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Little Water, Philadelphia, PA

Little Water

4.7
4.7
75 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
A photo of Little Water restaurant

Little Water

4.7
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Center City

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 47 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighbourhood gem
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.
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • Website
    https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Randy Rucker
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.
  • Private party contact
    Maggie Cook: (215) 337-3343
  • Location
    261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
  • Neighbourhood
    Center City
  • Cross Street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 75 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Little Water, nestled in Rittenhouse Square, offers a chic and charming dining experience with an inventive seafood-forward menu. Patrons rave about the "absolutely excellent" swordfish Milanese and "delicious and inventive food." The service is consistently "attentive," creating a warm ambiance. However, be prepared for a lively and bustling atmosphere.

75 Reviews

  1. Claire

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was fantastic and we really liked our server - he was very attentive, knew the menu well, and was able to suggest several dishes to try. Overall, we had a very good experience and will be back! Parking was pretty difficult but perhaps worse than normal because it is close to Christmas.

    Is this helpful?

  2. stacey

    VIP

    New York City

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    This restaurant had amazing service, everyone worked efficiently . Food was good.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Eric

    VIP

    Houston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food and service is amazing. This restaurant is a neighborhood gem. I am certain it will quickly become a hard reservation to get. The wait staff is attentive without being smothering. They are there when you need them, and they give you space when you don’t. The fried sea bass was great and their shrimp cocktail is to die for. Ask for their hot sauce.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. Brienne

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dinner at @littlewaterphl last night was excellent. Not only was the food great, but the staff is top notch! They learned we were there to celebrate a birthday and shortly after a birthday card appeared, signed by the whole brigade.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Corey

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Great food and service but the space is super packed and was actually the loudest uncomfortable dining experience I've had in a while. The ceiling, floor, and walls are all hard surfaces so it's basically an echo chamber in there. Bring earplugs if you go.

    1 person found this helpful

  6. Sarah

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible food served by incredible people. Great place to celebrate anything and everything

    Is this helpful?

  7. Alice

    Philadelphia

    46 reviews

    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Little Water was fabulous! Our group of 6 enjoyed everything we had, from the deconstructed salad to the scallops, tuna and my husband’s favorite-the swordfish. Desserts were great too, big enough to share…we’ll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Rachael

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 7, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was perfect and the service was amazing. Everyone who works there is great

    Is this helpful?

  9. Virginia

    VIP

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent menu! Will definitely be going back. I will be dreaming of the swordfish belly tartare.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Winnie

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Phenomenal food! Seafood tower was amazing and everything was so fresh

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.7 stars by 75 OpenTable diners.

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

A photo of Little Water restaurant

Little Water

4.7
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Center City

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 47 times today
Google Map for Little Water

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Neighbourhood
    Center City
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Randy Rucker
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.
  • Private party contact
    Maggie Cook: (215) 337-3343
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