Best Casual Restaurants in Rittenhouse Square

117 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dandelion

4.7

Exceptional(8082)

Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Center City

Booked 102 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.

2. The Love

4.8

Exceptional(7227)

Price: Expensive

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 114 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.

3. Little Water

new

4.6

Exceptional(50)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Center City

Booked 47 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.

4. Aleksandar

4.6

Exceptional(493)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary European • Center City

Booked 15 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 Estia - Philadelphia restaurant

5. Estia - Philadelphia

4.8

Exceptional(8745)

Price: Very Expensive

• Greek • Center City

Booked 56 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 Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant restaurant

6. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2128)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 37 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.

7. a.kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(2073)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Center City

Booked 19 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.

8. Tria Rittenhouse

4.8

Exceptional(425)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to Tria, Philly's original casual wine bar since 2004.Our two Center City wine bars have helped elevate Philly’s wine scene while keeping it fun. Tria’s seasonally curated wine, cheese and beer menus showcase super-cool smaller producers who are driven by passion. The friendly Tria team will help you discover new flavor sensations if that’s your jawn. If you prefer, we’ll bring you more wine and leave you alone. It’s all good.We love wine and it shows, but Tria above all is a community where guests come to relax and connect. There are no TVs or other distractions. The “concept” is for our guests to engage in conversation made livelier, deeper and cheerier by the wine. Cheers!

A photo of Marathon - 16th & Sansom restaurant

9. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

4.5

Awesome(904)

Price: Moderate

• American • Rittenhouse Square

Booked 16 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.

A photo of Porcini - Philadelphia restaurant

10. Porcini - Philadelphia

4.9

Exceptional(2022)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Center City

Booked 3 times today

Established in 1996, Porcini restaurant quickly became a favorite destination for neighborhood and locals alike.Leading the "BYOB Renaissance" in Philadelphia, Owners Maîtred David, and Exec. Chef Steven Sansone combine their knowledge in fine dining, and Trattoria style to create a unique, memorable upscale casual dining experience.Fresh house made pastas and focus on authentic product's imported from Sicily, Italy and neighboring Mediterranean countries. Theses items are paramount to Chef Sansone's family and regional recipes. The warm welcome from David as if your a long time friend and a knowledgeable service staff completes your visit.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
Paigevip
Philadelphia County •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The best food and best staff. I will be coming here time and time again ❤️
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Little WaterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Center City
•
4.6
L
Lynnvip
Philadelphia County •70 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful service Didn’t feel rushed at all Wonderful food and cocktails!
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The LovePrice: Expensive• American• Rittenhouse Square
•
4.8
D
Dickvip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 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
T
Tim
Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 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.
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The DandelionPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• Center City
•
4.7
W
Wendi
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
We ate in the the board area. TVs around which we enjoy. 5 of ate. All enjoyed meals and drinks. Service is superior. Food is very good.
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Judd's and Jackson's Casual DiningPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Warminster
•
4.4

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Rittenhouse Square

Best Casual Restaurants in Rittenhouse Square

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117 restaurants available nearby

1. The Dandelion

2. The Love

3. Little Water

4. Aleksandar

5. Estia - Philadelphia

6. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

7. a.kitchen

8. Tria Rittenhouse

9. Marathon - 16th & Sansom

10. Porcini - Philadelphia

See what locals rave about

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