10 Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

Discovering Philadelphia's Best Italian Red-Sauce Joints

Philadelphia's reputation as a culinary powerhouse is undeniably bolstered by its extraordinary Italian restaurant scene. Nowhere is this more evident than in South Philly, where every neighborhood boasts an array of Italian eateries, from critically acclaimed BYOBs to venerable old-world establishments. The city's deep Italian roots have cultivated a vibrant landscape of "red-sauce joints" that offer comforting, authentic, and unforgettable dining experiences. Below, we've curated a list of our favorite spots where tradition, flavor, and a hearty welcome are always on the menu.

Philadelphia's Top 10 Italian Red-Sauce Joints

1. L'Angolo Ristorante (South Philly's Homestyle Gem)

   
   
   

   • Vibe: A small, intimate BYOB on a cozy corner in South Philly, L'Angolo is celebrated for its truly homestyle Italian fare, reminiscent of a treasured family kitchen.

   • Must-Try: The Orecchiette Al'anatra – a rich dish featuring braised duck, white wine, thyme, and shaved Grana Padano, showcasing their culinary depth.

     
     
     

   • Location: 1415 W Porter St, Philadelphia, PA 19145

2. Ristorante Pesto (Award-Winning Southern Italian BYOB)

   
   
   

   • Vibe: An award-winning, family-run BYOB, Ristorante Pesto offers a warm, cozy, and personal dining experience, specializing in the vibrant flavors of Southern Italian cuisine.

   • Must-Try: The Branzino – a Mediterranean sea bass lightly fried, generously stuffed with mussels, shrimp, clams, and crab meat, all enveloped in a light tomato and white wine sauce and baked in foil.

   • Location: 1915 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148

3. Dante & Luigi's (Classic Old-World Elegance)

   • Vibe: Housed within two unassuming townhouses, Dante & Luigi's opens into a spacious Italian restaurant that exudes classic old-world charm and timeless elegance, making it one of Philadelphia's oldest and most revered Italian establishments.

   • Must-Try: The Osso Buco – a traditional, tender veal shank braised with vegetables, perfectly served alongside saffron risotto.

   • Location: 762 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

4. Ralph's Italian Restaurant (Philadelphia's Enduring Legacy Since 1900)

   • Vibe: As one of the oldest eateries in Philadelphia, Ralph's Italian Restaurant has been serving classic Italian dinners in an authentic old-world setting since 1900, a true testament to its enduring quality.

   • Must-Try: The Penne Alla Vodka – a delightful blush sauce with savory pancetta, with your choice of chicken or shrimp.

   • Location: 760 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

5. Murph's Bar (Irish Pub, Italian Heart)

   • Vibe: A truly unique spot! This cozy Irish pub is famous for its counter covered in pennies and, surprisingly, serves up some of the best Italian dishes in the city, offering a delightful culinary twist.

   • Must-Try: The Stuffed Gnocchi – gnocchi stuffed with mozzarella in an Italian cherry tomato sauce, topped with cacioricotta cheese. Perfectly paired with a glass of Merlot.

   • Location: 202 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

6. The Victor Café (Italian Fare with an Operatic Twist)

   • Vibe: A traditional Italian eatery renowned not only for its excellent Italian fare but also for its unique distinction of offering live opera performances, creating a truly immersive and entertaining dining experience.

   • Must-Try: The Tosca – a perfectly seared chicken breast au jus, richly stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto, served over creamy polenta.

   • Location: 1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

7. Gran Caffe L'Aquila (Rittenhouse Square's Bi-Level Italian Hub)

   • Vibe: A vibrant, bi-level Italian café located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, offering everything from morning coffee and gelato to classic Italian dinners in a bustling setting.

   • Must-Try: The Sugo Della Domenica (Longo family Sunday sauce) – a slow-cooked tomato sauce featuring wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage, and lamb, traditionally served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta.

   • Location: 1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

8. Villa di Roma (Warm, Family-Friendly Italian Classics)

   • Vibe: A well-known and beloved spot for Italian classics, Villa di Roma offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a strong emphasis on a family-friendly setting, making everyone feel right at home.

   • Must-Try: The Spaghetti Mediterranean – a flavorful medley of shrimp, clams, lump crab meat, and mussels in a delicate clam broth with a touch of crushed red pepper, all tossed with spaghetti.

   • Location: 936 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

9. Little Nonna's (Trattoria Charm with an Open Kitchen)

   • Vibe: Enjoy time-honored Italian dishes in a charming trattoria environment, complete with an engaging open kitchen concept that adds to the lively and authentic atmosphere.

   • Must-Try: The Sunday Gravy – a robust dish featuring slowly braised beef short rib, meatballs, garlic sausage, and broccoli rabe in a four-hour San Marzano pork marinara.

   • Location: 1234 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

10. La Nonna (Roman & Regional Delights on South Street)

    • Vibe: Offering Roman and regional Italian cuisine on lively South Street, La Nonna provides a vibrant setting to enjoy Italian favorites, from comforting pasta dishes to hearty soups.

    • Must-Try: The Me N Mo Meatballs – a delicious selection of meatballs made from spicy pork, lamb, chicken, and vegetables, served in traditional sauces with accompanying pasta, truly making the meatballs the star of the show.

    • Location: 214 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Philadelphia's Italian red-sauce joints are more than just restaurants; they are cultural institutions, preserving generations of culinary tradition and offering a warm, inviting taste of Italy. From the oldest continuously operating Italian restaurant to innovative BYOBs and charming neighborhood spots, these establishments embody the heart and soul of Philly's vibrant dining scene. Prepare your appetite for a delicious journey through the best Italian flavors the city has to offer!

Share Best Italian Food in Philly on Social Media

Written By: Philly Bite Magazines Staff

Philadelphia Best Of Series consists of a round-up of the best places to find great food, entertainment, and more in Philly.

Best Philadelphia's Best Italian Fare