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LA FAMIGLIA
The Top List of Best Italian - Philadelphia, PA
Now That's Italian!
by Genevieve Wheeler
by Genevieve Wheeler
While South Philadelphia's historic Italian Market deserves it's reputation as the hub of Italian culture and business in the city, many authentic and unique Italian restaurants can be found throughout the Philadelphia area. From busy Center City to trendy Manayunk, pasta lovers have many options to choose from in Philly. Whether you're looking for traditional tomato "gravy" or a new twist on veal
parmesan, you'll find it in one of the city's many ristorantes!
BELLA TRATTORIA
4258 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 482-5556
Hours: (Sun-Thu) 11 am-10 pm, (Fri-Sat) 11 am-11 pm
Bella Trattoria occupies a central location on Main Street in Manayunk, a bustling, trendy and upscale neighborhood on the west side of Philly. The restaurant has a casual, cafe-like atmosphere, perfect
for people-watching, with large windows along the sidewalk and outdoor seating in the warmer months. The menu has something to please all tastes, from simple thin crust pizzas and paninis to more sophisticated Italian meals. Try the Scaloppine alla Panna, sautéed veal with zucchini, artichokes and onions in a vodka cream sauce, or the grilled swordfish topped with sun dried tomatoes, capers and
garlic.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $12-25
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Open, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
BISTRO ROMANO
120 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-8880
Hours: (Mon-Thu) 4:30 pm-10 pm, (Fri-Sat) 4:30 pm- 11 pm, (Sun) 4 pm-10 pm
Nestled in an 18th century granary in Philly's historic Society Hill section, Bistro Romano offers one off the most romantic dining experiences in the city. Brick walls and an open beam ceiling enhance the comfortable dining room, while live music trickles down from the piano bar. Also located in the upstairs lounge is one of Bistro Romano's most unique features, a stately bar that was originally part of a luxury steam ship built in 1912. There is always something happening at Romano's. Monday is pasta night, while Tuesday is
Lobster Fest. Mystery Theatre, with a set dinner menu, is available on Fridays and Saturdays.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $25-45
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Open, Valentine's Day - Open,
Easter- Open, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas
Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
DAVIO'S
111 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 563-4810
Hours: Breakfast (Mon-Fri) 7 am-10:30 am; Lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; Dinner (Mon-Sat) 5 pm-11 pm, (Sun) 4 pm-10 pm
Davio's, a Boston-based "Northern Italian Steakhouse," offers a different twist on the traditional Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. The steaks are dry-aged, making them more flavorful and tender. Davio's also offers an impressive array of seafood, such as herb-crusted tuna loin, and savory pasta dishes, like penne with apple smoked chicken and sun dried tomatoes in a walnut cream sauce. Located near sophisticated Rittenhouse Square, Davio's atmosphere is
chic, yet relaxed, with high ceilings and hardwood floors. Private parties can reserve a room on the penthouse level complete with fireplaces and a balcony overlooking the city.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $30-50
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
L'ANGOLO
1415 West Porter Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 389-4252
Hours: (Tue-Thu) 5 pm-9:30 pm, (Fri-Sat) 5 pm-10:30 pm, (Sun) 4 pm-8:30 pm, (Mon) CLOSED
In a city rich with Italian BYOBs, L'Angoglo ("the corner" in Italian) stands out as one of the best hidden gems in Philadelphia, offering a more reasonably priced version of traditional Italian comfort food. The kitchen is located next to the entrance of this converted row home, with a bright yellow and brick dining room in the back of the restaurant. The homey decor is a great match for the filling cuisine. L'Angolgo's gnocchi with gorgonzola, fresh meat and seafood dishes served with homemade mashed potatoes, and lobster ravioli are only a few reasons to plan an evening at the cozy eatery.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $15-20
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Closed, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
LA FAMIGLIA RISTORANTE
8 South Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-2803
Hours: Lunch (Tue-Fri) 12 pm - 2:30 pm; Dinner (Mon-Thu) 5:30 pm -9:30 pm, (Fri-Sat) 5:30 pm - 10 pm, (Sun) CLOSED
La Famiglia Ristorante's elegant, refined atmosphere and pricey menu make it one of the more upscale Italian venues in town. The Sena family first opened the restaurant, set in a colonial tea warehouse, in 1976 and have been serving their gourmet Italian cuisine ever since. Recommended dishes include Malfati alla Sena, homemade spinach ricotta dumplings in a creamy eggplant smoked salmon sauce, and Gamberi in Salsa d' Aragosta, fresh shrimp sautéed with brandy in creamy lobster sauce. After dinner, sample one of LaFamiglia's wide variety of grappas, try the heavenly tiramisu, or tour their
impressive wine cellar.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $26-50
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Closed, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
MAMMA MARIA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
1637 East Passyunk Avenue
(215) 463-6884
Hours: (Mon-Fri) 10:30 am - 10:30 pm, (Sat) 5 pm - 10:30 pm, (Sun) 3 pm - 10:30 pm
Bring a big appetite for old-world cuisine when you stop in at Mamma Maria's Ristorante Italiano in South Philadelphia. Mamma's real name is Maria Di Marco, and she serves seven courses (a fixed price menu) of authentic cuisine from her homeland of Abruzzi, Italy. A new menu is created each day with specialties including Mamma's famous handmade gnocchi and homemade Limoncello. Mamma Maria, a local celebrity from
her TV show "Cooking with Mamma" on public television, personally visits each table to make the guests are enjoying her delicious Abruzzese recipes. On Saturday nights, Mario the accordion player entertains diners.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $30-55
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Open, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
MELOGRANO
2201 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 875-8116
Hours: (Tue-Sat) 5:30 pm-9:45 pm, (Sun) 5 pm-8:45 pm, (Mon) CLOSED
This charming corner bistro serves Tuscan cuisine, prepared before your eyes in a stainless steel open kitchen, visible from your table. Dark hardwood floors and wooden tables contrast with plain white walls, adding a hint of modernity to the rustic 30-capacity dining room. The homemade pasta at this small Center City BYOB never disappoints. Be sure to save room for dessert following your rack of lamb or papperdale with wild mushrooms. The hazelnut gelato and ginger creme brulee will have you coming back for more. Melograno does not take reservations, so make sure to plan ahead or be prepared for a wait.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $20-30
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
PORTOFINO RESTAURANT
1227 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-8208
Hours: Lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am - 4 pm; Dinner (Sun-Thu) 4 pm - 10 pm, (Fri-Sat) 4 pm - 11 pm
The chefs at Portofino Restaurant are native Italians, and their North and Central Italian menu is one of the most genuine in town. As if the friendly service and generous servings of Chicken Marco Polo, Lobster Ravioli, and Veal Gamberetti were not enough of a draw, this theater district favorite also offers a 20 percent discount to anyone with tickets to one of the night's shows. A roving violinist provides a romantic ambiance during dinner hours Wednesday through Saturday, and a DJ provides music for dancing later on Friday and Saturday nights making Portofino's a perfect date spot.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $12-30
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Closed, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
RALPH'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
760 South Ninth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-6011
Hours: (Sun-Thu) 11:45 am - 9:45 pm, (Fri-Sat) 11:45 am- 10:45 pm
Ralph's Italian Restaurant opened in 1900 and has been run by four generations of the same family, earning it the title of "the oldest family owned Italian restaurant in the country." It''s central location in South Philadelphia's Italian Market further guarantees the traditional, authentic style of the dishes served at this historic location. Classic family recipes, such as Veal Rollatine (with mozzarella and proscuitto in a white wine mushroom sauce) and linguini
pescatore, along with the extensive wine list and intimate setting, make Ralph's one of Philadelphia's most beloved ristorantes. Sweetbread lovers beware, the delicacies are only available on weekdays.
Estimated cost per person for lunch/dinner: $10-21
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Open, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Open, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
TOTO
1407 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 546-2000
Hours: (Mon-Sat) 5 pm - 10 pm, (Sun) CLOSED
Toto offers one of the most elegant and classy environments in the city. The bright decor is mostly white accented by oil paintings, glass partitions that separate tables, and windows. Stop in to this Center City favorite before a trip to the theater to try recipes that owner Toto Schiavone discovered on his yearly trips back to Italy, such as Pagello con Frutta di Mare (Red Snapper with mussels and scallops on asparagus risotto). The Bar Cichetti menu offers a more casual fare, allowing guests to share appetizer-like snacks, including
calamaretti and rigatoni with tomato-basil salsa, over a few glasses of wine.
Estimated cast per person for dinner: $30-40
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day- Closed, Valentine's Day - Open, Easter- Closed, Thanksgiving - Closed, Christmas Eve - Open, Christmas Day - Closed, New Year's Eve - Open
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