The Best Italian Restaurants In Philadelphia

A city heavy with Italian heritage, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, boasts numerous authentic and high-end Italian restaurants serving food just like mama used to make. We’ve narrowed down the best menus and absolute must-try restaurants for the best pizza and pasta in the city.

Philadelphia from the South Street Bridge I

Le Virtu

Inspired by Abruzzese culinary traditions and ingredients, Le Virtu serves the cuisine of Italy’s wildest region, the mountainous Abruzzo area. All meat here is cut according to centuries-old methods passed down over generations, and all pasta is shaped by hand using authentic Abruzzese flour. This is also a great spot to find sheep’s milk cheeses from a farm in Anversa deli Abruzzi, one of the greatest locations for cheese making in Italy.
Le Virtu, 1927 E Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19148 215-271-5626

L’Angolo Ristorante

L’Angolo deservedly continually receives top reviews for its traditional, tasty Italian cuisine and refined, rustic setting. The restaurant focusses on the flavors of Puglia, a sunny region in southern Italy, and serves a delicious lobster ravioli with a blush sauce made in a tantalizingly traditional style.
L’Angolo Ristorante, 1415 W Porter St Philadelphia, PA 19145 215-389-4252

Modo Mio

The small BYOB establishment of Modo Mio, located on Girard Avenue, boasts some of the best portion sizes and most aromatic flavors in town. The menu changes often and makes use of only fresh, seasonal ingredients. Try Modo Mio’s four-course turista menu, allowing customers to sample more than one plate when dining with others, and thus offering a diverse taste of many Italian regions all in one sitting.
Modo Mio, 161 W Girard Ave Philadelphia, PA 19123 215-203-8707

Vetri

The nationally acclaimed Vetri restaurant should be at the top of every dining list for visitors to the city. The ever-changing menu is inventive and refined. The fixed-price menu is the only dining option available, and although one of the highest priced Italian restaurants in the city, the unbeatable flavors, presentation and service make a trip here worth every penny.
Vetri, 1312 Spruce St Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-732-3478

Dante & Luigi’s

If you’re seeking old school Italian flare, then Dante & Luigi’s has got you covered. Renowned as Philadelphia’s oldest Italian restaurant, the old-world cuisine available here features fresh seafood, enticing daily specials and traditional red-sauce recipes. The pasta and wine selection here is extensive, and the upscale atmosphere provides the perfect setting in which to recline and enjoy an Italian favorite.
Dante & Luigi’s, 762 S 10th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-922-9501