StreetTalkin – Top Rated Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

After browsing Zagat, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Gayot, Yelp, Citysearch, and many food blogs, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best and most popular Italian restaurants in the Philadelphia region.  Enoy!

South Philadelphia

Ralph’s Italian Restaurant (760 S 9th Street)

Ralph’s Italian Restaurant is owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Dispigno family, making this an authentic restaurant for true Italian food in the heart of South Philly.  Ralph’s Italian Restaurant has won numerous awards over the years including Best Italian Restaurant in Philadelphia, Best Old Restaurant, and Best Spaghetti and Meatballs, among others.  This is the perfect restaurant to go with family due to the generous portions that are ideal for sharing.  Ralph’s offers delicious food at reasonable prices and is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Phone: 215-627-6011

For more information visit www.ralphsrestaurant.com/.

Dante & Luigi’s (762 South 10th Street)

Opening in 1899, Dante & Luigi’s is Philadelphia’s oldest Italian restaurants, and one of the oldest existing Italian restaurants in the United States.  Located in the heart of the Italian Market district, Dante & Luigi’s offers a well-balanced mix of homemade, “Old World” specialties, along with delicious fresh seafood and exceptional daily specials.  Dante & Luigi’s accepts reservations and they are open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday and open at 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.  After enjoying an authentic Italian meal, you can purchase the traditional homemade marinara sauce in different sized jars to take home and share with your family.

Phone: 215-922-9501

For more information visit www.danteandluigis.com.

Rittenhouse Square

Branzino (261 South 17^th Street)

Branzino is a wonderful BYOB that serves Old World Italian food in the heart of Rittenhouse Square.  Branzino specializes in fresh seafood dishes, homemade pastas, and flavorful meat dishes.  Branzino accepts reservations and is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner daily.  Come to Branzino when the weather is nice to enjoy your meal outdoors in the beautiful outdoor garden.

Phone: 215-790-0103

For more information visit www.branzinophilly.com/.

Melograno (2012 Sansom Street)

Melograno is a convivial trattoria and BYOB where guests can enjoy authentic Italian fair, artfully prepared by Roman-born Chef Gianluca Demontis.  Melograno was recognized with three bells by noted Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig Laban, and has been featured in The New York Times and Bon Appetit Top Tables.  Melograno offers a variety of menu items from homemade pasta to fresh fish, to meat such as a NY strip steak and even organic rabbit.  Melograno takes reservations for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings, with Friday and Saturday being walk-ins only.

For more information visit www.melogranorestaurant.com/.

Washington Square

Vetri (1312 Spruce Street)

Marc Vetri’s award-winning restaurant Vetri features both traditional and contemporary Italian dishes and has a menu that changes seasonally.  Menu items include everything from pasta to branzino to roasted capretto (baby goat), so there is surely something for everyone.   Come to Vetri to enjoy delicious authentic Italian food in the intimate 40-seat restaurant in the heart of Center City.

Phone: 215-732-3478

For more information visit www.vetriristorante.com.

Northern Liberties/Old City

La Famiglia (8 South Front Street)

La Famiglia is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city featuring upscale Italian dining in the historic Old City district.  La Famiglia has won many awards including Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence, Philadelphia Magazine – Best of Philly, Best Food, Best Wine, Best Italian, and Philadelphia’s Most Romantic Restaurant, among others.  La Famiglia is the perfect restaurant if you want a one-of-a-kind, memorable evening with delicious food, an exquisite wine list, and flawless service.  La Famiglia is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.

Phone: 215-922-2803

For more information visit www.lafamiglia.com.

Modo Mio (161 W Girard Ave)

Modo Mio is a quaint cash only BYOB that has been getting great reviews on Zagat, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Yelp, and many other sources.  For $32 you receive an authentic Italian four-course meal that covers the entire menu, or if you are not as hungry you have the option of ordering a la carte.  The menu is seasonal and changes every six to eight weeks and features everything from fine Italian meats to homemade pasta to whole roasted fish.  Modo Mio offers some of the best Italian food at an affordable price.

Phone: (215) 203-8707

For more information visit www.modomiorestaurant.com.

Radicchio Cafe (402 Wood St)

This BYOB has a very friendly staff and a low-key vibe that will make you feel at home as you walk in the door.  Radicchio does not accept reservations, however they are open seven days a week and also open for lunch Monday through Saturday.  Radicchio offers outdoor seating during the summer, making it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious Italian lunch or dinner with your favorite bottle of wine.  This restaurant has a large menu selection, which includes many pasta items, seafood, chicken, lamb, veal, and more.

Phone: 215 627-6850

For more information visit www.radicchio-cafe.com/.

Created by: Ashley Orleans