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Best Lunch Restaurants in University City

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160 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1823)
Price: Moderate
• French American • University City
Booked 51 times today
Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.
A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5511)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 77 times today
An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.
A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
4.5
Awesome(181)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • University City
Booked 7 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 a.kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2129)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 22 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.
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8184)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 133 times today
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 Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17615)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 240 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 SkyHigh restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2887)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Center City
Booked 73 times today
Philadelphia's SkyHigh restaurant presents a chic and comfortable dining experience specializing in approachable Jean-Georges cuisine. Experience panoramic views and world-class service.
A photo of Little Water restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(153)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 44 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 Craftsman Row Saloon restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1215)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old City
Booked 17 times today
We are famously known to provide holiday pop-ups with all the festivities and delights and are currently showcasing our Mardi Gras 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 Big Easy. The drinks and food items will take you on a full sensory experience and you will feel as is you are strolling down the streets of NOLA.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 Good Morning America, The Travel Channel's Food Paradise, Fox29, 6ABC, Opentable’s Holiday lists and more!
A photo of Vernick Fish restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2258)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 51 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SuzanneVIP
    Coastal Georgia •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I haven’t been to a.kitchen in a while and decided to try it with friends and family. I was so pleasantly surprised at how comprehensive the menu was. I had the tuna melt, my sister had the eggs and my friend had the octopus and soup. It was so delicious. The staff was so friendly. The only down side was how loud it was in there. There was a large party there and it was very loud. I’ll be back.
    More info
    a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
    4.7
  • Chrysta
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had dinner here last night and brunch late this morning and both were delicious. I had the duck casoulet for dinner and it was out of this world. Last night we were seated right next to the open kitchen, so I thought it was going to be loud with people rushing past the table constantly, but our server was very attentive and helpful, and it turned out not to be quite as loud as I thought it might be when we first sat. This morning we had a lovely booth for two that was much quieter. We will definitely be back as we enjoyed our experience very much and there were plenty of other dishes I wanted to try on the menu!
    More info
    Louie Louie Bistro BarPrice: Moderate• French American• University City
    4.5
  • GracyVIP
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    What a gem! Loved the decor and ambience. Food was amazing - recommend the ricotta appetizer and the gin and tonics!
    More info
    The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
    4.7
  • David
    Caribbean •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    What an excellent place to eat! It's a charming restaurant with lots of little rooms where the noise level is low. The food quality was excellent and it came out very quickly, despite being a very crowded evening.
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.6
  • Shawn
    Philadelphia County •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 7 Jan 2025
    Quick and polite, seated right away. Server was attentive and not overbearing. Food was good on point for the price. The desserts were very good.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
    4.5
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