Fiorella Pasta
Italian restaurant · Bella Vista
817 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19705205/JMB_6362.jpg "Fiorella Pasta by Justin Blasi")
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19706318/IMG_1892.jpg "Fiorella Pasta by Rachel Vigoda")
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19705211/JMB_6346.jpeg "Fiorella Pasta by Justin Blasi")
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19705423/JMB_6343.jpeg "Fiorella Pasta by Justin Blasi")
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19705218/JMB_6338.jpg "Fiorella Pasta by Justin Blasi")
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66283077/IMG_1923_2.0.jpeg "Fiorella Pasta by Rachel Vigoda")
Highlights
Handmade pastas in a historic space, known for sausage ragu
Handmade pastas in a historic space, known for sausage ragu
"If you love the pasta part of Vetri but want to throw away the formality (and the price tag), Fiorella, its sister spot in Bella Vista, is your best bet. The intimate pasta bar is full of buzzy energy, whether that’s from the sauces bubbling behind the counter or bowls of balsamic-soaked mezzelune whizzing by. It offers an evolving menu of antipasti and pastas, so you’ll have different options every time you go. But the always al dente rigatoni with peppery sausage ragu and fluffy ricotta gnocchi are both mainstays (we hope forever). It all comes in two-to three-person portions, but one bite in you may insist it’s for one. Don’t let the vintage fixtures fool you—it’s not the old days when slipping a 20 to a server translates to a seat. Here, they open up reservations 30 days in advance while bar seats are held for walk-ins when available. Securing a walk-in spot might be as rare as winning Wonka’s golden ticket, but it’s worth the attempt (otherwise take a 4pm reservation, which is the only time they occasionally have open)." - alison kessler, candis mclean
"Fiorella is where you should spend all night eating pasta until someone tries to kick you out or demand rent. While the Bella Vista pasta bar has outstanding small plates like wild boar terrine with cherries, make no mistake:it’s the pasta you’re here for. If you snag any of the bar seats inside, you’ll have a great view of ricotta gnocchi, chestnut lasagnetta with goose, and their legendary sausage rigatoni being made right in front of you. Bring some out-of-towners here if you want to impress them while simultaneously ruining all other pasta dishes they've ever eaten. Unless your guests are from Italy, of course. Don’t let the vintage fixtures fool you—it’s not the old days when slipping a 20 to a server translates to a seat. Here, they open up reservations 30 days in advance while bar seats are held for walk-ins when available. Securing a walk-in spot might be as rare as winning Wonka’s golden ticket, but it’s worth the attempt (otherwise take a 4pm reservation, which is the only time they occasionally have open)." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"Verdict: Any Philly restaurant within the vicinity of the Italian Market is a guaranteed lock to be popular, but especially the ones serving incredible pasta. With its charming antiques and the scent of marinara hitting you as soon as you walk in, Fiorella is designed to be the ultimate carb-fueled crowd pleaser. It’s not stuffy or fancy, and the dishes are well-executed, creative takes on Italian staples. Don’t let the vintage fixtures fool you—it’s not the old days when slipping a 20 to a server translates to a seat. Here, they open up reservations 30 days in advance while bar seats are held for walk-ins when available. Securing a walk-in spot might be as rare as winning Wonka’s golden ticket, but it’s worth the attempt (otherwise take a 4pm reservation, which is the only time they occasionally have open)." - candis mclean
"This tiny pasta bar from the Vetri team is, in fact, as good as you've heard. And also very hard to get into. If you snag one of the few bar seats inside, you’ll get a view of the cooks making ricotta gnocchi, braised lamb pappardelle, and their legendary sausage rigatoni. Bring some out-of-towners here if you want to impress them while simultaneously ruining all other ravioli they've ever eaten. Don’t let the vintage fixtures fool you—it’s not the old days when slipping a 20 to a server translates to a seat. Here, they open up reservations 30 days in advance while bar seats are held for walk-ins when available. Securing a walk-in spot might be as rare as winning Wonka’s golden ticket, but it’s worth the attempt (otherwise take a 4pm reservation, which is the only time they occasionally have open)." - alison kessler, candis mclean
"Marc Vetri’s Italian Market pasta bar is perennially packed — and for good reason. From creative cocktails like the Dirty Pasta Water Martini to a tight menu full of fantastic small plates and gorgeous house-made pastas, there’s a lot to love about this former butcher shop turned dining destination. You can make reservations for tables indoors or on the covered and heated outdoor patio through Tock." - Ernest Owens
