Little Water's Caesar Salad Earns Philly's Top Honors

Rittenhouse's breakout restaurant impresses with more than just seafood

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Little Water, the second restaurant from husband-wife duo Randy and Amanda Rucker, has become a standout in Philadelphia's dining scene since opening in late 2024. While the contemporary coastal eatery is known for its seafood-focused dinner menu, the restaurant's lunch service is also drawing praise, particularly for its Caesar salad which some are calling the best in the city.

Why it matters

Little Water's success highlights the growing culinary reputation of Philadelphia, which has seen a surge of acclaimed new restaurants open in recent years. The restaurant's recognition as a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant further cements its status as a must-visit dining destination.

The details

In addition to its acclaimed Caesar salad, Little Water's lunch menu features other standout dishes like fried oyster BLTs, peekytoe crab salad, and steak frites. The restaurant also offers a popular 'Low Tide' happy hour at the bar from Tuesday to Thursday. Little Water's sleek, wood-paneled design and sunny Rittenhouse Square location add to its appeal as a destination for both business lunches and casual midday meals.

  • Little Water opened in late 2024.
  • The restaurant was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant.

The players

Randy and Amanda Rucker

The husband-wife duo behind Little Water and the modern American restaurant River Twice.

Little Water

A contemporary coastal restaurant located in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse neighborhood, known for its seafood-focused dinner menu and acclaimed Caesar salad.

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The takeaway

Little Water's success in establishing itself as a dining destination in Philadelphia, with recognition for both its dinner menu and standout lunch offerings, demonstrates the city's growing culinary reputation and the appeal of restaurants that offer a contemporary coastal dining experience.