Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Center City
Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.8
4.8
1576 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 68 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • 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.
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

What 1,576 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

  • Philadelphia

    Great for fine wines

  • Philadelphia

    Italian

1,576 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We went for restaurant week and the food was okay! Have definitely had better italian in the city, but this was still good. Service was very fast and everyone was friendly. Would definitely go back for the gelato!

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love it here. Dined here for restaurant week this time! Always perfect. Server was great this time, I don’t remember her name but she has blonde hair and she’s soo nice! And helped us out with all of our questions. Had so much fun!

    Is this helpful?

  3. GP050

    Charlotte

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service2ambience5
    The food was superb. Very authentic. I will definitely go back. Service was weak. Our waiter seemed distracted and would disappear for long periods of time. Sort from that, it was a great experience overall.

    Is this helpful?

  4. FeliciaM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great Italian spot! Fresh, delicious pasta. I would visit again.

    Is this helpful?

  5. vicy

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    I enjoyed the carbonara and the gelato was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  6. JoAnnC

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are never disappointed when we dine at Gran Caffe. The food is always top notch. 5 stars always to us.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LiamA

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Went for restaurant week and loved everything! Would absolutely return.

    Is this helpful?

  8. MikeZ

    Atlantic City

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Extremely accommodating staff could not do enough for us . The entire night was perfect ! Great food and drinks and a lively atmosphere. We will be back very soon !

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went here on Restaurant Week. Good food, good deal, great service. Can’t go wrong if you want authentic Italian food. Everything here speaks Italia 🤌

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  11. MarissaK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had such a great time here for restaurant week! Our waiter (Vincenze) was excellent! The food and service was top notch, I’ll be back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  12. AmyW

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for a wonderful restaurant week menu with exquisite pairings of wine and drinks! Especially loved the 5 spoon gelato. An unforgettable enjoyable night. Thank you for your attentive service and kind staff.

    Is this helpful?

  13. StephanieS

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience for restaurant week! All the food was delicious and the service was friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  14. mgem

    New York Area

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful, old school Italian! Delicious food, exceptional service. Felt like a special guest among family. Don't miss the spaghetti with fresh clams and absolutely save room for the gelato!

    Is this helpful?

  15. AlexisC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such good food and staff, all so kind. 10/10 would recommend

    Is this helpful?

  16. Tonia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal and service...my friends were late; support staff found me a spot outside door to sit...then escorted me to table upstairs so I could wait in comfort and order something if I wished. My friends even commented how great they were treated. Also, Christian great and patient waiter (and that was needed for us!) and food excellent. My friend from West Coast loved the ambience of restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The waiter was very helpful and friendly and the food was all delicious from appetizer to dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  18. Linda

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    WONDERFUL!!!!!! DELICIOUS!!!! Best Italian good in Philly!!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, great service. Would go back in a flash.

    Is this helpful?

  20. FrankS

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We generally don't care for prix fixe restaurant week menus, but this was an exception. There were enough palate pleasing choices and the portions were just the right size to allow a complete sampling from appetizer to dessert. The place was busy on the Thursday night we went, but our server, Marco, took good care of us. Good food, enjoyable dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  21. DavidC

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Four of us were there for a Restaurant Week lunch in September. The outdoor booths were quite nice, and the food, wine, and service was excellent. The only issue, and this is a city one, was a homeless man asleep near the entrance, but more unnerving was another man who took a small pen knife from the homeless man's backpack and had it opened in his hand standing in front of us. After some strange questions by him and comments, he thankfully went on his way.

    Is this helpful?

  22. francar

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good real Italian food! And exceptional service. The staff is not only attentive and friendly but also passionate about the history behind the restaurant and the food they served. They were more than willing to explain the menu, make recommendations, and ensure that every detail of our dining experience was flawless. If you're looking for a memorable real Italian dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, I highly recommend giving the Gran caffe' L'Aquila Restaurant a try. It's a culinary adventure that you won't soon forget. Buon appetito!

    Is this helpful?

  23. TraceyB

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a treat, particularly during Restaurant Week

    Is this helpful?

  24. Bert

    Philadelphia

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The people were very friendly and eager to answer questions about menu items. One of us ordered the salad with grapes, raisins etc. there was very little toppings and so much salad it was ludicrous! The pasta was delicious the burrata should have been served at room temperature not cd from the refrigerator. The gelato and tiramisu were excellent. On the whole everything was good not outstanding.

    Is this helpful?

  25. IraF

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall3food5service5ambience4
    The food was good, service was good. It’s room was extremely noisy and difficult to hear my partner.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So good! We had such a nice evening- our waiter Vincenzo was so fun and service was excellent. We had the bruschetta eggplant, fried artichokes, burrata, all delicious. I did the restaurant week menu with the monkfish, my colleague had a gluten free shrimp penne dish and a cannelloni- all very good. So happy we chose L’Aquila for our only evening in Philly. Also great drinks and wine list. Very happy

    Is this helpful?

  27. MandM

    Philadelphia

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A Restaurant Week favorite….and gelato for dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  28. redram

    Philadelphia

    191 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    191 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We visited during Restaurant Week and the menu was excellent. Their papardelle was outstanding. There were many choices and the service was great. We sat outside under cover when the rains came but we were fine. Had a nice bottle of Sangiovese/Montilpuciano with dinner. Definitely worth visiting anytime. Reminder: the main restaurant is on the second floor and that involves a hefty climb. There are high tables on the first floor near the bar and some regular ones too. Do not miss the gelato.

    Is this helpful?

  29. MariaA

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    best pistachio gelato, food good but a little small

    Is this helpful?

  30. VanessaS

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely love. Server was incredible. I always come here and will continue to do so.

    Is this helpful?

  31. PaulB

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    Two negatives: The table were were given was the worst in the restaurant. Server was average, not like the previous time we were there. Food was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Mojo

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The perfect place to celebrate any occasion and enjoy great food.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Cuz0829

    Atlantic City

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have always had a great experience at L’Aquila! Ben fatto!

    Is this helpful?

  34. ClaireH

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wine selection for the daily special was excellent. It paired well with the Nord Italia cheese plate. Pera salad was big and exceptional. The child's serving of gluten free pasta with house sauce was a delight. Our server Christian was awesome. He was attentive to our requests and we had fun chattering with him. I am gluten-free; my husband is not. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. We will definitely return!

    Is this helpful?

  35. DebB

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dining experience was great! Our server Vincenzo was excellent, informative about the menu and very attentive. Fritto misto and burratta with eggplant coponata were delicious. Pasta carbonara was amazing served with a bacon gelato. Our dinner was topped off by delicious gelato!

    Is this helpful?

  36. DawnB

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food5service4ambience2
    Don’t eat downstairs in the store T the high top tables. Food was delicious! Amazing pata!

    Is this helpful?

  37. winkie

    Philadelphia

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a jewel!! The staff was amazing. We sat outside and enjoyed the people watching. Our food was tasty and very reasonably priced especially for Center City. Our server Tina was absolutely attentive, charming and accomodating. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  38. marc

    Philadelphia

    103 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    103 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Place is a gem! Great authentic Italian food Thank you so much!!

    Is this helpful?

  39. GreggC

    Philadelphia

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always one of my favorites for both work and family. Even nicer knowing it is a "cousin" to our favorite Italian restaurant in Camden County: Toscana. Gran Caffe is one of my "go to" spots for business lunches and dinners with the Mrs. Carlos is always amazing as my usual server, and the freshness of the pastas and constantly changing menu always delights my guests. Grazie mille.

    Is this helpful?

  40. ManuelT

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a great experience for a business lunch. The service was very good and the staff was very helpful. The food was excellent and I unfortunately had to leave before the rest of the group enjoyed dessert. I will definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

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 4.8 stars by 1576 OpenTable diners.

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

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 68 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5132

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    In between 17th and 18th Street on Chestnut
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • 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
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (215) 568-5600
  • 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.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo