We were on the search for good lunch spot before heading to the airport. Stumbled across The Love, and immediately fell in "Love" with the space. We ordered the fried green tomatoes (super good crunch), short rib burger, and burrata toast. Everything was delicious! Would go back again and again. read more

See all

Had a lovely last minute brunch here on Saturday before we spent a day in the city before our flight home. We found a last minute reservation and walked quickly there. It's situated right near rittenhouse square so it's a bustling and great area. The spring festival was happening is it was PACKED! We were seated by a window and immediately given water. We ordered some lattes that took quite a while to arrive - we learned they have one coffee machine so things were backed up! Our serve apologized profusely and they gave us a sweet treat on the house at the end of our meal. I ordered the frittata which was delicious and my husband to the omelette . We also got the drop biscuits with strawberry rhubarb jam and omg am good! Our brunch was great and the interior was modern but felt homey and we had the best service and the manager also came to see things were going. I would definitely recommend this place and hope to come back next time I'm in town! read more

See all

The Yelp rating hold up! The his place was great! Out of towner here visiting for the weekend. Turned to Yelp to find a good place and this didn't disappoint. The restaurant has 2 levels and there is an elevator to the second floor. We were seated at a window which was quite nice. We were able to watch the city streets and architecture while enjoying our meal. The service was top notch, they were incredibly fast and attentive. All of the food was fantastic. If I lived around the area this would be a staple for a nice night out! read more

See all

The Love is a great place in center city with a very friendly staff. The ambiance lives up to the name and it feels like a welcoming brunch place. I ordered the shrimp and grits as well as the lemon ricotta pancakes. Both were stellar and elegantly prepared. I'd go back just for the pancakes read more

The Love - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Great experience! We came in for brunch on a busy Saturday afternoon and were quickly seated. I must also say that this was after some back-and-forth with the restaurant where they were extremely accommodating surrounding our reservation. We had the fried green tomatoes to start, which were great and then had the shrimp and grits and frittata as our main entrées. Honestly, everything was wonderful and I have zero complaints about anything that we had. Additionally, we had the heartbreaker drink, which was phenomenal. Being that it was an incredibly busy Saturday afternoon they ran this place very well. We weren't left waiting though every table was full and our server was friendly. Overall, I would definitely recommend the love to anyone in the area looking for a great meal. read more

See all

While it's 'only' been open 9 years now, Stephen Starr's, The Love, is a 'landmark' restaurant just off Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. Its ambiance, service and most of all its food, make it a very special place. I was dining alone this evening, so I could 'only' order 2 mains - which, of course, I could not finish and had to take home. The first and foremost, Lovebird. It's easy to fall in love with this bird - it's unquestionably one of the best fried chickens in the city. It comes with two large pieces - a very large breast, and a large thigh. I started with the breast - lean, tender, juicy white meat that's so flavorful with a thin buttermilk fried coating. I was thinking, you don't find really juicy breasts....but The Love brines its chicken which significantly helps chicken retains its juiciness. Before I continue, with my chicken dish, I have to stop to let you know my second dish was the Ricotta Ravioli. I asked for both dishes at the same time as I like pasta with my 'meat' - in this case chicken. I went back and forth between the two dishes as they complimented each other so well. To complete the 'chicken part' - the chicken comes with a delicious dish of buttery corn grits. The grits were outstanding! Lightly salted and very creamy, I enjoyed it with a bite of the chicken. I would like to mention the chicken comes with a sauce which I found to be too spicy. No worries! I asked for honey - which is what I typically eat with my fried chicken. They brought a dish and I dipped every piece in! Okay, last, but not least, the chicken also comes with collard greens, which isn't a favorite of mine but tasted fine. Now for the Ricotta Raviolis - the dish was exceptional. The pasta was tender and full of the softest, creamiest ricotta! It was smothered in a one of the most exotic sauces which completely balances out the creamy cheese! It's a combination of several mushrooms that have been sautéed in this maple bourbon reduction, served with Parmesan cheese and sautéed spinach. It was a memorable dish that I will return to have. I rarely rate 5 stars - but these 2 dishes could have easily stood on their own, as each were great plates. But together, they were epic! read more

See all

We made reservations to celebrate our anniversary. I had no idea that right before we left the house we'd also be there that night to celebrate our engagement! Was ready to park in a garage I'm familiar with but there was street parking so we got lucky with that! The minute we walked in the restaurant (first time there for both of us) we loved the vibe! It was dark but not too dark, great music playing, friendly staff and wonderful drinks! We started with the beet salad and the hush puppies. I had the shrimp and scallop Spaghetti (but I asked if the spaghetti could be swapped out for smaller pasta, which they did) and Mark had the crispy Bronzino. I cannot wait to go back! Oh and the drinks were great too but I cannot remember what we enjoyed. read more

See all

Went here for dinner on Thursday and it is by far one of the best restaurants in the city! Had the hush puppies to start and the pepper dusting on top mixed with the salty butter is to die for. The shrimp was some of the best I've had - and we ended the night with the Key lime soufflé! read more

The Love - Hush puppies - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Atmosphere was bustling. This is obviously a very busy Sunday brunch spot. We made a last minute reservation, not knowing what the traffic would be like ...and boy were we glad. Oddly neither the website nor the recorded phone line suggested a reservation...but one was definitely needed. We were seated approx 20 minutes past our reservation. The server was attentive and helpful. It was hard to hear our waiter and ourselves speak...it just a loud environment. The food was good...the shrimp and grits were prepared well...i am a stickler for grits made properly...but the lacked a definitive flavor or bold seasoning. I tried the truffle eggs on someone else's plate...and they seemed to be the star of the day. read more

I liked the quality of freshness of the seafood and the flavor overall was okay. The atmosphere was there so okay place for a date night

Love The Love Came here to gab over brunch with a girlfriend on Saturday. We made a reservation the day before and glad we did because it was poppin. We had a nice corner booth inside and felt like we had our own space. GET THE BISCUITS they were worth it. The jam was yummy (just wish it came with butter too!) Drinks were great and portions generous. No complaints. Would gladly come again when I'm in town. read more

See all

I was in town and decided to dine here. As we approached, there were outdoor side walk seating under heated lamps for the cool October night weather. We were greeted at the door and directed to the hostess. The hostess took our number and asked kindly that we give her a few minutes to get us seated. Entering the restaurant there is very mellow vibe with dimmed lighting. The bar area was rather small and under very low light. Lighting was so low that a photo was not easily taken without bright flash that would take away from the vibe that was already set. On this Friday night it was packed but comfortably not over crowded. However, seating is fairly close to the next table. Within a couple minutes we were seated with our waitress promptly greeting us at the table. We had a choice of tap or bottled water. We held off ordering spirit drinks to allow time to look over the menu. We first ordered rolls that came with chive butter. Then our meals short rib rigatoni and seared salmon crunch topped with a verdi salso accompanied with squash and broccoli veggie mix. We added the cucumber and tomato salad as well. Once our meals were in we then ordered our spirit drinks. A Broken Arrow (Margarita) and Sangria. Both drinks were great. The rolls came out and were exceptionally tasty. The chive butter was the perfect match. The meals came in a timely manner and were pleased and satisfied with every bite we took of our meals to include the cucumber salad. The waitress and othet staff were very attentive and quick to clean our table of used china and utensils as well as refilling our water as needed. This by far was a great choice of dining and if in the area I will visit again. read more

See all

Cute place with awesome service and pretty good food. Some items are really delicious while others are just good. The really delicious items we had included the beet salad (the herbed yogurt on the bottom was sooo good), the burger (so juicy, perfect bun, my husband was in heaven), and the fig and the lemon cocktail, which was tart and refreshing and everything you want in a cocktail. As for the rest, the sangria tasted watered down. The cornbread was crisp and salty with delicious butter. The Nashville Hot Chicken had a wonderful sauce but was a bit dry. Overall, very nice experience for lunch! Would recommend either getting there early or making a reservation because it does get very busy! read more

See all

I love the LOVE! I dined here for lunch. The servers are attentive and QUICK. So if your pressed for time they will get you in and out. It's best to have a reservation if possible but even if you don't they are accommodating. Comfy seating and decor. The menu has a nice variety of options and I've dined here several different times and not once have I had anything that I didn't enjoy. This time I had the salmon sticky rice bowl over a bed assorted veggies like bok choy, shitake, daikon and broccoli in a ponzu sauce and literally the first bite was WOW. As soon as I bit into it instantly my palate woke up to the dancing flavors of this well orchestrated dish!! The acidity and sweet notes played beautifully together! The salmon is soooo tender and just melts on your tongue. There was just enough rice too without it being too much. Nice amount of sauce to bathe the veggies in. Everything about this dish was PERFECT. If I were home I probably would have licked the bowl it was so delicious. read more

The Love - Salmon Sticky Rice Bowl - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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. read more

See all

The Love exceeded my expectations! We had a 2pm reservation which is right before they close before dinner service. Service was still fantastic, we didn't feel rushed at all, and the food came out super quickly. Mentioning that we'd be sharing the tuna crudo, they split it up on two plates for us which was super thoughtful. The crudo was definitely the highlight of the meal, the kimchi sauce works so well with the fish. Butternut squash risotto was also delicious with the truffle parm on top! Will definitely be returning, it's a great spot to have brunch with the girls. read more

See all

Another stellar meal at The Love! I went for a late-ish lunch. The wait for a table was brief (under 5 minutes). I had the homemade ricotta ravioli and all I can say is run, do not walk or meander to grab this phenomenal dish while it's on the menu. The pillowy raviolis were filled to perfection and the ricotta was a perfect texture and delicately seasoned. The real co-stars are the mushroom sauce, maple gastrique and breadcrumbs. Each alone is fantastic, together they are a symphony of earthiness, sweetness and crunch. Add the pasta with a perfect bite and the creaminess of the filling, and holy cow! I'm not a pasta fan, but I could eat this dish on the regular. Enjoy! read more

See all

Came on a weekend brunch with a reservation. Service was friendly and it does fill up so reservations are recommended. It is laid back and casual atmosphere. 1. Mushroom soup - Creamy but not overly thick. Loads of flavor and a sizable portion with croutons. 2. Beet salad - Creative and a good mix with fruit and nuts. Very good and would get it again. Overall, a great spot for a light or not so light brunch and would love to come back again! read more

The Love - Mushroom soup and beet salad - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I come to Philly a few times a year to visit family and we always have at least one nice dinner. This trip we picked The Love and I'm so happy we did. We had a reservation and were seated right on time. They have a nice cocktail menu, wine list and full bar. Two of us had The Legend, which is their version of a rye Old Fashioned and really good. For food, we split the cheese board (more than enough for the three of us) and Tuna Credo. Both were excellent. For the mains, we had pork chops and fried chicken. The port chop is literally one of the best I've ever had. So moist and cooked perfectly, despite a pretty think crust of blackened and spicy cajun rub. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I skipped dessert but had their version of a grasshopper (minty, creamy alcohol cocktail). We also had a nice bottle of Spanish Tempranillo, which went well with all the dishes. Although I try and pick a new restaurant each time I come to Philly, it's gonna be hard not to visit here again, and soon! Highly recommended. read more

My daughter and I attended an event in Philly and ate at this amazing corner restaurant. Service was spectacular and food was unique, lots of attention to detail, and so tasty. Hope to return some day! read more

See all

The food was delicious! Friendly staff. Sit at the bar if you don't have a reservation. read more

The Love - Menu - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

" we have nothing but thyme in the world " The post card touched my mental space. Overall great restaurant, very attentive server . Food was delicious. Also they gave out a little tasty treat. lol I asked the server if they sale bigger ones. #thefatboyinme read more

The Love - Post card received after bill - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

This place has food to die for. Period. Every dish was just impeccably curated from the type of sides that it would include to the presentation. More than anything, I think it was impressive because of the types of protein and dishes it carries. The pork was excellent, as well as the fish, and all the side dishes. The ambiance was also great. I'd definitely come back. read more

The Love - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Really liked our visit to The Love. We went during Open Streets: west walnut which features selected streets closed to vehicular traffic, so folks were out enjoying several blocks of leisurely strolling, dining and a treat of the Temple University band showing off their musical talents. The interior is large with plenty of seating and lots of windows for street views. Service was good-our reservation time change was accommodated without issue, and we were seated right away once my guest arrived. We enjoyed our brunch of beet salad (fresh, tangy), shrimp & grits (creamy and super cheesy with a little spicy kick) and the "posh brunch". Didn't indulge in any cocktails, but the lattes were very good. I'd like to revisit to try some of their other dishes. The fried green tomato and fried chicken dishes passing by on their way to other tables looked delicious read more

See all

Stopped in to grab a pre dinner drink. Was able to sit right away at the bar, which was dimly lit with a beautiful lighted up alcohol wall. The bartender was nice, answered our questions and served us right away. While the bartenders started off good, it was tough to get their attention to cash out at the end. read more

The Love - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

The outdoor seating was marvelous. Sunshine, people watching, good food, it's all you'd ever want on a Saturday morning. But yes chances are you'll have to wait for a table which is absolutely worth the wait. I got shrimp and grits and they were DELICIOUS. The sauce was flavorful and plentiful for the serving of the grits. The greens were a nice touch too. And they didn't skim on the shrimp. I also love that they have pancakes as a side - it's served as just a single one. I always want pancakes but don't want to have it as my main so this is a perfect solution. The pancake was nice and fluffy! I just wish they didn't serve it at the same time as the grits. By the time I was ready to eat it, it was already cold. All in all the food here is really good but pretty pricey though. I spent around $50 for a solo brunch. It was close to my hotel so I went for it. I truly had another place as my top choice but this was convenient. I am not mad I ended up here. read more

See all

The Love lives up to its name. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere just wrapped around us--comfortable, stylish, and buzzing without ever feeling rushed. Service was spot-on from start to finish, the kind where you feel looked after but never hovered over. Collin was outstanding! I ordered the turkey and avocado sandwich, simple on paper but executed beautifully. My wife went with the broccoli omelette--fluffy, flavorful, and one of those dishes that makes you stop mid-bite to say, "this is perfect." The potatoes on the side? Worth the five stars all by themselves. And the Bloody Mary? Absolute money. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to linger just a little longer. read more

See all

I am realizing I never posted the first 3x's we went. This is our 4th visit with pics from them all. Reservations made for early in the day. Right away we agree on Fried Green tomatoes. You should do the same. Delicious consistently. Who would've thought pimento cheese? Steven Starr's team. I had the tuna crudo and of course it was delicious. The fresh flavors combine to a party in your mouth. The chicken was perfectly seasoned. Crispy and deboned. The sides were so good! Creamy cheesy grits and well seasoned collards. More vinegar based and still delicious. The Bronzino was perfect. The combo was odd but they know what they are doing, odd to read, delicious in your mouth. The cobbler wasn't a real cobbler cobbler. More fruit filling and crumble. Still good but I wouldn't have in future. We go here often. The friendly attentive staff, cute home and sexy atmosphere and somewhere you can bring fam/friends/lovers/spouse/side piece. read more

See all

I'm giving 5 stars but I'll caveat some things. We had a party of 6 and it felt very tight. Tbd cocktails were ok but nothing superb. The fig and lemon cocktail ($17) lacked luster; kind of boring. The spicy sangria special ($16) was very nice but the 2nd glass lost all of its spice. I had the tofu teriyaki ($30) and it was perfectly lovely. The branzino was enjoyed ($38) and so was the salmon ($36). It's definitely loud (couldn't really hear my companions at the end of the table) and crowded in there. We really enjoyed the burrata and cheese plate as apps. It's all a bit pricey tho! The waitress was kind and efficient and she split our check evenly by all our cards. read more

The Love - Tofu teriyaki - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We've been wanting to try this Starr restaurant and finally got a chance. The menu was really comprehensive, with many great choices but also very difficult to read, so it took a while to decide. Luckily we were sitting outside and in no hurry as it was very nice on the quiet side street. Our wait person was well-versed in the entire menu and proffered great advice. I love the drinks they come up with at Starr restaurants, so I ordered the Reposado Tequila Margarita, a wonderful concoction of lime, prickly pear purée, agave & spiced salt. It's a good-sized, very refreshing drink with just the perfect bit of alcohol; a great way to start things off! Our apps came in short order: but let me first warn that these appetizer salads are big enough for sharing with one or two others. My wife's beet salad was excellent as was my Simple Ceasar, but I thought it was a bit bland without the traditional anchovies and egg. The croutons were very crispy but rather flavorless. Both main courses were excellent; my wife loved her Rigatoni and Short Rib pasta dish. The Lovebird (fried chicken) I ordered was truly epic splashed with their tangy Comeback sauce, but the real stars of the show are the buttery grits, which are insanely creamy and delicious. I didn't care for the collard greens but I'm not a fan anyway. For dessert we selected the Warm Summer Peach & Berry Cobbler and it was good but could have been better; the fruits were quite overcooked, which muted their flavors and took away from the overall impression. I mentioned our disappointment to our server and she not only gave my feedback to the pastry chef but also took it off the check. read more

See all

This place is really great. It's quaint inside and really great service. The food was so yummy.

Absolutely fantastic restaurant offering fresh ingredients bold flavors and excellent service in a welcoming setting The entire experience exceeded expectations and left a lasting impression worth recommending to everyone always. read more

If you can, make a reservation! It's very much worth it. Came here for brunch and was seated on the second floor. Service was incredibly attentive, down to folding the napkin of someone who stepped away. The space is clean and welcoming with a home feel to it. The hubs ordered the Bloody Mary and upon tasting instantly said "that's a perfect Bloody Mary". From what we ordered the portions are large so come hungry. Hush puppies were tasty and Aleppo pepper dusting was a great touch. Nashville hot chicken perfectly cooked and my butternut squash risotto had an amazing combination of flavors. I can't wait to be back here! read more

The Love - Fried Nashville Hot Chicken - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

See all

Of all the three "fine dining" experiences we've had in Philly on this trip, The Love takes the number one spot with ease. All the dishes were exquisite and brought something fresh & unexpected to our palates. The mushroom risotto, the branzino and the apple tarte tatin were all outstanding, with the chai ice cream bringing that extra "something something" to finish things off. The staff were all lovely and the chef went the extra mile for our anniversary, which we appreciated. Lively yet chill vibes at a comfortable table for two made for a fantastic evening. Would definitely come again. read more

See all

It's hard to be surprised by an American brunch place these days, but The Love managed to do it! All the flavor combinations were spot on and executed beautifully. I went with a couple of friends and we all had a different favorite. The manager also came around to introduce herself and top off our drinks, which was very kind. Really nice atmosphere and the place filled up so quickly even though it was a random Thursday! read more

The Love - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I am surprised that I haven't reviewed The Love until today because I recommend it to anyone who asks me where to eat in Rittenhouse. That said, Go here! The food is excellent, service is professional and the dining rooms are bright yet warm and fuzzy. Today I was in the mood for tomato soup. I checked The Love menu and found the perfect match. It was exquisite. The Beet Salad sounded just as good, so I ordered that too. The husband ordered Salmon Salad, which I tasted as well. Obviously, we took home our leftovers because the portions were large. See pics attached. 5 hearts because it's The Love. read more

See all

For us it was the buttermilk biscuits to start, what can I say, they were fine but not great. The taste and feel was just so so. However, I enjoyed the strawberry rhubarb jam that came with them. I had the lemon poppyseed pancakes, which were good, but nothing to write home about. My husband's turkey avocado melt was excellent and I think the best thing on the menu. The drink list was excellent--both cocktails I had were excellent (a passionfruit sangria special and a fig lemon gimlet). We did have great service too! I'd be happy to return but it wouldn't be my first advice - I think there are better restaurants in the Starr collection. read more

Went here with the wife for a Monday night dinner. Service was great, very attentive and friendly. Servers seemed to be well educated on the menu. I started with a Caesar salad which was basic but passable. Wife went with tuna crudo which she very much enjoyed. It had black garlic which was great. My main was spaghetti with artichokes and scallops. I had them swap out the shrimp for more scallops. Had a kind of piccata flavor and briny vinegary tart artichokes. Star of the show however was the short rib ragú pasta which was delicious and decadent. One of the better pastas I've tasted. No room for desert but they brought a nice bite sized piece of cake for each of us. Beautiful and cozy space to boot. Go check it out. read more

The Love - This is spaghetti with scallops. A+ dish. Spaghetti made in house. - New American Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

First time here in awhile and we enjoyed it! The inside is just so amazing the decor is warm and "nooky". Just love the vibe in here. Food was good. Some better than others. Drinks were yum yum. Margarita was amazing! Husband took the zero alcohol mocktail and added Hendricks so yummy! Portions were very large! Great value. Bloody Mary was eh. Espresso martini was average. Our service was great! Super helpful and patient. read more

See all

The service was fantastic! I had ordered a drink and was able to switch it for something else easily. The drinks, food, and dessert were all so delicious and worth it! The food had so much flavor I wasn't expecting. I highly recommend this spot especially for a special event! read more

See all