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Best Cosy Restaurants in University City

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131 restaurants available nearby

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5477)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 40 times today
An iconic restaurant in University City since 1983, White Dog Cafe is a leader in using environmentally sustainable, organic, and local foods from farms within 50 miles. Known for warm hospitality, and inspiring award-winning food, the White Dog's historic three brownstones offer charming and whimsical dog décor and artwork in its many unique dining spaces and outdoor dining on the sidewalk.
A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
4.5
Awesome(177)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • University City
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 Dandelion restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8121)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 111 times today
London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.
A photo of Parc restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(17427)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 248 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of The Love restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7306)
Price: Expensive
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 163 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 Barclay Prime restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5431)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 87 times today
Barclay Prime is a luxury boutique steakhouse serving a traditional yet modern menu in a comfortable & contemporary setting.
A photo of Fiorella Philadelphia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(122)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Bella Vista
Booked 27 times today
The Fiorella you see today is still the intimate space you know & love! Chef Marc Vetri and his team bring decades of talent & experience to this special space, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Pasta is the main event at Fiorella, with rotating antipasti and desserts rounding out the menu.A la carte seating is available both in our indoor dining room and outdoor patio, year round.Indoor seating is predominantly at our chef's counter, with a few high-top tables outlining the space. Table vs. counter reservations are seated on a first-come, first-served basis.Patio seating is shaded from sun in summer and insulated with heaters in winter. Due to the nature of outdoor reservations, Fiorella may have to cancel outdoor service for severe weather.Looking to dine with a larger group or want to try a different taste of Fiorella? Join us upstairs for our Pasta Club chef's selection!From the whole Fiorella Team, thank you for your continual love and support!
A photo of Little Water restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(85)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 21 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 Aleksandar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(502)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 6 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 a.kitchen restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2088)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 25 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LisaVIP
    Philadelphia County •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had come into Philly to enjoy some holiday shopping and I thought Dandelion would be a nice, cozy spot for lunch on a cold December day. It was perfect! We were shown to a lovely corner booth upstairs where every table was full, but the noise level was a non-issue. Bella proved to be a knowledgeable and professional server and had good suggestions regarding beverages and menu selections. I enjoyed the salmon pate and my husband's burger was terrific. It was the typical Stephen Starr restaurant experience: creative, authentic decor; well-trained professional staff; and great food.
    More info
    The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
    4.7
  • BebeVIP
    Philadelphia County •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had a delicious brunch at the Love-excellent service, interesting menu, large portions. I would give it 5 stars but the potatoes served with the eggs were useless-too salty, no other seasoning-just unembellished potatoes straight from the fryolater. Everyone at the table agreed. Everything else was fabulous, tho.
    More info
    The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • MariaVIP
    Philadelphia County •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Always the perfect spot for a reunion with friends! Parc’s food, service and professional staff met all our expectations today: from the seafood appetizers to the the trout amandine, comforting roasted chicken, delicious mussels, and chicken paillard, everyone enjoyed their lunch. Our server, Tiffany, was wonderful.
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    4.8
  • JamesVIP
    Philadelphia County •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Outstanding food. Great, fresh taste and nice presentation. Service was prompt and attentive. Server was welcoming and informative. Thank you, Lillian. It was a wonderful family evening.
    More info
    White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
    4.7
  • Chrissy
    Virginia •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on 6 Dec 2024
    We were seated immediately upon arrival. Our waitress came over within 2 minutes of us sitting down (hadn’t had a chance to select drinks or food) and brought water. We don’t see her again for another 10 or so minutes. After ordering, we waited another 10 minutes for my drink and had to request my husbands drink again. The lavender martini was delicious but tasted heavy on the orange with little lavender to taste. We ordered wood fired pizzas (sausage/pepperoni and the short rib). They were both tasty but each slide of the short rib pizza had about 1 bite of short rib…was heavy on the mushroom and onion. I suggested the chef spread the love of the short rib more throughout the pizza. We did list that we were celebrating our birthdays but there was no recognition of it (not even a Happy Birthday upon arrival)…not sure what the point was of listing this. Overall, the experience was ok but for $70, wouldn’t say it was entirely worth it.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
    4.5
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