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Best Authentic Restaurants in University City

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79 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Butcher & Singer restaurant
1. Butcher & Singer
4.8
Exceptional(9047)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steak • Center City
Booked 64 times today
Butcher & Singer is a genuine steakhouse in Philadelphia. Reviews rave about its classic ambiance, sophisticated food and drinks, and outstanding service. The place is loved for its timeless appeal, perfect Manhattans, hand-cut steaks, and freshly caught fish. Customers describe the food as delicious and the atmosphere as amazing. With a 5-star rating in ambiance, food, and service, it's clear that Butcher & Singer is a true American chophouse.
A photo of Continental Midtown restaurant
2. Continental Midtown
4.6
Exceptional(2869)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 60 times today
Three full stories of fun await you at the Continental Mid-town. Whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, swinging in a basket chair on the jet-set mezzanine or taking in the night along the airy rooftop patio, it’s a total reprieve from the expected. The mouth-watering menu features bold and eclectic flavors, from signature jumbo lump crab pad thai and Szechuan shoestring fries to playful spins like cheesesteak eggrolls and French onion soup dumplings. Expertly mixed pop and retro cocktails ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on, no matter the occasion.
A photo of Barclay Prime restaurant
3. Barclay Prime
4.8
Exceptional(5591)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 50 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
4. a.kitchen
4.8
Exceptional(2213)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 10 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 Jean-Georges Philadelphia restaurant
5. Jean-Georges Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(1472)
Price: Very Expensive
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Center City
Booked 26 times today
Global flavors and elevated cuisine define the restaurant's tasting menu experience set on the 59th floor of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Visit OpenTable to book your reservation.
A photo of Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia restaurant
6. Vetri Cucina - Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(2514)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 16 times today
Located in a historic townhome in the heart of Philadelphia, Vetri Cucina is a unique space that invites guests to become part of our family. The intimate dining rooms evoke the charms of Italy with custom crafted features including hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers, Richard Ginori porcelain and Venetian glassware.Showcasing the constantly evolving, dynamic creativity of Chef Vetri and his team, Vetri Cucina serves a classic tasting menu at $165pp using the highest quality local and specialty ingredients. The menu is inspired by both classic Italian recipes and our extensive culinary research across the globe. Vetri Cucina also offers a seasonal Forchetta menu which is a premium tasting menu experience at $215pp. These are the restaurant’s sole dining options, designed to provide each guest with a memorable, unparalleled experience. Reservations are released on the first of the month for the following month: ie. On October 1st, reservations are released for the month of November.
A photo of Steak 48 - Philadelphia restaurant
7. Steak 48 - Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(5464)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 52 times today
At Steak 48 in Philadelphia, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. The diverse menu at our Philadelphia steakhouse location will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Our master butchers custom cut 28-day wet-aged steaks by hand for cooking in our 1800-degree broiler. Much of our beef comes from Midwestern farms in Michigan and Wisconsin as well as premium Wagyu beef brought in from the Mishima Reserve. Enhance your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail made from local ingredients. Make your reservation today. We can't wait to see you!
A photo of The Butcher Bar restaurant
8. The Butcher Bar
4.5
Awesome(1621)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 13 times today
BUTCHER BAR—the latest restaurant from the crew that brought you Varga Bar, Mercato and Valanni. We invite you to our restaurant that playfully celebrates “meat lovers and comfort foods” complimented with a bar featuring 16 beers on tap, 6 draft wines, and a whiskey-based cocktail program. Brunch is offered all weekend and Lunch is available Wed-Fri. Book your next business dinner, happy hour or birthday in our year round patio.
A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant
9. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2392)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 35 times today
Gran Caffe L'Aquila is widely appreciated for its authentic Italian cuisine, as per reviews. Customers highlight the restaurant's 'authentic Italian dishes', 'authentic cuisine', and 'authentic Italian trattoria environment'. The weekly specials from different regions of Italy are a hit, paired with region-specific wines. The staff's knowledge and passion for the food and history of the restaurant also add to the authenticity.
A photo of Ocean Prime - Philadelphia restaurant
10. Ocean Prime - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(6259)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 18 times today
Located in Philadelphia's Center City, Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. 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.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in University City

Discover authentic dining experiences in University City, Philadelphia County, where a vibrant culinary scene meets academic vitality. This neighborhood is not only a hub for students but also a destination for food enthusiasts searching for genuine flavors and unique gastronomic delights. Each restaurant in this area prides itself on offering dishes that are both traditional and innovative, ensuring that every palate is catered to. Whether you're craving an intimate dinner spot or a lively gathering place, University City's restaurant scene promises an authentic taste of diverse cultures and cuisines. The commitment to authenticity is apparent in the meticulous preparation of each dish, the sourcing of quality ingredients, and the warm, inviting atmospheres that define these eateries. Dining here is not just about eating; it's an exploration of culinary traditions and contemporary creations that truly reflect the spirit of Philadelphia.

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