Philadelphia is known for its excellent Italian cuisine, with many restaurants offering traditional dishes with a modern twist. From classic Italian staples like pasta and pizza to more exotic fare, the best Italian restaurants offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-style feast, there are plenty of Italian restaurants to choose from.
Villa di Roma
Villa di Roma: This Italian restaurant in South Philly has been around since 1963, serving up classic Italian-American dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmigiana, and chicken cacciatore.This cozy BYOB serves authentic Neapolitan pizza and homemade Italian specialties in an intimate space. Known for $1 pizza by the slice, rustic ambiance and delicious Aglio e Olio. Perfect for sharing plates or a romantic date.
Address: 2000 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 337-8592
Hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-10:30pm, Sun 12-9pm
Barbuzzo
Barbuzzo: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Midtown Village offers a menu of small plates, flatbreads, and handmade pastas, as well as an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. Acclaimed restaurant bringing modern elegance and culinary innovation to pasta, pizza, seafood and Italian specialties. Features an extensive Italian wine list and refreshed, chic space. Considered one of the top Italian restaurants in the city.
Address: 110 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: +12155469300
Hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
Trattoria Carina
Trattoria Carina: This cozy Italian eatery in Fitler Square serves up housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal dishes inspired by the cuisine of Southern Italy. Soulful trattoria serving rustic pasta, wood-fired pizza, grilled meats/seafood and Italian comfort food. Cozy communal table and elegant banquettes provide a warm ambiance. Outdoor seating is lovely in summer. Known for homemade pasta, delicate crusts and welcoming service.
Address: 2201 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: +12157325818
Hours: Mon-Thu 12-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10pm
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
Wm. Mulherin’s Sons: This Fishtown restaurant is housed in a former whiskey distillery, and serves up wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, and other Italian-inspired dishes in a rustic, industrial-chic setting. Iconic Irish pub with a cozy cellar dedicated to Italian fare like pasta, flatbread pizza, roasted meats and an Italian wine/cocktail menu. Offers an intimate, charming space and hidden gem vibe.
Address: 116 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 669-3824
Hours: Mon-Thu 4pm-2am, Fri 2pm-2:30am, Sat 12pm-2:30am, Sun 12pm-2am
Gran Caffe L’Aquila
Gran Caffe L’Aquila: This Italian cafe in Rittenhouse Square serves up authentic gelato, pastries, and coffee, as well as a full menu of Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, and panini. Open since 1894, this café serves classic Italian coffee, pastries, sandwiches and light fare. An elegant Art Deco space providing a glimpse into old-school Italian culture. Known for decadent pastries, sandwiches and historic charm.
Address: 1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: +12155685600
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-6pm
Victor Cafe
Victor Cafe: This South Philly institution is known for its operatic waitstaff, who serenade diners with arias in between serving up classic Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and chicken piccata. Open since 1928, the Victor Cafe is a Philadelphia institution known for homemade pasta, pizza, paninis, beers and wines. Comfort food staple offers simple Italian fare in a historic space.
Address: 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: +12154683040
Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-1am, Sun 6am-12am
Georgio on Pine
Georgio on Pine: This Italian restaurant in Society Hill features a menu of classic dishes like veal saltimbocca, osso buco, and linguine with clams, as well as an extensive wine list. With sidewalk seating, Georgio offers authentic Neapolitan pizza, rustic pasta, seafood and steak. Casual, cozy and hospitable, perfect for sharing plates and people watching. Known for delicious pizza and pasta.
Address: 405 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 829-1995
Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri-Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-9pm
Little Nonna’s
Little Nonna’s: This cozy Italian-American spot in Midtown Village serves up homestyle dishes like meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana, as well as seasonal specials and inventive cocktails. Homemade Italian specialties in a cozy Victorian row home space. Features pasta, risotto, polenta, braised meats, seafood and decadent desserts. Portions are hearty, meant for sharing family-style. Provides an intimate, charming ambiance and reminder of Nonna’s home cooking.
Address: 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: +12155462100
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-10pm
Saloon Cucina Italiana
Saloon Cucina Italiana: This Old City restaurant offers a menu of classic Italian dishes like bruschetta, spaghetti carbonara, and chicken marsala, as well as an extensive wine list and outdoor seating. An elegant, upscale space featuring high-end Italian cuisine and extensive Italian wine/cocktail list. Serving seafood like lobster fra diavola, pasta, risotto, crudo bar and raw bar options. Provides a sophisticated ambiance with chandeliered dining room and lounge space. Considered one of the top, most romantic Italian restaurants in the city.
Address: 750 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: +12156271811
Hours: Mon-Thu 12-10pm & 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 12-11pm & 5:30-11pm, Sun 12-10pm & 5:30-10pm
Ristorante Pesto
Ristorante Pesto: This Italian BYOB in South Philly serves up housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other classic dishes like chicken parmigiana and veal saltimbocca. Casual trattoria serving delicious Neapolitan-style flatbread pizza, rustic pasta, seafood and Italian meze in a stylish yet cozy space. Outdoor seating offers perfect people watching, while indoor ambiance is lively and hospitable. Known for high-quality, homemade ingredients and contemporary spin on traditional cuisine.
Address: 1915 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: +12153368380
Hours: Mon-Thu 12-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-9pm
L’Angolo Ristorante
L’Angolo Ristorante: This cozy Italian restaurant in South Philly serves up classic dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, osso buco, and tiramisu, as well as an extensive wine list and outdoor seating. Family-run restaurant featuring homemade pasta, risotto, polenta, roasted meats/seafood and Italian specialties. Features cozy banquettes, sidewalk cafe seating and historic ambiance. Provides an intimate, culinary experience highlighting regional cuisine. Reviewed as one of the best, most underrated Italian spots.
Address: 1415 W Porter St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: +12153894252
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9:30pm
Vetri Cucina
Vetri Cucina: This high-end Italian restaurant in Center City offers a multi-course tasting menu that showcases the best of Italian cuisine, with dishes like black truffle risotto and roasted quail. Contemporary, upscale space from renowned chef Marc Vetri featuring rustic Italian fare with seasonal, local ingredients. Offers raw bar, pasta, seafood, steak, antipasti and an impressive Italian/American wine list. Provides innovative twists on traditional cuisine in a sleek, stylish space. Known as one of the best contemporary Italian restaurants.
Address: 1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: +12157323478
Hours: Mon-Thu 5:30-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm, Sun 5-10pm
Bistro Roman
Bistro Romano: This Old City restaurant is housed in a 1790s-era building, and serves up classic Italian dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, chicken parmigiana, and tiramisu. Upscale, rustic space featuring high-quality ingredients and regional specialties with Romanesque influences. Includes pasta, pizza, risotto, polenta, antipasti, grilled meats/seafood and an extensive Italian wine list. Stylish ambiance with brick walls, arched ceilings and sidewalk seating. Considered one of the finest, most authentic Italian bistros in the city.
Address: 120 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 568-0200
Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm
Dante & Luigi’s
Dante & Luigi’s: This South Philly institution has been around since 1899, serving up classic Italian-American dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmigiana, and chicken cacciatore. Classic Italian eatery open since 1973, known for homemade pasta, gnocchi, risotto, polenta, antipasti, grilled seafood and meats, and osso buco. Charming ambiance and family-run vibe provide a cozy, welcoming feel. Though no frills, Dante & Luigi’s is beloved for consistently excellent cuisine and genuine service. An iconic part of Philadelphia’s Italian dining scene.
Address: 118 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 438-1645
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
You may also be interested in the article The Best Vegan Restaurants In Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is home to some of the best Italian restaurants in the US. From classic Italian cuisine to modern interpretations, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-style feast, there are plenty of Italian restaurants to choose from. So the next time you’re in Philadelphia, make sure to check out one of these top Italian restaurants!