5 Best Restaurants in University City

Restaurants in University City restaurants showcase some of the best cuisines in West Philadelphia. It’s home to many college students in addition to locals. There are so many yummy options that it can be hard to choose.

University City restaurants are geared to students on a budget for late-night study session munchies to professors and locals gathering at upscale eateries to a enjoy a very diverse foodie scene. From Eri-Ethiopian cuisine to cheesesteaks, there are a plethora of restaurants to choose from.

1. Abner's Cheesesteaks

? abnerscheesteaks

Cheesesteaks are for everyone but for many college students checking out restaurants in University City, means cheesesteaks are a staple.

Life without a Philly cheesesteak is hard to imagine. Whether it’s a quick dinner, a hangover cure, or plain old comfort food, why choose a reason? If you don’t count carbs and calories, sheer delight awaits you. And remember Wit Whiz! The menu also features pizzas, fries, and sandwiches for those looking to share.

Hours & Location
11:00AM–8:30PM | Daily for Delivery & Takeout Only

?Abner’s Cheesteaks

Visit Website

2. Dahlak Paradise

?dahlakparadies

This family-owned Eri-Ethiopian University City restaurant and bar has been hand feeding residents of University City for over 30 years. You eat with your fingers because it’s tradition and SO good!

With dishes like Gomen Wat (collard greens and kale) or Zilbo (lamb), the menu is worth studying. Dahlak also has a big dive bar crowd featuring drinks and a hookah happy hour.

Hours & Location
Thursday – Sunday | 4:00pm – 2:00 am

?Dahlak Paradise

Visit Website

3. KPOD

? KPOD

This high-end sushi restaurant in University City was originally called POD. Now KPOD, part of STARR restaurants, has been revisioned to feature Pan-American cuisine.

Korean American Chef Peter Serpico introduces University City to the “K-Wave” of cuisine. South Korean cuisine with Seoul-inspired dishes from small plates to entrees like Mando (Korean dumplings) to Raw fish & sushi to SSAM platters.

Hours & Location
Open for Lunch
Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Open for Dinner
Monday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

? KPOD

Visit Website

4. White Dog Cafe

? whitedogcafe

The White Dog Cage has been a staple of the restaurant scene in University City for over 30 years. It’s located in a three-story adorable Victorian townhome on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

The White Dog is known nationally for its award-winning menu that is farm-to-table, locally sourced, fresh sustainable food. Food comes from a variety of local farms. It’s 100% guilt-free eating with a seasonal menu that changes monthly and brunches 7 days a week.

?White Dog Cafe

Visit Website

5. Pita Chip

?pitachip

Pita Chip Philly is a very casual modern middle eastern eatery. This spot is a great option for healthy take-out, delivery or a place to leisurely hang out inside or outside. Students think brain food.

Pita Chip has a build-your-own menu with choices like wraps or bowls add-on proteins like chicken or beef Shawarmas, and the toppings are too many to list. Vegan and vegetarian options are abundant. If you are a fan of the Mediterranean diet, this is your go-to.

Hours & Location
Monday – Friday 11:00 am to 7:45 pm.
Closed Weekends.

? Pita Chip University City

Visit Website

The Best Restaurants in University City

From Eri-Ethiopian cuisine to cheesesteaks to the nationally recognized farm-to-table, there are a plethora of restaurants in University City for every taste bud. Whether lounging at an outdoor table or grabbing food to go, University City restaurants are booming!

Restaurants in University City You Can’t Miss

1. Abner's Cheesesteaks

2. Dahlak Paradise

3. KPOD

4. White Dog Cafe

5. Pita Chip

The Best Restaurants in University City

Follow us

Curated by

sdemarco

See you soon 👋

It’s better in the app

Restaurants in University City You Can’t Miss

1. Abner's Cheesesteaks

2. Dahlak Paradise

3. KPOD

4. White Dog Cafe

5. Pita Chip

The Best Restaurants in University City

Follow us

Curated by

sdemarco