Little Water

4.7

190 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 18, 2025

11:00 p.m.

Booked 41 times today

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Hot spot

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.

Additional information

Location
261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone number
(215) 337-3343
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Seafood
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Chef Randy Rucker

What 190 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Little Water in Philadelphia shines with "fantastic food and service." Known for its "incredible vibe," the seafood offerings like swordfish Milanese and lobster toast are "amazing." The restaurant's atmosphere is lively yet cozy, with attentive staff. While some find it pricey, the "unique and delicious" dishes make it a must-visit.

190 Reviews

C
Christina
Philadelphia10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is delicious!! Didn’t have a single bad bite all night
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d
david
Atlantic City210 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our third experience at the restaurant and we’ll be back again & again. The chef’s creative take on both seafood & non-seafood dishes is impressive! We had the shrimp, raw tuna and the gumbo. They were all dream about. The service was also professional. The last time we were here I had the fried oyster blt. It was amazing!
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K
Kelly VIP
Philadelphia5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had an amazing experience at Little Water! We were celebrating my husband and friend’s birthday and the each got a signed card from the restaurant as well as a candle in their dessert. All of our dishes were delicious. We will be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Colin M was great! Very attentive and friendly. Entire experience was phenomenal.
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D
David
Unspecified2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Little Water is Largely Special! Great experience. Our server, Dan, is the ultimate professional. Cocktails were awesome. Wine list surprisingly moderately priced. Deserts are over the moon.
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D
Devin VIP
Philadelphia6 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Seafood platter a must! Milanese was good but a glorified fish stick. Salad and bread was good, tuna portion was large but somewhat bland.
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V
Vincent VIP
Philadelphia14 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 11, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was very good. Interesting preparations. Just way too loud.
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G
Gerald VIP
Philadelphia401 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A nice lunch at Little Water - the gumbo and the Maple Cremeux were amazing.
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F
Frankie VIP
Philadelphia16 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
From the moment we walked in the experience was sensational. Host was welcoming and lovely, the server (Rodney) was friendly, smart, knowledgeable about the menu and the cocktail list! The shrimp cocktail was a revelation!
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SD
SteveD VIP
New York City23 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely unbelievable meal and service Cannot wait to return
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FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.7 stars by 190 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 18, 2025

11:00 p.m.

Booked 41 times today

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

Phone number
(215) 337-3343
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Seafood
Hours of Operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Chef Randy Rucker

Little Water

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 190 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Little Water restaurant rated?

Is Little Water currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information