Best Restaurants for Birthdays in University City

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Burlington CountyCamdenGloucesterPhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Neighbourhoods

Bala-CynwydBryn MawrCenter CityCherry HillChestnut HillCity Line

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

76 restaurants available nearby

1. Butcher & Singer

4.9

Exceptional(8909)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Center City

Booked 80 times today

Butcher & Singer is a top-rated spot for birthdays. The reviews rave about the wonderful birthday dinners and the special treatment on these occasions. The sophisticated ambiance and top-notch service make it perfect for celebrating a milestone birthday. The food is often described as 'delicious' and 'outstanding'. It's the perfect place for a birthday celebration or special occasion.

2. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2269)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 72 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 Ocean Prime - Philadelphia restaurant

3. Ocean Prime - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(6149)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 61 times today

Located in Philadelphia's Center City, Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. Reservations are recommended. Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed in the following:Revealing clothing or exposed undergarments Clothing with offensive language, graphics or an excessive marijuana odor We are happy to host larger groups. A 20% gratuity will be applied to parties of six or more. Parties of eight or more will be contractually held to a minimum spend and are required to provide a deposit.

A photo of Steak 48 - Philadelphia restaurant

4. Steak 48 - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(5223)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 44 times today

Steak 48 in Philadelphia is a fantastic spot for birthdays. As per reviews, the staff goes above and beyond to make special occasions unforgettable. From handwritten birthday cards to thoughtful desserts and even a custom wine glass, it's clear that the restaurant's attention to detail is unmatched. The food and service are consistently rated as outstanding, making it a top choice for birthday celebrations.

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant

5. Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(11450)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 102 times today

Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.

6. Bastia

4.8

Exceptional(187)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fishtown

Booked 43 times today

Leisurely cafe by day, Bastia transforms to a Mediterranean restaurant by night and draws culinary inspiration from the sun-drenched islands of Corsica and Sardinia

7. El Vez

4.8

Exceptional(7093)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern) • Center City

Booked 121 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.

8. The Butcher Bar

4.5

Awesome(1588)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 19 times today

BUTCHER BAR—the latest restaurant from the crew that brought you Varga Bar, Mercato and Valanni. We invite you to our restaurant that playfully celebrates “meat lovers and comfort foods” complimented with a bar featuring 16 beers on tap, 6 draft wines, and a whiskey-based cocktail program. Brunch is offered all weekend and Lunch is available Wed-Fri. Book your next business dinner, happy hour or birthday in our year round patio.

A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant

9. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2245)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 54 times today

For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.2nd Floor Reservations are for Lunch & Dinner service only. Dessert service may be provided on our first level anytime.

A photo of NaBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant

10. NaBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse

4.4

Awesome(123)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Brazilian • Center City

Booked 11 times today

Nabrasa Philadelphia is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse offering a unique dining experience with endless cuts of grilled meats served tableside. With a focus on tradition and flavor, guests can enjoy a variety of premium meats, fish, and an extensive salad bar. Nabrasa brings the vibrant taste of Brazil to the heart of Philadelphia.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

Y
Yamina
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We celebrate my mother’s birthday here almost every year, as it is one of her favorite restaurants. The steaks and seafood are always well prepared and the service is exceptional.
More info
Butcher & SingerPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Center City
•
4.9
J
Jeff
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The service was outstanding. The pacing of the meal was perfection. Avery was a wonderful waiter, and he took care of everything from start to finish. The surf & turf experience for 2 was well worth it. I have been here a few times before and will continue to recommend it!
More info
Ocean Prime - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.7
E
Elizabeth
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our food was delicious and sour service was amazing
More info
Steak 48 - PhiladelphiaPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
B
BarryVIP
Philadelphia County •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious fresh oystrers and seafood primarily. Knowledgeable staff and nice envioronment. Music is a little odd for the setting - a bit loud and lively with singing but that was not enough to subdue an otherwise wonderful meal.
More info
Vernick FishPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Center City
•
4.7
R
Robert
Greater Boston •124 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Ribs and eggplant dishes were great. General Tso dumplings were tasty but dough was on thick side. The place was very busy and service was delayed a bit. Noisy cause it’s a hot spot! Food was the highlight. All food was served hot and fresh. Beautiful too. We’ll be back.
More info
Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Neighbourhood
Birthdays

University City

Art Museum
Northeast Philly
Old City
Warrington
Society Hill
Collegeville
Horsham
Edgemont
Ambler
Conshohocken
Center City
Lumberville
Woodbury
Phoenixville
Avondale
Newtown
South Philly
Newark
Yardley
New Castle