Little Water is the second Philly restaurant from Randy and Amanda Rucker, the husband-wife duo behind modern American mainstay River Twice. While the sleek wood-paneled place is always packed at dinner, the lunch service is also a great time and location for business meals or playing hooky during the daytime. During the midday hours, try a fried oyster BLT, peekytoe crab salad, or steak frites, while dinner brings a show-stopping whole fried fish, oyster plateaus, and more. It’s also the place to be on Tuesdays to Thursdays during its “Low Tide” happy hour at the bar. The contemporary coastal getaway, situated on a sun-drenched Rittenhouse corner since late 2024, is a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant.
The quiet ambiance and elevated options make this a good option for a work-related lunch, where you can be sure your boss will find something at once comforting and fancy. At night, the vibe is date nights and small groups celebrating special occasions.
The best seat in the house is one of just a few seats at the raw bar, where you can watch your platter of oysters being shucked and plated.