"Most Italian places in South Philly feel more like tourist traps than hangouts. Villa Di Roma is one of the exceptions. Walk into this spot in the Italian Market and you’ll see pictures of long-time guests and their families, and sit alongside regulars who have been eating chicken parm here since it opened in the ’60s. The menu is long and has everything you’d expect from a red-sauce joint, including golf ball-sized meatballs in gravy, lemony veal francese, and countless different pasta options. Though none of it will blow you away with flavor or execution, it has the charm of a spot where you can have some serviceable pasta and hear a grandpa say, “be good to your mother” to some kids while handing them $20. " - candis mclean
