Italian Restaurants
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One of the hippest and hottest places in Philadelphia isn’t exactly a nightclub, but more of a traditional restaurant with a twist. At Dolce, traditional table service and real Italian food are flipped with a very chic, modern, and dimly lit ambiance. When paired together, it’s an Old-World meets New-World match made in heaven. Each dish, crafted by Italian chef Alfonso Valentino, is made with the freshest Italian ingredients and an attention to detail. They also offer options for private parties inside their banquet facilities. Grab a drink and some friends next time you want Italian food, because at Dolce, …
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Step back in time and savor a slice of history while dining on Dante & Luigi’s “Old World” Italian fare. Established in 1899, this gem of the Italian Market District was the first stop for many of Philadelphia’s Italian immigrants. Today it draws a new crowd of guests who make it their own first stop for fresh and authentic Italian cuisine. Sepia-tinted stills of another age grace the walls as sun washes in to bring new life to this classic eatery. Patrons recommend favorites like the Gnocchi Romano, the Osso Buco, and the Seafood Cioppino. Come and taste what the …
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White tablecloths, off-white walls with original art and subtle opera fills the space. The hospitable owner spends most of his time patrolling the dining room and kissing regular customers on their way in and out. The chef occasionally peeks his head out of the closet-size kitchen to ee who the owner is schmoozing. Classic Italian: carpaccio, Caesar salad, mussels in plum tomato sauce, pappardelle alla porcini, grilled chicken in a balsamic vinegar sauce.
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Ernesto's 1521 Café has been serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch to a hip neighborhood clientele in its historic rowhouse, since its opening in 1992. Try the succulent and signature osso buco and seafood cioppino. Freshly prepared Italian selections with daily specials are presented by Chef Lewis Rice, Jr. with desserts lovingly created and prepared from decades old family recipes by Livia, Ernesto's mother.
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If eating inexpensive Italian favorites in a family atmosphere is your desire, then Spaghetti Warehouse is a restaurant you might want to consider. Located in Lower North Philadelphia, Spaghetti Warehouse offers a menu full of dishes that remind one of home, like Spaghetti and Meatballs and Baked Penne. This “warehouse,” decorated with antique merchandise signs, is large enough to accommodate the most extended of families. With features such as a full bar for those who want to enjoy a few drinks and a trolley car in which the kids can eat and play conductor, this spot has a little something …
