Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia (2025)

Marc Vetri’s intimate townhouse remains the city’s modern Italian benchmark, now focused on multicourse tastings that spotlight house-milled grains and seasonality. Lauded by Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig LaBan for evolving with grace after 25 years.

Set in a century-old Italian Market butcher shop, this compact pasta bar from the Vetri team turns out intensely focused plates and an upstairs Pasta Club experience. Frequently cited by national and local editors for some of the city’s best pasta.

On the rooftop of South Philly’s Bok building, chef Michael Vincent Ferreri channels Sicily with handmade pastas, seafood, and natural-leaning wines. Consistently praised by local magazines and Resy editors for destination-worthy cooking and skyline views.

An eight-to-ten course modern Italian tasting menu where the night unfolds like a story, sometimes from seats at the kitchen counter. Highlighted by Resy as a splurge-worthy experience, it’s intimate, chef-driven, and deeply personal to its Queen Village home.

The Varallo family has welcomed guests here since 2003, serving generous Southern Italian plates and famously tender gnocchi. Recognized by local media for national accolades from diners, it remains a South Philly favorite for heartfelt hospitality.

Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran’s Italian-American charmer channels Sunday gravy, stuffed meatballs, and a twinkly back patio. Recognized by national roundups and beloved by locals, it captures Center City’s neighborhood spirit in every bowl of red sauce.

Just off Rittenhouse Square, this sleek spot centers on house-milled flour and market-driven antipasti, pastas, and cocktails. Frequently featured by local editors, it’s a go-to for polished Italian plates and a lively bar scene.

A cash-only classic in the Italian Market since the 1960s, serving chicken parm, seafood linguine, and famous meatballs to generations. Celebrated by local critics for timeless red-gravy comfort and a neighborhood crowd that keeps coming back.

An Irish pub with a beloved Italian kitchen: handmade pastas, hefty specials, and a lively neighborhood bar. Frequently recommended by The Infatuation and local outlets; it’s cash-only and first come, first served, so arrive early.

A Fishtown newcomer pairing handmade pasta with Pennsylvania-made wine via a Wayvine tasting-room model. Added to Eater Philly’s 2025 Italian list and noted by Food & Wine for energizing the city’s wine-bar scene.

Operating since 1899, this South Philly landmark serves a wide-ranging menu of Italian-American classics in a historic townhouse. Frequently featured by trusted editors for its enduring recipes and strong ties to the Italian Market community.

A Fairmount BYOB devoted to regional Italian cooking, from Alpine winter dishes to Calabrian heat, all made by hand. Long appreciated by local critics and Eater’s BYOB guides for finely tuned pastas and a neighborhood-first ethos.