Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University City

$$$$ (189)$$$$ (69)$$$$ (26)

45 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6

Exceptional(4644)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • University City

Booked 88 times today

White Dog Cafe, an iconic restaurant in University City for over 30 years, is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, inspiring and award winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones were recently completely renovated offering charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor patio.

2. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(5068)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 199 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.

3. Talula’s Garden

4.8

Exceptional(11122)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Washington Square

Booked 125 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 JG SkyHigh All Day Dining & Lounge restaurant

4. JG SkyHigh All Day Dining & Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(1368)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 77 times today

Jean-Georges Sky High lounge and bar offers breakfast and all day dining options on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel. Directly connected to the lobby of the hotel, Sky High is perfect for hotel and business guests during the day. A comfortable, yet sophisticated food and beverage experience during the daytime transforms into Philadelphia’s social hot spot in the evening featuring enchanting cocktails, small plates, stellar wines, and dramatic views of Philadelphia in the evening. Open year-round, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily for guests looking to enjoy an elevated bite or polished, yet relaxed dinner. Reservations are required. Sky High serves signature and seasonal dishes utilizing only the freshest and finest ingredients.

5. Vernick Fish

4.8

Exceptional(1340)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 1 time 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.

A photo of Ocean Prime - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Ocean Prime - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(5017)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 43 times today

Located in Philadelphia's Center City, Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, modern American restaurant & lounge from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Stunning settings, an impressive menu of seafood & steaks, and genuine hospitality make Ocean Prime the ideal place to socialize, talk business, celebrate & indulge. Reservations are recommended. Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed in the following:Revealing clothing or exposed undergarments Clothing with offensive language, graphics or an excessive marijuana odor We are happy to host larger groups. A 20% gratuity will be applied to parties of six or more. Parties of eight or more will be contractually held to a minimum spend and are required to provide a deposit.

7. Pub & Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(570)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 14 times today

Pub & Kitchen is an authentic neighborhood tavern located on the corner of 20th and Lombard in Philadelphia. For over a decade, we’ve served a menu featuring elevated farm to table offerings, alongside an innovative bar program specializing in wine, local beers, and craft cocktails. Our menu is constantly evolving, fluctuating with the seasons and availability of product. Our lively and comfortable restaurant features a large wood-lined bar, bustling dining room, and charming sidewalk cafe on a tree-lined street. We also have an intimate private dining room upstairs, available for parties of up to 50 guests.

A photo of Morea - Philadelphia restaurant

8. Morea - Philadelphia

4.4

Awesome(424)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 15 times today

American-style cuisine with a spirited atmosphere of sophistication and style. A full bar of infused cocktails & wines on draft. Happy Hour features signature dishes and specialty drinks and Saturday and Sunday brunch. Please note that beginning on October 11th an 18% auto-gratuity will be added to all in-house dining bills.

A photo of SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club restaurant

9. SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club

4.8

Exceptional(1939)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 37 times today

SOUTH is Philadelphia’s premier Jazz club and upscale Southern restaurant serving elevated Southern cuisine with live Jazz on the side. SOUTH is two unique spaces; a Charleston-inspired dining room and the adjacent Jazz Club. The full dinner menu is served in both rooms.SOUTH is open Thursday through Sunday for dinner and live Jazz. IF YOU WISH TO DINE AND SEE THE SHOW, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO PURCHASE TICKETS. Reservations made through Open Table DO NOT INCLUDE LIVE JAZZ.SOUTH's menu marries the ingredients from many traditional Southern dishes with modern preparations along with unique and surprising ingredients. SOUTH has a thoughtfully composed wine list, extensive Bourbon selection and great selection of local craft beer.In this sophisticated environment guests dress the part - please, no caps/hats on gentlemen, tank tops, athletic/gym attire, work boots, clothing with offensive language or images, exposed undergarments or excessively rev

10. Moshulu

4.3

Awesome(7434)

$$$$

• Contemporary american • Penn's Landing

Booked 28 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. Due to the high volume of requests and limited space, outdoor seating is on a strictly first come first serve basis, even for reservations. We look forward to seeing you!

Price

45 restaurants available nearby

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

2. The Love

3. Talula’s Garden

4. JG SkyHigh All Day Dining & Lounge

5. Vernick Fish

6. Ocean Prime - Philadelphia

7. Pub & Kitchen

8. Morea - Philadelphia

9. SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club

10. Moshulu