Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Swarthmore

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

PhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighborhoods

ArdmoreBala CynwydBryn MawrCenter CityEast Passyunk AvenueFolsom

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

James Beard Award

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

49 restaurants available nearby

1. Tavola Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(2427)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Springfield

Booked 16 times today

Tavola Restaurant + Bar offers a one of a kind indoor and al fresco dining experience with a newly renovated and impressive outdoor patio featuring golf course views, fire pits, and relaxing atmosphere. Tavola offers an extensive bar menu with a robust wine list, beer list (including seasonals and crafts) and inventive signature cocktails made with fresh ingredients from our on-site vegetable and herb gardens. Tavola is open to the public daily, serving lunch, dinner, drinks and Sunday Brunch, with daily specials accompanied by live acoustic music (see our entertainment calendar for a full schedule). Advance reservations are recommended for all guests through Open Table and private parties are welcomed to contact our management team for accommodations. We look forward to seeing you soon!

2. The Ridley House

3.8

Excellent(68)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Folsom

Booked 1 time today

The Ridley House is a New AmericanRestaurant & Bar modeled after a traditionalHall & Parlor Home. The space is comprisedof three unique rooms & seasonal outdoorbeer garden. Guests can enjoy options fromour rustic American Farm Fare menu,handcrafted cocktails, & robust selection ofcraft beer.____________________________________________________________________________________________________Thank you for choosing The Ridley House for your dining experience! We are delighted to host you and your guests. For parties of 12 or more, we offer a specially curated menu to ensure seamless service. Please note that an 18% Gratuity will automatically be added to the bill for parties of 6 or more. Additionally, we can accommodate up to four payment cards per check. Please note a card must be on file to confirm large reservations for 12+, we look forward to serving you!

A photo of Iron Hill Brewery - Media restaurant

3. Iron Hill Brewery - Media

4.0

Excellent(2553)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Media

Booked 27 times today

Welcome to Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, where you'll find fine handcrafted beers, creative yet informal cuisine, and friendly, attentive service in a casual, upscale atmosphere. We're passionate about producing distinctive, full-flavored handcrafted beers, accompanied by fresh–from–scratch New American cuisine in a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Our goal has always been to provide food and beer that is inspired, consistently crafted and presented by a knowledgeable and courteous service staff.

A photo of Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, Havertown restaurant

4. Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, Havertown

4.7

Exceptional(518)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Havertown

Booked 9 times today

Approachable, family owned from scratch Italian restaurant in Havertown, PAOwner and executive Chef Tommy DeFruscio’s vision for elevated Italian in a casual atmosphere comes to life at Pepperoncini Havertown. Our first floor wine bar is laidback and fun while our upstairs dining room is classy, not stuffy. The food is the true star of the show as Chef Tommy selects only the freshest ingredients each week to create memorable dining experiences. Visit our website for our weekly specials menu, follow us on Instagram @pepperoncinihavertown for photos of our specials.

5. The Love

4.9

Exceptional(7551)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 179 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. Melograno

4.8

Exceptional(1687)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 19 times today

Melograno was established in 2003 by Chef Gianluca Demontis & Rosemarie Tran. The couple met in Rome when Rose was studying abroad. When Luca relocated to Philadelphia they wanted to represent his roots. Located in the beautiful Rittenhouse Square, surrounded by shops and entertainment. Melograno is a warm haven for good food and comforting service. A place to enjoy with friends and family. We are a BYOB so bring the spirits of your choice, we are happy to serve you.

7. Barclay Prime

4.8

Exceptional(5505)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 82 times today

Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.

8. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8214)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 143 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.

9. Little Water

4.7

Exceptional(183)

$$$$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.

A photo of Terrain Cafe – Glen Mills restaurant

10. Terrain Cafe – Glen Mills

4.5

Awesome(7756)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Glen Mills

Booked 118 times today

Since our opening in 2008, Terrain Cafe grew naturally from a small coffee shop nestled in the store to a full-service restaurant offering seasonally inspired brunch, dinner, and beverage menus. Our dedicated culinary team works closely with purveyors to ethically source fresh, high-quality ingredients that lay the foundation for our nourishing dishes. Each cafe's unique and deliberately designed environment blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, providing an inspiring dining experience every time. This specific cafe will always have unique roots, and we'll undoubtedly remain embedded in them as we grow.Our patio is open for walk-ins only!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Wonderful dinner, thoughtful servers! 11/10 would reserve again.
More info
The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.9
GH
GailH
Philadelphia County •19 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Enjoyed the fish and chips but disappointed to learn that the croissants have been removed from the menu. I was looking forward to them.
More info
Iron Hill Brewery - MediaPrice: Moderate• American• Media
•
4
A
Anna
Philadelphia County •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Overall food was good, but my filet was a little salty. Also, a little pricey. The staff are very nice, attentive and friendly.
More info
Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, HavertownPrice: Moderate• Italian• Havertown
•
4.7
RW
RoadWarriorVIP
Greater Boston •53 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 26, 2025
We arrived for lunch while we were traveling through the area. The food was excellent, wait staff was accommodating and friendly, environment was comfortable. I highly recommend.
More info
Tavola RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Springfield
•
4.6
PF
PhilliesFanVIP
Philadelphia County •93 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 23, 2025
Simple Irish Menu. Too many potatoes for my taste. Irish stew was tasty, but 80% potato and three bites of meat. Giant potato wedges, with one thin piece of fish in the fish and chips, again tasted fine, just overwhelmed by potato.
More info
The Ridley HousePrice: Moderate• American• Folsom
•
3.8

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