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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in University City

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
1. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11370)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 124 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Parc restaurant
2. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17509)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 315 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 The Love restaurant
3. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7382)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 201 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4. Craftsman Row Saloon
4.4
Awesome(1203)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 25 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a hot spot due to its festive atmosphere and delicious food, as highlighted in the reviews. Customers love the seasonal changes, creative presentations, and the excellent service. The restaurant has also been featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise and more, making it a must-visit place. One review said, 'Simple comfort foods done well, with some fun twists. The decorations make it such a fun atmosphere and hot spot it visit.'
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
5. Barclay Prime
4.8
Exceptional(5460)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 78 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
6. Saloon Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2584)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 92 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a hot spot because of its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Customers rave about the 'outstanding' service, 'amazing' food, and 'beautiful surroundings.' The 'unique and interesting' setting, which includes two dining rooms and a vintage bar, adds to the appeal. The restaurant's consistent quality and excellent value also make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
7. El Vez
4.8
Exceptional(7054)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 100 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
8. Talula’s Garden
4.9
Exceptional(13259)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 118 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.
A photo of Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant
9. Oyster House Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(109)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Center City
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.
A photo of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia restaurant
10. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia
4.6
Exceptional(9478)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Center City
Booked 138 times today
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood and premium wines from our award-winning wine selection.
‘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
  • CarolVIP
    Philadelphia County •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great place. A wonderful dinner, great service, comfortable. I’ve been before and will be again. Great food. Good location.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • PatriciaVIP
    New York City •42 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    What a lovely festive evening at Craftsman Saloon. The outside is all decorated for Christmas and as soon as you enter, you are transported into a wonderland. The music and decor are beautiful. What a perfect way to cap off the Christmas season. The food was less than stellar but prices are good. Our server Brie was attentive and kind. We’ll definitely be back next year for drinks and maybe apps.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    •
    4.4
  • JayVIP
    Toronto / Ontario •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I’ve been fortunate enough to be dining here for nearly twenty years and I’ve never had a meal fall short of amazing. Although on this particular visit there was a stand out staff member that really took my dining experience up a notch. Our server, Glenn, was an absolute goldmine of knowledge. He undoubtedly exceeded expectations for a server in fine dining. I can only hope he’s available when I visit again for Valentine’s Day!
    More info
    Barclay PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Wendy
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had appetizers and bao, and they were so good in flavor and texture that everything the next day was a little disappointing. Get the rock shrimp bao and the edamame dumplings.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    •
    4.7
  • Pat
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We went for lunch & shared charcuterie, cheese plate, & Trout Almondine. All were excellent. Our server, Makenzie, was delightful & attentive without being intrusive, and helpful with suggestions. The only negative was uncomfortable chairs. Otherwise, we had a lovely leisurely lunch.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8

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