10 Best Italian Restaurants

Tara Nurin

By Tara Nurin, Local Expert, Philadelphia
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Do you love Italian food? We do too, and that's why we dedicate ourselves to finding the best places to enjoy Italian cuisine in Philadelphia. We've diligently scouted out the top eateries, and we've listened to our readers and their reviews of Philadelphia restaurants. We share the places that get great buzz, like Modo Mio, and we showcase the ones that have proven themselves over time, like Vetri Ristorante. We also point out good neighborhoods for Italian restaurants in Philadelphia - South Philly, for instance. When the craving hits, we'll make sure you get your fix!
  • 1

    Le Castagne Ristorante Italiano

    3

    based on 31 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Pasta dishes come in two sizes and two prices to accommodate your appetite and your budget."

    $10 Restaurant Coupon only $5 $3
     
  • 2

    Vetri Ristorante

    4

    based on 58 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "If you're not able to score a reservation for Vetri, visit Marc Vetri's more accessible restaurants, Osteria, Amis, and beginning in 2012, Alla Spina."

     
     
  • 3

    Tacconelli's

    5

    based on 41 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "You'll make a friend of the employee who takes your order if you understand pizza styles before you call: Tomato Pie -- no cheese and a lot of sauce; Regular Pie -- little cheese and sauce; White Pie -- salt, black pepper, cheese and plenty of garlic; Margerita Pie -- fresh basil and fresh mozzarella."

     
     
  • 4

    Mercato

    4

    based on 52 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Reservations are accepted only for the pre-theater crowd -- 5 - 6:30 pm every night but Saturday -- if you're dining outside of these times, prepare to wait a bit for a seat. "

     
     
  • 5

    Bistro la Viola

    4

    based on 78 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "The $35 prix-fixe provides a tightly edited selection of a salad course, a pasta, chicken, veal or salmon course, and a dessert or coffee course."

     
     
  • 6

    Modo Mio

    Local Expert Tip: "The prix fixe menu is also an enormously satisfying steal at just $34 per person; it's so good it engenders loyalty usually reserved for fascist heads of state. "

     
     
  • 7

    Osteria

    • Cuisine: European, Italian
    • Average Main Course Price: $26
    • Neighborhood: North Philadelphia
    4

    based on 89 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "For a truly special experience, book a reservation for a night when Vetri is hosting a guest chef or a post-dinner musical performance."

     
     
  • 8

    Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

    4

    based on 36 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "If head bartender Andres is working, sit at the front bar and ask him anything you ever wanted to know about alcohol as he prepares your fresh-ingredient cocktail."

     
     
  • 9

    L'Angolo

    5

    based on 27 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Though reservations are encouraged, it's usually possible to score one at the last minute."

     
     
  • 10

    High Note Café

    5

    based on 5 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

    Local Expert Tip: "Family-style prix-fixe meals come in three and five verses, er, courses."