Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Northwest Philly

51 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(97)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Center City

Booked 26 times today

Little Water in Center City, Philadelphia, offers an exceptional American dining experience that truly stands out. This restaurant seamlessly melds the rich, diverse flavors inspired by America's coastal regions, delivering a “phenomenal dinner” that consistently delights patrons. Known for its inventive, fresh, and delicious seafood dishes, Little Water is the perfect spot for seafood enthusiasts. Guests rave about the “incredibly fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented” dishes like the swordfish belly tartare and fried whole bass. The vibrant ambiance and “exceptional service” add to the inviting atmosphere, making Little Water a must-visit destination for a taste of authentic American coastal cuisine.

2. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7369)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 177 times today

The Love, nestled in the vibrant Rittenhouse Square of Philadelphia, is a delightful haven for fans of Contemporary American cuisine. With a menu that emphasizes truly seasonal and local ingredients, this spirited café delivers "off the charts" delicious dishes with a creative twist on classic flavors. Diners rave about the "exceptional meal" experiences, often highlighting the attentive and "homey hospitality" offered by the passionate staff. The ambiance is cozy yet lively, making it a perfect spot for celebrations or intimate gatherings. Whether indulging in brunch or dinner, The Love consistently offers "consistently delicious food and drinks" that keep patrons coming back for more.

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

3. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.6

Exceptional(5488)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • University City

Booked 72 times today

White Dog Cafe in University City, Philadelphia, is a true gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine. Since 1983, it has set the standard for quality by using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local ingredients sourced from farms within a 50-mile radius. This dedication to freshness and sustainability ensures that every dish is bursting with flavor. Diners praise the "excellent service and food," noting the restaurant's ability to accommodate various dietary needs. The whimsical dog-themed decor adds a charming touch, creating a unique dining atmosphere. It's no surprise that White Dog Cafe is celebrated as a "UC favorite," consistently delivering outstanding food and service.

A photo of White Dog Cafe-Haverford restaurant

4. White Dog Cafe-Haverford

4.6

Exceptional(3894)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Havertown

Booked 83 times today

White Dog Cafe-Haverford exemplifies the pinnacle of Farm-to-table dining, offering an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience. With its dedication to using "the highest quality farm-fresh ingredients," this charming restaurant captures the essence of each season with menus that change weekly. Diners rave about the "exceptional and delicious" food, which consistently exceeds expectations. The restaurant’s warm and cozy ambiance, complete with dog-themed décor, adds to the inviting atmosphere. A visit here is like enjoying a "terrific home-cooked meal at your very classiest friend’s home." Whether you’re indulging in brunch or dinner, White Dog Cafe promises a delightful meal with outstanding service.

A photo of Not Your Average Joe's Ardmore restaurant

5. Not Your Average Joe's Ardmore

4.3

Awesome(2118)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Ardmore

Booked 32 times today

Not Your Average Joe's Ardmore is a delightful spot to savor authentic American cuisine with a modern twist. Located in the bustling Suburban Square, this restaurant offers a vibrant menu featuring everything from fresh oysters and gourmet pizzas to hearty burgers and rice bowls. With glowing reviews such as "delicious food and lots of variety," it's clear that Not Your Average Joe's excels in providing quality American dishes. The casual, pub-like ambiance, complete with an open kitchen and a lively bar area, enhances the dining experience. Whether you're here for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this is American dining at its finest!

6. Winnie’s Manayunk

4.2

Awesome(185)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Manayunk

Booked 17 times today

Winnie's Manayunk is a true gem in the heart of Philadelphia's Manayunk, offering an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience. Revered for its "crave-inducing brunch" and made-from-scratch menu, Winnie's stands out by using the freshest locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each dish is both authentic and satisfying. Guests rave about its "beautiful food presentation," "amazing" flavors, and "attentive service," making it a destination for both family gatherings and friendly meet-ups. The charming atmosphere, coupled with top-notch service, has earned it a reputation as the "best in Manayunk," making Winnie's a must-visit for those seeking genuine Contemporary American cuisine.

A photo of Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar restaurant

7. Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(1150)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Manayunk

Booked 8 times today

Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar in Manayunk, Philadelphia, is a true gem for Dining Bar cuisine enthusiasts. Celebrating over 35 years of culinary excellence, this restaurant is renowned for its "terrific wine selection" and expertly curated wine flights, making it a haven for wine lovers. Chef Bruce Cooper's New American cuisine is consistently "amazing," with standout dishes like the "Hanger Steak" and "Spinach Ravioli" receiving rave reviews. The atmosphere is both "comfortable" and "inviting," complemented by a team of "wonderful" and attentive staff who make every dining experience memorable. With such glowing feedback and a commitment to quality, Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar is a must-visit destination.

A photo of Streetlight Kitchen & Bar restaurant

8. Streetlight Kitchen & Bar

4.2

Awesome(44)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Drexel Hill

Booked 1 time today

A contemporary casual restaurant tucked away in the heart of Drexel Hill. Serving American Contemporary cuisine to locals and travelers alike, guests can take in the decor which is filled with historical photos of the surrounding area. The centerpiece of Streetlight, our bar, serves up craft cocktails made with local spirits and a tap list filled with a rotating roster of local breweries.

9. Akwaaba Tea Salon

5.0

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • West Philadelphia

Booked 2 times today

Akwaaba Tea Salon in West Philadelphia offers a remarkable take on Contemporary American cuisine, blending Southern flavors with the elegance of traditional High Tea. Guests rave about the "absolutely delicious" food, which features standout items like the hot honey fried chicken deviled egg and homemade peach cobbler. The tea salon's ambiance is described as "a sophisticated elegance," further enriched by live jazz music during Sunday afternoon tea. Patrons appreciate the "warm and cozy" atmosphere and "exceptional service" that feels like "visiting your favorite well-to-do auntie." With its unique culinary spin and inviting environment, Akwaaba Tea Salon is a true gem for tea and food enthusiasts alike.

10. The Brass Tap

5.0

Exceptional(2)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Manayunk

Craft beer bar now open in Manayunk with delicious menu! Try our famous boom boom shrimp or hot honey pizza.Serving brunch every weekend from 10am-2pm. We have 30 beers on tap, 75+ bottles and delicious hand crafted cocktails served by our amazing bar staff. Enjoy happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm with discounted drinks and food! We have Trivia Tuesdays, music bingo Wednesdays and live music events! We have something for everyone!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
George
Greater Boston •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
I unfortunately think this place suffered from being overhyped. The ambience and service were fantastic. However the food did not blow us away. While there were some highlights including the raw bay scallops, the hash brown, and the “Caesar like salad”, most was forgettable. For the price tag and portion sizes, we left a bit disappointed. Overall, good little spot. Not rushing back though.
More info
Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
C
CherylVIP
Philadelphia County •69 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Salads were delicious and plentiful. The waiter was definitely superb. Service was efficient as it was a lunchtime meeting.
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White Dog Cafe-HaverfordPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Havertown
•
4.6
J
Jaheim
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely recommend. The food and drinks were great and well presented. Jim is also awesome
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Not Your Average Joe's ArdmorePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Ardmore
•
4.3
A
AownVIP
Baltimore / Maryland •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I cannot recommend The Love enough…the food was excellent! Everything we ordered was superb! The drinks were delicious and unique. The service from everyone start to finish was top notch. I really liked the feel and look of this establishment, it’s inviting and warm. The music selection was complimentary. The crowd is a nice mix of people. Clean, spacious restrooms too! I LOVED everything! Can’t wait to go back
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
A
Ada
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Everything was great. Absolutely delicious! Great service. Great staff. I recommend!
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White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
•
4.6

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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Northwest Philly

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51 restaurants available nearby

1. Little Water

2. The Love

3. White Dog Cafe - University City

4. White Dog Cafe-Haverford

5. Not Your Average Joe's Ardmore

6. Winnie’s Manayunk

7. Jake's and Cooper's Wine Bar

8. Streetlight Kitchen & Bar

9. Akwaaba Tea Salon

10. The Brass Tap

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