From celebrity chef-owned restaurants to quaint hidden gems, University City has some of the most diverse dining options in Philadelphia.

This month, Wells Fargo presents the Seventh Annual University City Dining Days from July 12 to July 26.

University City is home to some of the most innovative and diverse dining options in the region. The neighborhood’s international dining scene features dishes from India, Ethiopia, Vietnam and beyond. The participating restaurants offer a pre-fixe three-course dinner special as low as $15 per person.

Dining Days will help drive traffic to University City restaurants during typically slow periods while introducing new customers to the neighborhood’s dining scene. During Dining Days, patronage increases by more than 50 percent at some participating restaurants, so reservations are strongly encouraged.

“We’re providing a service that no one else is providing,” said Jose Garces, owner of two participating restaurants, JG Domestic and Distrito.

The University of Pennsylvania is the primary employer in the University City community. Mary Jo Daley works at Penn and spends a lot of time in University City. 

“I enjoy walking from 30th Street to 40th Street,” she said.

Daley and her husband enjoy taking strolls in University City, especially in the neighborhoods around 40th Street.

“My husband meets me at Saxby's on Friday nights and then we head out for dinner,” she said.
Distrito, Rx, Bobbie's Burger Palace and Marigold Kitchen are some of Daley’s favorite dining spots. The couple shared their first date at Nan’s Restaurant.

A record-setting 34 of University City’s most popular dining destinations – including Pod, Sabrina’s Cafe and Distrito – are taking reservations for the two-week dining event.
The discounted price points make it affordable to dine at a new location every night of the event.

Prices are for dinner only and do not include tax, gratuity or alcohol. Reservations should be made directly through the participating restaurant. Visit www.ucdiningdays.com for more information and for downloadable menus.