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

869 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

Jul 6, 2022

9:00 PM

Booked 47 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
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

The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

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Popular dishes

Arancini$11.90
Sicilian rice ball, 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$23.90
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 all' Uva$16.50
Sweet & spicy sausage pan seared with extra virgin olive oil, Orvieto white wine, fresh grapes, & aromatic herbs. Served with a fennel salad
Pollo Mattone$20.90
Free range 1/2 chicken, roasted under a terracotta brick, asparagus, potato
Arrosticini Biasini$19.90
Lamb-bacon skewers, gastronomic spicy mustard gelato
Braciole$24.70
Veal braciole, tagliatelle, tomato sugo
Vitello Saltimbocca$26.50
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$22.50
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$24.90
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
Caciocavallo$10.90
Cave aged caciocavallo & speck on an Italian baguette

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$8.70
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$8.70
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$3.10
Cornetto Almond$3.95
Cornetto Crema$4.29
Cornetto Nutella$3.95
Cornetto Salato$6.79
Girelle$3.95
Brioche$3.25
Bomboloni$3.35

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

Ciro Rosato$11.90

Rosso

Cabernet$12.90
Pinot Noir$10.90
Chianti Riserva$13.90
Aglianico$13.90
Barolo$19.90

Birra Alla Spina (Draft)

Peroni$5.70
Menebrea$5.90
Lil Heaven IPA$6.50
Gran Gian Stout$6.90

What 869 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
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Except for the guy with the plush cat tail dining next to us everything was exceptional as always.
JS
JimmydelSol1
Philadelphia
56 reviews
vip
5.0
56 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
All was excellent from food to service. Pleasant outdoor seating.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always great food and service
SQ
SilverQueen
Philadelphia
643 reviews
vip
4.0
643 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food5service4ambience4
We enjoyed salads for lunch at an outdoor table. Servers were very pleasant and helpful. One of them forgot that I wanted to take home half my salad, so he gave me a whole new salad.
KC
KevinC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food with even better service. Great place will be back for sure!
e
eastsidediner
New England
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We're visiting Philly for the weekend and just happened upon this restaurant because it's close to the Sonesta Hotel. So happy we did! The burrattas, salmon, and pasta were all delicious and the service was very welcoming. We plan on going back in a couple of nights.
L
Livetodine
Chicago
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was beyond the pale. Starting wit our hostess who so willingly changed our table Riley, a most attentive server to z Patrick who offered one of our partybleach water, a rag and plastic gloves to clean a wine stain on her White sweater. The food was perfectly prepared and the selections ample. Wish we lived closer to visit again
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Was all great. We sat outside which was great. But watch out for scammers - a guy was hovering too close to our table and the table next to us. It was clear he was up to no good. We moved out bags and luckily the manager came out and Chased him away in time to save the other table’s purse - he had it at his feet! Crazy! But the food and service were great, as always. Save roo. For gelato!!
D
David
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 29, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
We went there for a family dinner because it was looking like it was highly rated. however we had a very poor experience at all levels. the food was average and the service was extremely slow and unpleasant, And they even charged us to replace a type of pasta by a different but similar type of pasta!
T
Topher1974
Philadelphia
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
I had plans to take my parents out for Mother’s Day / Father’s Day, first to a show and then to dinner. The original restaurant fell through due to an HVAC issue so I had to quickly find an alternative. I’ve always wanted to try GCLA and luckily they had an open seating. The staff was friendly and welcoming, from the hostess to the wait staff. The hostess stressed that if we saved room for dessert that we had to try the Gelato…so we did, and wow, best Gelato any of us has ever had! The apps were great and the entrees were very tasty.
D
Dee2
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
The food and service were both very good and it was a busy Saturday night. Also loved the Italian food products available for sale.
SB
StefB
Philadelphia
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great for friends get-together.
CH
CandaceH
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The restaurant was very busy. We had a reservation and were seated on time. Luckily we were seated in the front (street view) part of the restaurant where it was much quieter. As you head towards the back it was jammed with people and much much louder. Both our entrées and main courses were excellent. My companion had the buratta starter and I had the green salad. For main courses we both had fish - monk fish and branzino- both dishes were excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Server was very helpful & made great recommendations. Loved the energy of the restaurant!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s was my Birthday dinner and it was everything! Best Italian food I’ve ever had! Beautiful decor and drinks are worth every penny, enjoy my time.
s
sjmrh
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gran Caffe L'Aquila proves itself over and over to be the best Italian restaurant in Rittenhouse. From the food to the gelato to the service, everything is absolutely incredible and consistent too. This place deserves all the hype it gets!
L
Luv2eat
Philadelphia
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was outstanding, I have been many times but this was the first time for my guests who were from out of town, I have been spoiled in the when the wait staff tells you about what week it is and which city from Italy they are promoting, that didn’t happen and it took away from the entire experience, I was expecting better and more Not just are you ready to order, part of the charm besides the great food is the entire experience and what dishes from what city is being promoted 😂
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Outdoor booths are good.
a
andrewv
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I always eat here when visiting Philadelphia. The place never disappoints. The fried artichoke is to die for! And don’t get me started on the desserts…
LV
LauraV
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a very enjoyable and relaxing evening. We especially savored our food and drink and we felt very much at ease with with our waiters.
TM
TaylorM
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my all time favorite restaurants in the city. Always have a great experience from start to finish. The service and food is top tier. Some of the best Italian food in the city. This is a must stop!!
JR
JohnR
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The menu is full of good choices, the authentically Italian dishes are well-prepared and tasty, and the service (on two visits this week our waiters were Bobby and Patrizio, very ably assisted by Cesar) is absolutely stellar.
JK
JulieK
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
the food was amazing! Thanks for a great weeknight date night in the city! Can't wait to come back.
P
Palmbreez
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always good. Very convenient. Thanks
j
jaytay
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent. Pacing of the meal was splendid. We felt very comfortable and well taken care of.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter was great. The Gelato is made in-house. Delicious!
JR
JohnR
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
GCL met and exceeded our expectations in terms of service, variety of menu choices and food quality, preparation and taste. We will recommend it to others!
RB
RickB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely food. Energetic bistro atmosphere. Amiable if very bustling staff. The food was very good, the gelato was astonishing - so save room.
TZ
TimZ
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
We were seated outside in 80 degree weather. It's not what I would have preferred, but the food and service were great otherwise. I will go back but either indoors or outdoors when it is cooler.
B
Benedetto
Philadelphia
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always amazing. The appetizer were from the week menu of Maremma. The crostini were delicious and the latter with prosciutto and cheese very tasty, especially the honey and fig preserve to taste with pecorino. Then we had pastas: agnolotti, pappardelle and fettuccine. The touch of Biasini's salted gelato is great on these dishes, in particular agnolotti. We finished with the superb gelato flight!
BP
BenPoole
Atlanta
88 reviews
vip
5.0
88 reviews
Dined on June 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had a work meeting over lunch yesterday at Gran Caffe L'Aquila. The Pappardelle was superb!
CG
ChristinaG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is the best Italian restaurant I’ve eaten at in the US (and I’m Italian!). We will be back!
BV
BrianV
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
great food and service. We had a very nice business lunch.
C
Chris
New England
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Always superlative, a culinary experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Fort Lauderdale
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter, from Rome, was attentive and friendly. The food was authentic, and the wine selection was on point. We will visit again on our next stay in Philly.
S
Steve
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was fantastic, the prices were good, and our waiter was amazing. His name was Marco, and he was charming and knowledgable and just a ton of fun. Couldn't recommend this place highly enough. Also, the gelato is out of this world.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
New server. Friendly, but got our order confused. Rest of staff worked hard to compensate. Pasta was ver good.
B
Benedetto
Philadelphia
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The weekly menus are always full of great surprise, and Biasini's gelato is just super! Very recommended especially now for the summer!
E
Emilie
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love love love!
AM
AnnMarieD
Hawaii
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our son was between graduation ceremonies and suggested this gem! We ran in for a quick and delicious lunch and couldn’t believe the quality, uniqueness and outstanding value. Every dish was outstanding, including the bread and olive oil!

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 869 OpenTable diners.

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