Le Virtù - Review - East Passyunk - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"Le Virtù in East Passyunk has been serving the city's best Abruzzo cuisine for nearly two decades. The regional-specific menu means you'll eat a lot of house-cured meats, rustic lamb and rabbit dishes, and pasta in one never-ending strand (the Maccheroni alla Mugnaia is a must order, if only to marvel at the physics). photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Pause Unmute The rich and rustic cuisine is complemented by warm service and enough space between tables that you won't accidentally caress your neighbors knee when reaching for another bite of sweet corn sformato or zucchini triangoli. Get a group together in the cozy dining room, or save it for warm weather and snag a seat on the enormous patio. Food Rundown Salsiccia Spicy Abruzzese sausage is paired with an heirloom bean ragu, all cooled off by creamy ricotta. The menu at Le Virtù changes often, but we're thrilled that this is always on it. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Maccheroncini Alla Chitarra All of the pastas here are excellent—if there is a seasonal option, you definitely want to try that one, too. But this one is the best. A thick and chewy strand of pasta is tossed with a decadent lamb ragu, scented with rosemary. It's fantastic. Braised Lamb Shoulder The lamb disintegrates as soon as it hits your mouth. The saffron adds a floral, earthy note. And the polenta is creamy, as all polenta should be. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo" - Alison B. Kessler