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Peekytoe Crab Hash Brown is a peekytoe crab salad mixed with celeriac and Meyer lemon zest served atop a crispy hash brown, at Little Water, a new Rittenhouse restaurant, in Philadelphia, October 8, 2024.
Peekytoe Crab Hash Brown is a peekytoe crab salad mixed with celeriac and Meyer lemon zest served atop a crispy hash brown, at Little Water, a new Rittenhouse restaurant, in Philadelphia, October 8, 2024.Read moreJessica Griffin / Staff Photographer

Little Water

Center CitySeafood$$-$$$

Randy and Amanda Rucker, the team behind Beard-semifinalist River Twice on Passyunk Avenue, set out to write a love letter to coastal cuisine with this rustic Rittenhouse Square seafood spot. Which coasts? Texas, the Deep South, New England — places whose foods and traditions have influenced their journey together. Little Water, says critic Craig LaBan, lends new energy to a part of 20th Street’s that’s been wanting. He’s especially fond of the whole fried black bass. “Deep-fried in seasoned rice flour to a shattering crisp with vents cut into its sides for easy plucking and laid over sea beans and rice peas in a jade green pool of herbed kombu broth, this beauty can anchor a table.”

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The Inquirer aims to represent the geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity of the region in its coverage. Inquirer staffers and contributors do not accept free or comped meals — all meals are paid for by the Inquirer. All dining recommendations are made solely by the Inquirer editorial staffers and contributors based on their reporting and expertise, without input from advertisers or outside interests.

Restaurant Details

261 S 20th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19103
(215) 337-3343
https://www.littlewaterphl.com/
littlewaterphl