Best Casual Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

115 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7228)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 87 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.

2. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8082)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 64 times today

London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.

3. Little Water

new

4.6

Exceptional(52)

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 Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

4. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(656)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 17 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 &

5. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(494)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 6 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!

6. a.kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(2073)

Price: Expensive

• French / American • Center City

Booked 11 times today

a.kitchen is an all-day French-inspired American restaurant under Executive Chef Eli Collins. His new bistro-style menu allows guests to stop by for a few small plates or enjoy a more traditional dinner or lunch. The restaurant continues to be a top wine destination in the country with its innovative natural and terroir driven list representing regions throughout the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. a.bar, at 1737 Walnut Street, is the sibling to a.kitchen and has a cocktail focus. It also serves snacks, burgers, salads and other seasonal selections.

7. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(426)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 8 times today

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

A photo of Porcini - Philadelphia restaurant

8. Porcini - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2022)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 1 time today

Established in 1996, Porcini restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for neighborhood and locals alike.Leading the "BYOB Renaissance" in Philadelphia, Owners Maîtred David, and Exec. Chef Steven Sansone combine their knowledge in fine dining, and Trattoria style to create a unique, memorable upscale casual dining experience.Fresh house made pastas and focus on authentic product's imported from Sicily, Italy and neighboring Mediterranean countries. Theses items are paramount to Chef Sansone's family and regional recipes. The warm welcome from David as if your a long time friend and a knowledgeable service staff completes your visit.

9. L'Anima

4.8

Exceptional(782)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Philly

Booked 3 times today

L'anima is a place to meet with friends and family, where you can enjoy authentic Roman food in a contemporary atmosphere. Our experienced team will treat you like family, at the same time serve you beautifully executed dishes. On warm evenings dine in our large courtyard and on chilly nights join us in our warm dining room. We are a BYOB so bring your favorite spirits and enjoy a memorable meal.

10. La Viola Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(435)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 5 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

S
Sefali
Philadelphia County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely fantastic food & service! We loved the margaritas, gin & fig cocktails! Absolutely loved fried chicken, hush puppies, mushroom & leeks soup outstanding!
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
P
Paigevip
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The best food and best staff. I will be coming here time and time again ❤️
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
D
Diana
Philadelphia County •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great place with fabulous food. A little pricey, but that’s center city. Would definitely go back! Crab cakes and the swordfish were both delicious!!
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Loch Bar - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.5
T
Tim
Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
Charming re-creation of an English Pub. English Pub food has gotten much better than it once was, and The Dandelion's food was excellent. From the Dandelion salad to the Root vegetable soup to the Rabbit Pie, all excellent. Our server (I regret I've forgotten her name) was perfect - friendly, efficient, professional. Only negative (for us) was the noise level - we ate upstairs during the lunch rush, and it was busy and noisy with energetic conversations with several tables of 6 or so surrounding us, which of course has pros and cons. But still highly recommended. We did not inquire if a quieter table was available - I think it may have been.
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The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
•
4.7
W
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.
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Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
•
4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

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115 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

2. The Dandelion

3. Little Water

4. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

5. Aleksandar

6. a.kitchen

7. Tria Rittenhouse

8. Porcini - Philadelphia

9. L'Anima

10. La Viola Bistro

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