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Best Authentic Restaurants in University City

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104 restaurants available nearby

A photo of LaScala's Fire-University City restaurant
1. LaScala's Fire-University City
4.4
Awesome(174)
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 Parc restaurant
2. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(17335)
Price: Expensive
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 329 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 Dandelion restaurant
3. The Dandelion
4.7
Exceptional(8082)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • Center City
Booked 124 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 Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant
4. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2128)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 46 times today
Gran Caffe L'Aquila is widely appreciated for its authentic Italian cuisine, as per reviews. Customers highlight the restaurant's 'authentic Italian dishes', 'authentic cuisine', and 'authentic Italian trattoria environment'. The weekly specials from different regions of Italy are a hit, paired with region-specific wines. The staff's knowledge and passion for the food and history of the restaurant also add to the authenticity.
A photo of Fiorella Philadelphia restaurant
5. Fiorella Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(99)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Bella Vista
Booked 55 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 Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
6. Estia - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(8745)
Price: Very Expensive
• Greek • Center City
Booked 59 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.
A photo of Saloon Restaurant restaurant
7. Saloon Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2539)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • South Philly
Booked 56 times today
The Saloon Restaurant, a family-owned establishment since 1967, serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, congenial environment. The menu is praised for its high-quality, innovative dishes. Reviewers highlight the 'consistently high quality' food and 'impeccable service', with one even calling it a 'classic Italian restaurant'. The restaurant's ambiance, featuring dark oak paneling and authentic antiques, further enhances the authenticity.
A photo of Bellini restaurant
8. Bellini
4.7
Exceptional(1136)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Center City
Booked 17 times today
Some of the most inspired and acclaimed Italian food in the country is served here. We use innovative flavors and artful presentations prepared by Italian born Chef Francesco Parmisciano. Chef Francesco was born in small town in Naples, Italy where he learned the beautiful art of Italian cuisine. Our goal is not only to prepare authentic and delicious dishes, but we strive to give all of our guests a flawless dining experience. With ownership change in 2021 Parid and Kristi Spiro have brought new life to Bellini and bustling to new heights. Please note outdoor reservations are weather permitting!
A photo of Irie Entree restaurant
9. Irie Entree
4.1
Excellent(260)
Price: Expensive
• Jamaican • University City
Booked 1 time today
"Jamaica is not just the home of Reggae icon Bob Marley and a place where everything is IRIE. Jamaica is also known for having one of the most flavorful cuisines in the world. Our upscale-casual eatery and bar offers a truly authentic combination of the best that Jamaica has to offer through our music, culture - and of course, our amazing food. Our aim is to excite taste buds, create great vibe and leave our customers always wanting a repeat of their experience!"
A photo of Sura Indian Bistro restaurant
10. Sura Indian Bistro
4.5
Awesome(88)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Indian • Center City
Booked 8 times today
At SURA Indian Bistro, discover India's multi-cultural culinary dialogue, centuries in the tasting, nestled in the heart of Philly. Be it the Biryani from the southern part of India or the famous Amritsari Fish from Punjab, each dish tells a story of flavors, meticulously crafted to transport your senses across time and tradition. Our exclusive personalized service will surely bring you back to us again and again! Book your reservation today!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • brianvip
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fantastic place in Philadelphia. From app to the unbelievable gelato (gelato master chef is all you need to know) to the outstanding service, (Vincenzo is the best!) you will not be disappointed at choosing Gran Cafe. All pasta dishes are exceptional. Enjoy!! 5 star
    More info
    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Center City
    •
    4.8
  • Laurievip
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were greeted, seated and then treated to a lovely dining experience. We started with a couple of the specialty cocktails-Romarin and Nouveau Basilic: their pour was generous as our drinks lasted through our meals. A bonus of a basket of bread was brought to our table, such a rarity! Baguette, sourdough and what seamed a seasonal bread with cranberry and walnuts with beurre---seemed such a treat! Our waiter was attentive and made well informed dinner suggestions after asking us our preferences and we enjoyed the beef bourguignon; duck a l'orange and roasted chicken. Parc has made our top 10 list of places to eat while in Philly!
    More info
    ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
    •
    4.8
  • Wendyvip
    Philadelphia County •29 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    La Scala is a pizza place with lots of other choices on the menu. Our table took a non-pizza route and had a really nice meal. The fish dishes (salmon and tuna) were both lovely; the gnocchi were super, and the one person who ordered a noodle dish reported that it was very good. However, I don't think we were playing to the restaurant's strong suit, which is pizza, as evidenced by the large pizza oven visible from our table and what was ordered at the tables near us. I would have preferred not to have the large TV screens visible throughout the place, but that's a me thing. Our server was very attentive. We were very pleased with our meal, happy that we would sit at the table long after having finished eating, to continue our conversation.
    More info
    LaScala's Fire-University CityPrice: Moderate• Italian• University City
    •
    4.4
  • Tim
    Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Charming re-creation of an English Pub. English Pub food has gotten much better than it once was, and The Dandelion's food was excellent. From the Dandelion salad to the Root vegetable soup to the Rabbit Pie, all excellent. Our server (I regret I've forgotten her name) was perfect - friendly, efficient, professional. Only negative (for us) was the noise level - we ate upstairs during the lunch rush, and it was busy and noisy with energetic conversations with several tables of 6 or so surrounding us, which of course has pros and cons. But still highly recommended. We did not inquire if a quieter table was available - I think it may have been.
    More info
    The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Philadelphia County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 18, 2024
    Absolutely AMAZING! As someone who bought their sausage from Fiorella’s I am blown away by how much of the original charm they kept. This was our 2nd visit and it did not disappoint. First visit was outside, tonight we were indoors. So happy I requested indoors. While enjoying dinner I really got a chance to look around and reminisce about old Fiorella Sausage and my visits as a young girl and a married woman. Oh and those monkfish arancini… delish. The rigatoni with Fiorella sausage and the ricotta gnocchi to die for. Everything was wonderful. Can not wait to go back.
    More info
    Fiorella PhiladelphiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bella Vista
    •
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in University City

Discover authentic dining experiences in University City, Philadelphia County, where a vibrant culinary scene meets academic vitality. This neighborhood is not only a hub for students but also a destination for food enthusiasts searching for genuine flavors and unique gastronomic delights. Each restaurant in this area prides itself on offering dishes that are both traditional and innovative, ensuring that every palate is catered to. Whether you're craving an intimate dinner spot or a lively gathering place, University City's restaurant scene promises an authentic taste of diverse cultures and cuisines. The commitment to authenticity is apparent in the meticulous preparation of each dish, the sourcing of quality ingredients, and the warm, inviting atmospheres that define these eateries. Dining here is not just about eating; it's an exploration of culinary traditions and contemporary creations that truly reflect the spirit of Philadelphia.

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