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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in University City

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85 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5485)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 50 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(17455)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 258 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(2826)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 70 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
4.4
Awesome(1182)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 61 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(7346)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 228 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(8831)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Center City
Booked 82 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(5446)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 115 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(8137)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 155 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 Jean-Georges Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1364)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Center City
Booked 34 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.
A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2377)
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.
‘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
  • Jillian
    Philadelphia County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Went for the Sunday brunch with kids. The view and the ambiance cannot be beat. Food was fantastic and the brunch dessert bar was incredible. Well worth the trip. However, we had an 11:30 reservation and the coat check/ concierge guy kept telling us the restaurant wasn’t ready for us yet. After 20 minutes I finally walked down to the bottom of the steps where the restaurant was and the hostess said they had been waiting for us. This was seriously annoying as we had 3 kids and a full agenda for the afternoon. Once we were seated the experience was great. The restaurant should have better communication between its staff. In hindsight, I don’t think the coat check guy even spoke to the restaurant.
    More info
    SkyHighPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Center City
    4.7
  • KellyVIP
    New York City •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was my first time at The Love + it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. The check-in hostesses were warm and welcoming, and every staff member, especially my server, John, was friendly + knowledgeable about everything great the restaurant has to offer. My meal, the Caesar Salad + Ravioli was outstanding, the flavor profiles in both dishes fresh + inventive ~ I devoured everything! The restaurant itself is beautiful, lending to the perfect dining experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to my next experience at The Love.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • ShelbyVIP
    Dallas - Fort Worth •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a group of 8 and we had the best experience with the staff here. The food was all great, the drinks were fantastic and the staff served all of us exceptionally. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.6
  • Brooke
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We enjoyed everything from the moment we waked in to the moment we left. Our anniversary was acknowledged by the hostess, our server and a manager. They also sent out a sweet little dessert. Timing was very fluid. I was very impressed with the acoustics- the restaurant was totally packed but you can not hear another individual conversation and can still make out the music. Hard to achieve without seeing visible panels or an abundance of heavy drapery and rugs which there is not. Food was perfect.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Julia
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We got lucky and got a last minute reservation yesterday after being on waitlist for a few days. Felt like I hit the lottery lol, as I know this restaurant starts booking up in October for the holidays! Timing worked out perfectly as we had to get my daughter to her bus back to another city where she lives — and we had exactly one hour to eat. Got seated right away, thankfully. Atmosphere is always festive this time of year, which is the main reason we wanted to eat here. Food arrived promptly and was tasty, service was good and we were on our way out the door on time as very satisfied customers! We will be back ☺️
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.4
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