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Best Lunch Restaurants in University City, Philadelphia County

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280 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
1. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.6
Exceptional(5685)
$$$$
• American • University City
Booked 62 times today
Since 1983, White Dog Cafe University City has been a destination in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's campus for dining, libations, and celebrations in a trio of Victorian brownstones. The first restaurant in Philadelphia to utilize environmentally sustainable, organic, and locally sourced foods from farms within a 50-mile radius, White Dog is renowned for its warm hospitality and innovative cuisine. The charming brownstones were completely renovated, providing a variety of dining rooms with whimsical dog decor, fixtures, and stunning artwork.
A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant
2. Louie Louie Bistro Bar
4.5
Awesome(2063)
$$$$
• American • University City
Booked 35 times today
Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.
A photo of The Love restaurant
3. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(8669)
$$$$
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 176 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
4. El Vez
4.8
Exceptional(7364)
$$$$
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 114 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of The Dandelion restaurant
5. The Dandelion
4.7
Exceptional(8497)
$$$$
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 131 times today
London's culinary revolution comes to Philadelphia with this unique gastro-pub. Cozy rooms and intimate bars create a storied, Old World aura, while updated seasonal takes on British food make up the menu. In keeping with tradition, our casks and tap craft beers are always rotating and classic family-style roasts are served on Sundays.
A photo of Parc restaurant
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6. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(18698)
$$$$
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 311 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of Little Water restaurant
7. Little Water
4.7
Exceptional(607)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Center City
Booked 48 times today
A 2025 MICHELIN Guide Recommended restaurant, 2026 Semifinalist for James Beard Foundation : Best Chef Mid-Atlantic, Best of Philly "Best New Restaurant" 2025 | Located in Rittenhouse Square, Little Water is husband-and-wife team, Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Ruckers' experiences living along the Gulf Coast, New England, and Mid-Atlantic regions, Little Water is a contemporary coastal restaurant that celebrates the ecological diversity of life by the sea.The sister restaurant to the acclaimed East Passyunk Avenue gem, River Twice—which has been recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times and has earned Chef Randy’s Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best Chef” and a James Beard Award nomination in 2024 for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic—Little Water continues the Ruckers' dedication to sustainability and local sourcing.Little Water offers an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner to be enjoyed at the main bar, raw bar, dining room and outdoor sidewalk cafe.
A photo of Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant
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8. Oyster House Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(664)
$$$$
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 45 times today
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.
A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant
9. Loch Bar - Philadelphia
4.6
Exceptional(1281)
$$$$
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 41 times today
Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &
A photo of Gran Caffe L'Aquila Authentic Italian restaurant
10. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Authentic Italian
4.8
Exceptional(2755)
$$$$
• Italian • Center City
Booked 39 times today
*****For parties of 5 or more, please contact the restaurant directly @ www.grancaffelaquila.com or call 215.568.5600*****Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Culture School. The culinary & wine program features all 20 regions of Italy by award winning culinary & wine director Riccardo Longo. Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Stefano Biasini & award winning coffee roasted in house. Reservations are not accepted for dessert. The second floor dining room is reserved for Dine-In tables for both lunch & dinner. Walk in dessert tables will be seated on the first floor, first come - first served. We also have two bars for walk in seating at all times. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner & Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring a expertly trained staff & authentic environment.Hosting private groups from 10-200 for Lunch, Dinner, & Happy Hour (Aperitivo). More info @grancaffelaquila.com

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