Best Romantic Restaurants in University City

51 restaurants available nearby

1. Moshulu

4.7

Exceptional(8711)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Penn's Landing

Booked 58 times today

Moshulu is one of the most unique dining experiences in Philadelphia aboard a ship. Dine indoors in our newly remodeled dining rooms or outdoors in the open-air or covered decks. Our menu features modern American fare including the freshest seafood, steaks, and sushi. Paired with seasonal craft cocktails, canned beer, and an extensive wine list. Reservations are recommended and available for indoor tables and outdoor dining under the covered tent. We look forward to seeing you!

2. La Viola - West

4.6

Exceptional(821)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 16 times today

Warm Weather, Cool Cuisine: Join Us for Outdoor Dining!La Viola West is now OPEN and operating at normal business hours. To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8631. Walk-ins are welcome!La Viola - West offers an authentic Italian dining experience. An excellent place for date night, it has decor that includes wood furnishings, crisp linens, and soft, romantic lighting. The menu at La Viola - West includes a variety of pasta along with grilled and roasted meats such as veal, chicken, and fresh fish.An array of desserts, hot coffees, and sodas are available to order with your meal at La Viola - West. However, no alcohol is served, although you are welcome to bring your own bottle with you. Offering catering services and designated event space, the restaurant hosts special parties and celebrations upon request.

3. Bistro Romano

4.8

Exceptional(4977)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Society Hill

Booked 36 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 Continental Midtown restaurant

4. Continental Midtown

4.7

Exceptional(2650)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 153 times today

Three full stories of fun await you at the Continental Mid-town. Whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, swinging in a basket chair on the jet-set mezzanine or taking in the night along the airy rooftop patio, it’s a total reprieve from the expected. The mouth-watering menu features bold and eclectic flavors, from signature jumbo lump crab pad thai and Szechuan shoestring fries to playful spins like cheesesteak eggrolls and French onion soup dumplings. Expertly mixed pop and retro cocktails ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on, no matter the occasion.

5. Amada PHL

4.7

Exceptional(8723)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Old City

Booked 68 times today

Amada is an Andalusian tapas bar & restaurant where Chef Jose Garces embraces the rich traditions of Spanish gastronomy while incorporating avant-garde cooking techniques in a gorgeous rustic-chic settingSpecialties of the HouseSpanish Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Tortilla Española, Paella Valenciana, Whole Roasted Suckling Pig (Call to order 72 hours in advance, excluding Sundays), Seasonal Sangrías, Cocktails, and Wine.Private Parties: Amada welcomes groups of all sizes. Festive settings, service and menus are perfect for intimate dinners with friends, special occasions and holidays, corporate meetings and staff parties. Events can be booked throughout the restaurant and in our private dining rooms seven days a week. For parties of 10 or more, please call our private events team at 267-284-7979 or email events@garcesgroup.com

A photo of Jean-Georges Philadelphia restaurant

6. Jean-Georges Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Center City

Booked 25 times today

Jean-Georges Philadelphia Tasting Menu is widely lauded as a perfect spot for romantic dining. With its incredible views, sophisticated decor, and exceptional service, it offers an immersive experience. As one reviewer put it, it's the 'most beautiful restaurant in Philadelphia' with a 'magical ambience' and 'gorgeous views'. Another couple chose it for their 21st Wedding Anniversary, calling it 'the perfect restaurant for those incredibly special occasions'. So, if you're planning a romantic evening, this is definitely a place to consider.

7. Talula’s Garden

4.9

Exceptional(13240)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Washington Square

Booked 143 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.

8. Rittenhouse Grill

4.8

Exceptional(4444)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Center City

Booked 23 times today

Rittenhouse Grill is a romantic restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere, reminiscent of a New York City supper club from the 40s. With its gorgeous flower arrangements, live piano music, and beautifully presented dinners, it sets the tone for a perfect evening. Many reviews highlight the 'romantic environment', 'live piano music' and 'lovely' ambiance. It's the perfect place to celebrate special occasions.

9. La Sera Italiana

4.8

Exceptional(93)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Center City

Booked 9 times today

BISTRO BYOB In the bustling heart of South Street, Philadelphia, our Italian restaurant offers a dining experience steeped in tradition and passion.Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Albert, every dish on our menu celebrates the authentic flavors of Italy, starting with our signature homemade spaghetti carbonara—a creamy, decadent favorite crafted with the finest ingredients. Pair your meal with one of our irresistible, freshly made desserts, from velvety tiramisu to other sweet delights, each prepared with care and precision.As a BYOB establishment, we invite you to bring your favorite bottle of wine to elevate your meal, creating a personalized and memorable dining experience. Whether you're joining us for a romantic dinner, a gathering with friends, or a celebration, you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Step into our little corner of Italy, where every bite tells a story, every meal is made with love, and every visit is unforgettable

10. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2094)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 28 times today

a.kitchen, situated in Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square, is a French-inspired American restaurant led by Executive Chef Eli Collins. The bistro-style menu offers everything from small plates to more traditional lunch and dinner options. Known for its innovative wine list, a.kitchen is a top destination for natural and terroir-driven wines from regions around the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.Adjacent to a.kitchen, a.bar offers a cocktail-focused experience along with a menu of snacks, burgers, salads, and seasonal dishes. Guests of Hotel AKA Rittenhouse Square can also enjoy in-suite dining for a more private experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JuliaVIP
Philadelphia County •1 review
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
7 fishes Christmas dinner was awesome. Everything tasted amazing, and service was great. Looking forward to coming back. Thank you!
More info
Amada PHLPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Old City
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4.7
L
Ladydiane730
Philadelphia County •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
La Viola just hits the spot and the BYOB is a bonus. This is our 2nd year going for Christmas Eve. Reservations recommended- there are only about 10 tables. Bread and dipping oil immediately graces the table. Two of us ordered one of the nights specials. Never felt rushed. Comfortable go to spot that really is just a perfect dinner out.
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La Viola - WestPrice: Moderate• Italian• Rittenhouse Square
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4.6
L
LaurenVIP
Philadelphia County •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We went on Christmas Eve for drinks at the bar with friends and then a 5 course prix fixe dinner for 2. Both experiences were fabulous. Quality bartender and the table service team was top notch: professionally urgent, menu advice, flexible to small adjustments, on top of clearing and packaging to go, no time holes in waiting for food or drinks, EXCELLENT FOOD. I am embarrassed I lived in Philly for 21 years before coming here. I have been missing out. Will definitely be back.
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Bistro RomanoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Society Hill
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4.8
J
Jonathan
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I have been here a few times for lunch. Once again, it was great. My party was 2 people and we sat in a booth with a window on Market Street. The service was great.!! We ordered 4 apps and three entrees. The apps delivered first and the main meals about 30 min later which was perfect time to eat and catch up with my friend. The food was all served hot and tasted great. Overall, a great visit. Thank you, Continental Midtown!!!!
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Continental MidtownPrice: Moderate• American• Center City
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4.7
P
PierreVIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Went for brunch with small kids m. Again Chris was our server, amazing experience, very attentive and fun . Will go back
More info
MoshuluPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Penn's Landing
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4.7

Best Romantic Restaurants in University City

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

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Award-winning

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51 restaurants available nearby

1. Moshulu

2. La Viola - West

3. Bistro Romano

4. Continental Midtown

5. Amada PHL

6. Jean-Georges Philadelphia

7. Talula’s Garden

8. Rittenhouse Grill

9. La Sera Italiana

10. a.kitchen

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