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Little Water, Philly, PA

Little Water

4.6
4.6
50 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 31 times today
  • Lively
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
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.

Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chef Randy Rucker
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.
  • Private party contact
    Maggie Cook: (215) 337-3343
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Cross street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

What 50 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia County

    Best Ambiance

  • Philadelphia County

    Lively

  • Philadelphia

    Best Service

  • Philadelphia

    Best Ambiance

  • Philadelphia

    Great for fine wines

  • Philadelphia

    Lively

  • Philadelphia

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Little Water is a vibrant addition to the neighborhood, praised for its "absolutely excellent" swordfish Milanese and inventive cocktails. The service is consistently "friendly and helpful," ensuring a warm dining experience. While some found it pricey, the overall ambiance and creative menu make it "absolutely worth a visit."

50 Reviews
  1. Paige

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The best food and best staff. I will be coming here time and time again ❤️

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  2. Debra

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was our second visit and was not up to the first. First visit ( on second night open) had whole grilled fish, farro, beef main and a few others. All fabulous. Last night, one month later, had swordfish and scallop raw bar that was wonderful. Caesar salad very good. Big eye tuna first also very good. Swordfish Milanese main very disappointing. Very dry and tasteless. Beef just ok. Very very fatty and portion really so small for the price. Farro no longer on menu. Desert of key lime- eh and granola on pudding - thought I was eating a breakfast. I wanted the popsicle but it was no longer on the menu. Drinks were very good. Service was very good. Noisy but still can talk- energetic vibe. But we’ll give it a rest for now.

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  3. Sian

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great, service was excellent, loved the cocktails

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  4. Victoria

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious and delightful experience! All of the servers were thoughtful, enthusiastic and attributed to what was truly a splendid evening. The atmosphere is chic and charming, and the food is scintillating! It’s hard to choose a favorite dish— everything really was scrumptious. Cheers to a new restaurant in Rittenhouse! Little Water is lovely & I can’t wait for round two in the near future.

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  5. Karen

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with a partially open kitchen. The attention to detail and innovation they put into their food is just as elevated as Chef Rucker’s Rivertwice. Every bite was delicious and presented simply, highlighting the gorgeousness of the dish. If I had to pick, the swordfish belly tartare and fried whole bass were favorites. The drinks were creative and strong, with perfectly clear ice cubes! We were so full but had to have the desserts, which as always, were light and perfect, simultaneously sophisticated and comforting. The only downside is we couldn’t possibly try everything, but we can’t wait to go back! Seating at the raw bar is a great vantage point and also cozy, casual and intimate. The staff were so knowledgeable, friendly and attentive, clearly well trained, excited to know us and welcoming. Bravo Chef!

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  6. Carol

    Philadelphia

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Three of us spent an enjoyable evening at Little Water, a lovely new restaurant in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. We were celebrating the recent birthday of our dear friend. We were greeted warmly and asked to wait until our table was vacated and ready. As the restaurant was packed it was difficult to have a conversation. Our birthday girl was given a signed birthday card from the staff. It was a very nice gesture. The menu isn’t extensive but there are several good options. We ordered the Grand Plateau and two large plates. Everything was delicious and prepared with care. Our server was helpful with suggestions and advice regarding dietary restrictions. I will definitely return as it is a lovely place in my neighborhood.

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  7. Mike

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great and delicious food , with generous portions and a great group of people working there. Go once, Go twice and keep going back !!

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  8. Steven

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Little Water is close to great, and will get there. Space is lovely, service was terrific, vibe is lively but conversations are possible. Small plates (bigeye tuna, hash browns, cabbage) and the scallops main were home runs. Only downside was a miss on the swordfish milanese--breading overwhelmed the fish so that, with some bits, you didn't even notice the fish. But we'll be back for sure.

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  9. Vince

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Seafood forward menu but plenty of other meats and veggies to round out the meal. I found it easy to find gluten free options for everything but dessert. My husband enjoyed his birthday meal. Almost forgot to mention the drinks are amazing, boozy and flavorful, a rare occurrence.

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  10. Nicole

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was amazing. Can’t wait to go back and work our way through the menu. Drinks and atmosphere were perfect as well. Congrats to chef and the entire team.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.6 stars by 50 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 31 times today
Google Map for Little Water

261 S 20th St, Philly, PA 19103

Additional information

  • Cross street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chef Randy Rucker
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.
  • Private party contact
    Maggie Cook: (215) 337-3343
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  • Terms of Use
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  • Cookie Preferences
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