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Best Casual Restaurants in University City

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120 restaurants available nearby

A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
4.4
Awesome(174)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • University City
Booked 5 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
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2538)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 66 times today
Entering the Saloon, a family owned restaurant since it opened in 1967 is a bit like stepping into Philadelphia's past. Dark oak paneling, shiny brass and authentic local antiques create a warm congenial and casual atmosphere. The choice of two comfortable dining rooms each with its own vintage bars make dining and conversation a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Both bars feature a delicious and moderately priced food menu. The menu is Italian with seafood specials such as grilled octopus and dover sole. Saloon steaks and veal chops are legendary. Many prefer a plate of fried long hot peppers to compliment the steaks. All desserts and gelatos are made on the premises daily. The Saloon is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar and restaurant with a national reputation. And the parking is FREE!
A photo of Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1075)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 90 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 The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7225)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 129 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.
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8082)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
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.
A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2345)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 14 times today
Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is a unique space that invites guests to become part of our family. The intimate dining rooms evoke the charms of Italy with custom crafted features including hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, Richard Ginori porcelain and Venetian glassware.Showcasing the constantly evolving, dynamic creativity of Chef Vetri and his team, Vetri Cucina serves a classic tasting menu at $165pp using the highest quality local and specialty ingredients. The menu is inspired by both classic Italian recipes and our extensive culinary research across the globe. Vetri Cucina also offers a seasonal Forchetta menu which is a premium tasting menu experience at $215pp. These are the restaurant’s sole dining options, designed to provide each guest with a memorable, unparalleled experience. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month: ie. On October 1st, reservations are released for the month of November.
A photo of Little Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(47)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 36 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 Vernick Fish restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2173)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 69 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 Bistro Romano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4948)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Society Hill
Booked 4 times today
This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.
A photo of Fogo de Chao - Philadelphia restaurant
4.4
Awesome(5214)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Center City
Booked 111 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tannis
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We enjoyed our time here. It definitely the time to make a reservation!! We each had 2 of the specialty cocktails & they were delicious! Got the nutcracker old fashioned, fireside chat, snowglobe spritz and an Ornament globe. We got the fried pickles as an appetizer to share which were good. lightly coated to go with the spicy aioli! for our entrees, we got the lasagna burger (which sounds crazy but definitely taste like it) and the parisian sandwich which was fried chicken with a brie&cranberry aioli, gruyere cheese, apples on a croissant bun! their menu states that 20% gratuity is automatically added and then they charge a credit card processing fee as well.
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.6
  • Wendyvip
    Philadelphia County •29 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    La Scala is a pizza place with lots of other choices on the menu. Our table took a non-pizza route and had a really nice meal. The fish dishes (salmon and tuna) were both lovely; the gnocchi were super, and the one person who ordered a noodle dish reported that it was very good. However, I don't think we were playing to the restaurant's strong suit, which is pizza, as evidenced by the large pizza oven visible from our table and what was ordered at the tables near us. I would have preferred not to have the large TV screens visible throughout the place, but that's a me thing. Our server was very attentive. We were very pleased with our meal, happy that we would sit at the table long after having finished eating, to continue our conversation.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
    4.4
  • Jonathonvip
    Philadelphia County •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Consistently EXCELLENT for 35 years. Never had a bad experience. Parking is easy, service is always great and the food is as good as anywhere in the world. Never disappointing...except when we can't get in!
    More info
    Saloon RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• South Philly
    4.9
  • Tim
    Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    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.
    More info
    The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
    4.7
  • Wendi
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 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.
    More info
    Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
    4.4
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