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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in University City

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84 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1823)
Price: Moderate
• French American • University City
Booked 49 times today
Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.
A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5511)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 80 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(17615)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 244 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1215)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 18 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(7479)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 134 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 Barclay Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5481)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 87 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(8184)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 133 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 Saloon Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2618)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 102 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a special occasion destination with its warm, casual atmosphere and excellent food. As quoted from the reviews, it's a 'spectacular establishment' for Valentine’s Day, a 'fantastic birthday celebration place', a 'perfect setting for a friends dinner' and a 'go to place for special occasion'. With its authentic local antiques and vintage bars, it creates a unique and memorable dining experience.
A photo of Jean-Georges Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1404)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Center City
Booked 28 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 Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(11441)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 109 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.
‘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
  • Zane
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    People are sleeping on the French toast burger foreal. Sure you can’t finish it in one sitting but then you have the other half for the best breakfast ever.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.4
  • Chrysta
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had dinner here last night and brunch late this morning and both were delicious. I had the duck casoulet for dinner and it was out of this world. Last night we were seated right next to the open kitchen, so I thought it was going to be loud with people rushing past the table constantly, but our server was very attentive and helpful, and it turned out not to be quite as loud as I thought it might be when we first sat. This morning we had a lovely booth for two that was much quieter. We will definitely be back as we enjoyed our experience very much and there were plenty of other dishes I wanted to try on the menu!
    More info
    Louie Louie Bistro BarPrice: Moderate• French American• University City
    4.5
  • David
    Caribbean •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    What an excellent place to eat! It's a charming restaurant with lots of little rooms where the noise level is low. The food quality was excellent and it came out very quickly, despite being a very crowded evening.
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.6
  • Amy
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Abby, (Management) and Jasmine (my fabulous, friendly Waitress with) et al..I can't say enough about their courtesy, constant attentiveness the ambiance, the gastronomical pleasure, the fact that me, myself and I were overwhelmed with the feeling of plenty of self-love. It did not matter that my date could not make it on this particular socially interpreted holiday. It was a night that melted my heart in so many wonderful ways. I am sharing this experience with everyone I know and whomever I meet. A perfect place to enjoy for all of your plans. I am looking forward to the "CHEERS" feeling again and again. This was no coincidence. Enjoy!
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Jan
    Philadelphia County •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We enjoyed Parc on a cold, snowy evening in February. The restaurant was cozy and warm, and the feeling was too! Our server, Jose, was great - friendly and with just the right amount of check-ins. The beet salad was yummy, with lots of beets cooked to perfection and a great mix of flavors. We both enjoyed Trout Amandine - a large portion with a hearty helping of haricots verts. The cranberry walnut bread was also delicious! We will go back tomorrow to buy a loaf to take home! If only the glass of wine wasn’t so pricey. But who can have a meal like this without a glass of wine?
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
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