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Little Water, Philadelphia, PA

Little Water

4.6
4.6
122 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

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2 people
19:30
Booked 59 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Neighbourhood gem
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
  • Website
    https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
  • 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
  • Location
    261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
  • 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 122 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Little Water offers a delightful dining experience with "phenomenal food" and "wonderful service." Known for its "fresh and delicious seafood," the restaurant features standout dishes like the swordfish Milanese and crab and uni hash browns. Guests appreciate the "friendly and inviting staff" and the "beautiful ambiance," making it a must-visit spot.

122 Reviews

  1. Daniel

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Might be early in 2025 but this could be a top meal of the year. Every dish was perfection. From the tuna (def get the sourdough to eat with it), the lobster (one of the best bites I’ve had in the last year), and the swordfish. Can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu. I’ll be dreaming of the lobster toast for days to come - it was such a creative play on what reminded me of a lobster roll. The flavors and escargot just made it a dish to never forget.

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  2. Jarred

    Philadelphia

    46 reviews

    4.0

    46 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We had reservation, which helps—it’s very busy, for good reason. Food and service are very good! Our table was in a corner near the raw bar—not an ideal location, but I guess those are the breaks. Service was attentive without being intrusive. Food was as good/better than advertised. Key lime tart crust was over baked, but considering how full we were, we probably should have skipped dessert. All in all, we’ll be back, for a window seat, and more hash browns, in the near future!!

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  3. stephanie

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was incredible. Get the swordfish Milanese. You won’t be disappointed. The service was impeccable.

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  4. Dave

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The lobster toast was amazing! Would go back just to have that

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  5. Daniel

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing experience. Phenomenal food with a great fried bass and uni hashbrown. Caviar service with hush puppies was fantastic. And I don't know if I can do caviar again without hush puppies. The cremeux dessert is to die for. Top notch service

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  6. Gerald

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    388 reviews

    5.0

    388 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our first visit for lunch, and it was wonderful - the gumbo and the fried oyster BLT were both delicious

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  7. Ricardo

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, great vibe. Only recommendation is a larger selection of wine the the glass.

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  8. Maria

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 January 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was great as always however when we booked the reservation states parties of 3 will get 2 hours to dine. Upon check in we were told we’d have an hour, we didn’t finish in an hour so then they told us two more times that we’d have 15 more minutes (total still less than 1.5 hours) and had to be out of the restaurant. Made for a very awkward and slightly embarrassing work lunch.

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  9. mike

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 14 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing lunch, ambiance, and staff. Can't wait to come back.

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  10. jose

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    101 reviews

    5.0

    101 reviews

    Dined on 12 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was bustling at 9:30 pm but felt cozy and charming given a fairly substantial space. Service at the bar was excellent..Txakoli rose paired well with all the dishes Oysters were well balanced with the white sauce(usually smothered on chicken -crab claws with chives were well paired - swordfish belly was succulent but could use a little punch ( shaved ginger or horseradish?) - seared mackerel was nice but maybe a little smoke or calamansi? - the crispy hashbrown with uni/crab- PERFECT! - toast with lobster was decadently tasty but the escargot got a little lost..a sprinkle of seasoned salt? Overall a unique and wonderful menu which we cannot wait to eat the rest of the dishes😋

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FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.6 stars by 122 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:30
Booked 59 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
  • Website
    https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
  • 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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