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✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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Little Water is the latest restaurant of husband-and-wife team (James Beard Nominated) Chef Randy Rucker and Amanda Rucker. Inspired by the Rucker’s 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.
Hours
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 261 S 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 337-3343
Website: https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Related Web Results
Little Water
A contemporary coastal restaurant in the heart of Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia from (James Beard Nominated) Chef Randy and Amanda Rucker of River Twice.
Little Water Restaurant – Philadelphia, PA – OpenTable
Little Water offers “spectacular seafood” and “amazing service.” Guests adore the “fresh raw bar,” “delicious cocktails,” and “creative twists on southern …
Little Water (@littlewaterphl) · Philadelphia, PA – Instagram
A coastal restaurant from husband and wife Chef Randy and Amanda Rucker of @rivertwicephl. Tues-Sat | Dinner Fri-Sat | Lunch & Sunday Brunch. little water …
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Reviews
Jeremy Yowell
We’ve been looking forward to trying Little Water for a while, especially since we’ve been to River Twice (the owner’s other establishment) many times. Visiting Philly for our Thanksgiving 2025 trip was a great chance to finally experience this new restaurant. Overall, we had a very pleasant dinner but came away not especially blown away. Most of the dishes I felt I’ve had before, but better elsewhere. The swordfish milanese for example – I’ve had that other seafood restaurants but with more exciting sides, interesting presentation, or fried to a better crunch. The shrimp cocktail, while visually impressive, ended up being eating several huge shrimp that all tasted more bland than engaging. This was the trend for our dishes. Drinks were solid but dessert even was similarly something we’ve had elsewhere but more impressively done (a pumpkin financier.) Good restaurant and I’m happy it exists, but I’m hoping the menu gets a shake up.
… moreKaren Saporito
We snagged a table for the inaugural brunch and they did not disappoint! I told them we were celebrating my friend’s dog’s new pups and they congratulated us when we arrived and they all signed a beautiful card! It’s these little details that define the special vibe at Randy Rucker’s restaurants. The service was impeccable, every detail was perfect. Everyone working there clearly loves working there and is proud of their job. The cocktails were crunchy but top notch twists on Bloody Mary and mimosas, and we have to go back and try the others. We started with the biscuit with sausage gravy and there were so many layers and it was so light down to the crunchy buttery bottom layer, the sausage gravy was perfectly done and so comforting. Sharing the sticky bun with black walnut miso between four women was like the scene in Thelma and Louise where she keeps going back to the fridge for one more bite of the snickers. The beets cooked in coffee were like no beets l’ve ever had, you could taste different layers of flavor, and each component of the dressing stood out separately, the mustard, horseradish, so good. The sourdough with butter and jam were clearly toasted in a pan with butter on both sides, perfectly crispy and the butter and jam homemade tasting. The hash browns were much loved and again, cut into so many bites because they were so good and shared by all. The catfish on grits was the best catfish and the creamiest grits I’ve had. Was comfort food and was done so beautifully and light. The fried oyster BLT, hash with smoked trout, and the croque madame were all amazing.
Then when we couldn’t eat another bite, we had the key lime tart and the coconut pudding with banana pastry cream with our coffee. Every meal here is a special treat, it is always so welcoming and cozy and top notch consistently. I’m so excited to go back and try those fluffy short stacks of benne pancakes next time. So excited they’re doing brunch!! Bravo Chef Rucker!!
… moreThen when we couldn’t eat another bite, we had the key lime tart and the coconut pudding with banana pastry cream with our coffee. Every meal here is a special treat, it is always so welcoming and cozy and top notch consistently. I’m so excited to go back and try those fluffy short stacks of benne pancakes next time. So excited they’re doing brunch!! Bravo Chef Rucker!!
Grace Kuroki
My husband and I came because the menu looked good when we walked by a few times and we were so glad we stopped in! We got a variety of appetizers to share, and both got lovely drinks– I got a gin drink and my husband a great wine, recommended by the waiter. We had the whole branzino to share, a first for me! Everything was delicious, the staff was so nice, and the ambiance was lovely. I really appreciated their attention to detail with my allergies (and preferences). We will definitely be returning and bringing more friends!
… moreSonya M. Sumner
From the moment we walked into Little Water, we felt completely welcomed. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the staff could not have been more gracious, and every single dish reflected skill, care, and talent. It was one of those meals where you could feel Chef’s passion and creativity in every bite.
We started with the grand plateau, which was this massive seafood amalgamation that immediately set the tone for the evening. It was indulgent, abundant, and beautifully presented. Everything on it was excellent, but two things stole the show for me: the snow crab claws and the tuna nduja. The crab was lovely in its simplicity, sweet and delicate, and paired perfectly with the mustard that accompanied it. The tuna nduja, on the other hand, was bold and unforgettable. It had such an incredible depth of flavor that I will be thinking about it for the rest of my days.
The hush puppies with ricotta, lemon oil, and caviar were another standout. They were so decadent, yet playful at the same time. Cutting the hush puppies in half, smearing the ricotta, and then topping it with caviar was the kind of luxurious bite you dream about. The balance of richness, texture, and flavor was perfection.
The raw bluefin tuna was a dish that really shined in its simplicity and restraint. The portion was generous, the texture melt-in-your-mouth perfect, and the flavors so delicate that everything worked in harmony without overpowering the tuna itself. It was thoughtful and elegant, and it showed just how well this kitchen understands balance.
The Caesar-style salad was a pleasant surprise and far from an afterthought. It came out in a massive portion, generously blanketed in delicate locally-sourced cheese shavings that gave it such an indulgent feel. Crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor, it was easily one of the best salads I have had.
By this point we were already full, but when the Maine mussel toast arrived, all bets were off. The mussels were massive and beautifully flavored, and the toast beneath had the most satisfying crunch on the outside with a warm, savory interior that soaked up the flavors perfectly. It was rustic, comforting, and refined all at once.
Even though we could barely move by this point, dessert was impossible to resist. The key lime tart was the perfect finale: the crust was buttery and crisp, the filling tart and refreshing, and the topping of marshmallow-like meringue was fluffy, light, and just sweet enough. It tied everything together and sent us out the door on a high note.
The cocktails deserve their own spotlight. The penicillin milk punch was smooth and balanced, the mezcal cocktail I requested was smoky and beautifully crafted, and the glass of cremant with the seafood could not have paired more perfectly. It was clear that the same level of attention and artistry that goes into the food extends to the bar program.
What really brought the whole experience together was the hospitality. We were consistently checked on without ever feeling rushed, and it was clear the team takes real pride in ensuring every guest is cared for. Their attention to detail, from sourcing the best ingredients to plating generous portions with perfect execution, made every moment special.
Having loved River Twice, we already knew how gifted Chef and the team are, but Little Water is a brilliant complement, leaning more into seafood while still delivering the same passion and artistry. Both restaurants are absolute must-visits, and together they show just how exciting and memorable dining can be when done this well.
This was one of those meals I will never forget. Every dish was a star, the cocktails elevated the experience, and the hospitality made us feel at home. Five stars, without question.
… moreWe started with the grand plateau, which was this massive seafood amalgamation that immediately set the tone for the evening. It was indulgent, abundant, and beautifully presented. Everything on it was excellent, but two things stole the show for me: the snow crab claws and the tuna nduja. The crab was lovely in its simplicity, sweet and delicate, and paired perfectly with the mustard that accompanied it. The tuna nduja, on the other hand, was bold and unforgettable. It had such an incredible depth of flavor that I will be thinking about it for the rest of my days.
The hush puppies with ricotta, lemon oil, and caviar were another standout. They were so decadent, yet playful at the same time. Cutting the hush puppies in half, smearing the ricotta, and then topping it with caviar was the kind of luxurious bite you dream about. The balance of richness, texture, and flavor was perfection.
The raw bluefin tuna was a dish that really shined in its simplicity and restraint. The portion was generous, the texture melt-in-your-mouth perfect, and the flavors so delicate that everything worked in harmony without overpowering the tuna itself. It was thoughtful and elegant, and it showed just how well this kitchen understands balance.
The Caesar-style salad was a pleasant surprise and far from an afterthought. It came out in a massive portion, generously blanketed in delicate locally-sourced cheese shavings that gave it such an indulgent feel. Crisp, refreshing, and full of flavor, it was easily one of the best salads I have had.
By this point we were already full, but when the Maine mussel toast arrived, all bets were off. The mussels were massive and beautifully flavored, and the toast beneath had the most satisfying crunch on the outside with a warm, savory interior that soaked up the flavors perfectly. It was rustic, comforting, and refined all at once.
Even though we could barely move by this point, dessert was impossible to resist. The key lime tart was the perfect finale: the crust was buttery and crisp, the filling tart and refreshing, and the topping of marshmallow-like meringue was fluffy, light, and just sweet enough. It tied everything together and sent us out the door on a high note.
The cocktails deserve their own spotlight. The penicillin milk punch was smooth and balanced, the mezcal cocktail I requested was smoky and beautifully crafted, and the glass of cremant with the seafood could not have paired more perfectly. It was clear that the same level of attention and artistry that goes into the food extends to the bar program.
What really brought the whole experience together was the hospitality. We were consistently checked on without ever feeling rushed, and it was clear the team takes real pride in ensuring every guest is cared for. Their attention to detail, from sourcing the best ingredients to plating generous portions with perfect execution, made every moment special.
Having loved River Twice, we already knew how gifted Chef and the team are, but Little Water is a brilliant complement, leaning more into seafood while still delivering the same passion and artistry. Both restaurants are absolute must-visits, and together they show just how exciting and memorable dining can be when done this well.
This was one of those meals I will never forget. Every dish was a star, the cocktails elevated the experience, and the hospitality made us feel at home. Five stars, without question.
Bill Baskin
Awesome little neighborhood place. I particularly enjoyed the fresh seafood and the incredible house-made hot sauce. Standout items were:
Tartine, Tuna Nduja, Shaved Crudite
Pencil Cob Grits, Lobster, Cippolini, Vin Jaune
Hash Brown, Peetytoe Crab, Celeriac, Maine Uni
Charred Brassicas, Garleek, Smoked Almond Tapenade, Brown Butter
… moreTartine, Tuna Nduja, Shaved Crudite
Pencil Cob Grits, Lobster, Cippolini, Vin Jaune
Hash Brown, Peetytoe Crab, Celeriac, Maine Uni
Charred Brassicas, Garleek, Smoked Almond Tapenade, Brown Butter
Kaylee Zeleniski
Came here for my birthday 3 weeks ago. Experience was very average and disappointed especially at the price you pay. We came for dinner on a Wednesday- was decently busy.
We got grits, hash brown, octopus and 1 other app that I forget and the NY strip to share for the main. Flavor diversity was lacking and honestly just underwhelming. To be fair- we were really excited and had high expectations. Service was okay! very okay. Got the key lime tart to go and that okay as well. Overall- left upset that we chose that spot for my bday.
… moreWe got grits, hash brown, octopus and 1 other app that I forget and the NY strip to share for the main. Flavor diversity was lacking and honestly just underwhelming. To be fair- we were really excited and had high expectations. Service was okay! very okay. Got the key lime tart to go and that okay as well. Overall- left upset that we chose that spot for my bday.
Nadine Rudd
Rushed over to Little Water today for lunch after the Michelin review of Philly was revealed – Congrats Little Water!Lunch did not disappoint – started with shrimp cocktail – an absolute must. The caviar and hush puppies did not disappoint but could have had a bit more of the lemon ricotta for spreading.
Caesar salad – best Caesar salad I ever had! Chicken fried chicken sandwich was good, but not a wow for me.
The atmosphere is great – really pretty interior – love the big window for people watching. The music was a tad loud. Overall – must go if you’re a Philly foodie!
… moreCaesar salad – best Caesar salad I ever had! Chicken fried chicken sandwich was good, but not a wow for me.
The atmosphere is great – really pretty interior – love the big window for people watching. The music was a tad loud. Overall – must go if you’re a Philly foodie!
Madison Mallon
Happened upon this place while on business travel once and it’s now my favorite restaurant in all of phl. The food is incredible but the kind and attentive staff really make it a stand out. Seafood is my favorite so it’s nice finding a restaurant that centers around it. So many good options.
… moreJosh Leposa
We made a reservation and was still waiting for 20 minutes. What’s the point of having a reservation?? Also it was extremely loud, I couldn’t hear my wife 6 inches from me. Honestly it was my fault for ordering chicken at a seafood place but damn did it smell and taste like hospital food. All the surfaces were somehow sticky but dry?? Oh and after they gave us the bill, they said whoops we forgot something and somehoe doubled the bill?? This is honestly the worst restaurant I’ve been too in my life
… moreLangston Williams
Great place for good food. The raw bar is great and the fish and duck were amazing! The key lime pie and the pumpkin dessert were amazing. Custom cocktail were also a hit! I would recommend going!
… more