Just steps away from beautiful Rittenhouse Square, this bilevel sanctuary features a total of 100 seats, split between the main dining and bar areas, outdoor seating along 18th Street and an upper-level loft with a 20-person communal country table perfect for large parties and casual drop-ins alike. Designed by New York City’s Roman and Williams, The Love exudes a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic, replete with painted brick, reclaimed tiling, custom wallpaper and handmade fixtures. The restaurant itself — Olexy’s fifth and Starr’s 35th — is a vibrant and carefree café that celebrates creative American cuisine every day.
Upscale destination from Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr featuring seasonal American fare
Address and Contact Information
Address: 130 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 433-1555
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The Love
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The Love. (@thelovephilly) · Philadelphia, PA – Instagram
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The Love Restaurant – Philadelphia, PA | OpenTable
The Love is a bi-level sanctuary features 150 seats, split between the main dining room, sidewalk seating, and an upper-level loft.
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Reviews
Bohemian Waxwing
Have been here for fabulous dinners before and tried them for brunch for my daughter’s birthday— did not disappoint!
Appetizers were incredibly warm scones and fondue with flash fried Brussels and apples— recommend both!
Fig gimlet cocktail was fab.
Our entrees all came out great— mushroom ravioli possibly the standout but lots of competition from butternut squash risotto and burrata toast.
Service was very good and they attempted to be relaxed even though they were quite busy— only felt rushed at the very end.
… moreAppetizers were incredibly warm scones and fondue with flash fried Brussels and apples— recommend both!
Fig gimlet cocktail was fab.
Our entrees all came out great— mushroom ravioli possibly the standout but lots of competition from butternut squash risotto and burrata toast.
Service was very good and they attempted to be relaxed even though they were quite busy— only felt rushed at the very end.
Matt Diebolt
Fantastic flavors and top-tier service!
We had a wonderful dinner experience here. The NA drink selection was impressive, and the mocktail I chose was refreshing and well-balanced. We started with several appetizers for the table; the charcuterie board and beet salad were both hits. As a beet-salad novice, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it—even if I’m not quite ready to order a whole plate for myself yet!
The highlight, however, was the pork chop. It was incredibly juicy, perfectly seasoned, and paired beautifully with the whipped sweet potatoes. I also have to mention the side of Brussels sprouts with bacon and apples—a delicious and unexpected standout. We finished with a round of desserts, and the banana cheesecake was the absolute star. I could have eaten a whole one myself!
The atmosphere has a great vibe, though the seating can feel a bit snug when moving through the dining room. It’s a perfect “elevated casual” spot—you’ll feel right at home in nice jeans and a sweater. Service was impeccable; our glasses were never empty, and the staff was attentive without being intrusive. A very safe recommendation for anyone looking for a stellar meal!
… moreWe had a wonderful dinner experience here. The NA drink selection was impressive, and the mocktail I chose was refreshing and well-balanced. We started with several appetizers for the table; the charcuterie board and beet salad were both hits. As a beet-salad novice, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it—even if I’m not quite ready to order a whole plate for myself yet!
The highlight, however, was the pork chop. It was incredibly juicy, perfectly seasoned, and paired beautifully with the whipped sweet potatoes. I also have to mention the side of Brussels sprouts with bacon and apples—a delicious and unexpected standout. We finished with a round of desserts, and the banana cheesecake was the absolute star. I could have eaten a whole one myself!
The atmosphere has a great vibe, though the seating can feel a bit snug when moving through the dining room. It’s a perfect “elevated casual” spot—you’ll feel right at home in nice jeans and a sweater. Service was impeccable; our glasses were never empty, and the staff was attentive without being intrusive. A very safe recommendation for anyone looking for a stellar meal!
Karla
This was a great experience. The space is quaint with a small bar area. Went on a Thursday evening and it was crowded and nosy but still a great vibe. Food was delicious from the cocktails to the entrees! I had the fried chicken and grits with kale. Fantastic although the sauce was a little off putting, still compliments to the chef. My date was visiting from out of town and for dessert they prepared a special ‘Welcome To Philly’s plate. Super cute.
… moreZsavon Monique
A lovely night out celebrating life. The atmosphere was great, the vibes were on point, and the service was excellent. I don’t judge food too harshly since everyone’s palate is different, but I gave the food four stars only because the couscous medley wasn’t quite a hit for me. It came with the branzino, which is my favorite fish.
The cheese board, greens, and sweet potatoes were all standouts, and dessert was a hit as well. Overall, I really enjoyed dining at The Love. and would definitely return.
… moreThe cheese board, greens, and sweet potatoes were all standouts, and dessert was a hit as well. Overall, I really enjoyed dining at The Love. and would definitely return.
Laura Griffin
Treated myself to a birthday brunch here. I made a reservation for right when they opened (11:30) and the place was pretty busy by noon for the lunch rush. I ordered a mimosa, fried green tomatoes, the caesar salad, and the pumpkin bread pudding. Was it a bit pricey? Yes – $75 when it was all said and done. However, I did enjoy the food, the staff were very attentive.
… moredeedawg milando
First time here and can’t wait to go back. We had brunch here while visiting our son who lives in Philly and can’t say enough about the amazing service and food. Our server Eric was personable and so pleasant he made sure our coffee cups stayed full which was one of the best cups of coffee I have had in a long time. Turkey avacodo was fabulous. Pancake and omelet were also delicious. Highly recommend and also good
Idea to make reservations.
… moreIdea to make reservations.
Lauren Kin
Incredible. Met every one of the expectations I have for a Steven Starr restaurant! Came for the lunch and it was super reasonably priced and gourmet quality food. The tuna crudo appetizer stole the show for looks and taste.
The service was awesome and when they saw us come in with backpacks and placing them under the table they offered to securely store them for us! The restaurant was very full I’m glad we made a reservation, but the service didn’t feel like we were waiting at a busy restaurant, it’s well staffed!
But the food is where this restaurant shines! 4 meals and an appetizer an each one uniquely delicious and worthy of a return!
… moreThe service was awesome and when they saw us come in with backpacks and placing them under the table they offered to securely store them for us! The restaurant was very full I’m glad we made a reservation, but the service didn’t feel like we were waiting at a busy restaurant, it’s well staffed!
But the food is where this restaurant shines! 4 meals and an appetizer an each one uniquely delicious and worthy of a return!
Nishat Tasnin
I went here for my birthday brunch and really enjoyed the atmosphere: warm, classic, and welcoming. I’m essentially vegetarian when I eat out, so the meat dishes were tempting (they sounded so good), but I was still happy with the dishes I chose. The Burrata “Toast” was a new flavor combination for me and it worked surprisingly well, and the Handmade Ricotta Ravioli was rich and delicate without feeling heavy, everything on the plate felt thoughtfully balanced. The coffee was okay, but I appreciated that they use real vanilla bean syrup, with the little black flecks and all.
… moreKali R
Beautiful dinner with friends. The atmosphere gives the vibe of a dinner get-together at home with friends. I may have found my new favorite dining place for comfort food. Hush puppies, pork chops, short rib, fried chicken, ravioli….and more. The menu made it hard to decide! The staff was lovely and everyone was very kind. The other folks around us seemed to be enjoying their food too and were also engaged in good “phones down/off” conversations. This is what dining out should be. Good food, good friends, good conversation! I will definitely be back! I didn’t get a photo of the hush puppies or the cheese platter we got for an appetizer because we dove right in! But both were very good! And I promise I only brought my phone out for my two pics – then it went right back in my bag and my friends and I talked and laughed and enjoyed the time together.
… moreMing Lu
After doing a good amount of research to find the perfect spot to celebrate my anniversary with my girlfriend, I decided to surprise her with a dinner at The Love, and the restaurant did not disappoint in the slightest. They went above and beyond to make our evening nothing short of magical. The food, the service, and the atmosphere were all exceptional. I reached out to the restaurant ahead of time to see if we could be seated upstairs since it’s quieter and more intimate, and they not only honored the request, but gave us one of the best tables in the entire restaurant, right by the window.
Overall Ratings
Atmosphere – 5/5
Service – 5/5
Food – 5/5
Parking – Street Parking
Atmosphere –
This restaurant is easily one of my favorites in Center City Philadelphia. Everything, from the decor, to the carefully curated details, to the cozy feeling you get riding the elevator up to the second floor, creates an atmosphere that feels warm, romantic, and thoughtfully designed. It truly sets the tone for a special night out.
Service –
The service was nothing short of phenomenal. As mentioned, I messaged ahead of time requesting a quiet table upstairs, and they responded kindly, assuring me they would do their best. When my girlfriend called to let them know we’d be a few minutes late, the hostesses were incredibly polite and understanding. The moment we arrived, the hostess greeted us with, “You have one of the best tables upstairs,” and both of us looked at each other in surprise, it was the perfect start to the evening.
Our waitress, Danielle, was attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. One of the managers even came by to check on us, adding another layer of hospitality. The food runners were professional and well-mannered. Every single person working that night contributed to making the experience feel elevated and memorable.
What We Ordered –
There’s really no need to rate each item individually, everything was outstanding. The flavors, presentation, and execution of each dish were extraordinary. I had one minor issue with my drinking glass being chipped, but it was handled immediately and professionally.
-(Drink) Old Fashion
-(Drink) Half Baked
-Line-Caught Tuna Crudo
-Crispy Branzino
-Blackened Pork Chop
-Ginger-Miso Slow Cooked Collard Greens
Final Thoughts –
My girlfriend and I loved this place so much that we’re already talking about making it our annual anniversary tradition. We were blown away from the moment we walked in to the moment we stepped out. The staff is incredibly professional, the food is phenomenal, and the entire experience felt truly special. The Love lived up to its name… and then some.
… moreOverall Ratings
Atmosphere – 5/5
Service – 5/5
Food – 5/5
Parking – Street Parking
Atmosphere –
This restaurant is easily one of my favorites in Center City Philadelphia. Everything, from the decor, to the carefully curated details, to the cozy feeling you get riding the elevator up to the second floor, creates an atmosphere that feels warm, romantic, and thoughtfully designed. It truly sets the tone for a special night out.
Service –
The service was nothing short of phenomenal. As mentioned, I messaged ahead of time requesting a quiet table upstairs, and they responded kindly, assuring me they would do their best. When my girlfriend called to let them know we’d be a few minutes late, the hostesses were incredibly polite and understanding. The moment we arrived, the hostess greeted us with, “You have one of the best tables upstairs,” and both of us looked at each other in surprise, it was the perfect start to the evening.
Our waitress, Danielle, was attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. One of the managers even came by to check on us, adding another layer of hospitality. The food runners were professional and well-mannered. Every single person working that night contributed to making the experience feel elevated and memorable.
What We Ordered –
There’s really no need to rate each item individually, everything was outstanding. The flavors, presentation, and execution of each dish were extraordinary. I had one minor issue with my drinking glass being chipped, but it was handled immediately and professionally.
-(Drink) Old Fashion
-(Drink) Half Baked
-Line-Caught Tuna Crudo
-Crispy Branzino
-Blackened Pork Chop
-Ginger-Miso Slow Cooked Collard Greens
Final Thoughts –
My girlfriend and I loved this place so much that we’re already talking about making it our annual anniversary tradition. We were blown away from the moment we walked in to the moment we stepped out. The staff is incredibly professional, the food is phenomenal, and the entire experience felt truly special. The Love lived up to its name… and then some.