Best Contemporary American Restaurants in University City

Price: Moderate (203)Price: Expensive (72)Price: Very Expensive (30)

40 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

1. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.5

Awesome(5060)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • University City

Booked 116 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.

2. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(6084)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 228 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(12095)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Washington Square

Booked 133 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

4.7

Exceptional(2068)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 62 times today

JG SkyHigh offers breakfast and all day dining options on the 60th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. 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 the city's twinkling lights 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. Helmed by Chef Patrick Rolgala in partnership with Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, JG SkyHigh serves signature and seasonal dishes utilizing only the freshest and finest ingredients.

5. Vernick Fish

4.8

Exceptional(1715)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 54 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.

A photo of Fork - Philadelphia restaurant

6. Fork - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(4715)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Old City

Booked 43 times today

Fork has been part of Philadelphia's exciting dining scene for over 25 years. Always evolving , Fork has stayed true to its mission, with a commitment to seasonality, carefully sourced local ingredients grown and produced by local farmers, producers and fishermen. Located in Old City, a neighborhood of art galleries, shops and independent small businesses, Fork is completely consistent with that spirit. The dining room includes gorgeous contemporary murals and a central concrete bar where you can watch the action in our open kitchen. Our spacious dining room and outdoor streetery allow for plenty of social distancing so you can relax and enjoy the warm hospitality offered by our team whether you are stopping by for one of our delicious cocktails or celebrating a birthday or anniversary.Esquire - "100 Restaurants We Can't Afford to Lose" January 2021James Beard Foundation Finalist - Outstanding Restaurateur, Ellen Yin, 2018, 2019, 2021; Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, Eli Kulp 2016

A photo of Ocean Prime - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Ocean Prime - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(5522)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 86 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.

8. Moshulu

4.5

Awesome(8157)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Penn's Landing

Booked 64 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.The Deck is closed for the winter due to unsafe condtions. It will reoepn in Spring of 2023. We look forward to seeing you!

9. Pub & Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(630)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 28 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.

10. Pumpkin BYOB

4.8

Exceptional(2394)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 13 times today

Welcome to Pumpkin BYOB! We look forward to serving you local and sustainable food in our intimate inside dining room or our outdoor covered & heated parklet. For over 18 years we have brought honest new-American food to the table with our daily-changing 3 course $55 menu that showcases the best from our regions farmers and fisherman.Pickup orders are available Sunday-Thursday We look forward to your visit!Ian & Hillary

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