Philadelphia, PA - It's no secret that Philadelphia is home to some of the best Italian cuisine in the country. From classic dishes like Bolognese and Cacio e Pepe to inventive creations like Short Rib Ravioli and Vegan Bolognese, there's something for everyone. The Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group, La Scala, Butcher Bar, Marra's Italian Restaurant, Patchwork, Red Owl Tavern, Seaview Hotel, Stella of New Hope, The Twisted Tail, and Urban Farmer are all leading the charge in redefining Italian cuisine.
1. A Mano
One popular destination is A Mano, a part of the esteemed Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group. Their menu boasts an impressive selection of meticulously crafted pasta dishes, including the delightful Ricotta Cavatelli adorned with tender broccoli rabe and zesty lemon. This dish exudes a perfect balance of flavors, with the creaminess of the ricotta harmonizing beautifully with the earthy bitterness of the broccoli rabe and the refreshing citrus notes of the lemon.
2. The Table
The Table is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique pasta experience. Their Squid Ink Bucatini is a culinary masterpiece with its succulent lump crab, invigorating lemon alfredo cream sauce, and a hint of chili butter to add a perfect touch of heat. The combination of the squid ink pasta and the seafood creates a visually striking dish, while the vibrant flavors of the lemon alfredo cream sauce and the chili butter elevate the dish to a whole new level of indulgence.
3. Butcher Bar
Butcher Bar is known for their comforting dishes, and their Cavatelli with Italian sausage is no exception. This hearty dish is a crowd favorite, with the velvety pasta harmonizing perfectly with the robust sausage flavors. The dish is brought together with a rich tomato sauce that enhances the flavors and adds a satisfying tang. Another delectable option at Butcher Bar is their Linguini and Meatballs, offering a classic combination that will satisfy any pasta enthusiast. The handmade meatballs, made with a blend of ground meats and seasonings, are perfectly cooked and served over a bed of al dente linguini coated in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
4. La Scala's Birra
La Scala's Birra serves a mouthwatering Penne Arrabiata, boasting a delightful balance of spice and tang. The penne pasta is cooked to al dente perfection and tossed in a spicy tomato sauce infused with garlic and chili flakes.
5. Le Virtù
Alternatively, venture to Le Virtù, where their Maccheroni alla mugnaia showcases the craftsmanship of creating the thinnest and most delicate pasta strands. This dish, originating from the Abruzzo region of Italy, is made using a traditional technique that involves stretching the dough by hand until it becomes impossibly thin. The result is a plate of tender and light maccheroni that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
6. Marra's Italian Restaurant
Marra's Italian Restaurant invites diners to experience their Linguini Vongole in Bianco or Rosso, both bursting with enticing flavors. The Linguini Vongole in Bianco features succulent clams cooked in fragrant white wine and garlic sauce. At the same time, the Linguini Vongole in Rosso showcases the clams in a vibrant tomato-based sauce. Both versions are served over perfectly cooked linguini, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce for a genuinely satisfying bite.
7. Patchwork
Patchwork offers a unique twist with their Swiss Chard Ravioli, presenting a delightful combination of earthy greens and velvety pasta. The homemade ravioli are generously stuffed with Swiss chard and ricotta cheese and then served in a light butter sauce that complements the flavors of the filling.
8. Red Owl Tavern
Red Owl Tavern entices with their rich and hearty Bolognese sauce smothered over al dente pasta. At the same time, their Cacio e Pepe offers a simple yet elegant combination of cheese and cracked black pepper. The Bolognese sauce at Red Owl Tavern is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and meaty sauce that clings to the pasta. The Cacio e Pepe, on the other hand, showcases the beauty of simplicity with its combination of pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, creating a creamy and peppery coating for the pasta.
9. The Twisted Tail
At The Twisted Tail, prepare to be enchanted by their succulent Short Rib Ravioli or the velvety Ricotta Gnocchi, both draped in indulgent sauces that will leave you craving more. The Short Rib Ravioli at The Twisted Tail features tender braised short rib filling encased in delicate pasta pockets, served with a luscious sauce made from the braising juices and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. On the other hand, the Ricotta Gnocchi is a melt-in-your-mouth delight, with the pillowy soft gnocchi served in a rich tomato sauce bursting with flavor.
10. Seaview Hotel
Suppose you're looking to escape the city. In that case, the Seaview Hotel offers a Pasta Primavera, transporting you to a seaside retreat with vibrant veggies and al dente pasta. The Pasta Primavera at the Seaview Hotel is a celebration of fresh and seasonal vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus, sautéed to perfection and tossed with al dente pasta in a light olive oil and garlic sauce. The dish is a true ode to summer flavors, allowing the natural sweetness and crunch of the vegetables to shine through.
11. Stella of New Hope
Stella of New Hope boasts Parisian Gnocchi as a star attraction. At the same time, Whole Grain Casarecce Pasta celebrates whole grains' nutty flavors and chewy texture. The Parisian Gnocchi at Stella of New Hope is a delectable twist on the classic Italian dish, Baby squash, zucchini, local corn, garlic & sage brown butter, and pecorino romano. The Whole Grain Casarecce Pasta, on the other hand, is a celebration of the wholesome flavors of whole grains,wild mushroom ragout, wild mushroom broth, caramelized cabbage, asparagus, ricotta salata.
12. Urban Farmer
Lastly, Urban Farmer caters to vegan palates with their Vegan Bolognese featuring bucatini and a rich, flavorful vegetable sauce, proving that plant-based pasta can be just as delectable. Urban Farmer's Vegan Bolognese is made with mushrooms, lentils, and tomatoes, simmered to perfection to create a sauce that is hearty, rich, and full of umami flavors. With its hollow center, the bucatini pasta allows the sauce to cling to every strand, ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
With such a wide range of options, diners in the Greater Philadelphia region can indulge in the finest pasta dishes on National Pasta Day. These esteemed establishments have honed their craft, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for pasta enthusiasts craving something extraordinary. Whether it's classic Italian dishes, innovative flavor combinations, or vegan alternatives, there is a pasta dish to suit every palate and preference. So mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in a celebration of pasta like no other.
