunning outdoor patio, offering beautiful views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge—perfect for a memorable meal.Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively celebration, our private events space is ready to accommodate your needs.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Chris
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our second time at Little Water and quickly becoming our favorite restaurant in the city. Upon walking in, the hostesses greeted us by name and our server knew of our food allergies from our last visit. From their non-alcoholic drink options to every flavor on the menu, each item we ordered was fantastic and just as good as we remembered from the first visit. The fried sea bass is definitely a star of the show and we have literally told no less than 3 dozen people about it lol. I’m not normally one to leave a long detailed review, but Little Water really delivers a phenomenal dining experience in every way — best food/drink and service/hospitality in recent memory no question!
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
B
Bruce
Toronto / Ontario •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was a great dinner a great experience. It was a first date with the beautiful young lady and she had an amazing time. It made it so much easier to connect being in such a great restaurant with such good food and service.
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Saloon RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• South Philly
•
4.9
S
Shawn
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Quick and polite, seated right away. Server was attentive and not overbearing. Food was good on point for the price. The desserts were very good.
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LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
•
4.6
T
Tracey
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
The drinks and food were really good! The service is slow - based in past as well as this experience- just for awareness. Overall a great place!
More info
The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
•
4.7
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.
More info
Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
•
4.4

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University City

Best Casual Restaurants in University City

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116 restaurants available nearby

1. LaScala's Fire-University City

2. Saloon Restaurant

3. Little Water

4. The Dandelion

5. The Love

6. Mona

7. Vernick Fish

8. Bistro Romano

9. Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia

10. Capri

See what locals rave about

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