"This casual Italian restaurant is a collaboration between people who like flour and eggs, and Waywine Vineyards. That means you come here to eat tagliatelle with lamb ragu and drink something made in PA. Nothing costs more than $30 and the room is dark enough to make you look a little mysterious. Bring a date, or a book and sit at the counter." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"The pastas at this date-night favorite in Fishtown always highlight seasonal ingredients. A couple of the standouts are the sweet-and-savory crab ravioli, and the ribbons of mafalde in a shiso butter sauce. But if the Thai-inspired linguine with mussels is on the menu, get it—there are hints of vanilla and nuttiness from the fig leaf flavor, which somehow goes with the peppery hit of turmeric. We’ve never had another dish like it." - alison kessler, candis mclean
"With massive picture windows and bright green signage, it’s hard to miss this Kensington pasta bar and wine shop. But even if you don’t notice the couples sharing bottles of merlot as you walk by, the unmistakable scent of lamb ragu will draw you in. From perfectly blended cocktails and unique, affordable wines to pastas so good that you’ll consider proposing to the chef, this intimate corner restaurant should be your go-to for any time you’re craving carbs. Tulip serves up modern takes on Italian classics, like cacio e peperoncini, Thai-inspired linguine and mussels, and our favorite, the charcoal roasted beet ravioli." - candis mclean, alison kessler
"Tulip Pasta and Wine Bar is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in town, and their gluten-free pasta is so incredible that you’ll check the menu three times to verify the “GF” on it. Outside of the pasta, small plates like grilled scallops with smoky shishito salsa verde and tuna crudo are also gluten-free. When nothing less than tagliatelle caprese or spaghetti and clams will do, this is the spot." - candis mclean
"Eating a bowl of pasta alone is one of the best things you can do for yourself, especially when the pasta’s from Tulip Pasta & Wine Bar in Fishtown. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always rely on their rigatonis, raviolis, and any noodle served with lamb. Come by yourself, get a seat at the chef’s counter, and save room for the tiramisu." - alison kessler