Villa di Roma

19 Best Restaurants in Philadelphia, From Cheesesteaks to Omakase | Condé Nast Traveler

"Red sauce Italian makes up an entire category of restaurants in Philadelphia—but the avowed crown prince of the group is Villa di Roma, a restaurant in the heart of The Italian Market that’s been serving up food and bringing families back since 1963. Little has changed in that time: The menu, still pinned to a board on the brick wall, continues to play the hits—spaghetti and meatballs smothered in “gravy,” steamed mussels in red or white sauce, veal and eggplant parm, chicken Sicilian. Large tables and even larger portions make Villa di Roma a natural fit for parties and dinners with the whole family—but no matter who you're dining with, you’ll get a taste of an older South Philly that’s starting to slip away. Just make sure to bring cash, since they don't accept credit cards." - Devra Ferst