Best Cozy Restaurants in University City

Good food and GREAT atmosphere. We were so excited to get the bay window seat. Server was efficient and attentive without being over bearing. Everyone loved their meals. Unfortunately, we were too full to try out the desserts. Great way to get the full Philly experience.

Highly recommend, High quality ingredients and a nice atmosphere!

The Love is an exceptional choice for a quick yet delightful lunch experience in Philadelphia. If you're planning to visit, it's advisable to secure a reservation in advance to guarantee your spot, or consider arriving after 3 pm to avoid the lunch rush. The restaurant boasts an upscale and contemporary ambiance, creating a perfect setting to enjoy a meal. One of the standout features of their menu is the unique twist they put on classic Southern cuisine. Among their offerings, the side potatoes are a highlight—cooked to perfection, they are simply one of the best I've ever tasted. Additionally, the Brussels sprouts paired with sweet potatoes are a must-try; the combination of flavors is both intriguing and satisfying. For the main course, the ravioli is nothing short of exquisite; it's prepared flawlessly, featuring a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors that leaves a lasting impression. With its innovative dishes and inviting atmosphere, The Love is undoubtedly a fantastic dining destination worth visiting in Philadelphia.

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!

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.