Best Casual Restaurants in Northwest Philly

124 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7324)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 220 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.

2. Little Water

4.6

Exceptional(86)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 41 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.

3. Vernick Fish

4.7

Exceptional(2200)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Center City

Booked 58 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 La Collina Restaurant restaurant

4. La Collina Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1456)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Bala Cynwyd

Booked 39 times today

La Collina has delighted diners with world-class cuisine, service, and ambiance for more than 31 remarkable years. Classically-trained staff serve a selection of the finest old-world recipes in an atmosphere of casual elegance, while attending to every detail.Located just off the Schuylkill Expressway in Belmont Hills, La Collina boasts spectacular hilltop views. The bar offers a unique atmosphere with live entertainment and dancing on weekends. This gem is known as one of the most romantic restaurants on the Main Line.La Collina specializes in fresh seafood and veal dishes. Its signature dish, Dover Sole, is a delicate, tasty fish that is uniquely grilled, and served tableside. In addition to our Dover Sole, our daily fresh-fish specials include Branzino, Norwegian Salmon, Pompano, Orata, soft-shell crabs, Langostina, and other delights from the sea, depending upon availability. We are also known for our veal sirloin, veal porterhouse, ossobuco, and chops.Buon Appetito!

5. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(503)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 16 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 Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, Havertown restaurant

6. Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, Havertown

4.7

Exceptional(493)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Havertown

Booked 6 times today

Approachable, family owned from scratch Italian restaurant in Havertown, PAOwner and executive Chef Tommy DeFruscio’s vision for elevated Italian in a casual atmosphere comes to life at Pepperoncini Havertown. Our first floor wine bar is laidback and fun while our upstairs dining room is classy, not stuffy. The food is the true star of the show as Chef Tommy selects only the freshest ingredients each week to create memorable dining experiences. Visit our website for our weekly specials menu, follow us on Instagram @pepperoncinihavertown for photos of our specials.

A photo of Porcini - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Porcini - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2033)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 4 times today

Established in 1996, Porcini restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for neighborhood and locals alike.Leading the "BYOB Renaissance" in Philadelphia, Owners Maîtred David, and Exec. Chef Steven Sansone combine their knowledge in fine dining, and Trattoria style to create a unique, memorable upscale casual dining experience.Fresh house made pastas and focus on authentic product's imported from Sicily, Italy and neighboring Mediterranean countries. Theses items are paramount to Chef Sansone's family and regional recipes. The warm welcome from David as if your a long time friend and a knowledgeable service staff completes your visit.

8. a.kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(2093)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 33 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 Burrata - Havertown restaurant

9. Burrata - Havertown

4.9

Exceptional(1236)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Havertown

Booked 31 times today

The 2nd location from the original smashing success of Burrata Philly BYOB comes Burrata Havertown BYOB. Featuring the same home-made fresh daily dishes and nightly specials of the original with our own twist. Opening October 8, 2019. Make a reservation today!

10. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(429)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 31 times today

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MichaelVIP
Atlanta Metro •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent on a crazy busy Christmas night. Waiter was busting it. Food was outstanding. We will be back.
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La Collina RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bala Cynwyd
•
4.6
K
KathrynVIP
Philadelphia County •41 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Incredible experience from food to service . We had a custom wine pairing which was perfect
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Vernick FishPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Center City
•
4.7
T
Tristan
Philadelphia County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great experience, great food! My dad has some food intolerances and they were so accommodating and attentive, it’s minor but was really wonderful they could accommodate. Made sure we knew what was in what dishes and it was super easy to order. Everything was fantastic and surprisingly large portions. Can’t wait to go again.
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
D
DeannaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Little Water is a refreshing dinner spot offering a nice variety of seafood dishes. The service and pacing of the meal make this place shine - it is so relaxing to dine here! The staff keep glasses full. The pacing of the meal is excellent - they leave plenty of time for each dish to shine. Tables are spaced out nicely as well, further contributing to a relaxed dining experience. We had a 5:45 res on a Saturday night and stayed for about 2 hours as a party of 2 ordering apps, drinks & entrees. For a ladies night out, we tried the bread, swordfish crudo, Caesar salad & swordfish Milanese. Each course surpassed our expectations. The caesar salad was HUGE and delicious - definitely something you could split as a large side for 2 or a small side for 4. Excellent wine and cocktail selection as well. They also had some mocktails on the menu that looked tasty. Absolutely thrilled! Would return for a celebration
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
W
Wendi
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Nov 2024
We ate in the the board area. TVs around which we enjoy. 5 of ate. All enjoyed meals and drinks. Service is superior. Food is very good.
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Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
•
4.4

Best Casual Restaurants in Northwest Philly

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124 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

2. Little Water

3. Vernick Fish

4. La Collina Restaurant

5. Aleksandar

6. Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar, Havertown

7. Porcini - Philadelphia

8. a.kitchen

9. Burrata - Havertown

10. Tria Rittenhouse

See what locals rave about

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