2026 awards + press recognition
James Beard Foundation: The 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists
James Beard Award Semifinalists 2026 ; Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
(DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA); Randy Rucker, Little Water, Philadelphia, PA
2025 awards + press recognition
Philadelphia Inquirer: “The 10 most exciting restaurants in Philadelphia this year according to Inquirer food critic Craig Laban”
Wrapped in glass cafe walls and pressed tin ceilings, Little Water rides the fine line between neighborhood haunt and destination splurge.
This airy, seafood-inspired restaurant from husband-and-wife team Chef Randy and Amanda Rucker immediately charms with its pressed tin ceiling, globe lights and well-worn wood flooring.
Michelin Guide : “ 2025 recommended restaurants
Philadelphia Inquirer: “Where to get the most phenomenal cocktails in Philadelphia”
Little Water may be widely known as Randy Rucker’s ode to coastal cuisine, but it’s also secretly one of Philly’s better cocktail bars.
Philadelphia Magazine: “Best of Philly Food & Drink 2025” Winner Best New Restaurant
Randy and Amanda Rucker’s new Rittenhouse spot explores everything the couple loves about a life spent close to the land, close to food, and in those intersections where earth and water meet.
Philadelphia Magazine: “Little Water: A Poetic Exploration of Land, Water, and Comfort Food.” 4 Star Review
Randy and Amanda Rucker’s second act makes a splash with uni-topped scallops swimming in yuzu kosho and a simple plate of halibut and potatoes.
Opened in October 2024, Little Water puts regional seafood front and center in a casual, lively setting in Rittenhouse Square.
Forbes Travel Guide: “6 New Philadelphia Restaurants to Try”
Little Water offers a vivid personal history of coastal cooking, from Texas to New England to Philly
Philadelphia Inquirer: Little Water review; “Evocative, inventive coastal cooking” - Craig Laban
Philadelphia Inquirer: Little Water, the sequel to RiverTwice, is “a coastal love letter”
Randy and amanda Rucker of River Twice spent years working on the coasts. Their travels have inspired their second restaurant, on the former site of Twenty Manning.
Eater Philadelphia: Inside Little Water
The contemporary coastal restaurant in Rittenhouse. an exclusive first look.
James Beard Foundation: 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists
chef Randy Rucker of River Twice Best Chef Mid-Atlantic