Little Water

4.6

57 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 1, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 36 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

Book your next event with us

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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
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 57 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

Noise • Moderate

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."

57 Reviews

R
Ron
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was well prepared, presented and tasted great. Service was on point Can’t wait to go back and try more stuff
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MG
MG520
Philadelphia
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a phenomenal dinner! The restaurant was bustling when we arrived, and the host seated us immediately. The service was exceptional, and the food was incredibly fresh, inventive, and delicious, and coursed perfectly. If you love seafood, this must be at the top of your to-do list. We will definitely be back!
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J
Jake
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Kia was the best server and we loved it every bit of our experience!
Is this helpful?
L
Linda
Philadelphia
55 reviews
5.0
55 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious. The service was attentive, but not annoying. I was impressed that I asked for a quiet spot to be seated and did get that.
Is this helpful?
L
Lauren
Philadelphia
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very lively restaurant with a very creative menu - really enjoyed the hash brown crab and swordfish Milanese. Everything was fresh
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J
Janet
Atlantic City
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The swordfish was dry and overcooked. The wine pours were the tiniest I’ve ever seen.
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P
Paige
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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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D
Debra
Philadelphia
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
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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S
Sian
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days 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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V
Victoria
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 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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FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.6 stars by 57 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 1, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, 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

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 57 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Little Water restaurant rated?

Is Little Water currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information