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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in University City, Philadelphia County

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22 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Estia - Philadelphia restaurant
1. Estia - Philadelphia
4.8
Exceptional(9112)
$$$$
• Greek • Center City
Booked 39 times today
The stunning restaurant, which is first of its kind in Philadelphia, will transport guests to the Greek Islands with an atmosphere reminiscent of an inviting Mediterranean home & a menu of authentic specialties, simply prepared, that represent the best of Greek cuisine. The restaurant specializes in whole grilled fish which are flown in from the Greek Islands, the shores of Morocco, Tunisia, & Portugal. Guests are able to choose from Estia’s expansive display & watch chefs cook their fish to perfection over a charcoal grill in the sparkling open kitchen.
A photo of Loch Bar - Philadelphia restaurant
2. Loch Bar - Philadelphia
4.6
Exceptional(1274)
$$$$
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 70 times today
Located on Philadelphia's vibrant Avenue of the Arts in the heart of the city, Loch Bar is a classic seafood tavern that blends the best of land & sea!Spotlighted by an impressive raw bar that offers an array of succulent seafood & fresh flavors, Loch Bar's menu incorporates some of the region's most popular seafood dishes including oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab & more.In addition to our stellar raw bar, we present an extensive whiskey list from around the world that caters to both the seasoned aficionado as well as curious newcomers. To complement our whiskey offerings, our bar program features handcrafted cocktails & local craft beers.Loch Bar hosts live music every night of the week showcasing the incredible talent of Philadelphia's local music scene.Loch Bar on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts is more than just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey through the finest culinary offerings, live music &
A photo of Marathon - 19th & Spruce restaurant
3. Marathon - 19th & Spruce
4.7
Exceptional(907)
$$$$
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 16 times today
At Marathon, we proudly serve the neighborhood with high-quality, locally sourced fresh food at an excellent value. As a family-owned and operated restaurant, we take pride in delivering comforting, feel-good dishes alongside warm and personable hospitality. For more than 40 years, Marathon has been dedicated to connecting guests with the city’s local purveyors and farm-fresh lifestyle.Whether you’re joining us for brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks, our inviting atmosphere and artistic spaces are designed to bring people together through great food and memorable experiences. We also offer customized catering services tailored to your needs, with a seamless process from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most.Come experience the comfort, community, and fresh flavors that make Marathon a neighborhood favorite.
A photo of La Viola Bistro restaurant
4. La Viola Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(497)
$$$$
• Italian • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 8 times today
For PARTIES OF 10+, please call 215 735 8630 to make a reservation. To place an order, call us at 215-735-8630.To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8630. Walk-ins are welcome!La Viola Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner during the week and dinner on weekends. A fine-dining establishment, it specializes in Italian fare. Some items on the menu at La Viola - East include pasta such as bowtie pasta with shrimp, along with a linguini pasta dish with veal. In addition to pasta, La Viola serves a variety of seafood and grilled steak entrées. No alcohol is served at La Viola - East, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champagne to accompany your meal. Offering a casual but chic dining space, its décor includes wood furnishings and chandelier lighting.
A photo of Square 1682 restaurant
5. Square 1682
4.5
Awesome(2102)
$$$$
• American • Center City
Booked 10 times today
With its delicious, approachable menus and upbeat ambiance, Square 1682 has become a beloved Center City gathering place thanks to Chef Patrick Czerniak's great food, great drinks and great people. Our New American fare could be described as: worldly, progressive, delicious, artfully presented, healthful and comforting. Time and again, loyal patrons return to the Architects Building in Rittenhouse Square for restaurant draws like popular brunch specials, the raved-about Square Burger, one of the country’s top bar programs and seasonal patio seating. If you’re hosting an intimate dining affair for a small or large group, be sure to explore our private dining options, too.
A photo of Parc restaurant
Icon
6. Parc
4.8
Exceptional(18691)
$$$$
• French • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 260 times today
Stephen Starr's stylish addition to Rittenhouse Square pays tribute to French cafe culture, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Parc recalls the chic brasseries of Paris, serving classic French fare in a charming space. Red leather banquettes topped with frosted glass provide a sense of intimacy. Details such as well-worn wooden chairs, vintage framed paintings and photos and antique brass fixtures transport guests across the Atlantic. French doors spill onto a sidewalk terrace covered by a dark red awning perfect for dining "en plein air."
A photo of Spice Finch restaurant
7. Spice Finch
4.6
Exceptional(1430)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Center City
Booked 32 times today
Named after the bird that populates nearly every port along the ancient maritime spice routes, Spice Finch pays homage to a passerine that does not sing, yet is known to vocalize or chirp in recognition of good eats. We are inspired by the distinctive flavors of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and heavily influenced by the cultures and culinary traditions of Morocco and Greece. Our menu is a bold, seasonally accurate menu featuring an array of small plates, vegetables, grilled meats and fish. Follow us on Instagram @SpiceFinchPhilly
A photo of Bar Bombon restaurant
8. Bar Bombon
4.3
Awesome(1674)
$$$$
• Vegan • Center City
Booked 18 times today
Bar Bombon is food for life. All of our dishes are made with plant-based ingredients. No animal products are used. And since homemade tortillas still make a better taco, we make them the old way, like abuela did. ¡Buen provecho!
A photo of Buca D'oro Ristorante restaurant
9. Buca D'oro Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(944)
$$$$
• Italian • Society Hill
Booked 8 times today
Just two blocks away from the Italian market and in the heart of Washington Square Park serving Fresh Amalfi coast Italian cuisine, Buca D’oro Ristorante continues the tradition of sparing nothing to provide the highest quality ingredients in all our dishes. Buca D’oro is dedicated to delivering the finest Italian cuisine with one of the most innovative and interesting menus in Philadelphia. Our extensive ala carte menu is sure to appeal to even the finest of palates, as well as a wide variety of fine imported and domestic wines and cocktails in a beautiful multi-room venue. Great for intimate or large parties for lunch or dinner being served by professional old-school and friendly waiters. Make reservations by phone, on our website, or on Open Table. Walk-ins are also encouraged. Parking accommodations at parkway Walnut towers with a discounted rate for evening parking at $15 from 5pm to 5 am. Address: 800 Walnut street phila pa 19107.
A photo of Bellini restaurant
10. Bellini
4.8
Exceptional(1486)
$$$$
• Italian • Center City
Booked 28 times today
Since 2001, Bellini has been a family-owned and operated spot serving up some of the most delicious and heartfelt Italian food around. Our chef, Francesco Parmisciano, was born and raised in the small town of San Marco di Castellabate located 30 miles south of Salerno, Italy, where he fell in love with the art of Italian cooking. He brings that passion to every dish with fresh flavors and beautiful presentation.In 2021, Parid and Kristi Spiro took the reins and brought new energy to Bellini, keeping the spirit of the original while taking things to the next level. Our goal is simple: serve authentic Italian food in a welcoming space where everyone feels like family. Great food, great service —just a genuinely good time.

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