The Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is full of Italian influence and history. Since the 18th century, Italian music, art, and food have been enriching the culture of Philly, from Germantown to Chestnut Hill. So, it’s no surprise to learn that there are hundreds of eateries offering Mediterranean fare with influences from Sicily to Milan. But where are the smartest, savviest diners in Philadelphia eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve culled the data to find the best Italian restaurants among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. There are some amazing Italian joints on both sides of the Delaware River. Discover decades of experience and culinary heritage combined with warm and welcoming settings in the heart of the Old City. Check out these restaurants for some of the best Italian food around.

The OpenTable Team

11 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	D'Angelo's Ristorante Italiano, Saloon Restaurant, La Famiglia Ristorante…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Rittenhouse Square, South Philly, Old City…

D'Angelo's Ristorante Italiano

$$$$

Italian

Rittenhouse Square

4.6

838 reviews

An Italian restaurant based on generations of family recipes, now shared with hungry diners in and around Rittenhouse Square. A multiple "Best of Philly" award winner, diners return time and again due to the excellent service, including a kid-friendly Bambini menu. The ambiance has an Old World Italy feel, unpretentious yet with the food at the level of a high-end venue. Great for families and foodies alike.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Saloon Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

South Philly

4.9

2091 reviews

Embellished glass, leaded windows, and a unique statue are just some of the unusual aspects of quirky décor at this Philadelphia institution. For five decades, Saloon has been serving up Italian-American cuisine surrounded by the folklore and history of the city. Peruse the unusual collection of artifacts while waiting for clams casino or eggplant parmigiano. For something sweet, check out the desserts of the day which change regularly. A fun restaurant that still manages to take its food seriously.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

La Famiglia Ristorante

$$$$

Italian

Old City

4.9

1871 reviews

When looking for the best Italian in Philadelphia, diners want experience, heritage and above all, superb food. La Famiglia delivers all this and more. It’s no understatement to say that the Sena family helped shape the Italian dining scene in Philadelphia, having been an undeniable part of the culture since 1976. The restaurant is regularly hailed as one of the finest in the whole of Philadelphia. Diners enjoy expertly crafted Italian classics such as the excellent osso bucco in an elegant and refined setting, with impeccable service that is second to none. Don’t forget to check what’s on the dessert cart!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

La Fontana Della Citta

$$$$

Italian

Rittenhouse Square

4.4

1775 reviews

Just to the east of Rittenhouse Square stands an Italian BYOB boasting fine cuisine made with top-shelf ingredients. The corner entrance and bowl porch makes this venue stand out from the outside, while inside gilded framed artworks line the walls and white tablecloths gleam under ornate lighting. This restaurant has plenty of loyal regulars, and they recommend the penne arrabiata and the tiramisu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti

$$$$

Italian

Old City

4.6

3562 reviews

A startlingly bright and airy environment awaits diners at Positano Coast. Inspired by the Italian Amalfi region, white sofas contrast with bright fruit motifs on the wall for a truly summery feel all year round. The Italian influences don’t end with the décor. The menu runs from sea urchin and crab pasta to pan-roasted chicken, but the real attraction here is the crudo. Their raw selection is widely praised, with diners recommending the scallops; a seasonal treat.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Gatehouse at the Navy Yard

$$$$

American

South Philly

4.6

864 reviews

Part of one of the most dynamic waterfront areas in Philadelphia, this Broad Street branch of the Amis brand boasts an extensive outdoor dining area. Inside, white tiled walls and basic wooden chairs and tables lend a simplistic background to some wonderfully complex flavors. Amis prides itself on home-cooked tastes and tradition, so for diners who want to enjoy authentic Italian in the fresh Philly air, this could be the best Italian in Philadelphia.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

In Riva

$$$$

Italian

East Falls

4.7

1808 reviews

Dark wood and an exposed ceiling make for a moody yet quirky vibe in this Ridge Avenue Italian joint right on the water’s edge. The outside eating area embraces a feeling of urban decay, with deliberately rusting beams and repurposed bicycles adorning the boundary. There’s definitely plenty to talk about here, but thankfully, the most conversation-worthy topic is the food. Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas are a big hit, as are the fried artichokes and great range of cheeses. Tuesday night is half-price pizza, so that’s a great time to book a mid-week treat.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia

$$$$

Italian

South Philly

4.8

4161 reviews

Wooden chairs, red checkered tablecloths, and operatic memorabilia across the walls make the atmosphere of The Victor feel very traditional and homey. A part of Philadelphia’s living history, The Victor Café opened in 1918 and is as popular today as it’s ever been. Diners come for the food, particularly the pasta and the cannoli. They also come for the singing; staff pause periodically to entertain the guests with some rousing opera. Finally, The Victor Café was "Adrian’s" in the Rocky Balboa movie, so dining here is a must for Rocky fans looking for best Italian in Philadelphia.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Caffe Aldo Lamberti

$$$$

Contemporary Italian

Cherry Hill

4.7

2547 reviews

Just a few miles out of Philadelphia, this Cherry Hill Italian has a classic exterior with yellow parasols adorning the outdoor area. The inside is much more up-to-date, with a contemporary mix of dark wood, black chairs and a blue tiled bar. Guest can enjoy some equally impressive food within the cool décor. Seasonal stone crab is flown in from Florida for seafood fans, while zucchini fries are a firm favorite with regulars. A popular venue for birthdays, guests are sometimes treated to some live music while they eat. Ask about the hidden wine cellars.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Il Villaggio

$$$$

Contemporary Italian

Cherry Hill

4.6

2545 reviews

Cherry Hill is a prime destination for lovers of Italian food. Il Villaggio manages to remain a standout choice thanks to its Old World ideals and excellent menu. Food is beautifully presented in the style of modern fine dining, while retaining the flavor and authenticity of Italian tradition. The dining room is bright and welcoming with gorgeous artwork adorning the walls. Guests love this place for both lunch and dinner, with the oyster special appetizer appearing in reviews again and again.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Amici Ristorante - Cherry Hill

$$$$

Italian

Cherry Hill

4.6

1179 reviews

Opened by a chef with a background in New York’s exclusive fine-dining scene, Amici combines Italian tastes with modern presentation for crowd-pleasing results. Diners keep coming back for the excellent service and VIP treatment. They love dishes such as the Pollo Fiorentina and grilled salmon, with descriptions like "juicy" and "rich" sure to get prospective guests’ mouths watering. Amici is such an integral part of the Cherry Hill community that they even open on New Year’s Day for hungry revelers!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Italian Restaurants