Little Water

Name: Little Water
Address: 261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19103
Telephone: (215) 337-3343
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

Visa Dining Collection

4.7 (276)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

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.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
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.

Location
261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Neighborhood
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

What 276 people are saying

Little Water reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Little Water offers an exceptional dining experience with "excellent food" and "impeccable service." Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the innovative menu featuring standout dishes like the "halibut" and "lobster toast." The ambiance is "vibrant" and perfect for any occasion. Despite some noise, the overall experience is "amazing" and "highly recommended."

276 Reviews

C
Cathy
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and service. The restaurant offers small plates but ample enough to serve two. The seafood is fresh and each dish was flavorful. We loved the shrimp cocktail with jumbo shrimps and the raw tuna. The ceasar like salad was amazing. We plan on coming back.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane
Philadelphia County1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Get the grand plateau! Inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, excellent seafood!
Is this helpful?
K
Kevin VIP
New York City47 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food is great. Service great too. 3rd visit and they still have the place decorated with dead plants. Hire a plant service or change the decor- and get 5 stars!
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S
Stephen VIP
Philadelphia County14 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had been meaning to go for a while and finally got a chance. Absolutely fantastic making me wish I went earlier. Go!
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole VIP
Philadelphia County9 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food is absolutely fantastic 10 out of 10 probably one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia!!
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N
Nancy VIP
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really amazing oysters, halibut and swordfish, really enjoyed. We shared everything and the service was great.
Is this helpful?
J
Jane VIP
Philadelphia County24 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Such a lovely dinner. Delicious food with terrific service.
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O
Owen VIP
Coastal North Carolina2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot. Loved when it was 20 manning but this doesn’t disappoint. Crab hashbrowns, shrimp, and crab cocktail were all great. Bread is unreal. Halibut was great with the potato foam a welcome surprise. Will go back for sure.
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H
Hailee
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore6 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious, our server (forget his name but he had glasses) was very attentive and provided us with the best recommendations. Definitely will be going back again!
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F
Fernando
Houston7 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The Grand Platter of seafood was great, but Halibut had no flavor and the salad was super salty.
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FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.7 stars by 276 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

Cross street
20th street and Manning street
Neighborhood
Center City
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
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.

Little Water

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 276 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Little Water restaurant rated?

Is Little Water currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information