Popular Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to the biggest and the oldest Italian-American community in the United States. It is easy to see why Philadelphia has so many different Italian restaurants. Here are a few of the most popular.

La Famiglia
Having opened its doors in 1976, La Famiglia is considered Philadelphia's finest Italian restaurant. This family operated restaurant focuses on its superb gourmet Italian food and first class service. Expect to pay at least $27 for a plate, with the most costly plate being Carre di Agnell alla Sena (rack of lamb for two) at $70. They also have a wine cellar with a very large selection of great wines.

La Famiglia is open for lunch from Tuesdays thru Fridays, noon until 2:30pm. Dinner is served Monday thru Thursday 5:30 to 9:30pm and Friday and Saturday they stay open until 10pm. For reservations, call 215-922-2803 or 877-237-7561.

La Famiglia is located at 8 S. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106.

Maggiano's Little Italy
Not only does Maggiano's offer excellent Italian food, but a place were friends and family can come together. Here you will be warmly greeted by a maitre d' who will make sure you have a great experience. Only fresh ingredients are used and all food is prepared from scratch. Enjoy a plate of Chicken Pesto Linguine or Baked Ziti & sausage followed by a scrumptious dessert. Expect to spend between $20 and $30 for each person. Also, choose from a variety of specialty drinks as well as wines.

Maggiano's is open Monday thru Thursday 11:30am until 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am until 11pm and Sundays noon until 10pm. For reservations, call 215-567-2401.

Maggiano's Little Italy is located at 1201 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107.

Ralph's Italian Restaurant
Five generations of the Dispigno family have owned and run Ralph's for over 100 years, making it the oldest family run business in the United States. Superb recipes have been handed down from one generation to the next. No matter if it is a soup or salad, pasta, an appetizer, sandwich or an Italian specialty such as Eggplant Parmigiana 'A La Carte,' Ralph's will surpass your expectations. Also, enjoy a drink from the large selection of sparkling, red and white wines. Expect to spend between $25 and $40 for each person.

Ralph's is open Friday thru Saturday 11:45am until 10:45pm and Sunday thru Thursday 11:45pm until 9:45pm. Restaurants phone number is 215-627-6011.

Ralph's Italian Restaurant is located at 760 S. 9^th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19147.

Vetri
Chef Marc Vetri opened this little restaurant in 1998. He wanted to share his love for cooking Italian food with the people of his hometown. The menu at Vetri changes seasonally. Summer 2008 plates include almond tortellini with white truffle sauce, braised burgundy snails with provolone fondue, chestnut fettuccine with wild boar ragu and many more. Saturday nights offer a multi-course tasting menu for every table. Enjoy excellent appetizers, main dishes and delicious desserts. The wine cellar houses over 5,000 bottle of wine and Jeff Benjamin will help you pick the perfect wine for your meal and budget. Prices are high but worth it. Expect to spend between &70 and $100 per person for a 5 or 7 course meal.

Vetri is closed on Sundays, on Saturdays at 6pm is the Grand Tasting Menu only. For reservations, call 215-732-3478

Vetri is located at 1312 Spruce St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19107

Other great Italian restaurants in Philadelphia include:

Mamma Maria Ristorante Italiano
1637 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148
215-463-6884

The Spaghetti Warehouse
1026 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123
215-787-0784

Johnnie's Italian Restaurant
4201 Comly St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19135
215-533-9920

Branzino Ristorante
261 S. 17^th Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103
215-970-0103

sources:
local.yahoo.com
philadelphia.about.com
www.lafamiglia.com
www.insiderpages.com