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Little Water, Philadelphia, PA

Little Water

4.7
4.7
160 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 37 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Lively
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
    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • 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
  • Area
    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

What 160 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

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Little Water in Philadelphia shines with its "delicious food" and "attentive, friendly staff." Diners rave about the "unique and inventive menu," especially the seafood-focused dishes like the swordfish Milanese and lobster toast. The restaurant offers an inviting ambiance, perfect for celebrations and everyday dining. Expect a "gorgeous" setting and "exceptional service."

160 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    food was delicious. service was outstanding, the staff was incredibly nice and accommodating :)

    Is this helpful?

  2. David

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing first time here after having been to their other location. Every dish was delicious and we can’t wait to return!

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  3. Maree

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My third time at Little Water although this time for brunch. The menu isn’t your typical brunch menu—it’s beyond eggs and bagels, thankfully. We had the mackerel and tuna dishes, both delicious. The bitter green salad and sour dough bread were perfect sides and the funky Italian Rose didn’t disappoint. The service thanks to our waiter Jackson was personable, warm and professional. Only downer was the dessert choices—very limited and not exactly of interest for our birthday girl but the signed card was. Many thanks to the team here…you’re doing great…and I’ll be back!

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  4. Tracy

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Got the bass amazing food and taste. Worth every penny.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kristina

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfection! Was so enjoyed . Flawless and delicious artful and fun! Great service thanks to Melanie ❣️

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  6. Gail

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The greeting we got at the door was warm and personal, the waiter was informative in a way where he seemed interested (not bored) the food was excellent but on the smaller portion side. Do not go super hungry, but you can look forward to a fresh, imaginative and tasty meal.

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  7. Maddie

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely recommend this restaurant. The food was excellent, the staff was attentive, and the ambience was perfect. All of the food was exceptional, did not have one sub par dish. Worth the money!

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  8. Sonia

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the place, we had to wait a little for our table and our drinks when we were sat at the bar counter to wait but overall a good experience and vibe.

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  9. Chelsea Anne

    VIP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The team is incredible and the dishes even more so - well done LW team! xx

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  10. Kelsey

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wow, I’ve never had a dining experience quite like it!!! Staff and service went above and beyond. It was Valentine’s Day, and the staff signed a card for us! The food was so fresh and flavorful. The flavor of that Caesar salad… I’ll be raving about it forever.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.7 stars by 160 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 37 times today
Google Map for Little Water

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Area
    Center City
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00
  • 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
  • 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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