The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia

Name: The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia
Address: 1303 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19147
Telephone: (215) 468-3040
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

3835 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

The Victor Café is an Italian restaurant that cultivates old traditions and seamlessly blends them with new ones. With classic Italian dishes and unforgettable live music, we invite you to join us for many enjoyable evenings for years to come.

PLEASE NOTE: Multiple reservations made for the same party cannot be seated together. To book large parties that are not available by default on OpenTable, please contact the restaurant directly.
When booking, party size should encompass total number of guests, including children. We try our best to accommodate special requests, however they are not guaranteed.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 468-3040
Website
http://www.victorcafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Private party facilities
Victor Cafe contains a grouping of intimate dining rooms which offer seating for a maximum of 135 people. Inquiries for smaller groups are also welcome. Special events may be booked for lunch or dinner. Cocktail hours with hot and cold butlered hors d'oeuvres may be arranged. We believe you will find the Victor Cafe a most unique dining experience.
Private party contact
The Distefano Family: (215) 468-3040

Location
1303 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood
South Philly
Cross street
13th Street & Dickinson
Parking details
Valet parking costs $12. Street parking is also available.
Public transit
Broad Street Subway (Orange Line) - Tasker/Morris Station
Entertainment
Live opera seven nights a week by talented professionals as well as students.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Zuppa Del Giorno (Soup of the Day)
please see today's specials
Victor Salad *
iceberg lettuce, tomato, and hardboiled egg in our house gorgonzola cheese dressing
Caesar Salad †
romaine lettuce, anchovies and herbed croutons topped with shaved parmigiano reggiano
Baby Arugula Salad *
with cherry tomatoes and walnuts in white balsamic dressing
Baked Clams Casino
minced bacon, bell peppers, onion, and herbed bread crumbs
Burrata †
with roasted red peppers and garlic crostini
Fried Calamari or Fried Smelts
with a side of spicy marinara
Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels *
sautéed in spicy marinara or white wine, lemon, butter and garlic

Entrées

prices starting at $17

Pomodoro Basilico
orecchiette with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil and fresh mozzarella
Fettuccine Verdi
tossed with fresh spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and romano cheese in reduced light cream
Cannelloni
fresh pasta stuffed with ricotta, spinach and veal, served with marinara and béchamel
Pasta Caruso
chicken livers sautéed in marsala with onions, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes over linguine
Tortellini
filled with asiago and ricotta cheese in pesto sauce with tomatoes, pine nuts and parmigiano reggiano
Ravioli
filled with porcini mushrooms in gorgonzola cream with tomatoes and toasted walnuts
Whole Fish of the Day and Fish Filet of the Day
please see today's specials
Linguine & Clams
served in either spicy marinara or white wine sauce
Prince Igor
penne in vodka blush sauce with salmon and asparagus, topped with caviar
Fra Diavolo
linguine with calamari and/or shrimp in a spicy marinara sauce
Chicken Piccata †
sautéed with capers in white wine, lemon, butter and garlic over capellini
Tosca †
pan seared chicken breast au jus stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto over creamy polenta
Veal Piccata †
sautéed with capers in white wine, lemon, butter and garlic over capellini
Veal Saltimbocca †
sautéed with marsala, prosciutto, sage, and mushrooms over risotto
Pork Chop †
pan seared with onions and apples in butter wine compote with apricot brandy over garlic mashed potatoes
Filet Mignon †
New York Strip Steak †
Risotto Primavera *
with seasonal vegetables

Additional Items & Specials (subject to change):

Antipasti from $9 --- Entrees from $19 - $32

Antipasti
Oysters Rockefeller --- Cheese Plate † --- Pear & Prosciutto di Parma Salad* --- Baby Spinach Salad* --- Roasted Beet Salad*
Entrees
Fish Fillet of the Day --- Whole Fish of the Day † --- Eggplant Parmigiania --- Ravioli di Nettuno (stuffed with jumbo lump crabmeat, champagne & saffron cream) --- Spicy Lamb Bolognese --- Spaghetti Rusticana (house made braciole, meatball, sweet sausage) --- Dido & Aeneas †(jumbo shrimp & scallops) --- Frutti di Mare †

Sides

prices starting at $4

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Sautéed Asparagus *
Broccoli Rabe *
Roasted Red Peppers *
Creamy Polenta *
Sautéed Spinach *
Side Pasta (Linguine, Penne, or Capellini)
with marinara, alfredo, aglio olio, or vodka sauce

What 3,835 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

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.9Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
Best Ambiance
Philadelphia
Best Ambiance

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Filters

C
Cheiffee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food5service3ambience4
Loved the place the food was amazing service was a little slow getting to us but it was a full house so I understand the live single from the people that work there was unbelievable will I go back Indeed I will thank y’all for having us
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best experience with our daughter and her beau tonight! My in-laws used to go to Victor’s when they dated in the 40s. Carrying on the family tradition!
DC
DaniCA
Baltimore
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place!! I live 1 1/2 hour from Philly and would definitely go there just to dine at the Victor Cafe!
JG
JohnG
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food2service5ambience5
Was disappointed in the food. We have eaten there before and we were excited to return. We are from out of town. Food was mediocre at best. The service and entertainment was amazing. Hopefully they will make adjustments
d
djhrick
Philadelphia
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We haven't been to the Victor in many years and are so glad we returned. The food was delicious! The service was perfect. The outdoor seating was comfortable and well thought out. And the singing was sublime. We will go again soon.
RP
RussP
London
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great overall experience with the singing and the rowhome ambience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
An absolute gem. Loved everything about it.
TD
TonyD
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Victor Cafe is my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia! As a huge fan of ROCKY, Italian food, and Italian opera, there is no better place! The food is amazing, the live opera singing is INCREDIBLE, and frankly if you're a ROCKY fan there is no better restaurant on earth! Can't recommend this place enough!!!
A
Arthur
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very fantastic evening, the staff were very kind and sang beautifully and the food was delicious. I truly recommand this restaurant (even if you're not a Rocky fan !).
F
Foodist
Los Angeles
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a special place. I won’t visit Philly without a stop at The Victor Cafe. Magical.
M
Mark
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve been coming here annual for our anniversary and it is always an amazing time. Definitely a hidden gem in Philadelphia!
b
breezyitalianlady
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Had relatives visiting from Florida. They loved the food, authentic Italian and very well prepared. But they were just blown away by the opera singing waiters and waitresses. Such an experience for them. So glad that I was able to provide them with this amazing slice of Philadelphia. So proud of my city and its unique offerings.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
Everything was great but I wish the waiters sang for my daughter who I was celebrating her birthday. They used to do it but I guess not anymore which is sad
MS
MelissaS
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to Victors for dinner and were blown away by the delicious food, amazing entertainment, and ambiance of the restaurant. Staff was super friendly and attentive, food was delicious and fresh, and the opera singing from staff was amazing. The notice level in the restaurant was perfect as you could easily have a conversation without a ton of background noise. This is definitely going to be a regular eatery for us!
LP
LauraP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience. Something you will never get at another restaurant. With the food, the wine, the music, at some point I thought I was in Italy.
DK
DougK
St. Louis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience1
Visited for the Rocky scenes and left absolutely impressed with the servers singing opera and overall ambiance and wonderful food! A must dining experience!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Savannah
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
The Victor Cafe experience is one of a kind and not to be missed. The singers are all top notch and the restaurant is bustling, and full of life. My meals there have just been ok. I owe that to an Italian mom who was an amazing cook! I’ve had both the chicken piccata and the seafood Dido et Aeneas. They were a little disappointing. However, the roasted beet salad was delicious and friends had the Prince Igor, wonderful! Also, I’ve tasted the Spaghetti Rusticana and it was also very good. The lemon ice for dessert is a must.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the Victor cafe!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
One of our favorite spots to visit when we come to Philly. Such a unique experience-great service and great performances!
DF
DavidF
Orlando
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Loved the operatic singing by members of the staff. Cozy and charming place.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time as always.
J
Jennifer
New England
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Evening out with my sister dad and mom before Elton John concert! Food was excellent! Service was awesome especially since we were on a time line and 11 minute drive to citizens bank park afterwards. They also have very convenient valet parking! Fun perk was the opera singers which are also your wait staff !
C
Cocorico
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
A special place for a special occasion. The food is good - entertainment exceptional - It was great to be back at the Victor Cafe.
T
Thoughts
New England
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing. Food service and staff Very talented Opera singers. Very unique
m
marc
Philadelphia
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great! Food just ok wasn’t my favorite.
C
Clement
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Even if they only had great food and great service, we would love Victor’s. But, add to this beautiful renditions of selected operas, sung around every 20 minutes by profession opera singers and you have a truly unique experience. This is our favorite restaurant!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Amaaaazing! Fantastic service, singers & experience!!
GV
GinaV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a hidden gem. A must go to!! Food was fabulous, service was great and the atmosphspere and entertainment was magical. We loved it.
NG
NelsonG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place... you should go there in @Philly!! Great food, environment and Opera performances..
SM
SteveM
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unique experience of opera and great Italian food. The veal chop was excellent
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful time! Our server, Chase, was amazing and very attentive. The food was delicious, the opera singing was absolutely beautiful, and the service was great and friendly. It was my sister-in-laws birthday and they put a candle in her dessert which made it extra special. What a special place. Thank you!
SR
StephR
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Victor Cafe never disappoints. The food and service are excellent. The atmosphere is so unique, and the opera signing really puts it over the top. Will definitely be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
From the appearance of the place to Quality of the food. The victor cafe should be a stop for everyone. Really enjoy the lounge on the second floor. I’m looking forward to my next visit.
l
liza
Chicago
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
62 anniversary
A
Adrienne
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
I love this place so much. It’s a really special neighborhood spot. Great classic cocktails! Some dishes are better than others, but overall It’s a great time.
s
steeveedee
Philadelphia
29 reviews
vip
2.0
29 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall2food2service5ambience4
We love Victor Cafe but were very disappointed on our last visit. The outside dining is great and the service was especially good, even for a very busy Saturday evening. The singers were fantastic, as usual. But the food was truly lacking. The Italian Wedding Soup was greasy and the pasta in it was clumpy. Our entrees were lacking seasoning. I had my usual Pasta Caruso, and the pasta was dry and not cooked enough. The chicken liver seemed overdone and one piece was not clean and I bit into a bitter piece that ruined the whole dish. My GF got the special crab ravioli and the champagne sauce was bland and not very tasty. We usually really like our meals, but not this time. Although the bread pudding dessert was very good. We'll be back, but maybe not on a busy Saturday night.
EM
ErinM
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience5
We’ve eaten here many times and brought friends who had not. It was disappointing because most of the food was pretty bland - especially the risotto that three of us had. We waited nearly 30 minutes after being seated before our order was taken. On the positive side, the desserts - crème brûlée and bread pudding - were fantastic. And the outdoor dining is very cool. We particularly enjoyed the performances on the balcony.
PQ
PestoQueen
Philadelphia
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time surprising my family from Texas! The service was amazingly friendly and the food was great. The talent of the singers was very impressive. Brought tears to my eyes. Their passion for the opera was definitely present. Highly recommend!!
LZ
LarryZ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Charging $2 for a refill of ice tea was tacky as was serving water in a plastic cup.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
Opera singing is just phenomenal!

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

FAQs

The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia is rated 4.8 stars by 3835 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Aug 12, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

Google Map for The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia

1303 Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Additional information

Cross street
13th Street & Dickinson
Neighborhood
South Philly
Hours of operation
Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–8:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet parking costs $12. Street parking is also available.
Public transit
Broad Street Subway (Orange Line) - Tasker/Morris Station
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Entertainment
Live opera seven nights a week by talented professionals as well as students.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

Website
http://www.victorcafe.com/
Phone number
(215) 468-3040
Private party facilities
Victor Cafe contains a grouping of intimate dining rooms which offer seating for a maximum of 135 people. Inquiries for smaller groups are also welcome. Special events may be booked for lunch or dinner. Cocktail hours with hot and cold butlered hors d'oeuvres may be arranged. We believe you will find the Victor Cafe a most unique dining experience.
Private party contact
The Distefano Family: (215) 468-3040

The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia

Make a reservation

Additional information

50 Philadelphia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

Victor Salad

Chicken Piccata

Tiramisu

Antipasti

Zuppa Del Giorno (Soup of the Day)

Victor Salad *

Caesar Salad †

Baby Arugula Salad *

Baked Clams Casino

Burrata †

Fried Calamari or Fried Smelts

Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels *

Entrées

Pomodoro Basilico

Fettuccine Verdi

Cannelloni

Pasta Caruso

Tortellini

Ravioli

Whole Fish of the Day and Fish Filet of the Day

Linguine & Clams

Prince Igor

Fra Diavolo

Chicken Piccata †

Tosca †

Veal Piccata †

Veal Saltimbocca †

Pork Chop †

Filet Mignon †

New York Strip Steak †

Risotto Primavera *

Additional Items & Specials (subject to change):

Antipasti

Entrees

Sides

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Sautéed Asparagus *

Broccoli Rabe *

Roasted Red Peppers *

Creamy Polenta *

Sautéed Spinach *

Side Pasta (Linguine, Penne, or Capellini)

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia restaurant rated?

Is The Victor Cafe - Philadelphia currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

50 Philadelphia Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia