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Little Water, Philadelphia, PA

Little Water

4.6
4.6
149 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 40 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for creative cocktails
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.
Private dining

Private dining

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Randy Rucker
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.
  • Private party contact
    Maggie Cook: (215) 337-3343
  • Area
    Center City
  • Cross Street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine

What 149 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Little Water delights with its "incredible food" and "impeccable service," offering standout dishes like the swordfish Milanese and lobster toast. Guests praise the "attentive staff" and "beautiful ambiance," making it a "must-visit" spot. While some note the noise level, the overall dining experience is "exceptional" and highly recommended.

149 Reviews
  1. jacques

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    110 reviews

    3.0

    110 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    We perhaps expected too much. The red fish was good and quite small for the price and the potatoes salad was hard. I was wondering why they put the music so loud. What's the point? Maybe ....

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  2. Bret

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved da food and that Carolyn just made our experience so SPECIAL!!!!

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  3. Alexandra

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Staff was amazing, went for my husbands birthday and he was greeted with a custom birthday card signed by the whole staff!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Lenzy

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food in a quaint and quiet location. I loved the fish and the drinks hit just enough!

    Is this helpful?

  5. StephanieS

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve been twice already and absolutely love it! The service is superb and food is unique and delicious! Happy to welcome Little Water to the neighborhood!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Yoolim

    VIP

    New York City

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I wasn’t a huge fan of how saucy everything was - I really didn’t think the oysters needed the cream sauce or that the sweet shrimp needed the hoisin sauce. Swordfish milanese was the best I’ve had however!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Caroline

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tuna dish was incredible- melts in your mouth. If you like garlic the Caesar-like salad was delicious with furikake seasoning. Cocktails were light and well balanced (white Negroni and vodka drink)

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  8. Kristin

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Finally got to try Little Water today for lunch. It lived up to all the recommendations I’ve seen online. Our serve was Jackson and he went above and beyond and was best personable. We had the crab hash browns, ceasar salad and Swordfish Milanese. Everything was delicious and perfectly executed. I will be returning for dinner service.

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  9. David

    VIP

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Little Water is excellent. I had the gumbo which I found to be excellent with a deep, dark roux and filled with specs of country ham and sea island rice. The bread is also excellent and is served with an herb-infused butter. The wine list is nicely curated and the venue is small, simple and bright.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Andrew

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything from the service, to the drinks, also the wine, the seafood plateau, the Caesar salad was delicious. We got the black bass , unfortunately it was bland and somewhat dry.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Little Water is rated 4.6 stars by 149 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 40 times today
Google Map for Little Water

261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    20th street and Manning street
  • Area
    Center City
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00–14:00 Dinner Tue–Sat 17:00–22:00
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, American, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Chef Randy Rucker
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wine
  • Phone number
    (215) 337-3343
  • Private party facilities
    Located in the historic Rittenhouse neighborhood of Center City Philadelphia just steps off of the infamous 'square', our window lined corner restaurant is the perfect match for your private event. From family-style dinners to cocktail parties, our team will curate an experience to remember.
  • Private party contact
    Maggie Cook: (215) 337-3343
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