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

1293 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

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 73 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

The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

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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 1,293 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
4.8Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia
Great for fine wines

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KM
KristinM
Philadelphia
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience3
The food is always outstanding, our server was lovely and made great recommendations, and I appreciate that we were not rushed at all. I purchased from the store for the first time too!
MK
MaryannK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire experience was belisimo! Davio our waiter was wonderful!
HF
HeleneF
Philadelphia
60 reviews
vip
4.0
60 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience3
Food was good. Service was professional and prompt. Noise level made the experience less than ideal.
SK
SKG28
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun, hip but not over the top vibe. Great food— the eggplant parm appetizer was fabulous, as was the Par Salad! Service attentive, timely and friendly.
SF
StephenF
New York Area
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
All of the dishes were great. We had arancini, eggplant parmesan, and spaghetti with clams, as well as a bottle of wine. The service was great. Gran caffe is a favorite restaurant and did not disappoint.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great Italian restaurant. Authentic. Great service. I would eat here again.
MR
MaryR
Philadelphia
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dependable, wonderful, and the best pasta, bread and olive oil and the VERY BEST gelato.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was absolutely delicious! Carbonara was splendid. Polipo was one of the best that we’ve had. Simple preparation but was also flavorful and perfectly cooked! The 52 calamari a Luciana was perfectly cooked and the sauce was simple but flavorful. One of the best restaurants that we’ve been to all week. Our server was extremely helpful and very attentive to our needs! Highly recommend this place. Can’t forget the gelato!!! We will definitely be back!!!
K
Karbob
New York Area
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our first time and we plan to go back. Everything we ordered was delicious and the server was excellent. I think the noise level came from the bar crowd watching a soccer match.
D
Dee81
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was my first time here and we were celebrating my sisters birthday and Italian food is her absolute favorite! I wanted a new spot we never been to but also somewhere authentic! Oh my were we in for a treat when we got there. Real gelato station up front. The guy let us sample while we waited for our table. The little sample was so delicious! We had an amazing waiter who answered any and all questions and gave great food and beverage recommendations. If it’s your first time they will give a back story to the restaurant which is a nice touch regarding its roots back to Italy. Every bite of food we had was absolutely divine. I felt like I was in Italy. I already want to go back again! I highly recommend this hidden gem.
CP
ChristopherP
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was excellent as usual. The menu is extensive as is the wine list. Our favorite center city restaurant for all our special occasions.
P
Papilio
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved eating outside in the heated covered pavilion on the sidewalk at 2 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon in early March. Our meal was delicious especially the Capri panini, cauliflower caponata, and roasted sweet peppers. Our server treated us like royalty. The heat made us feel cozy. I enjoyed watching the people strolling by.
F
Francis
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely authentic Italian food, from Italy, with Italian waiters. Cannot recommend more highly. I dream about the straciatella gelato. 💛
DD
DisappointedDebbie
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Amazing authentic food in gorgeous restaurant in heart of the city
m
maryf
Fort Lauderdale
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I loved everything about my dinner here. I had reservations for a Saturday night and was seated right away. The wait staff arrived very shortly thereafter. I ordered off one of their “city” menus (it was Rome that week) and all of the food was excellent. The wait staff were friendly, thoughtful and attentive. Each course was brought promptly but I never felt rushed. It was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Lastly, the pistachio gelato was amazing and I suggest that you save room for it!
A
Adam
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
A very good place to try out. Will go again. The service there is very hospitable.
LH
LesleeH
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful experience. The food was excellent, the service was attentive, and the place is beautiful. We’ll definitely be back.
NZ
NonZi
Washington DC
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sights, sounds, tastes, Gran Caffe L”Aquila checks all the boxes. Our food was full on taste and presentation, service was friendly and swift and the items we took home to fill our pantries…primo!
l
ladyl
Philadelphia
128 reviews
vip
3.0
128 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2023
overall3food5service5ambience3
I did like the food that we had. Trouble was choices,for me,were very limiting. Pastas sounded good until u read the sauces and none appealed. The apps we shared were excellent and the Perla salad was extraordinary. Our waitress,Jillian, was wonderful. I do not know if I would go back. Too many steps,first of all. Next the noise was ear splitting. Not conducive to a fine dining dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
55 reviews
vip
4.0
55 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Authentic Italian and the best gelato
SD
SarahD
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent authentic Italian food. Excellent wine list. Attentive staff. Wonderful night out downtown.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Always the best! Great, authentic pasta + wine selection and amazing staff
CA
CAM1616
New York Area
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our service and food was terrific!! We stayed and lingered for a long time after our meal and no one rushed us at all, which was lovely and so kind!! Can’t wait to go back!!
TP
TimothyP
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We started our meal with the Arancini and Carcioffi Fritti. Both were very good. The Arancini were each quite large, and contained a little more cheese than rice, but were flavorful and tasty. The artichokes were nicely done and also tasty. For my main, I had the Braciole and my companion, the Tagliatelle alla Panna. Both portions were very large. The tagliatelle that complimented the veal based Braciole was well done and had a nice tomato-based sauce. The meat portion of the dish was good, but quite small, and was somewhat overwhelmed by the enormous amount of pasta. The main tagliatelle pasta dish was delicious and was plentiful with peas, speck and parmigiano. The pasta dish gets our nod as the far better dish. Service was prompt and professional. Of course, leaving this restaurant without having a gelato would be a big mistake. The menu contains more than 20 different tempting flavors, which I do not think you can go wrong. We went with the Carmello Salato and Cannolo...which were both delicious.
J
Jeff
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I eaten here many times and it is consistently good.
LE
Love2Eat
Philadelphia
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious and authentic Italian! Definitely will be back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
Birthday. It was ok
LV
LauraV
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
My family and I had a fantastic dinner at Gran Caffe L’Aquila. The food was superior starting from the antipasto to the dessert. Our waiter was very courteous and prompt. I would most definitely recommend eating here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome service with good delicious food and drinks. Also, it has a very nice ambiance and an energetic atmosphere.
AS
ASL3
New England
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
WHAT A FIND IN PHILLY! WE HAD FABULOUS FOOD AND THERE IS AN EXCELLENT WINE LIST TO CHOOSE FROM. AMAZING TIRAMISU AND FRIENDLY, ATTENTIVE WAITSTAFF. LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT TIME!
J
Jerome
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server, Marco, was incredible. Very knowledgeable and offered us detailed info on any dish we asked about. He was fantastic. The food was perfect and the gelato - out of this world!
a
alanm
Philadelphia
28 reviews
vip
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
A “go to “ place for us. Food and service are good, reliable and enjoyable
SQ
SilverQueen
Philadelphia
676 reviews
vip
5.0
676 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good lunch. Food and service were excellent.
TO
TO1221
Philadelphia
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was very delicious and Marco was a kind and knowledgeable server! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and will be back!
NW
NancyW
London
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service. Best ricotta pie and gelato I’ve ever had!
KD
KeeD
Philadelphia
30 reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We love coming to Gran Caffe and have never been disappointed by the food, wine or service. The items from the special Verona menu were impeccably prepared and absolutely delicious. The wine recommended by the waiter was the perfect accompaniment for my husbands main dish. The dessert special was a real delight. We’ll be back again aoon
S
Susan
Philadelphia
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Superb, friendly service. Enjoyed our whole experience.
K
Kelly
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great meal!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience2
Place was freezing cold in there. The walls were filthy dirty sitting upstairs and the food wasn’t that great. Although I would not have been able to enjoy it anyway. Because of how cold it was in the room. People were wearing their coats I didn’t even finish my food or drink.
j
jackthetraveller
New York Area
96 reviews
vip
3.0
96 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Got sick later that evening, think it was the Octopus

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 1293 OpenTable diners.

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