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Best Casual Restaurants in University City

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117 restaurants available nearby

A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
4.5
Awesome(177)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • University City
Booked 1 time today
LaScala's Fire at University City is located at 32nd & Chestnut on the Drexel University Campus. (This is not our Old City location.)* NOW WITH A FULL BAROpen Table's Diner's Choice 2022, 2023
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1152)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 67 times today
We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Holiday Wonderland Pop Up. This holiday season we are even more super-sized and decked out than ever and ready to provide the festivities and delights of the holiday season. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience of the holiday. Whether inside or out, there is a perfect spot to take your holiday picture so have your camera ready!Our year round Iconic Burgers, Milkshakes and other Sandwiches such as our Doritos Mozzarella Sticks, French Toast Burger and Donut Fried Chicken sandwich are always on the menu as we continuously change it up seasonally. Every moment can be magical time to share experiences with family and friends so check back for our other seasonal pop ups. Proudly featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2567)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 29 times today
Entering the Saloon, a family owned restaurant since it opened in 1967 is a bit like stepping into Philadelphia's past. Dark oak paneling, shiny brass and authentic local antiques create a warm congenial and casual atmosphere. The choice of two comfortable dining rooms each with its own vintage bars make dining and conversation a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Both bars feature a delicious and moderately priced food menu. The menu is Italian with seafood specials such as grilled octopus and dover sole. Saloon steaks and veal chops are legendary. Many prefer a plate of fried long hot peppers to compliment the steaks. All desserts and gelatos are made on the premises daily. The Saloon is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar and restaurant with a national reputation. And the parking is FREE!
A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7304)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 178 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 Little Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(85)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 27 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 Vernick Fish restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2197)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 46 times today
Vernick Fish presents Philadelphia’s own, Chef Greg Vernick’s exploration beyond the boundaries of a seafood restaurant. His ingredient-driven cooking style, paired with a love for global flavors, results in an inventive menu of fish and shellfish dishes, and a range of vegetable preparations. Taking a detailed, seasonal, and sustainable approach with small and large plate offerings, the kitchen brings new life to the favorite hallmarks of American oyster bar fare and raw bar. Complementing the experience are well-crafted cocktails, and a focused wine list of seafood-friendly white and sparkling offerings, as well as light, fresh reds.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia restaurant
4.4
Awesome(5234)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Center City
Booked 126 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7032)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern) • Center City
Booked 81 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Bistro Romano restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4966)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Society Hill
Booked 17 times today
This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.
A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(502)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 7 times today
Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • BebeVIP
    Philadelphia County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had a delicious brunch at the Love-excellent service, interesting menu, large portions. I would give it 5 stars but the potatoes served with the eggs were useless-too salty, no other seasoning-just unembellished potatoes straight from the fryolater. Everyone at the table agreed. Everything else was fabulous, tho.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Lori
    Philadelphia County •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had an excellent evening at Saloon. From beginning to end our dining experience was wonderful. Our waitress was attentive and knowledgeable. The food was amazing and the dessert a great way to end our meal. A bonus was valet parking, which made our evening so much easier. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning.
    More info
    Saloon RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• South Philly
    4.9
  • RogerVIP
    Philadelphia County •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I a bacon cheeseburger that was better than I expected. Washed it down with a vanilla milkshake. My daughter got the grilled cheese and she liked it . She considers herself a bit of a grilled cheese connoisseur. We came two Wednesdays before Christmas and the place was jam-packed but it was a great atmosphere and the decorations are splendid. It seemed like everyone who stepped through the door was immediately in a joyous mood. I guess it’s the ambience of the place.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.5
  • Chrissy
    Virginia •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 6, 2024
    We were seated immediately upon arrival. Our waitress came over within 2 minutes of us sitting down (hadn’t had a chance to select drinks or food) and brought water. We don’t see her again for another 10 or so minutes. After ordering, we waited another 10 minutes for my drink and had to request my husbands drink again. The lavender martini was delicious but tasted heavy on the orange with little lavender to taste. We ordered wood fired pizzas (sausage/pepperoni and the short rib). They were both tasty but each slide of the short rib pizza had about 1 bite of short rib…was heavy on the mushroom and onion. I suggested the chef spread the love of the short rib more throughout the pizza. We did list that we were celebrating our birthdays but there was no recognition of it (not even a Happy Birthday upon arrival)…not sure what the point was of listing this. Overall, the experience was ok but for $70, wouldn’t say it was entirely worth it.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
    4.5
  • Wendi
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    We ate in the the board area. TVs around which we enjoy. 5 of ate. All enjoyed meals and drinks. Service is superior. Food is very good.
    More info
    Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
    4.4
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