Best American Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

134 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7216)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 160 times today

At The Love in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, every dish is a celebration of authentic American cuisine, crafted with seasonal and local ingredients that highlight the true essence of the region. Patrons rave about the "Nashville hot chicken" and the "ricotta ravioli," emphasizing not just the flavor but also the creativity poured into each plate. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with exemplary service, makes every meal a delightful experience. Reviews consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, with one guest noting, "The food is always great...the service was perfect!" Whether you're enjoying brunch or dinner, The Love stands out as a gem in Philadelphia, ensuring "a fabulous experience all around" with its "interesting and unique" American dishes.

2. Barclay Prime

4.8

Exceptional(5390)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 78 times today

At Barclay Prime in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, the seafood offerings transcend typical expectations, providing a delightful surprise amid its renowned steakhouse menu. Diners rave about the "outstanding" Dover Sole and "to die for" scallops, emphasizing the unforgettable quality and taste of each dish. The luxurious setting complements the meticulously prepared seafood, with one patron noting, "Every single bite of every single meal was well-spent and thoroughly enjoyed." This upscale dining experience ensures that each visit is not just a meal, but a memorable event, making Barclay Prime a must-visit destination for seafood lovers seeking excellence in Philadelphia.

3. a.kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(2073)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 27 times today

Nestled in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, a.kitchen shines as a beacon of exceptional Bistro cuisine. Under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Eli Collins, this French-inspired American bistro offers a dynamic menu that ranges from small plates to full traditional meals, meticulously crafted to please any palate. Known for its top-tier wine list, a.kitchen has become a favored destination for both casual diners and culinary connoisseurs. Glowing reviews often highlight the "excellent service" and "spectacular bartenders," with one guest raving about the "best tasting cheeseburger in Philadelphia." Whether you're there for a business lunch or a leisurely brunch, a.kitchen promises a dining experience where every dish is "nothing short of exceptional."

A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant

4. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

4.5

Awesome(654)

Price: Expensive

• American • Center City

Booked 41 times today

Loch Bar in Center City, Philadelphia, is a seafood lover’s dream, acclaimed for its "outstanding" raw bar and vibrant atmosphere. Nestled on the Avenue of the Arts, this venue promises an authentic seafood experience with dishes like "the best crab cake I have ever eaten" and "perfectly prepared pan-seared golden scallops." Reviewers rave about the freshness and quality, with one noting, "the raw bar oysters and the crab cakes were amazing, all crab barely any 'cake'." With its blend of live music and a diverse whiskey list, Loch Bar isn't just about dining; it's a culinary journey through seafood excellence that keeps patrons returning for more. Whether it’s for the "fried oysters 10/10" or the "Maryland crab cakes 10/10," Loch Bar delivers a consistently praised seafood experience that’s "10/10" every time.

A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant

5. White Dog Cafe - University City

4.7

Exceptional(5461)

Price: Moderate

• American • University City

Booked 109 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of University City, Philadelphia, White Dog Cafe has been a bastion of farm-to-table dining since 1983. Celebrated for its commitment to environmentally sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, the cafe ensures that every dish served is fresh, authentic, and supports local farmers within a 50-mile radius. Patrons rave about the quality of food, with one noting, "The food is very fresh and exceptional." The whimsical dog-themed decor adds to the unique charm of the dining experience. White Dog Cafe stands out not just for its delicious, seasonally inspired cuisine but also for its warm hospitality and commitment to community and sustainability, making every meal a delightful and responsible choice for diners.

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

6. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1771)

Price: Moderate

• American • University City

Booked 60 times today

Nestled in the heart of University City, Philadelphia, Louie Louie Bistro Bar exemplifies the essence of a quintessential American bistro with a delightful French twist. Patrons rave about the "delicious food" and the "excellent service," highlighting dishes like the "succulent short ribs" and "divine crab salad." The seasonal, ingredient-inspired menu, paired with an extensive beverage program, ensures a culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative. The bistro's decor, reminiscent of Art Nouveau and European cafes, adds to its charm, making it a perfect spot for both a relaxed brunch or a sophisticated dinner. Whether you're enjoying the outdoor seating or the luxurious lounge, Louie Louie's ambiance is praised as "elevated but not too stuffy," ideal for dining and people-watching. This beloved spot in University City is a must-visit for those seeking a meal that combines great taste with artistic flair.

A photo of Devon Seafood Grill - Philadelphia restaurant

7. Devon Seafood Grill - Philadelphia

4.4

Awesome(10251)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia, Devon Seafood Grill offers an exceptional dining experience, especially for steak enthusiasts. Patrons rave about the impeccable quality of their Wagyu A5, with one diner exclaiming, "Wagyu A5 are the best." The restaurant's dedication to culinary excellence shines through in their new menu items, particularly the hot rock steak cooking method, which has been described as “a fun way to cook the steak.” This innovative approach not only adds a unique flair to the dining experience but also ensures that each steak is cooked to perfection. Devon Seafood Grill's commitment to top-notch service and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest steak in Philadelphia.

A photo of The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live! restaurant

8. The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live!

4.6

Exceptional(1252)

Price: Very Expensive

• American • South Philly

Booked 23 times today

At The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live! in South Philly, the seafood cuisine is not just a dish; it's a delightful experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Patrons rave about the "best Chilean Sea Bass" they've ever tasted, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to serving top-quality and expertly prepared seafood. With its vibrant lounge atmosphere and exceptional service, The Prime Rib transforms dining into an event. Whether it's the freshness of the oysters or the perfectly done smoked salmon salad, every seafood dish is crafted to perfection. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and high-quality seafood dining experience in Philadelphia.

9. Little Water

new

4.6

Exceptional(46)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 23 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.

10. The Butcher Bar

4.5

Awesome(1559)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 42 times today

The Butcher Bar in Center City, Philadelphia, is a haven for American cuisine enthusiasts, especially those who cherish meat and comfort foods. Known for its robust selection of meats and exceptional service, this restaurant offers a delightful experience that consistently impresses diners. Many patrons rave about unique offerings like the "Nashville Fried Game Hen" and the ever-popular "jalapeño cornbread." Reviews often highlight the friendly and attentive staff, with comments like "Our waiter was fantastic" and "Helen was an excellent server." The Butcher Bar not only promises a meal that is both hearty and sophisticated but also an atmosphere that's perfect for any gathering. As one reviewer puts it, "It’s a must place to go with friends and family." This spot is a standout for anyone looking for authentic, high-quality American dining in Philadelphia.

‘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

C
carolynvip
Washington, D.C. Area •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent experience Great food Great service Good vibe at bar
More info
a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
•
4.8
S
Saje
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent service! Food was delicious. Highly recommend the meatloaf and rice pudding!
More info
White Dog Cafe - University CityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• University City
•
4.7
D
Dianavip
Philadelphia County •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great place with fabulous food. A little pricey, but that’s center city. Would definitely go back! Crab cakes and the swordfish were both delicious!!
More info
Loch Bar - PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Center City
•
4.5
K
Karen
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was my first experience at Barclay Prime. It was my son's birthday and I wanted to take him to a special place. This was very special. Both my son and I really enjoyed our experience here. The food was phenomenal, the quality and the way it was prepared were amazing. The selections were plentiful without being overwhelming and the staff were very welcoming. I felt it was well worth the money.
More info
Barclay PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
C
Chuck
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wow! I walked past this resto so many times, and, from the outside, it looked average. However, as soon as you walk in the front door, you know that you are some place special. The ambience is great, but, more importantly, the food was exquisite. Yes, it was expensive, but the experience was worth every penny. To start, we ordered rolls with chive butter, and, for an entrée, had pumpkin ravioli with walnuts, apples, onions, and ricotta cheese--yum! The food was so good that we decided to order dessert, an apple tartan which was equally delicious. On top of that, our server was excellent, very helpful, and friendly. You have to try this place at least once!
More info
The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8

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Southwest Philadelphia

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Best American Restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia

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134 restaurants available nearby

1. The Love

2. Barclay Prime

3. a.kitchen

4. Loch Bar - Philadelphia

5. White Dog Cafe - University City

6. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

7. Devon Seafood Grill - Philadelphia

8. The Prime Rib at Philadelphia Live!

9. Little Water

10. The Butcher Bar

See what locals rave about

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