Ristorante Pesto

Truly hospitable environment. Warmly greeted by general manager and welcomed. What a nice gesture. Old school charming South Philly Italian vibe. Loved it. The food was fabulous. Enjoyed their specialty signature pasta dish (pictured below) which was superb, followed by delicious lamb chops. BYOB which helps bring down costs. Definitely recommended. Will be back

Hands down, the best Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. Giana and her family are absolutely amazing. It's always a treat when we eat here. Thank you for your amazing hospitality

Could be good, could not be, I don’t know… my sides of spinach and potatoes came 15 minutes after my veal Parm.. so yeah, I waited for my sides, unlike everyone else at my table who ate their meat and waited and never realized theirs came after they ate their entree..:maybe, I’ll have mine for lunch tomorrow, maybe I’ll throw it in the trash, I have no clue…., I expected way more from this place..: I took everything on my plate to GO because who the hell wants a cold meal from a fancy restaurant 🙄

This is the first time I have ever wished I could give a restaurant more than 5 stars!! I went with a group of 25 (!) people (all travelling from out of state) for dinner at Ristorante Pesto and *everything* was perfect from start to finish. This is a family run restaurant, and their commitment to providing an amazing dining experience was evident in every aspect of the evening. The service was incredible - friendly, attentive, and incredibly efficient, given the size of our group. The menu selection was fantastic, and with a group that size, there was an array of diverse food on the tables, and everything looked so appetizing. The appetizers were generous portions, the bread was freshly made, and the main course dishes were plated perfectly. While everyone was commenting on how much they enjoyed their selections, I can only speak to mine personally, of course, and it was incredible. I wanted a classic dish done well, and my choice of Fettuccine Alfredo and chicken did not disappoint. The pasta was homemade, and the cream sauce had the perfect balance of taste and texture; the creamy sauce complemented the pasta and chicken without being heavy or overpowering It was honestly perfection. Dessert was a tough choice, but I went with the ricotta cheesecake - the server said it was her grandmother's recipe - and it was delicious. The whole evening was wonderful and felt more like a family dinner than a restaurant meal.

Wow, wow, wow! What a terrific restaurant. So glad we ventured out there. The staff and service are great. The food - amazing! No bland olive oil/butter here. They start the meal with warm bread served with cold roasted veggies drenched in balsamic. We couldn't decide on whether or not to get the eggplant appetizer - stuffed with spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella in a rose sauce - and we did not. A little while later, the server shows up with the appetizer and says it's on them because it was our first time there. What?! And it was delish! We got the bruschetta which is very good but heavy on the onion - not a criticism, just be aware - as well as a Caesar salad and a poached pear salad. All very good - but our eyes definitely overloaded our stomachs. Next were the entrees - also delicious. We had the Chicken Parm with a side of spaghetti, Salmone alla Veneziana, Zuppa di Pesce, and Pollo Picatta. Three desserts to share - the Apple Tart w/ Vanilla Gelato (warm and amazing!), Multi flavored gelato (like being back in Italy), and Banana Cream Pie (the only miss of the night - a weird texture and flavor but we still ate it). LOL Authentic Italian - Do yourself a favor and go!

Went here tonight and coincidentally it's their 30th anniversary as well. The owner came over and she was very friendly and gave out food suggestions. Jenna the waitress also was very friendly and helpful as she helped my party to choose the food. Everything was scrumptious from the bread right up till dessert. They even comp our desserts which is very sweet of them definitely would come again

One of my favorite Italian restaraunts. Just had the pumpkin gnocchi. One of best dishes I ever ate. Go there now it's great!

Excellent dinner this evening! Highly Recommend the pesto gnocchi, award winning cavatelli, veal parm, buratta, bricole, pear salad, chianti, tiramisu, lemoncello gelato, cannolis. I was so busy eating, I forgot to take pictures💕 Can't wait to return for another incredible and cozy dining experience!!!

In town for my girlfriend's college graduation, we needed a place that would make this momentous occasion even more special. She chose Ristorante Pesto, and we could not have been happier with her decision. From the moment we walked in, we were embraced by a warm and inviting atmosphere that felt like home. It's clear that this is more than just a restaurant; it's a place where memories are made and cherished. The staff welcomed us as if we were old friends, and their genuine hospitality set the tone for the entire evening. The menu at Ristorante Pesto is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, crafted with love and attention to detail. Each dish feels like a heartfelt gift, nourishing not just your body but also your soul. I can confidently say it was the best meal I've ever had. The flavors were exquisite, each bite a delightful experience that left us yearning for more. What truly set this experience apart was how they honored my girlfriend's accomplishment. They made sure every aspect of our meal was perfect, from the impeccable service to the celebratory atmosphere. The staff went out of their way to make her feel special, adding thoughtful touches that turned our dinner into a memorable celebration. Ristorante Pesto is more than a restaurant; it's a place where milestones are celebrated, and every guest is treated like family. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience that combines exceptional food with heartfelt hospitality, look no further. This was a night we will never forget, and we owe it all to the wonderful team at Ristorante Pesto

You know it is quite the dining experience when I cannot wait more than 12 hours to write the 5 star review! Ristorante Pesto is so special. It isn't a "hidden gem" per se, but I wouldn't have known about this family-owned and operated spot on Broad near Passyunk had my Aunt not sent me a gift certificate for a recent celebration. I am forever grateful she did her research as my boyfriend and I's Valentine's Day experience here was perfect start to finish. To start, making a reservation couldn't have been easier and they were lovingly able to squeeze us in at 8:30pm with not much notice. Reservations are recommended as this is a hot spot, but that they were able to accomodate us on Valentine's Day at ALL was a total surprise and delight. Speaking of surprise and delight? Host with the most (and co-owner Concetta) had heart shaped chocolate boxes for all of the couples upon arrival. An act of hospitality like that doesn't take much, but really sends the message that you love and care about your customers. That message is weaved into the fabric of this restaurant from the staff that feels like a family to the food to the ambiance and beyond. But the FOOD? WOW. Bruschetta, burrata, the famous seafood cavatelli, and chicken parm were all ordered and there was not one miss. I especially loved the bruschetta which was super simple but refreshing and reminded me of my time in Florence. The Cavatelli is the can't miss dish and my chicken parm was served with potatoes and beans which I appreciated as a departure from the usual pasta. You just HAVE to make a reservation and go. If you were raised in an Italian family and miss the experience of the more classic or dare I say "old school" dining experience (me!), you can find it here. We brought a bottle of red wine, though they do have cocktails and a full bar for your enjoyment as well. Choose your own adventure imbibing! Thank you SO much to the team at Pesto for making this night so memorable. I can't wait to return, bring my parents and other out of town guests, and share the Pesto magic far and wide.

Let's start out with how annoying as a woman dinning out with another woman how restaurants put you in the back near the kitchen or restrooms. Then because my partner wasn't super hungry we decided to split an entree and an app. We got wine and a dessert when we received the bill they added an extra $10 for splitting an entree. Really ! that's what restaurants do now! I found that insulting and disrespectful plus the entrée which they had the nerve to say was a Rachel Ray award winning dish which suppose to have come with lobster, crab and shrimp maybe had 3 shrimp in the dish which left us wondering where's all the rest of the seafood huh ? Definitely would not go back I went there about 10 years ago on a work dinner now I know why I'll never go back again. In this economy and with all tht the great food in Philadelphia as an Italian woman this place should be ashamed mediocre at best.

Enjoyed our experience dining at Pesto! I had been wanting to try this resturant for a while and I finally got a chance to dine here with friends. The service was phenomenal a local family owned joint with the friendliest people! Cute little spot, nothing too fancy but very homey and warm at the same time. We started out with the burrata with prosciutto and the pear salad. Both were fresh, large portion and extremely tasty. For my entree I ordered the seafood cavatelli which is what they are know for! (According to the menu) it was very tasty and heavy as it was in a vodka sauce. Looking forward to dining here again in the near future!

When in Philly we new we had to get Italian at least once and the friends we were staying with told us we had to go to Ristorante Pesto and we were so glad we did. We made a reservation for 6:30PM on a Saturday. Our friends also told us that you can bring your own wine and that they don't have a corking fee which is unheard of now a days. When we arrived we were greeted upon walking in and taken to our table. Our server was extremely friendly and so was the whole staff that we interacted with. I will say when we were hear we really felt like family. Hmmmmm why does that sound familiar. They started us off with free bread and Balsamic Carrots which were very good and a first for me. We of course got started with apps and we went with a couple. First the Puffed Shrimp which are wrapped in bacon, puff pastry served with a honey dijon mustard sauce. Clearly this was my pick. As Ron Swanson would say ""my No. 1 favorite food, wrapped around my No. 3 favorite food". You gotta love it. They were cooked perfectly and the Honey Mustard Sauce we great. Could see this being an entrée at another restaurant Next was the Eggplant Rollatini which is Stuffed with spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella in a rose sauce. I know this doesn't sound like something I would go for but it was pretty good. The only issue was had with it was it was just lukewarm and for sure could have been hotter but still good. Last was the Burrata with smoked prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Did you really get Italian if you didn't get Burrata? I also love that it comes with prosciutto which I love. I made sure to put it all on some of the bread. Really made it for me. As soon as I looked at the menu I knew was I was going to get and it had to be the Cavatelli. I love homemade Cavatelli and this comes with all my seafood loves, lobster, shrimp, and crabmeat in a rose sauce. Yeah that had my name all over it. Once it came out it looked great and I got into it. It was loaded with seafood and the pasta was clearly homemade. I will say it was very rich but I did my best to eat as much of it as I could. This was also a very big serving for the price of $29. This is for sure worth it! I also got to try Ashley's Gnocchi in a gorgonzola sauce. My favorite way to have Gnocchi. The gnocchi was for sure homemade and the gorgonzola sauce was nice and thick. I will say you can't go wrong going to Ristorante Pesto. No corking fee, great fresh and homemade pasta, plus some of the best staff I have even seen in a restaurant. This would for sure be a place I would come back too and I am very jealous you Philly locals can enjoy Ristorante Pesto anytime.

Fabulous customer service....family owned and operated.... Highly recommend the Balsamic Glazed Carrots!

This is a real institution on broad that prefers cash and makes for a great dinner. The portions are nice and servers treat you like fanily

Wonderful place. Felt like I just landed in Italy. Service was impeccable!! Food was superb nothing like it. Have to go here. Bucket list restaurant

Food was delicious and the owners who run the restaurant were so accommodating for our large group of 16. Staff was friendly! Highly recommend for great Italian food in South Philly!

Great food Great hospitality Friendly family owned and genuinely wants customers to enjoy themselves / have a great time! Planned dinner for 28 persons. Connie considered everything to ensure all had an enjoyable time. Veal Parm was a great choice and not to disappoint. I will he back for small and big parties.

Outstanding Friday dinner, intimate and sumptuous. Stuffed eggplant with spinach, recommended by the hostess and staff is spot on delicious. We decided to go for their signature dishes. Black ink pasta with seafood on this light sauce that somehow mimic cioppino broth is enjoyable and delicious. Cavatelli pasta with seafood has nice touch to an excellent Italian dinner. The star of the night is their home made gelato martini...got the limoncello and vodka. Tiramisu is just ok, nothing special. Coffee is strong and excellent. Parking was surprisingly easy along Broad street. The host was very nice, friendly and so with the entire staff. I will be back!

On Broad Street in South Philly recently, it's a real Italian American gem with a simple, classic decor. The servers genuinely care, making it feel like a homestyle Italian American dining experience. Started with bruschetta and peppers with mozzarella. Loved the garlic-free bruschetta and the freshness of the peppers and mozzarella. Their bread, a standout Philly grade, was super fresh and tasty. For the main course, had the chicken parm - a huge, crispy, tender, and juicy delight with savory, rich sauce. Definitely one of the best chicken parms ever. This spot is a must-visit, truly exceptional.

Always great food and excellent service! And, a couple of doors down is Pesto Pizza, which is among the best pizza in Philadelphia!

Went there for dinner with 3 others & we all agreed it was one of the worst dining experiences any of us has had in recent memory. It took 45-50 minutes to get our food. Two people ordered pasta with seafood dishes: there was barely any seafood (the little seafood it did contain was chewy & bland) & the pasta was VERY undercooked. The chicken parm was an embarrassment: a single piece of the thinnest, saltiest, most overcooked piece of chicken I had ever been served in a restaurant. It was a disgrace and I should've sent it back but didn't want to spend another hour waiting. The fourth person ordered fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. They also complained that their pasta was undercooked & dissatisfied with the paltry amount of chicken they received & the quality of the chicken, for what I believe was an $8 upcharge. ​ The server was unprofessional (started off by telling us how hard/long her day was & casually cursing whenever she spoke) & inattentive. The ambiance - it was very loud and seating was cramped. Find somewhere else to eat, you'll be glad you did, unless you're looking for small portions of overpriced salty food and unprofessional servers.

Food was awesome. Service was unfortunately slow. It's small and quaint and my family enjoyed ourselves. It has a full bar but is BYOB for wine without a corkage fee.

The ambience is great! Love the space. Service was very attentive and friendly. The food left me wanting a little more. This is home style cooking and servings are large but I prefer a little more refinement in the food. The cheesy steak rolls were kind of strange. The seafood pasta was alright but the sauce was the best thing. I probably wouldn't go here again for the price but glad I tried it.

Ristorante Pesto was a must for us while on vacation and it did not disappoint! Out waiters were very very helpful, accommodating, and welcoming. I took our waiter's recommendation and got the stuffed steak. Man was it amazing! You need to soak up all the extra juices with the bread, it's just as amazing. I love tiramisu so we had to get it but before that, I was being indecisive on which dessert to get. It was a toss up between the tiramisu and the cannoli so our waiter ended up gave us a complimentary cannoli! It was such a sweet jester and I ended up loving that more than the tiramisu!

We found an amazing gem of a restaurant. I recommend reservations, as we did not have any, but the staff was so kind and found a table for us despite being busy. The food was unbelievable and authentic. We ordered apps, entrees and dessert. All delicious. My downfall was leaving my leftovers on the table and not realizing it until I was halfway home. Crushed that I couldn't relive it the next day as leftovers. Ambiance was festive and guests were all having the best evening with friends and family. Such a happy place.

I have been to Pesto a few times now and could not have enjoyed my experiences more. First of all, the food is outstanding. They bring you bread and absolutely delicious carrots while you wait for your main dishes. I have loved the eggplant rollatini appetizer, Cavatelli, pasta primavera, chicken parm and the fettuccini Alfredo with prosciutto. While the entrees are all great, it's really the service here that makes me want to keep coming back. They're all so nice and took such great care of my family - including paying special attention to my toddler, bringing him bread right away (because let's be real, when he's calm and fed, we can all enjoy our meal). Looking forward to returning!

This place was awesome. My cousin brought us here for dinner when we came to visit. He brings everyone here when they visit and I can see why. From the bread and carrots you start with to the desserts, it was all incredible. I got the cavatelli and my kids split an order of Alfredo (I was worried but it was enough for them!). The rose sauce was to die for. Aside from the cavatlli we also ordered the eggplant and portobello appetizers which also featured the rose sauce and was delicious. Dessert was tiramisu for me and gelato for the kids. It was all perfect.

OMG the food is awesome. Such a wonderful spot. The service was on spot. Love this place.

Great food, great service and affordable! Highly recommended ! I had the gnocci pesto and it was very good. BYOB wine but other alcohol available

Food = Service = Ambiance = Food was great and in keeping with the quintessential South Philly Italian restaurant fare. Our servers were fantastic and very attentive. The dining room was, unfortunately, extremely noisy and it was not conducive to conversation.

Food is delicious! The carrots they serve are amazing. The order put in the wrong order for my boyfriend and was super apologetic and gave us free desserts. Great service! Super cozy and family ambiance! Highly recommend

I cannot begin to tell you all how much I love it here! I'm sorry I have no pictures but will be sure to add them the next time! Staff is wonderful and the food will never disappoint!

Cannot speak highly enough about this place and the owners!! Unbelievable food, incredible service, and a cozy and clean atmosphere. Unmatched. We will absolutely be back!

We have a tradition of going out for NYE Eve, or the 30th. Brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles; all varying ages. So, we try new places every year that can appeal to our large group, while being interesting to those of us who are lucky enough to be frequent diners around the country. Pesto, in the heart of South Philly blew it away. First, Connie at the front of house, as well as reservations confirmer is a sweetheart who adds to the positive experience by greeting your table and discussing the menu. Our large group had appetizers served family style, calamari, stuffed mushrooms in rose sauce and bracciolettini which were all devoured by eaters from elementary school through collegians and everything between. Lightly fried calamari ranks among the very best I have had, the bracciolette is new to me and many at the table. Thinly sliced beef, grilled, and rolled with mozzarella like pillows of flavor. Pro tip from Connie, dip them in the rose sauce of the mushrooms...just....delicious. The two dishes I tried both are calling me back. The Veal mare and monti are medallions topped with shrimp and prosciutto in a mushroom Demi glacé. Texturally and taste make this an experience as well as dinner. The entrée that the 15 yo raved about is the house made cavatelli with crab, lobster and shrimp. Unsurprisingly the cavatelli won a national award on a tv show and it shows. Desserts included cakes to gelato. Wine here is so reasonably priced you'll be shocked. Couple more things. There is a hospital parking garage across Broad street. Safe, 24 hours, staffed lobby, park after 5 pm for $6 bucks. Carrots: Connie had the waiter bring a gratis carrot salad in balsamic that NONE of us ever had and we are now figuring out how to make ourselves. For center city denizens, come to this South Philly standout and experience a true Italian dinner experience

Always amazing from the front of the house to the food and service. Family owned and they make you feel like family in this beautiful South Philadelphia restaurant. You like great food. Run to Pesto

If you are looking for authentic, delicious Italian food, just stop reading and go to ristorante Pesto. I'm an Italian girl with a soft spot for homemade noodles and this place did not disappoint. I had the puffed shrimp appetizer, Cavatelli for my meal, and gelato for dessert. I would order any one of those dishes again - so so good! The service was friendly and authentic Philly - we're talking "yous guys" and "wooder" to drink parking isn't terrible either for being in Philly. We parked less than a block away. This is a place you don't want to miss!

Wow! Exceeded my expectations. I can't wait to go again to try other items on the menu. It's the real deal!

Great food and amazing hospitality - award winning combo in my opinion! We went for my birthday dinner which I think will be my new tradition. Started with the bruschetta and eggplant appetizers (forgot to take a picture!). Perfect for two people to split. Our server brought out bread and complimentary balsamic carrots. The carrots are yummy. I think about them often since that meal. We split two entrees: cavatelli served with lobster, shrimp and crabmeat in a rose sauce and the chicken marsala. Plenty of food to leave us both satirized, though next time I will only order one appetizer. We ended the night with tiramisu and an espresso martini. The owner, hostess and staff were all amazing from start to finish. We felt welcomed from the moment we walked in. I cannot wait to return!

Great place for Italian-Philly soul food. If you are looking for art project on plate BS go to "fishtown." If you like to eat, go here. Other than the water and booze everything here is made from scratch. The eggplant rollatini in rose was excellent, as was the house salad. The ink pasta was also really fresh. The only thing I would have added was a few scallops. The ricotta cheese cake and limoncello cake- over the top. The staff from the maître d' to our server Gianna were great. Will be back to eat the rest of the menu...

I recently visited the family-owned resturant, known for its homemade Italian cuisine. I highly recommend trying the mouthwatering chicken parmigiana, flavorful portobello mushroom, and delicious eggplant rollatini. The food is simply fantastic. For larger gatherings, they also offer a private room to accommodate your party.

I had gone to pesto a while back and am now giving a review. Outstanding!! Soo delicious and soo authentic! Can't wait to go back.

In town for business. Received recommendation from local resident. Last minute so when calling for reservation was advised we would need to come early, which we did. Also advised we could BYOB, and took advantage of that opportunity as well. Upon arrival, Mrs Owner greeted us like long lost family. Set the tome that this was going to be an enjoyable experience and not just "dinner". Waitress was very personable as well and gave great recommendations. Boss had the "Rachel Ray" special. I opted for veal saltimbocca and we both were very satisfied. Place filled up and was "lively" (if we didnt enjoy so much might call it "loud" but that sounds negative and there was such a positive vibe about the place that it wouldn't fit. Will definitely be back ad there are many great looking dishes I am anxious to try. And the welcoming family business cant be beat.

Pesto is one of the most hidden gems in all of South Philadelphia. Their food is always consistently good. And they never disappoint. I would recommend Pesto to everybody who enjoys amazing Italian food. My wife and I had an amazing meal at pesto and a memory we will never forget.

Lovely good! Great choice of food would recommend for sure, classic Italian. Go go go!

From the moment we walked in and were greeted by Concetta, I knew this was going to be a wonderful dinner. We didn't have reservations, but it was obvious why we would need one. Everything was 5 star from the service by multiple staff and in particular our server Eric to the fantastic meal. We came the day before Easter and were served house bread with a special Easter bread as well and a marinated carrot dish to start. From there we had a surprise bruschetta, fettuccine alfredo, a veal penne dish, and a veal medallion dish with prosciutto, mozzarella, and shrimp with a mushroom cream sauce, side of rosè pasta and house veggies (spinach and roasted potatoes). We were constantly being attended to and made to feel like the most special guests, but looking around that was the standard for the service here. We started with a glass of the house Pinot noir but decided to grab a bottle from there. We finished with an apple tart and a banana crème dessert and a couple of cappuccinos. Never have I been to a restaurant so welcoming and happy to provide an exceptional experience. This was best part of our trip to Philadelphia. Thank you Concetta, Eric, the chef, and the rest of the staff who made this our now go to place in Philadelphia. We will always remember our meal and how special you made our night. Thank you!

Came here for a date night and everything was the same as I remembered it 2 years ago. All the staff treated you like family and took care of you the whole time. The place was insanely packed, but they stopped by multiple times to check in and refill our water. We ordered the eggplant appetizer ($15) and was blown away. There was a perfect ratio of eggplant to filling. The sauce was to die for. For the entrée, I ordered the squid ink with seafood ($27) which was delicious. My boyfriend ordered the award-winning pasta dish cataville ($28) and I honestly liked his dish more. They used the same sauce as the eggplant appetizer. I forgot to mention! They gave us free sides! We had a balsamic carrot covered with olive oil. Very tart and definitely helped open up my appetite. We also had 2 bruschetta toast. So amazing! Total came out to be $78 (not including tip). Highly recommend

This is by far my favorite restaurant. The food, the service and everything in between is amazing! This is a family owned business and when you're there they make you feel like family! The Cavatelli is the best dish if you're in the mood for pasta, it is homemade and the sauce is incredible. If you're in the mood for meat, the veal mare e monti is amazing! For dessert the ricotta cheesecake is like nothing I have ever tasted! If you haven't gone it is a must try! You will be back!

The food is fresh the quality of the food and flavor is Amazing. The service is first class the owners are the nicest people I know. they treat you like family I highly recommend if you visit Philly you have to try it. Thank you, Angel J. Suarez

Always very good Italian cuisine, good friendly service and byob too. Sometimes a little loud but the delicious food makes up for it.

In my opinion some of the best food I have ever eaten. Great people they treat you well. Excellent.

Food and drinks are excellent !!! Great service !! My favorite def a must try !!

Had a great time at Ristorante Pesto with family and friends! The portions were large and delicious and the staff took such good care of us. The gnocchi was incredible in every sauce but the Gorgonzola sauce was the best one!

Excellent food and service. Owner comes around and makes sure everything is great. All employees want everyone to be more than satisfied - which we were! Delicious. Great night!

My son treated my boyfriend to dinner tonight for my birthday. This was our first visit to Pesto - many of his work friends recommended it. The food, service & ambience were excellent & the prices were very reasonable for such delicious food. I cannot wait to go back!

Dinner at Pesto is always amazing! I came here more than 10 years ago while living in Philly! The marinated carrot appetizer is to die for. So delicious and free! Bread is warm and fresh. Tonight I chose the eggplant rolatini as an appetizer and spaghetti vongole in white wine sauce which was delicious too. The home-style dining atmosphere is perfect. I highly recommend!!!

I chose this place for dinner because of all the great reviews but this place is mediocre at best. Nothing was fresh, nothing was seasoned right. The burrata was dry in the center/ tomato sauce was too flat and acidic. I don't understand the great reviews