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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in University City

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22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11361)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Old City
Booked 126 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17470)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 232 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7364)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 137 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1194)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 31 times today
Craftsman Row Saloon is a hot spot due to its festive atmosphere and delicious food, as highlighted in the reviews. Customers love the seasonal changes, creative presentations, and the excellent service. The restaurant has also been featured on The Travel Channel's Food Paradise and more, making it a must-visit place. One review said, 'Simple comfort foods done well, with some fun twists. The decorations make it such a fun atmosphere and hot spot it visit.'
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5452)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 77 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2579)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 69 times today
Saloon Restaurant is a hot spot because of its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and welcoming ambiance. Customers rave about the 'outstanding' service, 'amazing' food, and 'beautiful surroundings.' The 'unique and interesting' setting, which includes two dining rooms and a vintage bar, adds to the appeal. The restaurant's consistent quality and excellent value also make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7046)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 96 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Philadelphia restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(9475)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Center City
Booked 89 times today
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood and premium wines from our award-winning wine selection.
A photo of Talula’s Garden restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(13254)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Washington Square
Booked 134 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.
A photo of Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(106)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 32 times today
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Karishma
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Was great way to celebrate the new year. Food is very reasonably priced, and is served family style. Great portions. The cool on the sea bass was amazing, it melted like butter and the veg complimented it well. The plum sake was a favorite of the alcohol, and the sunrise was the favorite of the mock-tails, best served with a splash of sparkling water. Overall was a great experience and will be returning especially to have ray as our server. He was fantastic.
    More info
    Buddakan - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Asian• Old City
    4.7
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    From out greeting at the host stand to the amazing Service from Samantha and the other wait staff, theres a reason we return to Parc. The food remains unmatched and delicious
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • AownVIP
    Baltimore / Maryland •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I cannot recommend The Love enough…the food was excellent! Everything we ordered was superb! The drinks were delicious and unique. The service from everyone start to finish was top notch. I really liked the feel and look of this establishment, it’s inviting and warm. The music selection was complimentary. The crowd is a nice mix of people. Clean, spacious restrooms too! I LOVED everything! Can’t wait to go back
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • Karen
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    One of my favorite center city cafes. Great food, drinks and it's beautiful. We had fried shrimp, Brussel sprouts, french onion soup, chicken ceasar salad. We also had a couple christmassy drinks. Everything fun and fabulous I go at least 4 times a year. I always bring someone because it's great
    More info
    Craftsman Row SaloonPrice: Moderate• American• Old City
    4.4
  • Jasen
    Dallas - Fort Worth •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Barclay Prime Review My wife and I celebrated her birthday at Barclay Prime, and it was a fantastic experience! The ambiance was elegant, with a lively atmosphere that leaned a bit noisy—not the restaurant’s fault, just the energy of the night. The food was absolutely wonderful, and you truly get what you pay for in terms of quality and presentation. I highly recommend dining here for a special occasion or a treat-yourself moment. Using OpenTable to make our reservations added convenience and ensured everything went smoothly. Barclay Prime definitely made the night memorable for us, and we can’t wait to visit again!
    More info
    Barclay PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
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