Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

Name: Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant
Address: 1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19103-5132
Telephone: (215) 568-5600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1420 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600

Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 51 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 568-5600

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 8:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 568-5600
Website
http://www.grancaffelaquila.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Catering
Half Tray Platters available for our entire menu. Each half tray serves 4-6 guests. <br /> <br />Specialty catering orders may be requested! Visit grancaffelaquila.com or call the restaurant and ask to speak to a manager.
Private party facilities
Allow us to host your next event. Our expertly trained staff will provide a dynamic dining experience for you and your guests - Birthdays, Anniversary, Rehearsal Dinner, Family Reunion, Office Gatherings, you name it and we host it! Private sit down events available from 8-85 guests,Private stand up events available from 40 to 150 guests.

Location
1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5132
Neighborhood
Center City
Cross street
In between 17th and 18th Street on Chestnut
Parking details
Parking garages located on 17th street after Market before Chestnut,On Sansom Street between 17th & 18th.Valet Available through Sofitel Hotel.Limited metered street parking available.
Public transit
Stop for the #42, #21, and #9 located at 18th street, and 17th street. Stop for the #2 bus at 17th and Chestnut
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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Popular dishes

Arancini$11.90
Three Sicilian rice balls, veal & pork ragu peas, mozzarella, tomato
Carcioffi Fritti$11.90
Flash fried artichokes, fresh squeezed lemon
Melanzana Parmigiana$12.50
Eggplant, ricotta, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato sauce
Scamorza$12.50
Fire roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto
Cozze Tarantina$16.50
Mussels, tomato, garlic, pepperoncino
Fritto Misto$16.90
Semolina crusted calamari, shrimp, zucchini
Polipo$16.90
Citrus Grilled octopus
Torta Granchio$16.90
Italian crab cake infused with fresh herbs & mascarpone served with a small cucumber fresco & finished with a gastronomic roasted red pepper gelato

Insalata e Zuppa

Pasta e Fasoi$9.90
Tagliatelle pasta, borlotti bean vegetable soup
Casa$10.90
Endive, arugula, radicchio, lemon vinaigrette
Panzanella Verde$12.50
Greens, tomato, cucumber red onion fresh basil, crostini
Cesarina$12.50
Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing
Pera$14.90
Baby greens, pear, grapes, dried cherries, pine nuts, goat cheese, shallot vinaigrette
Insalata di Mare$16.90
Chilled seafood salad, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops

Pasta

Chitarra$17.90
Guitar pasta, tomato, Guanciale (Italian bacon), onion, pecorino
Paccheri Datterini Gialli$17.90
Jumbo rigatoni, yellow tomato, garlic, parmigiano
Gnocchi alla Bava$18.90
Hand rolled potato & ricotta, fontina cream, wild mushrooms
Tagliatelle alla Panna$18.90
Northern Italian cream sauce, speck, peas, parmigiano
Agnolotti$21.90
Torino style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, vegetables, butter/sage sauce gastronomic black and white truffle gelato
Carbonara$19.90
Spaghetti tossed with pecorino romano, cheese egg, Guanciale & cracked black pepper topped with a gastronomic Italian bacon gelato
Pappardelle al Ragu$22.90
Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb & chicken ragu
Sugo Della Domenica$24.90
Longo family Sunday sauce, slow cooked tomato sauce, wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage & lamb. Served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta

Carne

Cinghiale$12.90
Wild boar & long hot pepper meatballs, tomato sugo
Salsiccia Bolzanese$16.90
Grilled sweet & spicy Italian sausage served with homemade saurkraut & a spicy grain mustard gastronomic gelato
Arrosticini Biasini$19.90
Lamb-bacon skewers, gastronomic Italian long hot pepper gelato
Pollo Mattone$20.90
Free range 1/2 chicken, roasted under a terracotta brick, asparagus, potato
Braciole$24.90
Veal braciole, tagliatelle, tomato sugo
Vitello Saltimbocca$26.90
Veal, prosciutto, sage, white wine sauce, potato, asparagus

Pesce

Pescatrice Puttanesca$20.90
Fresh monk fish, tomato, garlic, olive, anchovy, capers, chittara pasta
Spaghetti Vongole$22.90
Fresh wild clams, EV olive oil, garlic, parsley
Canneloni di Pesce$23.90
Homemade pasta tubes filled w/ fresh shrimp, crab, branzino, scallops, ricotta, tomato-besciamella
Salmone in Placca$25.90
Fire grilled salmon, herb crust, on a cedar plank with asparagus & rosemary potato
Zuppa di Pesce$25.90
Clams, mussels, calamari, salmon monkfish, brothy tomato, tagliolini
Branzino$29.90
Fire roasted, EVOO, garlic, herbs, lemon, fennel & potato

Panini

Capri$10.90
Foccacia, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, pesto
Parma$10.90
Italian baguette, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano, arugula
Bologna$10.90
Italian baguette, mortadella, roast pepper
Abruzzo$10.90
Ventricina spicy salami, shaved pecorino on toasted casereccio bread

Verdura

Truffled Patatine Fritte$7.90
Thin cut fries tossed with parmigiano & truffle
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes$7.90
Funghi$7.90
garlic sautéed cremini & portobello mushrooms
Fire Grilled Asparagus$7.90
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe$9.90
Cauliflower Caponata$7.90
Tambo$10.90
Garlic & oil sauteed spicy longhots

Gelato

Gelato
Check daily flavors produced by Italian gelato champion Stefano Biasini
- Small$5.50
- Medium$6.90
- Large$8.90
- Pint$12.00

Desserts

Gran Panna Cotta$8.90
Espresso, Italian chocolate, sambuca hint
Tiramisu Classico$8.90
Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone
Tiramisu ai Frutti di Bosco$8.90
Lady fingers, wild berries, mascarpone
Cannolo con Ricotta di Pecora$6.90
Sicilian sheep ricotta, candied fruit
Crostata di Frutta$8.90
Baked tart, homemade custard, seasonal berries
Strawberry Zabaglione$8.90
Fresh strawberries, homemade zabaglalione crema
Gran Gala Creme Brulee$8.90
Budino di Pane$8.90
Brioche bread pudding, nutella, dark chocolate, banana, with fior di latte gelato
Ricotta Cheese Cake$8.90
served warm with fior di latte gelato
Mousse al Cioccolato$8.90
infused with Italian Fragolino (Italian wild strawberry)
Macedonia$8.90
Seasonal fruit salad

Caffe

Select one of 4 award winning artisanal blends. Each is selected and sortred in Italy and expertly roasted daily on premises

Napoli
A robust high caffeine southern Italian dark roast
L'Aquila
Our signature medium dark roast blend
Torino
Elegant Northern Italian medium roast blend
Roma Decaf
Sensual & complex medium dark roast blend
Espresso$2.99
Cappuccino$3.99
Espresso Doppio$3.99
Ice Cappuccino$3.99
Espresso Sambuca$6.90
Latte$4.25
Espresso Anisette$6.90
Cortado$3.60
Drip Coffee$2.89
Shakerato$5.50
Ice coffee$2.99
Cold Brew$3.60
Artisanal Teas$3.25
Ice Tea$3.25
Gran Box of Caffe!$26.90
96 fl. oz insulated box of any Gran Caffe L'Aquila coffee blend. Includes 8 to-go cups, cream, stirrers, assorted sugar packets
Cornetto Plain$3.75
Cornetto Almond$4.39
Cornetto Crema$4.39
Cornetto Nutella$4.39
Cornetto Salato$6.79
Girelle$3.99
Brioche$3.25
Bomboloni$3.50

Cocktails, Wine & Beer

Here are some highlights, Ask For our full cocktail, wine & beer list for extensive options!

Italian Cocktails

Aperol Spritz$11.90
Bellini$11.90
Negroni$12.90
Pompelmo Spritz$11.90
Americano$11.90
Gran Caffe Martini$12.90
Gran Gin Tonica$12.90
Hugo$11.90
Aperol Granita$12.99
Caffe Granita$12.99

Vino Italiano

Bianco

Pinot Grigio$10.90
Frascati$11.90
Gravina$13.90

Rose

Chiaretto$11.90

Rosso

Super Tuscan$14.50
Pinot Noir$11.50
Chianti Riserva$13.90
Aglianico$13.90
Barolo$19.90

Birra alla Spina (Draft)

Peroni$5.90
Menebrea$6.90
Lil Heaven IPA$6.90
Gran Gian Stout$6.90

What 1,420 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

BM
BrockM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had to wait an hour after our reservation before we were able to sit. Although, no complaints on our hand. They took care of my girlfriend and I very well throughout that waiting period. The staff, the drinks, the food were outstanding and everyone was very thoughtful. Even though we didn't get to sit at our table for about an hour we still had a phenomenal experience, all thanks to the staff. We will be back for more and more. Thank you so much for everything! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ESTABLISHMENT!
RO
ROBINF
Philadelphia
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary dinner. We were taken directly to a very nice table for 2 upstairs even though we were 20 minutes earlier than our reservation time. We dined off of both the special weekly menu and every day menu. Both menus offered a wonderful array of choices. All courses were delicious as was the in-house made gelato and coffee that they roast themselves. The service provided by both our waiter and busboy were both congenial and efficient as well. We look forward to dining here again in the near future.
PH
PeterH
Philadelphia
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience4
Initial service to table very prompt. Antipasta ordered served within a satisfying time frame. Ordered weekly special primo course which arrived with our secondo course. It was not hot and barely warm. It was very disappointing not to enjoy the wonderful ravioli which would have been enhanced by being served hot!!
AS
AksaS
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
The portions were pretty good by the price. The gelatos are always a sweet way to end a lovely dinner!
KS
KregS
Philadelphia
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience3
I would be excited to go there again. But if friends or family wanted to go, I will then. This is just because they are my friends and family.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall2food2service4ambience2
The wait staff was kind. The food was not high quaity. Bread was chewy, not freshy baked. Was disappointed after reading all the reviews of how this is not an Italina American but true American Restaurant. It was like eating in a deli.
d
dpar
Philadelphia
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything about this restaurant! The staff, the food, the drinks and the atmosphere were all amazing.
R
Royaldiner
New York Area
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were seated quickly and the waiter arrived at the table shortly after we sat down. Appetizers were great. We had the eggplant bruschetta which I highly recommend. Entree of gnocchi with mushrooms was so good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience. Food and service was excellent. Loved the upstairs.
M
Marcus
Philadelphia
80 reviews
vip
5.0
80 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
First time at Gran Caffe - went with friends. What a fantastic surprise and great find! Marco our server was very friendly and attentive. He recommended the crab appetizer which was stunning! the eggplant caponata was also excellent! Grilled octopus was nicely done but was a bit bland on the flavor. The veal & pork ravioli with truffle gelato was amazing! and our friends loved the pasta with duck ragu and paperdelle with lamb ragu. We had four flavors of gelato to share. Amaretto and pistachio were knock-outs and the salted caramel was right behind. All in all a fabulous experience for a reasonable price. ~$150 per couple including tax, tip, wine, appetizer, entree & dessert! Will definitely be coming back!
US
USVisitor
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved the food and spritzers and enjoyed dining al fresco on a summery night. At the server’s suggestion, we tried the pasta with house made gelato, which was fantastic. I’ve never had pasta with savory gelato, but I’m sold. Definitely looking forward to returning the next time I am in town.
M
Marlena
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious fresh food with truly wonderful staff. Loved dining outside.
CF
CeliaF
New York Area
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
We enjoyed the food very much and the service was great. My only complaint was the noise level of the tables near us. There was some sort of a party for a group of 20 or more and they were very loud.
P
Phil
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always, outstanding. Great authentic high end Italian food, great service. And when you have finished the main course, you get to savor a terrific espresso drink and the best gelato in this hemisphere.
K
Kosova
Las Vegas
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is a great restaurant. It has a great staff. The staff is very friendly, hospitable and warm. Food is great. I strongly recommend this restaurant.
ED
EmilyD
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great; everything we tried was a WOW. Marco was an amazing server too. Def coming back again the next time we drop by Philly.
DD
DelcoDiner
Philadelphia
101 reviews
vip
5.0
101 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptionally good food and service, only wish there were more options without pork.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Luigi was outstanding, great person to chat with, and had great recommendations. I highly recommend him as your server.
O
Oren
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The environment was great and the food was incredible. Will definitely be coming back.
R
Rick
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely wonderful experience and meal. Our food was so good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was fantastic! The ricotta cheesecake is probably the best I’ve ever had!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and excellent service. Definitely recommend
GM
GMCRWC
Portland
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Wonderful experience at Gran Caffe L'Aquila. Three of us old friends were meeting for dinner from 3 different states. We hadn't been together for a long time and told the waiter we wanted a long slow dinner. He accommodated our stay for over 4hrs of calm eating and drinking, laughing and talking... and each course of our meal was delicious. What a surprise when we finally left and went downstairs to find a little deli like shop and gelato stand... which of course pulled us back in. Would highly recommend this restaurant ... and a thank you to the staff for their kind accommodation of our reunion!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been here lots of times and it never disappoints! I love that the waiters are Italian and extremely friendly! They have added in new decor since we came the last time and it gives a great Italian ambiance. Tonight we had the burrata as an appetizer and the burrata was so creamy and pesto was delicious! As entrees we had the special bore pasta and the tagliatelle in a cream sauce with peas and speck. Both dishes were outstanding and the perfect portion size! We had to end with their amazing gelato, we had both creme brûlée and tiramisu flavors. I would highly recommend not skipping the gelato - it is so yummy!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
I was by myself and very pleased to have a lovely table by itself. There was noise from bar area but was buffered by a wall. Next to me was an open atrium that you could look down into cafe/bar, then across the atrium were other tables w guests dining. My waiter was initially attentive until I ordered but did not see him again until I was halfway thru my pasta dish. The kitchen staff delivered my food. My butter lettuce salad was tasty but difficult to cut into smaller bite size pieces to eat. The complimentary bread w olive oil was delicious. I did not finish the pasta (which was flavorful) as I wanted to try the gelato. The cherry paired w dark/light chocolate gelato was an excellent pairing.
L
Linn
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great authentic Italian food. Best Gelato in town.
KI
KeepingItReal
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place has become a landmark in Center City Philadelphia!!!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
It was really cold upstairs and the food got cold very fast because of it
S
Stephaniek
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2023
overall1food3service3ambience3
Staff was overwhelmed. Food arrived late and mine was delivered lukewarm.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I just moved to the Rittenhouse neighborhood ! We loooooove your restaurant ! The food fantastic ! Service … your staff is sooo nice I say it everytime we come ! We eat there at least 6 times a month ! Love the ambience ! Gelato every flavor u could ever want ! What else can I say …. Love Your Place ! Feels like I am in Italy !
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience as always. Our server Mimo was amazing! :)
MR
MRCG
Philadelphia
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food in a place that makes me feel like I’m in Italy. I appreciate the attention to detail, from the wine list to the cocktails to the superb coffee drinks and dessert.
R
Rebecca
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
The help needs more training. Food good but they missed an order. Wine good but took three times to get the right bottle. Gelato was fantastic.
S
Susan
Philadelphia
30 reviews
vip
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous dinner. My chicken was cooked to perfection with a delicious, sauce. Luigi is a great server who has helpful food and wine suggestions. As busy as he was, he took time to chat with us and make us feel very welcome. Looking forward to going again.
Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on May 15, 2023Susan, We thank you for your kind words, and encourage you to request him to serve you on future visits, as we would be happy to honor your requests! Thank you again for joining us, we'll look forward to hosting you soon!
SH
SuzanneH
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my new favorite spot in all of Philadelphia!! The food and drinks were amazing and the staff was so friendly and attentive. I didn’t have time to check out the grocery area, but I will be back to do that very soon!!
MR
MarcR
Philadelphia
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Food is great. Setting is very good. High top tables are not for us. Noise level is high but no problem hearing the people I was with.
n
nikki
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best espresso martini I’ve had in Philadelphia. This was the best date night spot we’ve found since moving to the city and the service was phenomenal!
S
Sandy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the caring service and the willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs.
K
Kaaren
Philadelphia
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Good service, good food. A little noisy, but we could maintain a conversation. I will definitely return!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We enjoyed a cocktail before dinner, a nice bottle of white wine with dinner, several appetizers and 2 plates of carbonara and a duck breast entree. Service was kind and carefree and the coffee/gelato was a perfect ending….With some marketplace shopping going out the door ;-)

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant using the Order Online button. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 568-5600.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1420 OpenTable diners.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.