Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in University City

125 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6

Exceptional(5460)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • University City

Booked 101 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 LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant

2. LaScala's Fire-University City

4.4

Awesome(173)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • University City

Booked 11 times 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

3. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(17313)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 298 times today

Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."

4. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13159)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 155 times today

Behind the wrought iron gate, past the herbaceous patio and through the atrium is Talula's Garden, the warm and elegant Washington Square eatery from Aimee Olexy and Starr Restaurants. The modern menu, prepared with carefully-sourced ingredients and a light European touch, changes with the seasons. The artful cuisine, hospitable staff, sustainable spirits, and a focus on cheese make the dining experience here incredibly memorable.

5. Mercato

4.6

Exceptional(1929)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Center City

Booked 23 times today

Mercato BYOB is a festive and modern Italian eatery that lets you bring your own drinks. A simple and to the point menu focuses on quality over quantity and features items like ricotta raviolo and a spicy crab bucatini with squid ink pasta.The artisan cheeses and house-cured meats at Mercato BYOB are perfect for sharing and are paired with sauces and condiments like agrodolce and pickled white grapes. A whole grilled artichoke appetizer will undoubtedly turn you into the vegetable's biggest fan. Heavier dishes, like the Grilled Hanger Steak with yukon gold potato wedge, are equally impressive. Mercato BYOB opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant has a four course tasting menu that is ideal for groups. Conveniently located to all the theatres, shopping and convention center. Outdoor seating available when weather permits.

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Buddakan - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(11293)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Old City

Booked 96 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.

A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant

7. Craftsman Row Saloon

4.5

Awesome(1067)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old City

Booked 114 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 Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

8. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(652)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 49 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 &

A photo of Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti restaurant

9. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

4.6

Exceptional(3955)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old City

Booked 41 times today

Enjoy the beauty of the Amalfi Coast in Italy right in Old City while dining at Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti. Whether stopping in for brunch, lunch, dinner or happy hour, you'll love the seeing Philadelphia from our 2nd story view point. Known primarily for our fresh fish and seafood, we welcome our guests to savor a menu full of delicious selections, including some favorite dishes such as our spicy fried calamari, zucchini crabcake, tagliatelle bolognese and our pork chop milanese.Weekend Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30pm. Enjoy our belgian waffles, avocado toast or brunch burger and pair them with our mimosa & sangria specials! Join us for happy hour Tuesday-Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.Outdoor Dining is available on both of our patios, and during warmer weather on our sidewalk cafe!

10. Spice Finch

4.6

Exceptional(1252)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Center City

Booked 13 times today

Named after the bird that populates nearly every port along the ancient maritime spice routes, Spice Finch pays homage to a passerine that does not sing, yet is known to vocalize or chirp in recognition of good eats. We are inspired by the distinctive flavors of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and heavily influenced by the cultures and culinary traditions of Morocco and Greece. Our menu is a bold, seasonally accurate menu featuring an array of small plates, vegetables, grilled meats and fish. Follow us on Instagram @SpiceFinchPhilly

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erin
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Incredible flavors, outstanding food. Our waiter, Alex, was super knowledgeable and helpful.
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Spice FinchPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Center City
•
4.6
M
Marge
New Jersey •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were celebrating our daughter's 50th birthday and couldn't have selected a better place to celebrate. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a very friendly hostess who escorted us to our table for ten. Immediately we were greeted by our waiter Elvis who was the best. He was always on top of everything. We brought a cake in from the outside and had candles "50th" to be placed on the cake, but before that could be done Elvis informed me that one of the candles had been broken at which time he went across the street to try and replace it with no luck. Not a big deal but it was to us because of his tenacity. Would highly recommend a night of pour delectable food and atmosphere and the bar was on spot! We will go again often!
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DiPaolo's Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Penns Grove
•
4.7
MO
MaggieOvip
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Food was delicious and flavorful. Drinks were very tasty as well
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La Llorona Cantina MexicanaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• South Philly
•
4.7
J
Jobina
Philadelphia County •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
Second time here in the last few months and tonight confirmed we need to come more. We tried all different things on the menu. Just yummy variety. The service is attentive and accurate.
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Toska Restaurant & BreweryPrice: Moderate• American• Chestnut Hill
•
4.8
S
Shadria
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 5, 2024
AMAZINGGGGGG I LOVED IT!!!! I made a RSVP and was running behind schedule (typical me) they were so accommodating, especially since it was Game 1 of the playoffs. Amazing service! Food! First time visiting and I most certainly will be visiting again!!!! Shadria!
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Off the Rail - MediaPrice: Moderate• Grill• Media
•
4.7

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University City

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in University City

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125 restaurants available nearby

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

2. LaScala's Fire-University City

3. Parc

4. Talula’s Garden

5. Mercato

6. Buddakan - Philadelphia

7. Craftsman Row Saloon

8. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

9. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

10. Spice Finch

See what locals rave about

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