Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in University City

17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6

Exceptional(5494)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • University City

Booked 72 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 Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

2. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8813)

Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 83 times today

The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

3. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(699)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 83 times today

Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &

4. The Morris

4.7

Exceptional(334)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 32 times today

The Morris is a new restaurant and bar in a truly unique location. It’s connected to a boutique, 17 room colonial hotel and courtyard located right next to Washington Square Park. We have a scratch kitchen that only uses the freshest ingredients available by season. Our bar program consists of delicious hand-crafted cocktails, organic wines, selection of local beers, and spirit-free beverages. Whether it's for a casual night out, business dinner, or date night, we are so excited to serve you in our newly renovate dining room or in the garden courtyard*! *We want to inform our guests that the courtyard is fully tented and heated throughout the winter!

5. SouthGate

4.9

Exceptional(429)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Korean • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 27 times today

Located on the edge of Rittenhouse Square and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods of Philadelphia, SouthGate is a twist on the traditional gastropub. Elevating food and drink in a modern but in an approachable way, the menu and the décor of Southgate are heavily influenced by both our Korean roots as well as modern American culture, preferring to be interesting and friendly rather than trendy.The menu consists of a wide range of options, including several vegetarian meals. Popular dishes include Korean fried chicken, bulgogi burger, dumplings and buns, and assorted banchan. In addition to the delectable cuisine, Southgate offers an extensive drink menu that includes cocktails, wine, spirits and an extensive craft beer list.

A photo of Dolce Italian - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Dolce Italian - Philadelphia

4.1

Excellent(124)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 4 times today

Capturing the timeless spirit of Fellini’s 1960’s Rome, Dolce Italian truly brings ‘la dolce vita’ to life with its effortless charm and approachable sophistication. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with house-made pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and other signature Italian dishes.

A photo of Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge restaurant

7. Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(157)

Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Center City

Booked 43 times today

Welcome to Miss Saigon, an homage to the vibrant streets of Vietnam nestled in the heart of Philadelphia. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of Vietnamese street food, each dish a flavorful journey through the bustling markets of Vietnam. Step inside and be transported to Vietnam with our decor, a nostalgic ode to the city's charm. The ambiance is carefully curated to foster connections, making Miss Saigon the perfect place to create lasting memories. As dusk falls, our space transforms into a dynamic nightlife haven, with a guest DJ and cocktails that mirror the hues of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, celebrating diversity and unity in every sip.Our space is more than just design and contemporary cooking; it's an immersive experience where cocktails and food become the bridge to the soul of Vietnam. Join us at Miss Saigon, where every visit is a vibrant brushstroke in the masterpiece of cultural immersion, connection, diversity, and inclusion.

8. Mabu Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(193)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French • Center City

Booked 15 times today

BYOB French restaurant with a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and bistro classics: think Confit Fried Chicken and Waffle, and Steak au Poivre. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with antique mirrors lining the walls, candlelight, and warm and friendly service. We have seasonal outdoor seating along a lovely alleyway with potted blooms and bird serenades.Located on historic Antique Row, this charming spot is a great place to meet for a special occasion, date-night, business meal, or a casual dinner with friends. This is a small family-owned business and everything is made to order. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and head to this hidden gem to experience a contemporary take on French cuisine.

9. The Tavern

4.5

Awesome(292)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

The Tavern, a cozy underground hideaway serving fresh American bar fare. The subterranean dining room is housed in the historic Tavern on Camac, a long-running piano bar and nightclub serving exceptional food to pre/post theater goers, and a solid crowd of the city’s “in the biz” hospitality professionals long after most establishments have closed their doors for the night. The Tavern boasts an approachable menu of refined bar food staples, all available from open until close, even after the bar has given last call. The Tavern makes for a great first or last stop for diners and revelers alike. Built in 1937, it is one of the nation’s oldest music venues and a natural home for The Tavern’s lived-in vibe and casual appeal. Exposed brick and wide, dark pine paneling make the space feel comfortable yet tucked away on picturesque Camac Street.

10. La Viola Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(446)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 22 times today

For PARTIES OF 10+, please call 215 735 8630 to make a reservation. To place an order, call us at 215-735-8630.To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8630. Walk-ins are welcome!La Viola Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner during the week and dinner on weekends. A fine-dining establishment, it specializes in Italian fare. Some items on the menu at La Viola - East include pasta such as bowtie pasta with shrimp, along with a linguini pasta dish with veal. In addition to pasta, La Viola serves a variety of seafood and grilled steak entrées. No alcohol is served at La Viola - East, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champagne to accompany your meal. Offering a casual but chic dining space, its décor includes wood furnishings and chandelier lighting.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Carl
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Service was friendly and attentive. Steak was cooked to perfection, medium rare as requested. Lovely dining experience.
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The MorrisPrice: Expensive• American• Center City
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4.7
A
ALANVIP
Philadelphia County •244 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great experience from the welcome to the server to the food with bonus if the manager. Potato skins, caviar tasty. Swordfish and lobster roll excellent. Efficient service got us to the show on time without rushing. Excellent!
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Loch Bar - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.5
B
Brian
Philadelphia County •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely adore this restaurant. Grace, our server, was so attentive and polite. The food, as always, was delicious! And if you’re looking for something special that may not necessarily be on the menu, they’re always happy to try and get creative if possible!
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White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
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4.6
W
William
Philadelphia County •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We love Estia when we come to Philly to see a show at the Academy of Music. Friendly, efficient servers. Great food and drinks. Clean bathrooms!!
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Estia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City
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4.8
T
Terra
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
This has been one of the more enjoyable outings I’ve had in a while. The service staff is exceptionally nice. They were accommodating, helpful, and so kind. We were running a few minutes so I called and let them know- they were super understanding and told us to get there when we could but mostly to get there safely. The table next to us that the previous couple had just left and I asked if we could move over, that wasn’t a problem. We had ordered some happy hour items and took our time ordering and there was no pressure to get everything in the first time around. The food was so good, as expected but for me the service and kindness really set the night up for a good time.
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SouthGatePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Korean• Rittenhouse Square
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4.9

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University City

Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in University City

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

2. Estia - Philadelphia

3. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4. The Morris

5. SouthGate

6. Dolce Italian - Philadelphia

7. Miss Saigon Restaurant & Lounge

8. Mabu Kitchen

9. The Tavern

10. La Viola Bistro

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable