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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in University City, Philadelphia County

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192 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Louie Louie Bistro Bar restaurant
1. Louie Louie Bistro Bar
4.6
Exceptional(2057)
$$$$
• American • University City
Booked 42 times today
Located in University City, Louie Louie is an American bistro with a French inspired menu offering seasonal, ingredient-inspired dishes based on a classical combination of flavors. House-made pastries and an extensive beverage program highlighting wines by the glass and bottle as well as seasonal specialty cocktails and craft beers add to the dining experience. The décor pays homage to Art Nouveau and European cafes with a touch of the 1970s. Traditional wood tones, reclaimed subway tiles, tried and true black and white marble stones as flooring and wainscoting and blue and buttery leathers, fabrics and patterns bring color and graphic identities to the space. The Lounge offers custom lux seating, perfect for gathering with friends for cocktails and snacks. Outdoor seating reminiscent of French cafes is the ideal spot for dining and people watching.
A photo of White Dog Cafe - University City restaurant
2. White Dog Cafe - University City
4.6
Exceptional(5677)
$$$$
• American • University City
Booked 51 times today
Since 1983, White Dog Cafe University City has been a destination in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania's campus for dining, libations, and celebrations in a trio of Victorian brownstones. The first restaurant in Philadelphia to utilize environmentally sustainable, organic, and locally sourced foods from farms within a 50-mile radius, White Dog is renowned for its warm hospitality and innovative cuisine. The charming brownstones were completely renovated, providing a variety of dining rooms with whimsical dog decor, fixtures, and stunning artwork.
A photo of El Vez restaurant
3. El Vez
4.8
Exceptional(7345)
$$$$
• Mexican / Southwestern • Center City
Booked 113 times today
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.
A photo of Pine Street Grill restaurant
4. Pine Street Grill
4.7
Exceptional(146)
$$$$
• American • Center City
Booked 56 times today
Pine Street Grill is a neighborhood restaurant serving timeless American food made with care. Located on a corner of Fitler Square, Pine Street offers thoughtfully prepared classics such as matzah ball soup, spinach artichoke dip, Greek salad, and rotisserie chicken.Our approach is simple: the same sourcing and care found at My Loup and Her Place Supper Club, with a focus on the core fundamentals that make food and drink memorable. Our beverage program carries this forward with classic cocktails, beer on tap (including birch!), and a tightly curated wine program with no pretense, just great drinkability at a variety of price points. Opening hours are Wednesday — Monday, 4-11pm (the kitchen closes at 10:30pm). Half of our dining room is available to reserve and the other half saved for walk-ins. Reservations open 30 days in advance at 9am ET daily. Happy hour is from 4 - 6pm daily and we also offer a PSG late night burger + beer special (draft beer + PSG burger for $20) nightly.
A photo of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Philadelphia restaurant
5. Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Philadelphia
4.2
Awesome(851)
$$$$
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Center City
Booked 307 times today
"Welcome Home" Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley is bringing its signature mix of food, drinks, and vibes to Philadelphia. At its heart, Kitchen + Kocktails is a modern comfort food restaurant — serving elevated favorites like our famous flavored fried chicken & lobster tails, shrimp & grits, creative waffles, and southern classics with a bold twist.Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience that blends flavor, style, and hospitality — always delivered with our signature “Welcome Home” touch.
A photo of Buddakan - Philadelphia restaurant
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6. Buddakan - Philadelphia
4.7
Exceptional(11516)
$$$$
• Asian • Old City
Booked 101 times today
Stephen Starr’s Buddakan is a spectacular restaurant featuring exotic flavors of modern Asian cuisine with creativity and drama. Bon Appetit notes, "The mostly white space is striking, with a lit-from-within communal table in the middle of the room, a waterfall & a ten-foot, candle-bedecked Buddha. The religious icon watches over hip customers indulging in pan-Asian cuisine that far surpasses the fare usually found at hot spots like this." Newsweek reports, "Design also serves as a signifier for cuisine. You walk into Buddakan, one of the hottest new restaurants in Philadelphia, past a shimmering waterfall & Japanese river stones & you say to yourself, 'ginger-miso everything' even before you see the magnificent 10-foot Buddha dominating the dining room." Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and 'Top Restaurant for Fun' by Gourmet, Buddakan has become one of the country's most talked about restaurants.
A photo of Mawn restaurant
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7. Mawn
4.9
Exceptional(391)
$$$$
• Cambodian • Bella Vista
Booked 3 times today
Mawn is open 4 days a week and is a 28 seat BYOB in the heart of South Philadelphia's iconic Italian Market. Receiving national recognition, Chef Phila was the recipient of a James Beard Award for Emerging Chef in 2025, one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs Class of 2025 and named on the 25 Best restaurants in America list for The New York Times. Reservations are released on the 1st of each month at 12PM NOON for the following month.**** Please note they will book VERY FAST and not all trying at the release will be able to get through. This is due to the HIGH demand and VERY limited availability.If there is nothing showing on OpenTable, it does mean all available reservations are gone. USE the NOTIFY option to receive alerts as people cancel. There is no internal Waitlist. ****Mawn offers WALK IN ONLY Lunch Thursday- Saturday 11am-2:30 (2:15 last seating) Dinner Dishes are offered as additions daily. Lunch is a great way to experience Mawn if you cannot get a reservation.
A photo of Grandma's Philly restaurant
8. Grandma's Philly
4.6
Exceptional(197)
$$$$
• Thai • Center City
Booked 38 times today
Reservations for 1–8 guests can be made online. For parties of 9 or more, please contact info@grandmasphilly.com or call (215) 315-9050About Grandma’s PhillyLocated in Center City Philadelphia, Grandma’s Philly is inspired by Chef Locket’s grandmother’s home cooking and the comforting flavors of her childhood in Thailand. The menu celebrates the bold harmony of Thai cuisine — a balance of spice, sweetness, and brightness — crafted with care and made to share.Cooking from memory and guided by family recipes, Chef Locket transforms tradition into vibrant, family-style plates that invite connection. Proudly recognized as Philly’s Favorites Silver Winner for Thai Food in 2024 and 2025, Grandma’s Philly shares the warmth of Thai hospitality through food — not just a meal, but a story told through flavor.
A photo of The Love restaurant
9. The Love
4.8
Exceptional(8646)
$$$$
• American • Rittenhouse Square
Booked 232 times today
Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr's The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft. The restaurant is a spirited and carefree neighborhood café celebrating everyday American cuisine. The menu is crafted around what’s truly seasonal and local, while the beverage program reflects the best of the region. This creative energy is matched by a front-of-house service staff passionate about providing homey hospitality morning, noon and night.
A photo of Oyster House Philadelphia restaurant
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10. Oyster House Philadelphia
4.9
Exceptional(652)
$$$$
• Seafood • Center City
Booked 30 times today
Philadelphia’s premier destination for seafood lovers since 1976. With a menu that is as traditional as it is innovative, this family-owned business run by third-generation restaurateur Sam Mink has been a community cornerstone for almost 50 years. Cherished by Philly locals and visitors alike for its decadent lobster rolls, signature crab cakes and crispy fried oysters, Oyster House continues to honor the region’s culinary roots while constantly cooking up tasty, new favorites. Oyster House’s robust seafood menu curated by executive chef Joe Campoli, promises high quality cuisine along with an excellent dining experience. Enjoy a seat at Philadelphia’s most famed oyster bar while enjoying a show by Philly’s most legendary oyster shuckers. The weekday Happy Hour is always abuzz with a lively mix of coworkers and friends.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • francineGold
    Philadelphia County •114 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    this place is truly amazing and I’ve been to a lot of places. It is absolutely stunning and different in every room and outside, which makes it even more fun. Everyone from hostess to bartender to server were absolutely sweet and caring and knowledgeable. The food was terrific. Include the happy hour specials. The patio was really lovely and quieter than the inside, until of course, the ambulance sirens did their usual thing:) I also like that it is tucked away and is not on a main street. We will definitely be back and sample more of. It’s delicious food.!
    More info
    Mi Vida - Philadelphia$$$$• Mexican• Center City
    •
    4.5
  • JosephGold
    New York City •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our pre-Kimmel Center Happy Hour meal at Sura. Everything was great. We plan to return soon - probably June 4. Thank you.
    More info
    Sura Indian Bistro$$$$• Contemporary Indian• Center City
    •
    4.5
  • CherylGold
    Philadelphia County •111 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Service and food are very consistent. Wait staff are attentive and communicative. A neighborhood gem!
    More info
    Veekoo$$$$• Asian• Bryn Mawr
    •
    4.7
  • Jared
    Philadelphia County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    No complaints anywhere. My wife and I had a great time. Food was great. Service excellent and the bartenders were super attentive. No complaints from us. Had a great time. Salud K&K!
    More info
    Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley - Philadelphia$$$$• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Center City
    •
    4.2
  • Adam
    Philadelphia County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 16, 2026
    Always the best! This is our favorite neighborhood spot and they always make sure to take great care of us. Thank you!
    More info
    La Llorona Cocina & Mezcaleria$$$$• Mexican• South Philly
    •
    4.8

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