The Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia: A Guide to the City's Finest Italian Cuisine

Philadelphia is a city that loves Italian cuisine. From classic Italian restaurants to modern Italian eateries, the city has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch, there are plenty of Italian restaurants to choose from. Here is a guide to some of the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia.

The Couch Tomato Cafe & Bistro, Manayunk

- A Mano is a charming Italian restaurant located in Fairmount that specializes in homemade pasta dishes.

The menu changes seasonally and features starters such as roasted beets with whipped ricotta and grilled peaches with stracciatella, as well as main courses such as grilled branzino and Milanese chicken. For the full experience, opt for the family-style four-course Abbondanza menu and don't forget to bring your own drinks to pair them.

Dante & Luigi's

- This Roman-style Italian restaurant has been around since 1899 and is now under the command of the Schulson Collective. Dante & Luigi's offers classic Italian comfort food that is simple yet perfect, making it seem like it's being cooked by a team of Italian grandmothers. This restaurant has defined modern Italian in Philadelphia for an entire generation of diners.

Ralph's

- Ralph's is a cozy Italian corner BYOB located in South Philadelphia that opened its doors in 2000.

The entire restaurant was designed and built in Italy before being shipped to Philadelphia together with its co-owners, Stefano Biasini and Michele Morelli. Ralph's claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the country.

Mulherin

- Mulherin is an indispensable neighborhood restaurant that also serves as a gastronomic destination anywhere in the region. The hand-cut pasta of chef James Nardone is proof that you no longer need to sit in a restaurant to eat excellent noodles. Visit Mulherin for a glass of wine and other products from the market, or sit at one of the restaurant's indoor or outdoor tables for a complete experience.

Villa di Roma

- Villa di Roma has been one of the favorites of the Italian market since 1963. This small, loud, and often crowded restaurant offers hearty pasta dinners in a space with brick walls.

It's also on the cutting edge of intellectual Italian cuisine in Philadelphia. Philadelphia's fondness for Italian cuisine is deeply ingrained, whether it's a restaurant with white tablecloths or a local homey with red sauces. But in reality, it's the complete package: a solid Italian restaurant that executes everything it does very well. No matter what type of Italian food you're looking for, Philadelphia has something for everyone. From classic Italian restaurants to modern eateries, there are plenty of options for everyone. So if you're looking for an authentic Italian experience or just want to enjoy some delicious pasta dishes, these are some of the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia.

Jenna Dean
Jenna Dean

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