Welcome to the world of Italian cuisine in South Philly! In this article, we'll take you on a mouthwatering journey through some of the oldest and most renowned Italian restaurants in the United States. From Ralph's Italian Ristorante, with its rich history dating back to 1900, to the intimate spot known as Fiorella, where creative cocktails and homemade pasta dishes abound, prepare to indulge your senses and discover the hidden gems of this culinary scene. Join us as we explore these beloved establishments and their delectable offerings. So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your cravings!
Ralph's Italian Ristorante
Ralph's is a renowned Italian establishment in South Philly that has a rich history dating back to 1900, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States. (It's a complicated claim.) It is still a family-run business and many of its dedicated staff members have been working there for decades. Over the years, Ralph's has been visited by numerous celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift, and Joe Biden (although not all at the same time). Customers keep returning for their beloved dishes such as sausage and peppers, mussels, pasta, and veal parmigiana. If you'd like to dine at Ralph's, you can easily make reservations for indoor or outdoor seating by visiting their website here.Ralph's Italian Ristorante, an intimate Italian spot in South Philly, has been serving generous portions of linguine pescatore, veal parmigiana, and their signature dish, Bosses' Chicken, which is a paillard topped with sweet and hot peppers, for over 50 years. If you're interested in dining at Ralph's, you can reserve tables in their dining room or bar through OpenTable here.
Marc Vetri's pasta bar in the Italian Market, known as Fiorella, is always packed due to its creative cocktails, such as the Dirty Pasta Water Martini, and an enticing menu filled with small plates and homemade pasta dishes. This former butcher shop turned dining destination offers reservations for indoor or covered outdoor patio dining through Tock here.
Fiore Fine Foods, a contemporary restaurant in Queen Village, offers a diverse range of options to cater to different tastes. They serve picture-perfect breakfast pastries like pistachio cornetti and elegant pasta dishes like ricotta gnudi and orecchiette with pork and tomatillo ragu for dinner. After your meal, don't miss out on their amaro cocktails or the rotating menu of luxurious gelatos. To make a reservation for either their outdoor patio or indoor dining room, you can visit their website here.
Villa di Roma, a throwback Italian restaurant in the Italian Market since 1963, has been a favorite among locals for their hearty pasta dinners in a cozy brick-walled space. While their red sauce is incredibly popular and even sold by the jar, their menu offers a wide selection of veal, seafood, chicken, sausage, and steak entrees, making it difficult to choose just one. If you'd like to locate Villa di Roma on Google Maps, you can click here. You can also find further information and reviews on Foursquare here.
In a city known for its love of Italian cuisine, Philadelphia's historic Italian Market is home to some of the oldest and most beloved Italian restaurants in the United States. Whether you're craving classic dishes passed down through generations or looking to explore innovative flavors, these culinary gems offer an array of options to satisfy even the most discerning palates. From Ralph's Italian Ristorante, the oldest Italian restaurant in the country, to the intimate atmosphere of Fiorella and the cozy charm of Villa di Roma, each establishment offers its own unique experience. So, whether you're a local looking for a nostalgic taste of home or a visitor eager to indulge in authentic Italian flavors, the Italian Market has something to delight everyone. Reservations are just a click away, so why not embark on a culinary journey through Philly's vibrant Italian culinary scene today?
Facebook