Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Swarthmore

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodJapaneseGreekComfort Food

Regions

PhiladelphiaWestern Suburbs

Areas

ArdmoreCenter CityRittenhouse SquareSouth PhillyUniversity City

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

7 restaurants available nearby

1. Vernick Fish

4.8

Exceptional(2294)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Center City

Booked 59 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 Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

2. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8904)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 80 times today

The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.

3. River Twice

4.6

Exceptional(67)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • South Philly

Booked 12 times today

River Twice is a Modern American restaurant that celebrates the richness of our regions bounty located on East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Our menu frequently changes to reflect the finest of what local purveyors have in season to give guests a unique experience with every visit in our intimate but casual atmosphere. Our thoughtfully curated beverage list and wine pairings coincide with our dedication to develop a sincere connection to the Delaware River Valley and mid-Atlantic region. Our intimate, window-lined dining room offers a charming view of the iconic Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Avenue. The dining room surrounds an open kitchen where you will be able to see our chefs at work.River Twice has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer, The New York Times, has earned Chef Randy Rucker’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and, most recently Chef Randy Rucker garnered a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

4. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.5

Awesome(1840)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French American • University City

Booked 49 times today

Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.

5. Melograno

4.8

Exceptional(1687)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 18 times today

Melograno was established in 2003 by Chef Gianluca Demontis & Rosemarie Tran. The couple met in Rome when Rose was studying abroad. When Luca relocated to Philadelphia they wanted to represent his roots. Located in the beautiful Rittenhouse Square, surrounded by shops and entertainment. Melograno is a warm haven for good food and comforting service. A place to enjoy with friends and family. We are a BYOB so bring the spirits of your choice, we are happy to serve you.

6. Chika Ramen Bar

4.2

Awesome(26)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Center City

Booked 2 times today

The Japanese word “chika” means basement/cellar/underground place. The cuisine at Chika is traditional sushi & ramen (cold & hot) dishes with Japanese bites prepared by Dean Leevongcharoen, a 12-year chef who was trained in Japan. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dining options are also available.

A photo of Not Your Average Joe's Ardmore restaurant

7. Not Your Average Joe's Ardmore

4.4

Awesome(2132)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Ardmore

Booked 16 times today

Not Your Average Joe's Kitchen & Bar offers a menu inspired by American cuisine. Its menu is stylish, contemporary and includes fresh oysters, gourmet pizzas, rice bowls and a variety of burgers. During a daily Happy Hour, diners can also enjoy both drink and appetizer specials. Along with an array of beers, its menu includes wines and a wide selection of specialty cocktails. You'll further enjoy a casual and pub-like experience. Its décor includes an open kitchen, bench seating and a separate bar area with mounted flat screen televisions all around for watching sporting events.Not Your Average Joe’s Ardmore is located in the Suburban Square upscale open-air mall and farmers market. Conveniently close to Villanova University, Lower Merion High School, and Haverford College, our restaurant has dine-in, carry out, and delivery options to serve-up our creative cuisine any way you like it.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JolantaVIP
Philadelphia County •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Hello.. as always, Estia does not disappoint. From service to food. But missing the the old tuna tart dish, the new one is not the same missing the avocado. It’s just not the same experience. But of course will be back in just few weeks.
More info
Estia - PhiladelphiaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Center City
•
4.8
L
LynnVIP
Philadelphia County •36 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was good not great. My ribeye was not the best cut and was drenched in butter, but honestly the best part of our meal was our server. He was over the top amazing. Kaiden
More info
Louie Louie Bistro BarPrice: Moderate• French American• University City
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food. Great time. Excellent service. Will recommend.
More info
Vernick FishPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Center City
•
4.8
A
Awesomeeverytime
Philadelphia County •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
If you want new tastes - this is the place to go to. Creative and delicious. Excellent table service too! Thank you!
More info
River TwicePrice: Very Expensive• American• South Philly
•
4.6
B
BonnieVIP
Philadelphia County •737 reviews
5.0
Dined on 4 Mar 2025
Outstanding pasta and greens. Outstanding service. My favorite Italian restaurant.
More info
MelogranoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8

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