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Best Lunch Restaurants in University City

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146 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of a.kitchen restaurant
1. a.kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(2168)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Center City
Booked 23 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 The Dandelion restaurant
2. The Dandelion
4.7
Exceptional(8251)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 125 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
3. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17805)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 204 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 Little Water restaurant
4. Little Water
4.7
Exceptional(232)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 34 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 El Vez restaurant
5. El Vez
4.8
Exceptional(7141)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 105 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant
6. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2315)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 52 times today
For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.2nd Floor Reservations are for Lunch & Dinner service only. Dessert service may be provided on our first level anytime.
A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
7. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.6
Exceptional(5554)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • University City
Booked 109 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 Mawn restaurant
8. Mawn
5.0
Exceptional(79)
Price: Very Expensive
• Cambodian • Bella Vista
Booked 4 times today
Mawn is a noodle house with “no rules,” and the first restaurant for Chef Phila Lorn and his wife Rachel, who bring with them close to 20 years of experience in Philly’s restaurant scene. Phila, pronounced “Pee La,” broken English for Philadelphia, is a first-generation Cambodian-American chef. The first in his family to be born here, his parents and siblings came to Philadelphia as refugees in 1985 after surviving the war in Cambodia.Mawn, which means “chicken” in Khmer, the Cambodian language, represents more than one thing. To Phila, chicken was at every meal growing up, and to his parents, chicken represented peacetime. During the war and genocide of the Cambodian people, there was mostly only what was found in nature to eat, including rice and salt. If there was chicken, it meant no war. At the end of that dark time, recipes were lost, and culture was wiped out, but through survival, a new authenticity was born.
A photo of Aleksandar restaurant
9. Aleksandar
4.2
Awesome(580)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary European • Center City
Booked 10 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 Continental Midtown restaurant
10. Continental Midtown
4.6
Exceptional(2789)
Price: Moderate
• American • Center City
Booked 154 times today
Three full stories of fun await you at the Continental Mid-town. Whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, swinging in a basket chair on the jet-set mezzanine or taking in the night along the airy rooftop patio, it’s a total reprieve from the expected. The mouth-watering menu features bold and eclectic flavors, from signature jumbo lump crab pad thai and Szechuan shoestring fries to playful spins like cheesesteak eggrolls and French onion soup dumplings. Expertly mixed pop and retro cocktails ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on, no matter the occasion.

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