Philadelphia, PA - Some of the best Italian restaurants are in neighborhoods with an old-world charter, offering their customers traditional Italian fare with plenty of red-sauced pasta and wine.
Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia
In Philly Italian South Philly alone, Italian restaurants can be found in every neighborhood, from award-winning BYOBs like Ristorante Pesto to classic old-world establishments like Dante & Luigi's. Over the years, Philly has built a reputation for having some of the best Italian restaurants. Listed below are a few of our favorites.
10 Best Italian Red-Sauce Joints in Philadelphia
1. L'Angolo Ristorante
A small BYOB on a cozy corner serves up some of Philly's best homestyle Italian fare. Must-Try: Orecchiette Al'anatra - it's a braised duck, white wine, thyme, and shaved grana. 1415 W Porter St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
2. Ristorante Pesto
An award-winning family-run BYOB specializing in Southern Italian cuisine in a small cozy neighborhood location. Must-Try: The Branzino – A Mediterranean sea bass lightly fried stuffed with mussels, shrimp, clams, and crab meat in a light tomato sauce, white wine wrapped in foil. 1915 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
3. Dante & Luigi's
Two unassuming townhouses lead you into this spacious Italian restaurant with classic old-world cuisine. Must-Try: Osso Buco – A traditional veal shank braised with vegetables, served with saffron risotto. 762 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
4. Ralph's Italian Restaurant
Classic Italian dinners since 1900 served in an old-world setting and one of the oldest eateries in Philadelphia. Penne Alla Vodka - a Blush sauce with pancetta with a choice of chicken or shrimp. 760 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
5. Murph's Bar
Pennies cover the counter at this cozy Irish pub, serving up some of the best Italian dishes in the city. Stuffed Gnocchi - Stuffed with mozzarella in an Italian cherry tomato sauce topped with cacioricotta cheese. Pair with Merlot.202 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
6. The Victor Café
It is a traditional Italian eatery with opera and is recognized for its Italian fare and live performances. Must-Try: Tosca – A seared chicken breast au jus stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto over creamy polenta. 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
7. Gran Caffe L'Aquila
A bi-level Italian Café in Rittenhouse Square serves gelato & coffee to classic Italian dishes. Must-Try: Sugo Della Domenica - Longo family Sunday sauce, slow-cooked tomato sauce, wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage & lamb. Served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta. 1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
8. Villa di Roma
A well-known spot for Italian classics in a warm and inviting location with a family-friendly setting. Must-Try: Spaghetti Mediterranean - Shrimp, clams, lump crab meat, mussels in a clam broth, with a touch of crushed red pepper tossed with spaghetti. 936 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9. Little Nonna's
Time-honored Italian dishes served in a trattoria environment and an open kitchen concept. Must-Try: Sunday Gravy - A slowly braised beef short rib, meatball, garlic sausage, and broccoli rabe in a four-hour San Marza no pork marinara. 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
10. La Nonna
Roman & Regional Cuisine on South Street offers Italian favorites from pasta to soups. Must-Try Me N Mo Meatballs - In traditional sauces and pasta to accompany the main event, meatballs are made from spicy pork, lamb, chicken, and vegetables. 214 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
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Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff
Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places to find great food, entertainment, and more in Philly.
