Best real Italian food (not Italian-American food) in Philly

**Pitt** · 03-19-2011, 06:56 AM

That's not meant to take shots at Italian-American cuisine; i like pasta and meat balls just like anyone else, but I'd like to hear experiences with real Italian dishes in the area, especially from the more experienced amateur food critics.

I can personally recommend the gnocci at La Castagne. Very authentic, very light and soft.

**five apples** · 03-19-2011, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Pitt

That's not meant to take shots at Italian-American cuisine; i like pasta and meat balls just like anyone else, but I'd like to hear experiences with real Italian dishes in the area, especially from the more experienced amateur food critics.

I can personally recommend the gnocci at La Castagne. Very authentic, very light and soft.

I have enjoyed both Osteria and Le Virtu.

**BarryG** · 03-19-2011, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by five apples

I have enjoyed both Osteria and Le Virtu.

Those places are good. Melograno in Center City is very good. A lot of people like Amis though I didn't love it. Hosteria de Elio is good; though has both "real" Italian and Italian-American dishes. Giorgio's on Pine is also good but again has both kinds of dishes.

We have a lot of good Italian restaurants.

**Hospitalitygirl** · 03-19-2011, 02:33 PM

Osteria
Le Virtu
Melograno
Giorgio's
Hostaria da Elio
Modo Mio
Monsu

**stock** · 03-19-2011, 03:01 PM

Modo Mio
Amis
Osteria
Le Virtu

**Hospitalitygirl** · 03-19-2011, 03:14 PM

Vetri's

**Oladybug** · 03-19-2011, 03:17 PM

Another vote for Le Virtu and Modo Mio.

**phillyaggie** · 03-19-2011, 03:38 PM

the best gnocci I've had was at Vetri's. just w.0.w!

**eldondre** · 03-19-2011, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by five apples

I have enjoyed both Osteria and Le Virtu.

these are both very good. oddly, I find the pasta dishes the best value at osteria while the entrees I've had are way too hit or miss for the price. their pistachio gelato may be the best around. haven't been to melograno in a while but it was quite good. there's a place on walnut near the bridge run by albanians, can't remember the name, but the food was excellent when we ate there. l'oca's duck ragu is excellent.

**BarryG** · 03-19-2011, 04:36 PM

Originally Posted by eldondre

these are both very good. oddly, I find the pasta dishes the best value at osteria while the entrees I've had are way too hit or miss for the price. their pistachio gelato may be the best around. haven't been to melograno in a while but it was quite good. there's a place on walnut near the bridge run by albanians, can't remember the name, but the food was excellent when we ate there. l'oca's duck ragu is excellent.

The Walnut St bridge one has to be Salento but is it really run by Albanians? It's owned by the same people at L'angolo in deep South Philly; I always thought they were Italian.

I agree that the entrees at Osteria aren't great; the pasta is fantastic though.

**eldondre** · 03-19-2011, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by BarryG

The Walnut St bridge one has to be Salento but is it really run by Albanians? It's owned by the same people at L'angolo in deep South Philly; I always thought they were Italian.

I agree that the entrees at Osteria aren't great; the pasta is fantastic though.

thats what the guy told me anyway. maybe that locations run....not owned...by an albanian. it wouldnt bother me either wat so long as the food was good. yeah...salentos thats it. im curious about vetris new italian bar though i was disappointed that they were going to replicate the pizza. its just strange that a place known for pizza and pasta is so high end...and that a place known for beer wont have pizza.

**BarryG** · 03-19-2011, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by eldondre

thats what the guy told me anyway. maybe that locations run....not owned...by an albanian. it wouldnt bother me either wat so long as the food was good. yeah...salentos thats it. im curious about vetris new italian bar though i was disappointed that they were going to replicate the pizza. its just strange that a place known for pizza and pasta is so high end...and that a place known for beer wont have pizza.

I think Vetri is worried he won't be able to charge $20 for a 10" pie anymore if he sells the same thing at his cheaper place down the street.

I've heard that Albanians are the cooks at a lot of restaurants in Italy.

**NJbound** · 03-19-2011, 08:24 PM

olive garden.. no wait.. forget that..

**Polar Cub** · 03-20-2011, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by BarryG

I've heard that Albanians are the cooks at a lot of restaurants in Italy.

My Albanian neighbor runs an Italian restuarant in New Jersey. And Lidia from the tv show "Lidia's Italy" is Albanian too.
Albania is only a stones through from Italy. It practically touches Itay's heel.

**Dayman** · 03-20-2011, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by Polar Cub

My Albanian neighbor runs an Italian restuarant in New Jersey. And Lidia from the tv show "Lidia's Italy" is Albanian too.
Albania is only a stones through from Italy. It practically touches Itay's heel.

This is their plan to avenge Pyrrhus.

**ghgreham** · 03-20-2011, 11:15 PM

Real Italian food is cooked by Italians who are born and raised in Italy.Philadelphia has one of the oldest and largest Italian-American communities in the United States in South Philadelphia, which is home to the world famous Italian Market. Real Italian is cooked by people who spent a year abroad in Milan during college.

**Pitt** · 03-21-2011, 04:38 AM

Good replies. Overall I'd have to say I enjoy Vetri the most with Melograno as my pick for best value.

Did not know Georgio's on Pine is Italian rather than all Meatballs and chicken parm. I'll definitely check it out.

Has anyone been to James? I hear good things.

**Hospitalitygirl** · 03-21-2011, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by Pitt

Did not know Georgio's on Pine is Italian rather than all Meatballs and chicken parm. I'll definitely check it out.

The focus of Giorgio's would be...Roman. NOT chicken parm and meatballs at all. And, add Tre Scalini, since that would be Abbruzzese cooking. And Girasole at Broad and Pine.

**Bainbridge** · 03-22-2011, 10:58 AM

I would definitely say L'Angolo. It reminds me exactly of a place I ate in Rome; actually most of the restaurants in Rome, with the fresh, seasonal antipasti on display (not prosciutto, provolone and roasted peppers - REAL antipasti), the open kitchen, etc.

I should also add that place around where 6th & passyunk intersect...la costeria del...something? Forget what it's called. That place is totally hit or miss (if it's even still open), but I had a salmon and fettucini dish once that was just like one I had in Italy. It was delicious.
ETA, sorry - it is called Trattoria Alla Costiera.

**eldondre** · 03-22-2011, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by BarryG

I think Vetri is worried he won't be able to charge $20 for a 10" pie anymore if he sells the same thing at his cheaper place down the street.

I've heard that Albanians are the cooks at a lot of restaurants in Italy.

probably. please tell him I will personally consume many more pies at the new, lower price to help make up for his lost margin...and have beers with it.