Dante & Luigi's

"Open since 1899, this is (arguably) Philadelphia’s oldest Italian restaurant. Between the chandeliers, black and white photos, and converted rowhome dining rooms, you’ll feel the old-school charm right away. Eat something classic, like gnocchi romano, fettuccini filetto with filet mignon and sun-dried tomatoes, and baked lasagna. And even though the interior looks kind of formal, you can eat here without dropping some serious money—none of the entrees cost more than $30." - alison kessler, candis mclean

"Open since 1899, this is Philadelphia’s oldest Italian restaurant. It's overwhelmingly old school—think white tablecloths and candlelight, chandeliers, black and white photos, and multiple dining rooms throughout converted townhouses. The South Philly spot uses that century of experience to whip up top-notch pastas like the gnocchi romano, fettuccini filetto with filet mignon and sun-dried tomatoes, and a baked lasagna that’s the best in town. And even though the interiors look fancy with paintings on the wall that look like they belong at a museum, you can eat here without dropping some serious money—none of the entrees cost more than $30." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"Come to Dante & Luigi’s whenever you get the chance: to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, to satisfy a lasagna craving, or when you want to feel like an extra in The Godfather. The century-old Bella Vista institution is buzzing with waiters in vests and families ordering the usual (who needs a menu when you’ve been coming for generations?). Fill the table with Italian powerhouses—creamy penne a la vodka, fall-off-the-bone osso bucco, and the best veal parmigiana in the city. Decadence is the name of the game here, from the top tier service to the chocolate cannoli. So whether you walk in on a Tuesday or plan to propose, it’ll be a meal that you’ll never forget." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"If we could eat at one old-school Italian restaurant for the rest of our lives, it'd be Dante & Luigi’s. Open since 1899, the South Philly spot uses that century-plus of experience to perfect their penne a la vodka, osso bucco, and the best baked lasagna in town. (Though we swear it's gotten even better over the last few years.) Servers wear suits and tell ghost stories, and the converted rowhome dining rooms are decked out with ornate chandeliers and black and white photos. Even though it’s a white tablecloth situation, you can eat here without spending a hundred bucks per person—most of the entrees cost less than $30." - alison kessler, candis mclean

"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