Best Restaurants for People Watching in University City

15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant

1. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

4.6

Exceptional(1772)

Price: Moderate

• French American • University City

Booked 42 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.

2. Parc

4.8

Exceptional(17330)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 390 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."

3. a.kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(2073)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 32 times today

a.kitchen is an all-day French-inspired American restaurant under Executive Chef Eli Collins. His new bistro-style menu allows guests to stop by for a few small plates or enjoy a more traditional dinner or lunch. The restaurant continues to be a top wine destination in the country with its innovative natural and terroir driven list representing regions throughout the world. Reservations are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. a.bar, at 1737 Walnut Street, is the sibling to a.kitchen and has a cocktail focus. It also serves snacks, burgers, salads and other seasonal selections.

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

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.

5. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(493)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 6 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 Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant

6. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

4.5

Awesome(904)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 15 times today

Marathon has served the neighborhoods of Philadelphia for over 25 years as a family-run restaurant group. We serve well-made American classics, and strive to source the freshest food locally available to us, including from our own Marathon Farm in Brewerytown, Philadelphia. Our favorite farm to table items include our grass-fed Cheesesteak, free-range Turkey Plate, and fluffy Omelets made with cage-free eggs.

7. Mabu Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(172)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary French • Center City

Booked 10 times today

BYOB French restaurant with a unique blend of Southern-inspired cuisine and bistro classics: think Confit Fried Chicken and Waffle, and Steak au Poivre. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with antique mirrors lining the walls, candlelight, and warm and friendly service. We have seasonal outdoor seating along a lovely alleyway with potted blooms and bird serenades.Located on historic Antique Row, this charming spot is a great place to meet for a special occasion, date-night, business meal, or a casual dinner with friends. This is a small family-owned business and everything is made to order. Grab your favorite bottle of wine and head to this hidden gem to experience a contemporary take on French cuisine.

8. Apricot Stone

4.8

Exceptional(448)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Fishtown

Booked 7 times today

WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR NEW LOCATION 426 W GIRARD AVE.Currently we are offering indoor dining.Tables of 2 guests are reserved for 1.5 hours and tables of 3+ guests a 2 hour dining period from original reservation time. We will hold your reservation up to 15 minutes past your reservation start time. Apricot Stone is a cozy restaurant serving traditional Armenian, Eastern Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes. Guests can share appetizers and enjoy large portioned entrée plates. The menu is comprised of plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and fresh domestic meats. There is a 3.95% processing fee on all card payments.We offer dine in, take out, catering and delivery through our online ordering partners.

A photo of Con Murphy's Irish Pub restaurant

9. Con Murphy's Irish Pub

4.7

Exceptional(453)

Price: Moderate

• American • Center City

Booked 7 times today

Con Murphy's is an authentic cozy Irish Pub in the heart of Center City. Just a stones throw from Philly's best museums, hotels & attractions. Serving perhaps the best pint of Guinness in the city, along with other craft beers and signature cocktails, a classy yet comfortable pub awaits you. With an outdoor patio right on The Ben Franklin Parkway there's no better place for people watching & taking in a nice sunset.Con Murphy's has created a menu to please all palates from the traditional Shepherds Pie (made with Lamb) & Fish'n'Chips & the local favorite Philly Cheesesteak.

A photo of Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia restaurant

10. Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia

4.7

Exceptional(594)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Chinatown

Booked 2 times today

DINING RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY FOR OUR 1ST FLOOR RESTAURANT, NOT FOR KARAOKE.• Make an inquiry for a karaoke room/lounge table @ yakitoriboy.com/sing or call our Events Team at (215)-923-8088 ext. 3WE CAN SEAT UP TO 20 GUESTS AT 1 TABLE (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)! FOR RESERVATIONS WITH A PARTY OF MORE THAN 5 GUESTS, PLEASE CALL US AT (215)-923-8088 EXT. 1 TO MAKE A RESERVATION!Yakitori Boy is a premier izakaya destination in Philadelphia! We serve a variety of tapas style dishes (japas), sushi and a variety of yakitori. On our 1st floor, we have restaurant seating and a full bar serving delicious food and cocktails. The 2nd floor features our lounge, bar and private karaoke rooms that can accommodate up to 20 guests for business meetings and private parties. Come eat, drink and sing!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
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
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Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Center City
•
4.8
L
Laurievip
Los Angeles •6 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!
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ParcPrice: Expensive• French• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
D
Dickvip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food & drink, nicely prepared and presented! Great service by the waitstaff! My only complaint, one that I have with MANY restaurants, is the noise level. Once the restaurant started to fill up, it became much more difficult for us to hear each other. We will go back again, just trying to avoid crowded times!
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AleksandarPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• Center City
•
4.6
C
carolynvip
Washington, D.C. Area •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent experience Great food Great service Good vibe at bar
More info
a.kitchenPrice: Expensive• French American• Center City
•
4.8
L
Lindsayvip
Philadelphia County •155 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Warm welcome from the host. Grabbed a quick cocktail during happy hour with very friendly service. Enjoyed our dinner and service with John. The Crab Louie salad and deviled eggs were scrumptious. The mussels and fries also packed a ton of flavor. Never take the white cosmo martini off the menu. It’s the best!
More info
Louie Louie Bistro BarPrice: Moderate• French American• University City
•
4.6

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University City

Best Restaurants for People Watching in University City

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. Louie Louie Bistro Bar

2. Parc

3. a.kitchen

4. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

5. Aleksandar

6. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

7. Mabu Kitchen

8. Apricot Stone

9. Con Murphy's Irish Pub

10. Yakitori Boy Japas - Philadelphia

See what locals rave about

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