"Old-school is the name of the game at Dante & Luigi’s, which claims to date back to 1899 and therefore disputes nearby Ralph’s title as the oldest Italian restaurant in the U.S. (It’s complicated.) Regardless, with its high ceilings, chandeliers, fireplace, wainscoting, and white tablecloths, this South Philly landmark is the most upscale of the city’s historic Italian restaurants. And talk about street cred: As the story goes, Dante & Luigi’s was once the scene of an attempted mob hit. Go for the ricotta gnocchi, lasagna, or perciatelli Genovese, a richer spin on a classic Bolognese." - Ernest Owens
