The Best Italian Food in Philadelphia | Eater Philly

"Ralph’s is another South Philly institution — it allegedly originated in 1900 and therefore claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the country. (It’s complicated.) Ralph’s is also still family-run and much of its staff has been around for decades. More than a few celebrities have come through the door, including Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift, and Joe Biden (though not all at once); devoted diners keep coming back for sausage and peppers, mussels, pasta, and veal parm. You can make reservations online for indoor and outdoor seating." - Ernest Owens