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Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.7
4.7
1110 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

10:30 PM


Booked 81 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
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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

  • 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

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Popular dishes

What 1,110 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
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs

    Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

  • Philadelphia

    Great for fine wines

Sort by

Filters

  1. MG

    MaryG

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As folks who travel to Italy every year, we consider l’Aquila our favorite restaurant here. The food is outstanding, and we really enjoy the weekly regional specials. Service is perfect: attentive & friendly without being intrusive or snooty.
  2. C

    Chicago

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious Authentic Italian food from different regions of Italy. Gelato was the best!
  3. D

    Deborah

    Philadelphia

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful late lunch outside in the chalet with our dog. Server offered water for the pup, which was appreciated. Food and drinks were outstanding. Thank you!
  4. B

    Benn

    Philadelphia

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is always a great pleasure to go to Gran Caffe'. This time it was Parma week. We had an antipasto with mixed cheeses and cured meats, then the tagliatelle. Both were great, but, as usual, the gelato was the great ending!
  5. p

    phhc

    Central Coast

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Nothing Italian about it …
  6. LG

    LennyG

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and our server Riley was terrific
  7. DW

    DebiW

    Atlantic City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Been wanting to go here for quite some time and finally got the chance for a Lady’s Lunch. It was perfect! We ordered off the specials menu and everything was a delight - the presentation, portion sizes, and delicious! The server was attentive without hovering and offered wonderful suggestions. I can’t wait to go back.
  8. G

    Gabby

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gran Cafe L'Aquila is outstanding in every way. I certainly recommend it.
  9. a

    amm466

    New Mexico

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is the real deal! Some of the best pasta we’ve had in our lives…the carbonara with bacon gelato is ridiculously good. This place is completely unassuming, and feels very casual, but is crushing it. We had great wine and every dish was a winner. The downstairs market is also fantastic. Can’t wait to come back!
  10. ST

    SoniaT

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service was awesome. The gelato is amazing, the food is delicious and the service is awesome, the servers are knowledgeable of what they are offering
  11. KK

    KKDiner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall2food4service3ambience1
    The outdoor space we were given is terrible. It was so small for two people, we had a very tiny table and were facing shoppers on the street and the little space had an cheap ugly door with a lock on one side that houses a very loud air conditioner. How can a restaurant allow guests dine in this kind of space and think they will enjoying having a meal in such an environment? We requested a change to another space that’s bigger and empty for a while where couple diners (who came after us) sat at a bigger table and facing each other rather than at the street and the waiter just shrugged it off and said I don’t think so. He didn’t even try or return to give us a definitive answer so he apparently just ignored our request as in he doesn’t care.
  12. MR

    MaryR

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My favorite place! From the regional specials and my favorite Pera Insalate to the best coffee and gelato in the city, you just can’t go wrong. Thanks!

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  13. GC

    GreggC

    Philadelphia

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've eaten here a few times for business lunches and can't wait to take the family. Truly extraordinary dishes. Even simple soups (pasta fasul) and salads (pear salad) are some of the best you will ever have. Try the burrata - with five accompaniments to choose from, the roasted eggplant was mind blowing and this could have been my meal as easily as it was shared with my guest. Last time I had a pasta dish - fresh and tasty as well. I know the gelato is world renowned. I just need to pace myself on what comes prior as I've been too full to even think about dessert. Big fans of this neighborhood gem with an Italian market that could stand on its own too.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022We appreciate you and your kindness! We look forward to hosting you for many more occasions!

  14. 4

    4wilson

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience. We loved the food, the ambience and our charming, attentive waiter who made our dinner a special event!

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022We appreciate you and your kindness! We look forward to hosting you for many more occasions!

  15. G

    Gail

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall4food4service2ambience3
    We ate outside so i’m unsure about the ambience of the restaurant. The food was delicious. The only negative was our waiter. Not very personable and i’m being kind.
  16. S

    Stella

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food here is outstanding and has a very authentic taste. Looking forward to eating there again!

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022We appreciate you and your kindness! We look forward to hosting you for many more occasions!

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the food to the service everything was extraordinary. We had the arancini as an appetizer which was delicious and for dinner we had the carbonara and the sugo Della Domenica which were just phenomenal. This is the best italian restaurant in Philly and the best gelato!!

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022We appreciate you and your kindness! We look forward to hosting you for many more occasions!

  18. EJ

    EJP2

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great scenery with very affordable menu prices the food and service was fabulous!
  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful meal and service!

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022We appreciate you and your kindness! We look forward to hosting you for many more occasions!

  20. m

    mgexplorer

    Philadelphia

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    The food was excellent and our server Levan was outstanding! Thank you, Levan! However, I would have given this restaurant five stars if it weren't for the tiny outdoor cubicle and table for two at which they sat us. We barely fit and my friend's chair was dangerously close to falling off of the platform. When we asked the maitre de if she would sit us at another larger empty table for four, she told us that she couldn't accommodate us because that table was reserved. When we left two hours later, the table to which we asked to be moved remained empty. We were very unhappy about that!
  21. P

    Papilio

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I loved dining outside in a heated enclosed setting. The food was tasty, and the service friendly and efficient.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022We appreciate you and your kindness! We look forward to hosting you for many more occasions!

  22. K

    Kate

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quiet location for business discussions. Outstanding food across a variety of offerings. Only problem - we didn’t leave room for dessert!
  23. EC

    EduardoC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Good food, reasonable prices. Outstanding service, friendly and efficient with great courtesy. Fantastic prosciutto.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  24. DK

    DebbieK

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Party of four, everyone enjoyed drinks, wine and mains. Gelato is fabulous! Patrick, our server was friendly , and VERY knowledgeable. We've dined here before and will certainly return.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  25. CG

    CecileG

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was great, different from any Italian delicacies we've tasted here in the US. My husband had Canneloni di Pesce which he loved. I had the Agnolotti with white truffle gelato on top. Totally unexpected. Prices were reasonable. Ambience was noisy as we were seated outside with vehicles passing through. We will come back again to dine here.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. High energy crowd, and superb gelato.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We arrived a few minutes late, which we apologized for. The hostess told us about the time restriction in a pleasant enough way. I was not expecting to be seated outside, and I wish the reservation said that much. I may not have made the reservation here if I had known we reserved an outdoor table. Otherwise, the serve staff was excellent, and the food delicious. We had a pleasant dinner. Thank you.
  28. l

    larry

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent as usual!
  29. BY

    BarrieY

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food is outstanding! Lively place and authentic Italian food.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  30. S

    Shan

    Charleston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    The sausage dish under pasta had no pasta in it. Our server was incredibly slow. So much so that I had to get my own check and box.
  31. SJ

    SavionJ

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience1
    Was seated extremely tightly next to two other parties. My wife was literally sharing a bench with strangers. Food was okay and drinks were good.
  32. RA

    RegA

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent, as always. Creative menu, friendly service.

    Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian RestaurantResponded on November 19, 2022Thank you so much for you kind words. We look forward to hosting you for many for occasions ! :)

  33. g

    gmom

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Wonderful wait staff Excellent gelato
  34. KD

    KuroshD

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent. We were party of 4. Everyone loved it
  35. KS

    KathyS

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Evening with friends. Food was fantastic
  36. JS

    JimmydelSol1

    Philadelphia

    66 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All great. Waiter couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating. Food was wonderful. Ate outdoors so noise was to be expected.
  37. d

    davidc

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great lunch. Always a fun great food experiancr
  38. SL

    SusanL

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best Italian food ever.
  39. f

    foodfan

    Phoenix

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Personalized service that was above and beyond. Food and wine specials focusing on specific regions of Italy that rotate over time. Food was expertly prepared. Extraordinary value. Market with food, coffee, wine, etc. on the first floor and cozy dining room on the second floor.
  40. KW

    KimW

    Phoenix

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    I was excited to try this restaurant. Love good Italian food. We ordered a mozzarella appetizer. Very plain We got the tomato and basil. No seasoning. Just tomato wedges. A chunk of mozzarella and some pesto garnish. My daughter got salmon. It looked beautiful but said it was pretty good. I ordered the gnocchi. I was given a completely different entree so had to wait for mine to come which made things awkward. When it came, it was good. Especially the bites with mushrooms. Otherwise it was very rich and had little flavor. We ordered gelato for dessert. We got the strawberry with chocolate covered pretzles. The strawberry was amazing. Then we got the dark chocolate which was delicious and the cherry flavor. It was amazing when the cherry was in the bite. Unfortunately they were few and so it was mostly vanilla. Overall, the food was good but not great I really wanted to love this. 😢

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 1110 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

10:30 PM


Booked 81 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
  • Logo image for Postmates
  • Logo image for Uber Eats
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

  • 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
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