The Love. is an upscale restaurant at 130 S 18th St in Philadelphia, PA 19103, created by Aimee Olexy and Stephen Starr. Featuring seasonal American fare, it offers a polished dining experience that feels both inviting and current.
Whether you are joining friends for brunch, meeting someone for lunch, enjoying dinner, or treating yourself to dessert, The Love. provides a welcoming setting for a wide range of occasions, including solo dining. Its cozy, romantic, trendy, and upmarket atmosphere makes it a memorable choice for relaxed meals, special outings, and refined everyday dining.
Guests can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in service, delivery, and takeaway, with on-site services and table service available. The menu and beverage selection include comfort food, healthy options, organic dishes, coffee, beer, cocktails, and wine, complemented by highlights such as great cocktails, great coffee, great dessert, and a great wine list.
A bar is available on site, and private dining can be accommodated in the private dining room. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi, restrooms, and gender-neutral toilets. Fast service adds convenience, while the restaurant’s focus on brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and comfortable seating makes it easy to plan a visit around your schedule.
Accessibility is an important part of the experience, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, a wheelchair-accessible toilet, an assistive hearing loop, and a wheelchair-accessible car park. The Love. accepts reservations and typically experiences a wait, so reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted for payment.
Rated 4.60 out of 5 based on 1,982 customer reviews, The Love. offers a highly regarded Philadelphia dining destination for seasonal American fare, quality drinks, thoughtful amenities, and an atmosphere designed to make every visit feel special. To learn more or plan your visit, call +1 215-433-1555.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at The Love.
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
chive butter
smoked cheddar & peppercorn croutons, rosemary-oregano oil
hand selected artisan cheeses, fresh fruit & jam, candied pecans, wine raisins
flash-fried brussels sprouts, orchard apples, alpine dipping fondue and savory sea salt
apples, walnuts, herb-yogurt dressing, local greens, lemon gastrique
arugula, fennel, blood orange vinaigrette, pistachio and calabrian hot honey
pecans, truffle pecorino, agrodolce onion and balsamic, fresh apple & celery
aleppo pepper dusting, and salted honey butter
avocado, lime, sesame rice crisps, black garlic & kimchee dressings
crisp gem romaine, citrus-scented caesar, black pepper croutons and parmesan
our buttermilk fried chicken, buttery corn grits, comeback sauce and collard greens
lemon butter, grilled artichoke hearts, capers, herbs and parmesan frico
exotic mushroom sauce, maple bourbon gastrique and breadcrumbs
sticky rice, bok choy, shiitake, daikon, broccoli, chili sesame crisp & tangled scallions
red wine braise, pommes purée, tender vegetables and puff pastry
baby carrots, couscous, green olive harissa vinaigrette, mint, sesame za'atar
charred brussels, bacon & apples, whipped sweet potatoes, honey, thyme and chipotle
sticky rice, bok choy, shiitake, daikon, broccoli, love sesame chili crisp & cilantro-scallion salad
long-hot Aioli, pickled fennel & parmesan crisps
charred onion remoulade
tomatoes, pickled red onion, herb vinaigrette
chive butter
smoked cheddar & peppercorn croutons, rosemary-oregano oil
carrot curls, golden raisins, sherry vinaigrette and parsley
herb breadcrumbs, pimento cheese & our bread and butter pickles
apples, walnuts, herb-yogurt dressing, local greens, lemon gastrique
tricolore greens, pears, fig vinaigrette, ciabatta, fig jam and pine nuts
aleppo pepper dusting, and salted honey butter
avocado, lime, sesame rice crisps, black garlic & kimchee dressings
five curated artisan cheeses, fresh fruit & jam, candied pecans, wine raisins
gulf shrimp, local grits, southern shellfish sauce, onions and peppers
bok choy, shiitake, daikon, broccoli, chili sesame crisp, ponzu & cilantro
pepper jack, aioli, our english muffin, greens and potatoes
griddled brioche, pickles and comeback sauce
exotic mushroom sauce, maple bourbon gastrique and breadcrumbs
pecans, truffle pecorino, agrodolce onion and balsamic, fresh apple & celery
spinach sautè, bright herb-cheddar cream cheese, crispy potatoes
cooper sharp, fried onions, long-hot aioli, crispy potatoes & greens
crisp gem romaine, citrus-scented caesar, black pepper croutons and parmesan | substitute for shrimp or salmon $6
long-hot aioli, pickled fennel & parmesan crisps
tomatoes, pickled red onion, herb vinaigrette
with our farm fresh strawberry-rhubarb jam
five sweet and spicy strips
whipped cream cheese, candied pecans & ginger caramel
smoked cheddar & peppercorn croutons, rosemary-oregano oil
aleppo pepper dusting and salted honey butter
tricolore greens, pears, fig vinaigrette, ciabatta, fig jam and pine nuts
herb breadcrumbs, pimento cheese & our bread and butter pickles
apples, walnuts, herb-yogurt dressing, local greens, lemon gastrique
carrot curls, golden raisins, sherry vinaigrette and parsley
gulf shrimp, local grits, southern shellfish sauce, onions and peppers
sweet potato, kale, bell pepper, goat cheese, crispy corn tortilla & chipotle aioli
fried egg, pepper jack, aioli, our english muffin, greens and potatoes
griddled brioche, pickles and comeback sauce
spinach sautè, bright herb-cheddar cream cheese, crispy potatoes
exotic mushroom sauce, maple bourbon gastrique and breadcrumbs
pecans, truffle pecorino, agrodolce onion and balsamic, fresh apple & celery
lemon buttercream and sour cherry sauce
italian truffle scented scrambled eggs, brioche, potatoes, sautéed spinach
cooper sharp, fried onions, long-hot aioli, crispy potatoes & greens
crisp gem romaine, citrus scented caesar, black pepper croutons and parmesan | substitute for shrimp or salmon $6
jam and butter
pennsylvania maple syrup
tomatoes, pickled red onion, herb vinaigrette
graham crumble, candied pecans, bourbon caramel
graham cracker ice cream, torched meringue & lemon curd
our cookies & cream ice cream and crushed chocolate shortbread
flaky pastry, cardamom shortbread & french vanilla ice cream
chocolate chip cookie skillet, cookie dough ice cream & salted caramel
Hear from our valued guests
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.
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!
We had an amazing dinner here. Our server Veronica was one of the best servers I’ve had in a long time - she knew the menu so well and had an amazing way of explaining the food and helping us decide what to get. We joked she should make a food podcast! The mushroom ravioli was absolutely delicious, as was the shrimp and scallop spaghetti and pot roast. We also enjoyed several desserts like the cookie skillet and warm chocolate pudding cake. Can’t recommend this place and Veronica enough! Will be back next time I’m in Philly.
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.
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.
The staff is friendly, welcoming and accommodating. We had a baby with us and they took such great care of us. The food is always 10/10. Every bite layers unexpected flavor combinations with vibrant colors and textures. The creativity is more than impressive. The flavors are layered in a way that really highlights how incredible vegetables can be. The menu is a balance of both light and more comforting dishes. There is something for everyone. I hope the Buffalo Cauliflower returns one day! It was the best blue cheese dressing I've ever had, anywhere in my life! The ambiance is perfect. :)
I went with my teenage son who prefers more of a fast, casual dining experience. However, since we are on a trip together, the compromise was we have a nice sitdown dinner. Surprisingly he thoroughly enjoyed the eclectic plates. He enjoyed the shrimp and scallop, lemon pasta, and I ordered the salmon. He actually finished off my dinner as well as his own. We started with the burrata appetizer. the flavor profiles and texture were great for all of the dishes. I appreciate the diversity in options from the Asian inspired salmon dish that I had to my son’s Italian inspired meal. The service was incredible and the food was outstanding. We were sat next to the window upstairs so it gave us a good opportunity to take in the views and the vibes of the city. I will definitely be back for a date night the next time I’m in the Philadelphia area.
OMG, first time here and I am completely obsessed! 😍 Everything about this spot is an absolute vibe, whether you’re grabbing a table on the sidewalk or soaking in the gorgeous views from the upstairs loft. The service was top-notch, and the food was just WOW! I got the dirty matcha green tea latte and it was ridiculously yummy. 🍵✨ Fair warning: the portion sizes are MASSIVE, so definitely bring a friend and plan to share. I already can't wait for my next trip to Philly just so I can come back!
The food and ambiance are perfect and what you would expect. Definitely will be going back. We had the fried green tomatoes, that were perfectly crisp and the Caesar’s salad (nice twist) for appetizers. Main courses were fried chicken, spagetti with shrimp and ravioli. Love the uniques sauces, flavoring and special touch each dish has at this place. Even the desserts hit the mark spot on! Majority of the staff were very friendly, helpful and polite. Only our waitress was sort of rushing us, but the other staff members didn’t appear to be the same as her. Regardless, The Love deserves 5-Stars!!
Last night's dinner was wonderful. The cheese board was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious. Both entrees were incredible as well (Salmon/Ravioli). The highlight for me though was the keylime souffle cake. I've been an executive chef for 10 years and this was hands down the best dessert I have eaten in a LONG time. Perfection. No notes. Jessica I. Was also an amazing server. Attentive without being overbearing, paced the meal exceptionally well, and loved connecting with her over both being industry. She was professional, knowledgeable, and has a great personality. Objectively, incredible work from the entire staff I watched throughout the night. Team work was great and the steps of service were top notch. Can't wait to come back!
Common questions about The Love.
The Love. is located at 130 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, PA 19103, United States.
You can reach The Love. by calling +1 215-433-1555.
The Love. has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 1982 customer reviews.
The Love. features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Assistive hearing loop, Wheelchair-accessible car park.
The Love. features the following from the business: Identifies as women-owned.
The Love. features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Dine-in, Delivery, Takeaway.
The Love. features the following highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great wine list.
The Love. features the following popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining.
The Love. features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Private dining room, Small plates, Spirits, Vegetarian options, Wine.
The Love. features the following dining options: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
The Love. features the following amenities: Bar on site, Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom, Wi-Fi.
The Love. features the following atmosphere: Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
The Love. features the following crowd: Family friendly, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Tourists, Transgender safe space.
The Love. features the following planning: Brunch reservations recommended, Lunch reservations recommended, Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations, Usually a wait.
The Love. features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
The Love. features the following children: Good for kids, Has changing table(s), High chairs, Kids' menu.
The Love. features the following parking: Paid parking garage, Paid street parking.
The Love. features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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