Little Water

4.7

152 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 45 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Lively

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

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 337-3343
Website
https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
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

Location
261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
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 152 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Little Water delights with its "incredible food" and "impeccable service," offering standout dishes like the swordfish Milanese and lobster toast. Guests praise the "attentive staff" and "beautiful ambiance," making it a "must-visit" spot. While some note the noise level, the overall dining experience is "exceptional" and highly recommended.

152 Reviews

C
Chelsea Anne
VIP
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The team is incredible and the dishes even more so - well done LW team! xx
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K
Kelsey
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wow, I’ve never had a dining experience quite like it!!! Staff and service went above and beyond. It was Valentine’s Day, and the staff signed a card for us! The food was so fresh and flavorful. The flavor of that Caesar salad… I’ll be raving about it forever.
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j
jacques
VIP
Philadelphia
110 reviews
3.0
110 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
We perhaps expected too much. The red fish was good and quite small for the price and the potatoes salad was hard. I was wondering why they put the music so loud. What's the point? Maybe ....
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B
Bret
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved da food and that Carolyn just made our experience so SPECIAL!!!!
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D
Dan
VIP
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Little Water is one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia. Excellent seafood. Original recipes. Great atmosphere. Only exception was desert, which was better than most places, but could be improved on.
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A
Alexandra
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Staff was amazing, went for my husbands birthday and he was greeted with a custom birthday card signed by the whole staff!
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L
Lenzy
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food in a quaint and quiet location. I loved the fish and the drinks hit just enough!
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SS
StephanieS
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve been twice already and absolutely love it! The service is superb and food is unique and delicious! Happy to welcome Little Water to the neighborhood!
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Y
Yoolim
VIP
New York City
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I wasn’t a huge fan of how saucy everything was - I really didn’t think the oysters needed the cream sauce or that the sweet shrimp needed the hoisin sauce. Swordfish milanese was the best I’ve had however!
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C
Caroline
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Tuna dish was incredible- melts in your mouth. If you like garlic the Caesar-like salad was delicious with furikake seasoning. Cocktails were light and well balanced (white Negroni and vodka drink)
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FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.7 stars by 152 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 45 times today

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

Cross street
20th street and Manning street
Neighborhood
Center City
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm 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

Website
https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
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

Little Water

Make a reservation

Private dining

Additional information

Menu

What 152 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Little Water restaurant rated?

Is Little Water currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information