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Best Casual Restaurants in University City

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217 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
1. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.6
Exceptional(5568)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City
Booked 146 times today
A varied menu with seasonal & local ingredients served in a stylish room with dog-lover decor.
A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
2. LaScala's Fire-University City
4.5
Awesome(188)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • University City
Booked 7 times today
LaScala's Fire at University City is located at 32nd & Chestnut on the Drexel University Campus. (This is not our Old City location.)* NOW WITH A FULL BAROpen Table's Diner's Choice 2022, 2023
A photo of The Board and Brew Philadelphia restaurant
3. The Board and Brew Philadelphia
4.4
Awesome(10)
Price: Moderate
• American • University City
Booked 9 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of The Love restaurant
4. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(7720)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 190 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.
A photo of Continental Midtown restaurant
5. Continental Midtown
4.6
Exceptional(2813)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 170 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 Little Water restaurant
6. Little Water
4.7
Exceptional(245)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 35 times today
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.
A photo of AVANA restaurant
7. AVANA
4.3
Awesome(196)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 47 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of Mona restaurant
8. Mona
4.3
Awesome(148)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Center City
Booked 46 times today
A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant with a Greek-forward menu, set in a lively and upbeat atmosphere. The space flows seamlessly with an open layout, blending communal dining areas and intimate corners. The design features modern touches alongside traditional Greek elements like whitewashed walls, floral accents, and olive trees, evoking the charm of the Mediterranean.Please be advised of the following dress code:No hatsNo hoodiesNo steel toe boots
A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
9. Aleksandar
4.3
Awesome(584)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 17 times today
Aleksandar is the newest addition to the acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurant scene. We are inspired by seasonal ingredients, chef-driven techniques, and the traditions and flavors of ancestral and modern Europe. With floor-to-ceiling windows, large-scale original artwork, and cozy wood finishes, we at Aleksandar strive to marry Old World authenticity and modern culinary flare. Aleksandar is an approachable introduction to different corners of Europe, a place to discover new flavors and old traditions. Reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins are accommodated whenever possible. We look forward to your visit!
A photo of El Vez restaurant
10. El Vez
4.8
Exceptional(7151)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 70 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.

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