Bistro Romano Reviews

We had my daughter’s graduation dinner here, it was wonderful. The food was absolutely amazing, and the service was on point. Will definitely visit again.

Fabulous food! The truffles with gnocchi was absolutely amazing. My with said they served the best Brussels sprouts she had ever eaten. Romantic atmosphere in the cellar, flawless service, and a memorable meal. They have separate Menus for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diners, so tons of choices.

Fantastic ambiance, good and drinks...everything was perfect.... also great Zepolle dessert.... walking distance to our hotel....try it and you will not be disappointed

The atmosphere is great, especially the downstairs room. The bar is also unique. The food is good and the service is excellent.

Really great atmosphere, service - and the food was truly well made and unique. We tried the chef’s 5-course dinner and everything was amazing with great presentation. Excellent service. Even when our server was busy, others stopped by to check on us and refresh our drinks and remove plates etc. I would visit here again every time I get a chance to be back in Philly.

We booked a table for 8 people and were “guaranteed” a reservation for 3 hours. At 2 hours and 15 minutes we were asked to leave after spending $1,000. After speaking to the manager we were comped $30 in desserts and were told it’s only because it’s graduation weekend. We were here trying to celebrate a graduation…

I was at dinner with my family and was served by Kish. He was wonderful and made us feel comfortable throughout our evening. He also frequently cleaned the table of our dishes and gave us fresh utensils after every course.

I went here with my parents and younger sister. The restaurant is very clean, and the staff were very friendly. The lighting was really nice, perfect for nicer dates or intimate hangouts. My family and I did feel a little underdressed, looking at the other customers, but it didn’t feel as though we were looked down on by the staff members. My dad got the pork tenderloin with corn polenta and grilled peaches. It was delicious. Honestly, if you go here, please order it. I got the veal saltimbocca with the whipped potatoes. It was really good, but there was something in it that made it bitter, but I couldn’t figure out as to what it was. Overall, I rather enjoyed my food. As for my mom and little sister, they ordered the lasagna and the black pepper macaroni, respectively. The middle of my mom’s lasagna was doughy, and my little sister’s macaroni was very al dente. When she bit into the pasta, there was a white line in the very middle of the macaroni, which told us that the pasta was undercooked. If I was just reviewing my sister’s and mom’s food, it would be rated two or three, but overall, we really enjoyed it, and we would like to come back one day.

Great food service. The food was outstanding and the people make the experience 10x better. Thank you for an unforgettable night!!

My wife and I chose Bistro Romano for dinner on a recent overnight visit to Philadelphia. The food was excellent as promised by many other reviews on Trip Advisor. But, unfortunately, the service was poor. For my first course, I chose the house made ricotta and focaccia bread. It was served without the focaccia bread. I pointed this out to the waitress and she said something like “I guess we are out of it”. In response, I said that she should have told me when I ordered the dish so that I could have selected something else. She sent a manager over. The manager explained the there was no focaccia on today’s bread delivery and that it was not our server’s fault as she (the manger) neglected to inform her. I really didn’t see how that was relevant. The manager went on to tell me how wonderful the focaccia bread is and how it pairs perfectly with the ricotta. Was this supposed to make me feel better? At the end of the meal, the waitress brought complementary limoncello (which I do not drink) to the table. For a restaurant at this price point, I feel as if I should have been offered another appetizer. I will probably not return to Bistro Romano. There are plenty of other restaurants in Philadelphia that offer both excellent food and excellent service.

Really nice reception, reasonable price and wait time. Tara is an amazing waitress. Staff in general is exceptional. Food makes this restaurant the best in Philly.

Exceptional dinner in romantic grotto atmosphere. We enjoyed calamari with very light breading, my husband had veal saltimboca and I had an amazing seafood over pearl pasta with a saffron creme sauce. Our waiter, Tom, was attentive but allowed us to enjoy our meal in peace. A wonderful evening, would highly recommend!! 5 stars!

Absolutely amazing dining experience. Can’t say enough about the food and service. If we lived local we would be here a lot ! Best gnocchi we’ve ever had! The squid ink pasta to die for! The house made ricotta was delicious. The octopus appetizer cooked perfect. The duck , omg everything we ate was absolutely delicious and perfect. If and when we are in a Philly again we will definitely come back !

It was a great dining experience. Both meals were full of flavor. I appreciated that the portion sizes were generous. I also liked the vibe of the place, eating in a basement like a stone cellar.

Last night I had a graduation dinner with a group of nine at Bistro Romano. Food and drinks were amazing, but our server, Allison, really made our night. She was so open, friendly, gracious, and absolutely hilarious. The whole celebration could not have gone better thanks to her. We will definitely be going back and looking forward to seeing her!

Lovely ambience, attentive service, great cocktail selection and nice mocktails too. Food was very tasty but waaaayyyyy over salted. Felt parched an hour later.

My wife and I had early reservations for dinner on a quiet Saturday evening in August. When we arrived (15 minutes early), we told the three hostesses at the front reception desk our name and said we realized we were a little early. For the next several minutes they each pored over the computer screen trying to figure our where to seat us. No apologies for the delay; no smile for waiting; no explanation for the delay; just basically ignored us. We were then seated downstairs. For some reason, neither the hostess nor our waitress could quite figure out where the wine list was. After asking for it a second time, it appeared. The food was certainly good - and we did ask for a change in one of the dishes and they did accommodate our request - although the pasta that was served with the dish was way oversalted - and this coming from someone who loves salt. But it was the little things that were missed. No one filling the water glass after it was half empty; no one replacing the one piece of bread they brought at the beginning of the meal; and no one asking why we ate only half of the entree (or perhaps why we didn't want to take it home). Bistro Romano is certainly a good restaurant - with good food. It is not, though, an exceptional or outstanding restaurant which would justify the gushing praise that oozes out on this site.

Quaint Italian restaurant, amazing food and very attentive. We reserved the wine cellar private dinner and well worth $25 for candle light w rose petals everywhere. Started w saluma with cheese, owners made Chianti and loved it; perfect explanation of each item and beautiful presentation. The veal entree was tender and delicious, my wife had the crab cake special; loved them both.

We had 40 people for a rehearsal dinner in their upstairs private room. The room was perfect A+. It was beautiful! We provided flowers and some extra decorations and they did a great job setting the table. We had one long table but they would have arranged tables round or rectangular anyway we wanted. There was a private bar and private bathrooms, private entrance and plenty of space to drink and socialize before sitting for dinner. We could choose any music that we wanted with our own playlist, but I chose Frank Sinatra which they played for us. There was no noise coming from the downstairs restaurant…very private. The staff was wonderful and very attentive. The food was great! We gave our guests 3 choices: Gnnochi, roasted chicken, Atlantic salmon…all were very flavorful. Plus Cesar salad and bread and miniature Italian pastries for dessert. They also had a microphone that we could use for speeches. I looked at a lot of restaurants near old City Philadelphia and the space at the Bistro Romano was by far the best. You cannot possibly beat it for a large private party. The cost was very reasonable. The whole event was perfect and stress free. Mike the manager was easy to talk to and work with. I give it my highest possible recommendation.

The ambiance and wait staff made this dining experience a memorable one . Sat at a high top in the bar . Sean took excellent cats if us . He was soooo good . Our Manhattan to bottle of wine was great . Veal saltimbocca and fillet was spot on . Cauliflower bisque was delicious . Filet was perfectly prepared with yam purée and figs and spinach . Veal with purée mashed was great as well.

Went for wife’s birthday as we were going to a concert in the area. Early dinner but the place was busy. Everything we ordered was delicious and beautiful. The only issue we had was the server did not mention all the specials and they had raw oysters that night which are a favorite of ours. We only knew about them because another table nearby heard the entire specials list. Hard to complain though as everything was really perfect.

Went to Bistro Romano as a couples night out. Very nice venue though tables a bit too close together, noise level was loud. Service was excellent. Our order was served very quickly (<15 minutes for apps), which was impressive given it was a Saturday night. We ordered burrata (very good) and gnocchi (pretty good) for apps. Entrees were bolognese and the mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, and lobster) with a small pea-sized pasta. Both very tasty. Will definitely return.

So disappointing. Less than average quality food, great atmosphere and wait staff. We ordered the black ink pasta as an appetizer. It was served cold! Otherwise fresh but not even like warm. Bread was good. My sole was terrible. A pile of mush with a soggy breading on the fish. The gnocchi was heavy and way tooappetizer

I’ve been to Bistro Romano several times with my girlfriend. We absolutely love it!! The food and the atmosphere are fantastic!! Highly recommend Bistro Romano!!

My Son treated me to dinner there. We have dined there quite a few times. Every time we go there we have always had a great meals. You are always greeted at the door by a polite hostess. Most of the seating is down winding stairs. There is a bar area on the street level. Food is good, always enough chooses, and ample amount given with each entree.

On our second visit to Bistro Romano, my wife and I enjoyed a wonderful dining experience. The food was excellent, from the appetizers with homemade ricotta and pasta to the authentic veal saltimbocca and the classic filet mignon entrees. Each dish was expertly prepared and very flavorful. Best of all, the service was attentive (thank you to our server Cate) but unobtrusive. We will definitely come back again on our next visit to Philadelphia.

this is one of those restaurants where you know you can't go wrong. i've never had a bad meal here. the ambience is romantic, the service is always great and the food is always delicious. the tableside caesar is a must get, any of the pastas are always perfectly cooked with lots of flavor.

The restaurant was very cool, lots of character and had a romantic feel. Staff could have been better, they were nice, but could have been more informative. It was a business diner and we all got something different, including the Chef's Tasting selection. We started with Calamari and octopus. All were Ok, but again, nothing to write home about. The dessert, their chocolate cake was delicious! It tasted like fudge, just enough sweetness that made you crave more. That was the best on the menu! An authentic experience, but didn't leave me yearning to go back. Limited menu, so you don't get a lot of choices.

We had a wonderful dinner with family and friends. The food was beyond delicious and the service was fabulous! Chef DeLone has an incredibly creative talent, pairing various ingredients that end in a culinary masterpiece each and every plate! We can't wait to go back! Don't miss your opportunity!

I am on Bistro Romano's email list and so got an offer for a free dinner (up to $20) for my birthday. Since this is one of our favorite restaurants in Philadelphia, we were very happy to enjoy another wonderful dinner. I had barramundi, an Asian fish not often seen on menus in this part of the world, which was absolutely delicious. My wife had the saltimbocca which she enjoyed. For dessert we had gelato with a candle on it accompanied with a cookie that said "Happy Birthday" on it. Very highly recommended!

The restaurant has cozy seating downstairs with exposed brick walls and romantic lighting and there is plenty of attentive service snd oversight of staff. The menu is not overwhelming but has plenty of nice choices with some things slightly original but certainly with something for everyone. We opted for the restaurant week special this time which was a great deal and the short ribs and the pasta w veal and pork sausage ragu were both excellent and well presented. Plenty of great beverage options as always. A nice romantic dinner for two. Will return.

We visited from NYC. The food was fabulous! They have plenty of gluten free options. The gf gnocchi was outstanding. Because they didn't have a dairy free dessert option at the time for our young child, the chef made a special plate of strawberries in a sauce and brought it to our table. A kind heart & a special touch always goes a long way! The staff was accommodating, patient and attentive. We loved the decor as well.

This trip to Philadelphia we wanted to try a different Italian restaurant and decided on Bistro Romano. The ambience is like dining inn an old Italian village. The calamari starter was top shelf and is top of our list. The 2 pastas we had were excellent. The Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimps and Green onion was exceptional as was the Fettuccini Bolognas. The service was excellent, The manager stopped bu the table to check and see how we enjoyed our dinner. Nice touch!

My family had a great experience there. Delicious cocktails and wine, wonderful food, and very attentive, professional, and friendly service. The servers were expert in the food and drinks they were offering and gave great recommendations. Our party of 5 tried very varied menu options and everyone loved their dishes. The cellar dining room feels like an old wine cellar (in a good way!) and was beautifully decorated for the holiday. For us, at this price point, it’s special occasion dining, but we will be back!

Ordered Veal ribs and BRODETTO (lobster, shrimp etc.) great taste, big portion, much better than the similar dishes that I had in other high-end restaurants. However, not recommend the grilled octopus. Great servers and services, thank you!

We’re from out of town, close to nyc. Came to Philly for the weekend & to say that this place was one of the best parts of our trip is accurate! We still haven’t stopped talking about it. I had the chef Cianti & it was incredible followed by the salmon for dinner. My boyfriend had the short rib ravioli and they were a 10/10. I must say tho, the reason we really enjoyed our dinner here is because of our wonderful server Rachel. She was excellent and made our night. Can’t wait to be back!

Blown away! Stumbled into this place almost by accident, and how lucky I was to discover this place! I sat at the bar(because I was solo) and had a perfectly made Old Fashion, and then my food experience began.. Every dish I tried from start to finish was incredible. The dishes were meticulously plated, and each flavor profile made me not only savor the dish, but had me experience a whole new level of food! The atmosphere is perfect for a an occasion, or just on a whim like me!

Food was amazing from the appetizer to dessert. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. The roasted chicken is amazing and of course the tiramisu was delicious!

Fantastic place all around! We had a table downstairs which was quite nice, although a little tight as we were next to a high traffic lane. Everything I and my partner tried was absolutely wonderful, from starters to the dessert. The live piano music drifting down the stairs from the main floor bar area only added to the charm. A must visit place for us going forward.

My goodness gracious what a great neighborhood restaurant! They were able to accommodate us as we sat at one table we didn't like (chairs and table were not well seated), then they seated us next to the stairs (people coming up and down) and finally in a booth that opened up, which I would request next time. All in the span of like 5 minutes. They were very good natured about it and didn't seem to need my profuse apologies for the repeated changes. The food was ridiculous. The octopus appetizer was tender and not overly seasoned, the caesar salad is mild and grows on you. The entrees (risotto and gluten free penne bolognese) were just so good I want to turn this damn plane around and eat there tonight. I used to live in the neighborhood, so returning there and having such a great meal at a neighborhood Italian restaurant with such great character was comfortable and fulfilling both. The owner/manager was engaging and talked to us a couple times. When I go back I'll go back.

We were seated in a grotto-like, very romantic basement at a secluded table. Service was outstanding. We had the pasta special, short rib ravioli and the chocolate torte with a candle! Big hit with my wife.

Great drinks and food. Service was awesome. Live piano playing in the bar was a nice treat. Will definitely come back when visiting Philly.

We sat downstairs in a booth. I personally liked being COVID sectioned at our table. Lighting is low and “cozy”!! Matt, our waiter, was exceptional!! He spoke clearly with his required mask. The full bar drinks were perfect!! The meal suggestions and choices were also perfect. We were too full for dessert. Another visit will be in the future!!

From the heirloom tomatoes and house made burrata, to the pillow-like truffle gnocchi, to the lobster ravioli and U-10 jumbo scallops, amaaaaaazing! The only thing better was Amy, our server!!! Y’all, come to Bistro Romano if you’re in Philly! Will not disappoint!

Best meal in Philly! Romantic atmosphere, great service. Reservations required. We enjoyed the bread service, Caesar salad, seafood bedetto, fettuccine bolgonese, and lobster ravioli. Cocktails and wine list were great!

The calamari was lightly dusted, not heavily breaded, and the sauce had thin pieces of pepper. The lobster ravioli were plump with filling. Solid pieces of lobster in the ravioli and the sauce. The Brodetto was in a rich saffron lobster, rather than tomato, broth. The duck was absent any visible fat, and tender. All were excellent in flavor. The portions were not only large, but were composed mainly of the key ingredients (lobster, seafood, duck) rather than sides (sweet potato, rosetto, etc.). My wife would not share her tiramisu, but reported a stronger than normal coffee flavor, which was to her liking. There is an extensive listing of wines by the glass, in 5 oz. and 8 oz. portions. This allowed all at the table to have their favorite, with pricing similar to bottle price per ounce.

such a super, special dinner. from the time we arrived and had drinks at the bar waiting for our out-of-town guests, to the manager popping by to answer our questions it was perfect, memorable, special. drinks were great, food was superb. Even the house made limoncello was good!

Our table of five had a splendid dinner - starting with the delicious caesar salad made tableside. A variety of main courses for our table, but the gnocchi was the real standout. So buttery and light, best I've ever had. A couple bottles of the house red to complement our meals. Charming, attentive staff. We were all impressed. The one small drawback to our night was that the place can get pretty loud downstairs with lots of brick surfaces. There was a table nearby celebrating a birthday - the volume escallating quickly. Our own conversation didn't rise to yelling, but very loud talking is usually not how I like my meals to go. That said, a delicious dinner.

Italy revisited! Absolutely lovely service and very well prepared extraordinary dishes! Wines galore, even a shopper on site to purchase at up to 1/2 menu price! Besides dinner we have attended two of their events where you taste 35 wines for $35 including savory appetizers! And music! Can't wait to go back in just a couple of weeks! They even serve a family Chianti produced in Italy!

Great food, service, in a romantic environment. We went on August 17 for dinner, family of 5 and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend it!!

One of, if not the best Italian restaurants in Philly. My wife and I selected Bistro Romano to host our small wedding in their event space on the second floor. A cozy long room decorated in an Italian rustic style along with the classic Philly exposed brick. Weddings are usually stressful, but Michael made the whole planning process a breeze, which allowed us to focus on a relaxing and unforgettable wedding day. Michael and his team ensured a seamless event with top-notch service, a delicious multi-course dinner menu, and superb bar service for the cocktail hour. Each item on the menu was carefully selected and left a positive impression on all our guests. We still get comments from family about how delicious the meal was (especially the gnocchi). This is a two-part review as my wife and I have also dinned with Bistro Romano as regular customers for date nights in the past. Their downstairs area is romantic, cozy, and perfect for intimate nights. The service was prompt, and all needs were taken care of. The only thing better than the service was the food. Each dish we ordered was simple, but of high quality. What I liked the most was that our experience has been consistently well above expectations each time we've went. I want to thank Michael and the rest of his team at Bistro Romano for an unforgettable experience each time we dined with them. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for true Italian cuisine and service that allows you to focus on the memories and nothing else.

Ordered on-line and picked up. Couldn’t have been easier. The pork chop is outstanding, my husband’s favorite dish. The octopus app is one of the best we’ve ever had... octopus itself is perfectly grilled and tender - the veg and chickpeas (so creamy!) that accompany it are a perfect combination. I usually go for the lobster ravioli which is always delicious but wanted something lighter and went for the Caesar di mare... Wow!! Shrimp, crab and tender grilled calamari along with grilled squash, oven roasted tomatoes and their perfect Caesar dressing and croutons. So, so good. Looking forward to celebrating our anniversary there in a few weeks - it is a wonderful special occasion kind of place!

Picked this restaurant from reviews on Tripadvisor. So glad we went. Four different dinners, all were good except for the roasted chicken which was a little dry. Calamari was very tender. Two versions of bread served, the rosemary one was excellent. Beautiful brick and stone 300 year old building.Fun night with friends, or very romantic for couples. Service was excellent!

We selected Bistro Romano because of its rating (and the location seemed good). It did not disappoint. The Tripadvisor rating is well earned. The service was excellent and so was the food. They also have a very interesting wine list with older vintages which you don't always see. The bar upstairs was enjoyable for a after dinner drink (good bourbon selection). Entire experience was so good we changed our plans to try something new on our next visit to the City and going back here instead in a few weeks.

We visited Bistro Romano for a special dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We arrived at our very cozy, rose petal adorned table and were immediately welcomed by our server, Jonathan who was fantastic from beginning to end of our meal. The preparation table-side of our Caesar salad for two was fun and interesting and the salad was delicious. Our main dishes of Olive Oil Poached Salmon and Brodetto were perfectly cooked and delicious. Our desserts were outstanding as well. The meal was so special from flavors, presentation and one of the best servers we’ve ever had, we will definitely go back and request a table with Jonathan!!

Was in Philadelphia for business and walked here from the Hilton for dinner. Felt very safe, even walking by myself at night ( lots of other joggers, dog walkers, etc) Great atmosphere and very attentive staff. They let me know that all their pasta is made from scratch in house and you can taste it. I had a delicious dish of squid ink pasta with shrimp. As I was eating, a large group came in. I believe they were an Italian speaking club of some kind. You could tell that the true Italians had brought some learners to dinner and all were speaking Italian and having a great time. I figure if they were enjoying the food as much as I was, it is obviously pretty close to the real deal without hopping a plane over the pond. If you want a great meal, don't hestitate to come to Bistro Romano!

this is a good italian with a really nice ambiance downstairs. Service was prompt, maybe a little rushed, food was very good but not amazing. portions were very large if that's important to you. The desserts were nice too.

Extremely happy with our experience. We had a reservation foe 630 and were sat immediately in a great location in the lower level. We had been celebrating our 1 year anniversary and were given a happy anniversary card signed by the staff. The food was excellent, the service was as well. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.

I have been here several times and never had a bad meal. Also, the wine and the service are excellent.

Everything was great! Planning a pre-wedding family party was easy with the help of Michael. He recommended a limited party menu and was open to changes. We selected the spinach salad, gnocchi, roasted chicken and barramundi for our selections. Our family enjoyed the food, commenting positively throughout the meal. The selections of wine and beer were also great. Service was as good as the food. We had a dedicated server and Michael made sure it went smoothly. they even provided a microphone so that everyone could talk to the group as needed. The atmoshere was perfect for our fine dining. I recommend it for parties as well as regular dining.

Really enjoyed dinner here during restaurant week. The pricing is a steal. The staff were very friendly and the food was delicious. I recommend and will definitely return again.

I was absolutely amazed not only by the place itself because it's beautiful but the food was outstanding the service was by far the best I ever experienced our waiter Jonathan was the sweetest, funniest most helpful ever!!! I can't wait to go back and try another chef special!

Sunday dinner So delicious. We love that there are reduced bar items available until a certain hour. The fig flatbread was outstanding so was the charcuterie board and the Caesar salad. We sat at the bar ...Sean the bartender was absolutely perfect as usual we had a wonderful bottle of 2015 Merlot called Hall . It was perfect . Sean always makes the perfect martini as well

Bistro Romano was our oasis after a day of travel to Philadelphia. The ambiance is classic and calming. The food was over-the-top and each of us were delighted by our salads and dinner. Definitely save room for the carrot cake (served without frosting/lactose for me!), which was outstanding! Our servers were genuinely helpful and capable of providing guidance on the menu and wine selection.

We had a wonderful dinner here on the 4th of July! Pre-dinner cocktails were interesting and not overly sweet and we were served large, crusty pieces of bread while we each tried to decide on just one entree. Caesar salad made at our table--what a treat!--not many restaurants do this anymore, and it was fantastic! Homemade pasta daily...I had the gnudi with a flavorful onion salt on the top--I've never had this before--not too salty or too much onion flavor...just right! Mushrooms too--so yummy! We really loved our waitress as well!! :) And the apricot sorbet at the end of the meal was bursting with flavor--the perfect way to end the meal. The restaurant was not crowded, so not sure what the normal noise level would be, but we were able to have a conversation where we could all actually hear what each other was saying. As we left for the night, we were able to see the fireworks over the Delaware--what could be better than that?! Didn't really know what I was expecting for dinner, but this place blew me away!

Excellent food but chaotic service. Everyone is in a big hurry. During our meal, the kitchen sent out the wrong number of salads, the wrong flavor of gelato and served coffee before desert. Food is plunked down on the table. When told of the mistakes, the waiter was eager to make it right but when the bill for two is 150-200 (including a 20% tip), you expect perfection. Yes, this is not a tragedy. But it was a mess.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. The service was wonderful and all of the food was wonderful! Ambience was romantic and great for special occasions! Overall great experience for a special night out in Philly and would definitely go back. Highly recommended!

We came here for dinner and it was amazing! The atmosphere was so great and the staff was very friendly. Our food was absolutely amazing! We stayed after dinner for a drink at the bar and enjoyed the friendly bartender and the man playing the piano. What a great place! We will definitely return!

Arrived a little early, so we grabbed a drink at the bar which is awesome and the bartender is great. We were seated at our table with no rush. We decided to go with the house Chianti which reasonable YET it was fantastic, I can say that as I just got back from Italy a few months ago.Needless to say we had several. As always Chef Michael never disappoints...I always get the specials Gnocchi are TDF light as pillows melt in your mouth, Pork chop was ridiculous and if you dont see something you like I am sure they will accomadate. We just love this place, what a great time. Our Favorite Date night destination in Phila by far.

Great little neighborhood eatery. The gnocchi was gluten free with a white and black truffle cream….it was excellent! We walked through the cutest neighborhood from Liberty Square to get to the restaurant which went through cute little neighborhood stores with everything from books to boutiques. Definitely recommend!

Amazing service and food everytime! I've been to this restaurant quite a few times this summer and always have the best experience. The service staff is super friendly and knowledgeable and go out of their way to make sure we have a great time.

The cuisine was a combination of sensational flavors and artistic presentation on a plate. Each bite consisted of the perfect pairings and contrasts yearning for me to eat slower to savor and attempt to comprehend the complexity in each taste. So many sensations. Dishes Included: Scallop crudo , pickled long hot peppers , lemon , oilve oil Wagyu flat iron , romesco , warm farro salad , pickled cucumbers , aged beef croquette

Fast courteous service. Celebrated two birthdays in style. Food is gourmet - outstanding presentation, good accompanying vegetables - I had cod, my wife had salmon. Arugala salad spiced just right. All dishes worth coming back for!! Wine selections also superb.

I have been going to Bistro Romano for over 30 years! It is one of my all time favorite restaurants! Outstanding food, ambiance and service. The owner Michael is wonderful and takes great care of all of his guests. He always stocks the most delicious wines that are hard to find elsewhere and is very receptive to feedback from guests on dishes and wines to add to the menu. The bartender Sean is outstanding and always provides a very enjoyable evening at the bar. He makes great cocktails with the vodka and bourbon selection and always picks out a fabulous Italian white or red wine for me when I am having dinner at the bar. The chef is top notch. Classic Caesar salad, lobster ravioli, mussels, veal saltimbocca, brodetto and the weekly fish special are all always phenomenal. Fabulous neighborhood spot and it is always a joy to share dinner at the bar with neighbors. Amazing experience every time! A Society Hill treasure!

My family comes here every year for the last four years for my sons birthday , it’s his request, because of the atmosphere and fresh authentic food...,we are never disappointed. This year, fresh Caesar salad made and created at our table, with fresh house made pasta choices, fish, meat choices and the lobster pasta is just amazing !! Dessert is also outstanding, varied choices ....tiramisu....so delicious.

This was my second time at Bistro Romano. I was completely blown away the first time two years ago, and this visit last Saturday did not disappoint. Both visits were business dinners and this time was with my Chicago colleagues. We ordered the calamari and octopus for appetizers, and the Caesar salad and lobster ravioli. All were excellent. I saw that they added a chef’s tasting menu and ordered it. This was absolutely delicious! The Wagyu toast, gnocchi and quail were super tasty. And yes, the chocolate cake was incredible. There are so many wonderful choices on the menu which made it hard to choose. I will certainly come back. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful. It’s within a warm and charming old building. The ceilings are exposed wood with old beams and the walls are brick and stone. It would be a great place for a romantic dinner. The service was excellent. I would suggest making a reservation because the restaurant is very busy. Thank you, Bistro Romano for being a highlight on my trips to Philly!

I've been here for dinner several times, and I always leave impressed and very satisfied. The food is excellent. Service and atmosphere are great. I will continue to go back for a great night out. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Hey, my wife and I were celebrating our anniversary and she heard about this restaurant from someone at her work. We hadn't ever heard about Bistro until then. Well, we were fabulously and pleasantly surprised! Bistro exceeded all our expectations. The place is quaint and romantic. Lighting was perfect until our semi-aging eyes had to read the menus, nothing our phone lights didn't help with. Don't tell my wife I mentioned anything about age. The service was excellent! It seemed like everything was happening so quickly that night. We never felt like we were waiting for anything. Our server was so accommodating and attentive. The food was fantastic! It seemed to transport us to another place somehow. Our tastebuds were jumping with delight. We did something rare and ordered the same thing. Usually, my wife orders something different from me so she can have two meals.It's funny, but we felt like the bread was the best we'd ever had in life. Maybe we were really hungry that night. The salmon was memorable! It was so memorable, we took our kids back there so we could all have it together. Such a pleasant surprise in the city we love. There are always gems waiting to be discovered, and this is truly one of them. You can't go wrong making a visit.

What more can I add to all the amazing reviews? After feasting on amazing food, spend time at the bar for an after dinner drink!

If we lived in the Philadelphia area we would be regulars here. We were very impressed with Bistro Romano. The ambiance can be considered very romantic, but nice for family too. Service was wonderful. Our server, Liz, was extremely pleasant, and very knowledgeable about all the dishes. She helped us make our selections and we were very happy with the choices. Anthony, the manager, stopped by our table twice to be sure we were enjoying ourselves, and give us a little information about our meals. There were also separate servers for water, and bread. Both stopped by enough to be sure we had what we needed, but very non-intrusive. The chef's soup of the day, sweet potato with apples, was nothing short of amazing! It was a generous portion so I shared with my husband, and he too thought it was just incredible. The flavor combinations were perfect together. Out of the rest of the wonderful meal, this was by far my favorite. The calamari did not disappoint. Very good! Lightly dusted so you can really enjoy the flavor of the calamari, which was very tender. The aioli was the perfect amount to enhance and not overpower the calamari. I feel my gnocchi was just the slightest bit sticky, but it was still very light and delicious. The black and white truffle cream was wonderful, I'm sure the best truffle sauce I've ever had. My husband had the Green Circle Chicken, which was moist and flavorful, especially with the roasted red pepper puree. They even got him to eat his veggies with the charred brussel sprouts. We shared a dessert that we thought would be light, the Chocolate custard, but it was more like a classic mousse, very dense, and it was delicious! Every bite here was really a treat. I hope we're back in the area again so we can try other dishes. Hopefully I'm not driving next time so I can sample from their extensive wine list.

Been in the US for 5 days...Bistro Romano has been our best food experience to date. Fabulous food, and staff wonderfully attentive and knowledgeable. Delicious ment

We celebrated my father’s birthday at Bistro. The ambiance is very cozy and traditional. The menu has something for just about everyone. I highly recommend the chef’s tasting which is equivalent to a tour of Italy. A very memorable evening with exceptional food and service. Highly recommend.

Hosted a business dinner. We had the tasting menu which was beyond amazing. Prices are very reasonable. Great selection of wines and good cocktails. Very quaint ambiance. The octopus, filet mignon and everything else were outstanding. The server was knowledgeable. No wonder this restaurant got the 4th place ranking out of over 2,500 restaurants. Would highly recommend it!

Bistro Romano, This is one of the more interesting and seductive places to have dinner. The buliding dtaes back to the civilward an you actuallly eat dinner in the cellar which is so uninique. There are tunnel that have been repurposed for cozy engagements and private times( very seductive ) clean excellent service! The food is the excellent and well prepared. The Squid Ink Past with Crabmeat junks is to die for! and I did! the pear saldo with goat chesse and carmelized pecans, I wanted more of!! and tha Salmon provincal over beans garlic and a sauce I cannot decribe ( totally beyound) I was with an associate of mine, had my wife been there it would have made her day ! Have an excellent Time ! I did!

I attended my third highly enjoyable and edifying tasting while visiting my old home town and like the previous times had a great time! The cost, $35 to sample 30 wines for 1.5 hours is quite reasonable, with a 15% discount on a meal prior or after the event. Also, patrons are able to purchase up to four bottles that evening. Mike and staff along with the purveyors do a great job in creating a perfect setting for a wine tasting. The patrons are fairly civil, but some become load, while inebriated near the end of the event. While they don’t publish the list in advance, you won’t be disappointed in the offerings that evening. A copy is included for your information. As a former wine distributor in PA, I am sorry I didn’t have the opportunity to participate during my tenure. Very Highly Recommended!

Bistro is our favorite go to restaurant to celebrate anything. Love the lobster ravioli!!! Sometimes my husband and I split it as an appetizer. Don’t miss the Caesar salad prepared table side. If you make a res for anniversary, they will put rose petals around on the table. Live pianist or Frank Sinatra playing. The stone adds such charm downstairs or stay up if you like. Great wine list too.

Had another great meal at Bistro Romano. We ate in the downstairs and the atmosphere was wonderful. The food was very well prepared ant the appetizers where delicious. Very busy - have reservations!

First let me say, Bistro Romano has been one of my favorite restaurants in the city for a long time. HAS being the operative word. Your experience here will vary greatly based on where you are seated in the restaurant. The cellar is beautiful, romantic and has the best service. The main level and the party space upstairs are, sadly, much less atmospheric. It also extends to the level of service. After a particularly disastrous dining experience this weekend, I can safely say, if they put you anywhere other than the cellar, leave immediately. Over the weekend, we were one of 4 couples seated amidst massive party groups upstairs. It took 25 minutes for a server to notice we were there. At that point, the party tables were so loud that we could only point at the menu and pantomime with the server what we wanted. We were overlooked all night, they served us food that was cold (probably sat around too long waiting for someone to pay attention to us). Despite complaining to multiple servers/busers, no manager ever appeared anywhere in the restaurant during our 2 1/2 hour dining ordeal. All 4 of the tables complained, but nobody seemed to really care. That's probably going to be the case anywhere other than the cellar. Since that dinner, we've talked to a number of friends and they've all relayed similar stories - they used to love Bistro Romano, but then had a horrible experience and won't go back. We'll miss it. But with so many other exquisite Italian restaurants in the city, there's really no reason to settle for substandard treatment in the name of greed. If they weren't able to deliver an experience up to their standards, they shouldn't have taken the reservation.

We decided to eat here over the popular Butcher and Singer as the menu looked more appealing and I'm so glad we did. The restaurant isn't much to look at from the outside but inside there are two floors, the bar is upstairs where there was a pianist playing some welcome music and then downstairs was a dark but romantic dining area. The menu had lots of choice including anti-pasti, starters, pasta and mains. There was plenty of food, so much that we struggled to finish the pasta (maybe the anti-pasti was too much with a starter and pasta!) but it all tasted amazing. The wine choices were great too and whilst they had to expected restaurant mark-up on the prices, they were reasonably priced compared to other restaurants. We did a 4 day trip including Phili and Washington DC and over the 4 nights this was our favourite meal and would definitely recommended.

Payer beware, I put a cash payment in one of the two bills at our table. Waitress returned saying the cash was not there. Owner and management watched me put the money in on video but denied what they saw. I had 4 witness. Never thought this could happen I will be super careful when paying with cash anywhere. Food was very good though.

We love Bistro Romano! We dine there multiple times a week and always on special occasions. The quality of the food, wine and service are unmatched. We love the sophisticated Cheers like atmosphere where Sunday supper and special events are equally apropos. Michael the owner is superb. He is very innovative, attentive and takes guest service to the highest level. We always enjoy the delicious food, including the octopus, arancini, mussels, corn ravioli, brodetto, veal saltimbocca and cannolis. Chef also offers ever changing specials each week which are always excellent. The wine selection is outstanding with many of our favorite Italian reds including Peppoli, Brunello and super tuscans. The wine store is also a standout. Sean the bartender makes the best cocktails and special after dinner cellos. He is a phenomenal bartender and we always have such fun having dinner at the bar with him. Bistro has been a favorite for us ever since moving to Society Hill and we always enjoy running into neighbors at the bar. This Society Hill gem is not to be missed! Always phenomenal!

First of all, the ambiance is wonderful…a bit of industrial rustic but warm and cozy. That’s not an easy balance to strike! The service was perfect. Attentive but not intrusive server and the food? Delicious and refreshingly different. I had one of the specials which was a monk fish with farro and squash. The flavors were pronounced, distinct, but worked together beautiful. It is one of the best means I’ve had in quite some time. I also had the “home-made” Chianti which was delicious. What a lovely meal!

My family and I discovered this restaurant on a visit to Philly from Nashville- upon walking into it we were amazed at the beautiful ambience of the historic row house where it’s located -the staff was totally friendly and our waiter very helpful with menu suggestions- the appetizer meat/cheese/bread tray was very generous and delicious-for entrees we had lobster ravioli- a red snapper dish that was a special that night and the filet mignon which my family member said was the best he’d ever had- our waiter shared with us that they had a new chef so if you are a local and haven’t been there in awhile it’s definitely worth another try!

The food here is excellent! The gnocchi is amazing, and the goat cheese pasta in brown butter was delicious too! I didn't love the pumpkin cake I had for dessert, but my husband's pistacio gelato was awesome. The waitress was great, too. If we weren't just visiting for a day or two, I would love to go back!

I had the veal and my wife the bolognese. Both were fantastic. We split the buffalo mozzarella and fought over the last bite. Everything was great. Atmosphere is very romantic. Service was impeccable. Sean our server was very personable and attentive. He was the best. The wine was fabulous and the right choice for our meal. Definitely will be back.

I had a private event at this great establishment and could not have been happier with my experience! I worked with Michael, co-owner, from the beginning. He was excellent to work with and was very patient with all my questions. Arriving on site, I was greeted with a smile and offered a drink while I was waiting (which was not for long). The atmosphere was definitely an experience in itself and they shared the history of the 200 year old building with me. My guests loved it as well. We were assigned Jack, one of the managers, for our event and he was great with all of my requests. Our server was Nikole and she was very professional and discrete while serving during our dinner presentation. She even went above and beyond and took me out on the town after the event so I could see the beautiful city I had never been to before. Even outside of the event, she was very professional as she toured me around the city. As far as the food goes, I unfortunately did not get a chance to eat much. Not b/c of the menu but for personal reasons. However, my guests loved the food and it did look amazing! They did have options for specific food limitations so all our guests were able to enjoy the food. I definitely recommend Bistro Ramano for any event or even just a romantic night out. If I am ever back in Philly, I will for sure be going back!

Everything was cooked to absolute perfection. From entree's to deserts on to the drinks. Our server Max made the entire experience over the top. He was very courteous, knew the menu well and made fabulous recommendations. Bistro Romano is officially one of my top 3 spots to eat at in Philly. Thank you Max for the experience.

We had the pleasure of dining at Bistro Romano this past Saturday night. It was a wonderful evening made more special by the magnificent surroundings of this former 18th century granary turned restaurant. Handsome Companion and I arrived 15 minutes before our 6:00 p.m. reservation, having walked the 1.2 miles from our hotel. We were shown to the bar, which is astonishing in its beauty and interesting in its origin. H.C. and I enjoyed a glass of Prosecco in the cool and calm of the back of Bistro Romano’s first floor, awaiting H.C.’s eldest, her husband, and nine-year old son. They arrived, and we were shown to a table downstairs, next to a loud, raucous party of perhaps 15 people. While I was glad to see so many people having such a good time, we wanted for an opportunity to converse. We, all five of us, trooped back upstairs, to be shown to a table beside the bar, right next to the piano player. Ummm; no. Nonplussed by our rejection of a second table, the hostess turned a table for four into a table for six at the front of the first floor. We settled in and looked at the menu. The menu at Bistro Romano is interesting. There are so many choices. I wanted to try the table-side Caesar Salad for two and H.C.’s daughter agreed to join me. H.C. opted for the Buratta. The Caesar Salad was one of the best I have ever had, which suggests that making it table-side is the way to go. H.C. enjoyed his Burrata. For a main course, I had the Veal Saltimbocca, served, oddly, with whipped potatoes. The veal, was delicious but the potatoes seemed an odd accompaniment; pasta would have made more sense to me. Not to worry, the veal was more than enough. H.C. had the roast lamb which he found disappointing; great vegetables but just okay lamb. All in all, we found Bistro Romano to be a very pleasurable evening. I would be pleased to try it again.

My last visit to Bistro Romano was several years ago and I loved it. I'm pleased to say that not much has changed. The food is still excellent! The wine selection is still good. And the atmosphere is still highly romantic. Staff is also friendly and knowledgeable about the cuisine and wines offered. Another wonderful experience!

After a day at the Museum of Art, my spouse and I decided to stay in the city for dinner. We chose this restaurant based upon the reviews here and were very glad we did! The ambience was dark and intimate; the stone walls on the lower level looked genuinely ancient. The service was friendly and super-attentive. We lacked for nothing. The Caesar salad was one of the best. The dressing was suffused with the flavor of anchovies. Roasted carrots were charred, caramelized, and very tasty. The gnocchi were superb - truly one of the best pasta dishes I've ever encountered. The sauce was creamy without being gloppy, the little ham cubes were perfect, and the gnocchi themselves were soft and like nothing I'd ever tasted before. Bistro Romano is definitely worthy of all the rave reviews it receives. I give it my highest recommendation and will certainly be back!

Excellent restaurant. Food was very good from a large menu selection. Wine list is almost overpowering. But wines by the glass are ok, albeit a bit on the pricy side...no surprise of course. Was seated downstairs, away from the bar...quiet and calm place for dinner. Altho it's rated very high among Italian restaurants in the city, it was not busy on a sunday night. Curious. Don't know if the summer doldrums kept the good folks from philly away, but that was ok. Dress is informal...

They were kind enough to change my party of two to four very last minute for Mother’s Day. Exceptional. With the late notice we would not have gotten in anywhere on the busy restaurant holiday. 5 stars

Took my husband here for Father’s Day. Our server Jonathan was awesome, the food was okay. My husband ordered the spaghetti and I ordered the Lobster ravioli. My husband’s spaghetti was cooked perfectly and the sauce was good. My Lobster ravioli however tasted fishy and was mushy with no distinct lobster pieces. For what we paid I would have liked to have tasted a bit more lobster. I have had better for less money.

I started going to Bistro Romano years ago and recently rediscovered it. I’ve been back several times in the last year and it’s quickly become one of my favorites again! The atmosphere is just as I remember it……elegant yet relaxing! Whether it’s at the bar for drinks and appetizers (the House-Made Ricotta being one of my favorites!) or sitting downstairs in the dining area (the Black Pepper Fettuccine is a must try) I know I’m going to have a nice night out. I’m not sure what took me so long to go back there, but I’ll definitely be making up for lost time.

We were in Philly for a wedding and had a free night to enjoy the local scene. This was the perfect dinner venue. We were seated at a small booth in the cellar — comfortable and intimate. Allie was our server and she was fantastic — so helpful and appropriate, checking in and chatting at just the right times and dispensing excellent advice. She truly enhanced the experience. We opted for the entertainment of the Caesar salad for two and were not disappointed! (Hadn’t done that since the ‘80s!). We had the ink squid pasta and the brodetto — fabulous! The blistered sugar snap peas were also excellent. We left feeling sated and extremely pleased with the experience and then enjoyed a stroll through the historic neighborhood afterwards. Highly recommended!

Bistro Romano has stood strong for many years offering memorable Italian favorites and classic wine. Be sure to make a reservation!

Food ok but unimpressive. “Interesting” interpretations of classic Italian dishes, all far worse than the real thing. Service poor: e.g. Primi served without Antipasti being cleared, leading to server playing a sliding puzzle game with our plates; wine arriving well after the course it was ordered for had been served. When we dined the restaurant was thinly attended; the irksome phone call to confirm the reservation and the warnings of turning tables indicate that it has ideas above its station. I fail to understand why this restaurant is so highly rated by many reviewers.

Bistro Romano pulled out all the fireworks. Bistro Romano served us the best Italian I had in Philly. Shout out to Anthony and Max! Best Veal I ever had. Anthony and Max provided the best service and super friendly!

The service was attentive and fantastic. The four course restaurant week menu had a great selection. The ambiance of this place is literally perfect. Truly and outstanding experience.

This cozy restaurant was just the quiet peaceful dinner for two that we needed after a very busy 4 day wedding extravaganza! The service was attentive and anticipatory. The extensive wine list and support about the wines on the list was excellent. We ordered a specific Chianti and it was not to our liking and they gracefully returned it, provided us with alternatives and we settled on a lovely option. The restaurant provided a tiny sample of smoked salmon mousse with harissa sauce that was delectable. Maybe consider adding that to the regular menu? We were also given a small drink of limoncillo as an after dinner gift from the restaurant. Can't go bad there! Huge servings of pasta-you may want to share. The appetizer of homemade ricotta and rosemary focacchia was a perfect appetizer. Overall a very pleasant experience.

We have eaten here before with our adult children and significant others who lived in Philly and had a great meal 2years ago. We again came back in late December 2020 during the pandemic because we liked the food and people so much we wanted to support them so ate outside with the heaters. . My wife & I had a chance to return to Philly for a one night vacation ( 7/4/21) and dine alone. Our first and only choice was Bistro Romano. When I called to confirm our reservation, the subject of the wine cellar came up. It is a little room within the down stairs dining area. Upcharge of $25 for the use of the room was so worth the experience that I may never eat in the main dining area again. The room has a a two hour limit but we were never rushed. The entire experience from the check in process (Riley and a young man whose name I did not catch) were so attentive since the couple who reserved the wine cellar table before our 7 PM reservation were going on 2 & 1/2 hours. The management couldn't apologize enough for the delay which was no big deal. We had incredible pasta for an appetizer and then ordered steak and lamb loin special. Everything cooked exactly to order and great pacing of the meal. This place is the best. The value compared to the quality is amazing.

With all the five star reviews we expected this restaurant to be pretty near perfect. The atmosphere is unique, that is for sure, but sadly has been somewhat spoiled by barriers between tables that block dinners views. We chose the tasting menu as we haven't eaten here before and it was just okay. It started with two raw fish dishes, the pastas were better and the hanger stake was pretty good. The dessert was super heavy and too big. Maybe the tasting menu was not a good choice. This place is an investment and it didn't live up to the hype for us.

My husband and I celebrated birthday at Bistro Romano last night. Everything was perfection! We opted to reserve the private wine cellar dining, and it was such a cool, unique experience. The service, wine, our entrees, and dessert were absolutely amazing! I woke up this morning licking my lips just thinking about my meal last night! Do yourself a favor and ORDER THE GNOCCHI. Even if you don’t like gnocchi. Just order it! It is hands the down the most amazing gnocchi I’ve ever had. Our server told us that the chef has been tweaking that recipe for years and is quote a “food scientist”. I believe it! My husband ordered the squid ink linguine which was also phenomenal, but man....that gnocchi. I’ll be dreaming of it until we go back again. We are already looking forward to our next visit!

We were seated downstairs where it was cool and very quiet. Tables were well spaced. Tom, our server, was very helpful with the wine selection. I had the veal and my husband had the seafood risotto -- both excellent! Very enjoyable dinner.

Enjoyed the chef’s tasting menu tonight . The best meal I’ve had start to finish in years. Added the wine pairing option for the perfect compliment.

Bistro Romano is out of this world! It truly should be Michelin rated restaurant. It’s ranking from my perspective as one of the top restaurants in Philadelphia. We had an amazing dinner and cannot speak highly enough of the wonderful restaurateur Michael and his team. I could go on and on about how talented the chef was. The ricotta was homemade, the Caesar salad was flavorful and perfectly blended. The mussels had a savory broth that you wanted to dip your bread into. And that was just our starters. The lobster ravioli is a must order. The Bolognese with homemade fettuccine was outstanding. Remember You can try anything so order away!!. I had the risotto with shrimp and scallops. It was cooked to perfection and seasoned beautifully. The Veal Milanese was tender with a crisp coating topped w fresh mozzarella and peppers. The polenta was a wonderful side to complement the dish. My fiancé who is a professionally trained chef could not stop raving about how wonderful the quality and taste of food. As it was his birthday they brought a chocolate torte. It was decadent! This restaurant is a must visit for any occasion and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the team for a magical night.

Both the remarks and the photographs of the location exuded warmth. We were not let down. Excellent meal was served. The atmosphere was welcoming and cozy, and the service was commensurate.

Bistro Romano. We enjoyed a phenomenal takeout from Bistro Romano tonight. Probably one of the best we’ve had during the entire pandemic. I had a seafood Caesar salad that was in a catering size aluminum container. Not sure what they’re thinking but it was enough for six people entrée size it was absolutely delicious loaded with lots of fresh crabmeat shrimp and squid just perfect seasoning and dressing. But ridiculously large. We also shared the phenomenal meatball appetizer. the sauce and flavor just perrrrfect, Fetucinni with wonderful sauce and some pancetta and superb duck breast done just right with crispy edge and tender center. All huge portions. Enough for three nights! Will have the tiramisu later! Too full! Oh, needed a treat. Had the awesome takeout cocktail of my choice which was an autumn spiced Sangria. Thank you.

Had the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite restaurants in OLD CITY Philadelphia. They had a special "PASTA MENU" price fix for the weekend, and it certainly did not disappoint. From the freshly made salad course to the pasta selections and then dessert, our party all enjoyed their selections. The "team" that waited on us headed up by Jack, our waiter, took care of us all evening. I cannot wait to return and enjoy another meal. Thank you for a memorable birthday dinner.

Amazing food, just as amazing service! My boyfriend and I’s meals were delicious! My boyfriend said the scallops he got were some of the best he’s ever had and my chicken was so tender and well cooked, it was really good. We were super satisfied with the service as well, everyone there was so nice, especially our server Joey! He was so attentive and helpful and made sure we had everything we needed! It was a romantic atmosphere and a wonderful experience.

From the moment we arrived we got the friendly and very professional service. The downstairs exposed brick walls and the very intelligent architectural design gives you the feeling you are in a dining room of an old castle in toscana Italy. We ordered fish Salmon a for me and beramondi for her. The fish were fantasticly prepared mist fresh and very tasty. The portions were nice size and the wine recommended tasted very good together with the food. Seems that in this restaurant they really care about their clients and the prices are fair, that is why we are going to come back.

First time there and it did NOT disappoint us. Being a vegetarian it offered a lot of options. The wine list was exceptional, the ambiance was delightful and our waiter Kishore was the best. Thank you for making our dining experience special 😊

We loved it! Great atmosphere and energy. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. Calamari came with a really good dipping sauce. Black pepper macaroni was piping hot and full of flavor. Can't wait to come back.

Business dinner with customers was handled superbly and the food was beyond outstanding. The ambience and the heirloom tomatoes made the evening and I would be remiss not to mention the carrot cake. Superior experience!

This place was a great find when we visited Philadelphia. We were only there for an evening and dressed in our finest tourist attire of shorts and tee-shirts. But we weren't made to feel at all out of place. Service was attentive, friendly and professional and food was all exquisite. All four of us agreed that the calamari was the best we have ever tasted. All had different mains - delicious. Two of us had the flights of wine which again were superb. Highly recommended.

We went here as third choice due to late reservations. 2 restaurants were booked 3 weeks ahead of time. We were pleasantly surprised. We got there early were seated at bar before getting our table. The bar has a amazing sculpture (it was dark but very cool). Wife had salmon (melt in your mouth) and she doesn’t usually like the skin on but ate the entire entree. I had Bucatini. Out of this world! Dessert chocolate mousse was delusions and coffee was perfectly smooth and strong. Piano at bar was nice touch, wish it was downstairs near our table.

One of the best meals we’ve ever had. Everything from the busboys to the complimentary limoncello was wonderful. Cocktails were excellent. The Caesar salad was crafted tableside, the old fashioned way. The mussels were indescribably delicious. Sides of mashed potatoes and snap peas were perfectly prepared. Gnocchi with truffle sauce was perfect. The Brodetto was amazing. Our waitress, Allie, was charming and professional. Total food, liquor and tip was ~$250. Highly, highly recommended.

we spent here 2 hours with kids having totally cool dinner , all was cool here, we liked so much. price ok, service ok, meals 5 stars.

Based on other reviews, I chose this restaurant for a special dinner while visiting Philadelphia. Enjoyed the romantic atmosphere of the restaurant. The pasta was fantastic! Our waiter, Jason, had overheard me saying it was a birthday dinner, and brought us a special dessert without asking. It was a very nice touch. Will definitely return the next time we are visiting.

By far the best dining experience we had in Philadelphia and one of the best we have had anywhere. Our large group communicated with this gem multiple times leading up to our reservation during the NCAA Tournament. Each time, they were patient and accommodating. The building itself feels historic and we were seated downstairs in a great spot where we all could talk freely. The table tried a wide variety of items both on the regular menu and the specials menu. Staff was incredibly friendly with great suggestions and at one point when someone couldn't decide, said they would make a half portion of one dish and a half portion of the other so they could try both. If we had to pick standouts, short rib ravioli was delicious, as were the swordfish and gnocchi. Leave room for dessert as they are all great. Bistro Romano is what dining out should be.

Calamari with pepper rings, Burratta with peppers, mussels in a spicy broth, and arugula salad were all we needed to make the night perfect. We were downstairs which is stacked stone from the 1800s. Place is awesome. Will be back.

I had one of the specialty appetizers: porcini sformato and it was like nothing I’ve ever had before: a porcini mouse with yams, pomegranate and spiced walnuts - oh my! The flavors were fabulous! Then for dinner I tried the Bucatini homemade pasta with a duck ragout, whipped ricotta (that’s ricotta on steroids!) and fennel pollen. So good! I can’t forget the very yummy and affordable sangria rossa, mmm,mmm good!

We celebrated our 20 year wedding anniversary here last night in the special room for 2 in the wine cellar. Everything was absolutely wonderful! We started with a couple drinks at the gorgeous bar, then moved to our special, secluded nook for dinner. I had Caesar salad and lobster ravioli.. Just delicious! We were very well taken care of, and had the most romantic, lovely time. Highly recommend!

A restaurant that I will be remember about Philly. Fresh seafood (yet the seasoning is a bit strong for us, but still taste good), and an absolutely amazing fillet! They also have a wide range of cocktail and wine.

Food was very good. I had Bolognese which I loved. Wife had steak which was fine. Service was good. atmosphere nice. price was right. I would go again

This highly rated Bistro lived up to the expectations and then some!! We thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience. The setting is both unique and charming. The staff friendly and very helpful in understanding the menu with great recommendations. Food quality outstanding and surprisingly reasonably priced. We will certainly visit this restaurant in the future.

Went here a few days ago because I was reccomended by a friend and the food was amazing! Great service and atmosphere as well!

Everything is top of the line here. Bistro Romano has a comfortable atmosphere with a true Italian Ambiance. The food and service are so good that you will find yourself two steps past heaven when you leave.

This Resturant is private, cozy with amazing food and service. The menu is creative and the server that waited on us was professional, knowledgeable, an obvious foodie and loved the items on the menu personally. Her name is Jess and I want to personally thank her for making our experience a perfect rating. Jess made solid recommendations all evening and moved us through the courses and a comfortable pace. I will be back.

My husband and I have been dining at Bistro Romano since it opened about 30 years ago. We have always had a wonderful experience and meal. Last night was another story. We were seated at a table in a very busy area positioned practically beneath the stairwell. At the table, an overhead lamp swung inches away my face from the ceiling. We tried to center the table under the lamp, but was unable to move the heavy bench seats. Oh well. The menu was very limited making it difficult to make a choice. My husband ordered the roast pork loin which was served over extremely watery mashed potatoes. They were so thin, he had to eat the them with spoon. I ordered a seafood stew which was very good. To cap off our night, we got hit with a $25 parking fee. We were parked in the lot a mere 1 hour and 20 minutes. I would chalk this experience up to maybe the restaurant was having a bad night, but my sister ate at Bistro the night before and also didn't have a good experience (I was aware of this only after our visit). I'm writing this review because I would like my old Bistro Romano back!

New manager Victor’ welcome as he decanted our 2014 Pio Cesarean Barolo added camaraderie to our evening. Comfort food for a “proper Sunday” meal describes our selections. The fried calamari were quite tender. I’d suggest asking for the sauces on the side so that the light batter maintains its crispy texture. The risotto with seafood was delicious and done exactly as I requested. My husband thoroughly enjoyed a pasta with Bolognese sauce. Portion sizes are generous! Two servings of Limoncello arrived “on the house” as did an exquisite cannoli which had the most crisp shell!

Bistro Romano's menu covers a wide variety, and the establishment has aged well. I've heard a couple people say that it looks outdated - untrue.

Reservation for a large party (12 people) was well accomodated. The restaurant has a pleasant upscale, but cozy atmosphere. Had the lobster ravioli, which was delicious.... and the brocooli rabe, which was well-cooked but I didn’t care too much for (personal preference). We all enjoyed our food and the waitress did a great job taking care of us. Definitely would like to come back.

This was our favorite dinner while visiting Philadelphia for 4 days. We also hit the start of restaurant week. It was the best 3 course dinner! Octopus is the best prepared on the east coast. The dining room down stairs was like a romantic hideaway. Everything was fabulous.

Our meal at Bistro Romano was sensational! The setting is romantic and beautiful, but warm and welcoming. The food was some of the best Italian I've had (and the wine). Our server (Katie) was helpful with recommendations. I would visit this often if I lived anywhere near.

I always feel like I'm treating myself when I go here! Always requesting the lower level I just love the open walls and beamed ceilings. But of course we go back for the FOOD! Everything is pretty amazing! I must when in Philly!

We had a birthday dinner here for Handsome Companion’s oldest daughter. It was a wonderful evening. We were seated downstairs, which has so much character, at a table for six. We started with the table-side prepared Caesar Salad. It is so very good and four of us enjoyed it. I had, for my main course, gluten-free gnocchi in Bolognese Sauce. It was wonderful. The gnocchi were light as air, just like my grandmother’s. H.C. fared less well with the olive oil poached salmon which he described as “tasteless”. We shared the carrots with homemade ricotta and hazelnuts. I could have these alone for dinner. They are simply divine. HC.’s daughter enjoyed her beautifully-plated filet mignon. Her husband and son shared two seafood dishes, little Luca devouring both dishes along with several rounds of the Bistro’s delicious bread. Would that I could eat like that and have not an ounce of fat like him . . . in my next life (to which I am greatly looking forward). We declined dessert, but our waiter brought a gluten-free chocolate dessert with candles for H.C.’s daughter, a lovely and decadently-delicious gesture. Bistro Romano is lovely and special.

This is our first visit back to Bistro Romano in several years. The ambiance, food and service were as we remembered offering big portions fit for foodies during restaurant week. Summer is slow season for Bistro Romano with the shore exodus and primary draw being as neighborhood restaurant. But their limiited menu for this week offered outstanding value and we drove from South Jersey to get reaquainted with a restaurant the our family has always liked. Recommend to anyone seeking Italian fare and willing to travel to west Philadelphia.

Enjoyed every meal I ever had there . Work Parties and my Retirement dinner too.Great atmosphere and service .

We took my mother to the Murder Mystery Dinner with my daughters, sister in laws and nieces which they have on Saturday night. This is on the 2nd floor but that is not noted on the website when booking. My mother is close to 80 so the steps were a concern. The restaurant did let her go up before letting the others go. We paid almost $60 a person and I was a little shocked at what we got. I expected to pay for alcoholic drinks but we also had to for soft drinks. Says cocktail reception at 6 but there was nothing provided. The bruschetta was one piece on a plate per person. Then you got a Caesar salad which was ok and tomato soup that was good. I had the chicken parm that came with risotto, which I thought was strange. Others with us had the salmon and said it was very good. Then you got a small lemon tart and a small cannoli. Coffee and tea were served but the creamer came by well after we had our coffee. The actors in the show are also the servers so they are doing their best. The show was ok. They try to make it as fun as they can. Strange story line but they said a new one is coming in April, I believe. You also need to tip the actors and I get that but that was another expense as well. Not saying not to do the show, it's fun with a group of people, but just wanted people aware of extra expenses and that it's upstairs.

A first rate Italian restaurant that has been around for 30 years. I took my friend out for her birthday and we had a meal that was memorable in so many ways. Our waitress Ellen did a great job at being attentive while letting us take our time enjoy the meal. We never felt rushed or like we were “sold” anything. We started off with cocktails. I had a Lombard Lemonade with had just the right amount of lemon to compliment the Blue Coat Gin. We shared a calamari appetizer which was served over a nice and chunky tomato sauce and black garlic. For our entrees we had seared salmon, seafood risotto and some escarole and beans. The risotto was done perfectly. It was creamy and the shrimp and scallops were nice and tender. My friend enjoyed her salmon and farro. The portions were quite generous and we both enjoyed our dishes and had some left to take home. We got the zeppole with lemon curd for dessert. The three zeppole were prepared to perfection. They weren’t doughy at all and the portion was enough for two or three to share. When we got our check we wanted to use a $60 dining credit from OpenTable. Unfortunately open tables system is very confusing and I was under the impression that it would automatically be applied to the check however I need to access my OpenTable account. I have been unable to do that from my phone when I wanted to make the reservation using the credit and had to do it from my tablet. The manager Victor came to our table to try to help us sort out the dining credit issue. Eventually I was able to bring the credit up on my phone after a bit of confusion and in the interim he even brought a tablet over to the table and left it with us for me to try to access the credit from that if I couldn’t do it from my phone. He really went out of his way above and beyond. I highly recommend you give this place a try as after our experience and meal tonight I totally understand why they’ve been around for so long. This place checks all the boxes

My family (wife and 2 children) visited Bistro Romano for dinner in July 2019. I dined at Bistro Romano about 5 years earlier and remember the food being decent. However, during this most recent trip, the food was absolutely delicious. The pasta was fantastic with the truffle gnocchi being the star dish. After this most recent experience, we will be sure to visit Bistro Romano again in the near future!

Four of my friends went to bistro Romano on Thursday evening , after arriving in philly: we can not say enough about how great it was, from the moment we entered the restaurant and we warmly greeted by the sweet hostess , to the warmth of all the staff. Started with a house-made ricotta , with zucchini pepper pesto on a focaccia, sublime. We then shared the lobster ravioli, again delicious. We stayed on that theme of sharing, so we ordered gnocchi white truffle cream, black pepper fettuccine, blistered snap peas( to die for), potato au gratin and the roasted eggplant, burrata. Everything was delicious ! The whole atmosphere was great. The waitress was great addition to our enjoyment .can’t wait to return.

Bistro Romano does a lot of things right. We arrived on time for an 8pm reservation and were immediately seated. The vibe of the old Brownstone was exactly what we wanted for our anniversary dinner since it was rated “#1 Romantic Dinner” in Philadelphia. Once seated, we were greeted promptly by our waitress. We ordered a bottle of wine and the Restaurant Week 3-course meal. The food was served quickly and was delicious - I had the caprese and steak, my husband had the Caesar and halibut. Tasty. Tender. Delicious. The Italian dessert was perfect - a mini cannoli, mini flourless chocolate cake and a spice mini cupcake. All of this and we were out by 9pm. (Yes. In/out in one hour.) Despite all of this goodness, the experience itself fell short of our expectations. We wanted a nice romantic evening experience. Instead, we felt like we were on an express lane. Despite our waitress, three different food runners and a manager dropping food off or ‘checking’ on us as quickly as humanly possible - not one staff person offered to pour our wine for us - despite having empty glasses. We served ourselves - fine - but had the staff done it for us, they might have noticed that the bottle was empty before dessert was served. And had they noticed that, they might have asked us if we wanted another glass of wine or perhaps a cup of something to go with our dessert. Instead, we felt rushed to finish up and get out. So we did. Based on our experience, if you’ve got tickets to a show and/or are just looking to have a nice quick meal, we would recommend. If you’re looking for a relaxing, intimate, romantic dinner, we would not recommend.

Dined at Bistro Romano on 9/24/19 with my wife, celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. We could have gone anywhere last night, but this gem is just beginning its 32nd year in business under the same ownership and well, you must be doing ALL OF IT RIGHT to stay strong all those years. My wife and I used to eat here regularly when we lived in the city before marriage. After dining there last night, I can honestly say they are the best they've ever been. The owner was there working his butt off all night, literally stopping by every table at least once during every meal. Oh and the table-side Caesar creations are epic! That's because all servers must pass the owner's taste test before they're allowed to make dressing table-side! No joke! Give a try!!!

This venue is absolutely beautiful- very rustic/romantic. The wine menu is appealing, and sangria is outstanding. The focaccia bread was excellent- best I have ever tasted. The entrees are authentic and full of flavor, but service was only fair. I am accustomed to fine dining dinners taking 2+ hours, but this experience felt like a lack of attentiveness. The restaurant was not busy during our visit. (The upstairs was empty, downstairs not quite half full) It took over 15 minutes for her to bring a second glass of wine.... when check requested, it was dropped with no return visit for another 15 minutes. It seemed any request would require a minimum of 15 minutes before she returned. We didn’t get the feeling our server was very engaged during our visit. Overall the experience was pretty good, due to the food and atmosphere, but with so many restaurants in the city, I want better service if I am going to pay $200 for dinner.

The outdoor ambiance was cozy and comfortable. Our party of 4 felt safe and appropriately distanced from others. The entire staff went out of their way to make our dining experience that much better. The manager made his way to our table to discuss food, social distancing, heater temperatures etc. Little things like that show that this restaurant really cares about its customers. The food was unbelievable and the portions are even better. I left full, satisfied and will definitely be going back in the future.

The decor over the bar is taken from a Great Lakes cruise ship and is an incredible first impression. The service was outstanding, and everything we ate was very good. The calamari app may have been the best I have ever had. The lobster ravioli was excellent. Another tip - the kids chicken fingers was basically an entire chicken breast cut and lightly fried. I dare a kid to eat all that (for $8). Great experience.

Sad really. I hate giving bad reviews. We were told it was the best. We trusted who told us. The place was very cool Looking inside. Our table was fine but our reservation was supposedly the last seating at 9:15 pm. We were not seated until 9:50. We ordered a Caesar to split, and two full entree dinners. The salad never came. No mention of it, just two dinners put down in front of us. I was a bit bothered but our waitress was clueless so I said “Kindly” I guess we won’t be having the Caesar (which is fine because dinners looked huge) she said. Oh, ok. I’ll be happy to take it off your bill???? I was like .... oh ok, thanks. Made me laugh really. Anyway. Took one bite of my Lamb T-Chops and they were rare, not what I ordered. The worst part was they were extremely tough. Honestly could not chew them. Flavor of sauce tasted good but could not eat the meat. She knew something was wrong and was very sweet about returning it and asked me what else I would like. I ordered some soup. Then she brought me a small Caesar on the house. Also very sweet. Then The manager came up and apologized. My man was happy with his dish “black pepper macaroni” however, I personally thought they put WAY TOO MUCH stuff on top. Keep it light guys. It doesn’t need that much. Sad to say we won’t go back but hope our review helps them. Bread and sun dried tomatoes paste was wonderful. Blessings.

I had the RACK OF LAMB with herb fregola, roasted parsnips, and toasted pine nuts. I also had a side of mashed potatoes. The staff picked me out a excellent bottle of wine that paired with the lamb.

The food is always good, a little cave in lower level, music evenings sometimes. Very charming and romantic and often special evenings. It's one of my favorites.

The food quality and presentation is far beyond the impression suggested by the restaurant's facade. The staff is welcoming and attentive and not intrusive. The dinner portions are substantial but ordering a variety of small plates is more adventurous and equally accessible financially. The prices are reasonable. This is a go-to place.

We wanted an early dinner at a close restaurant after visiting Independence Hall, and checked online for something Italian. Bistro Romano popped up and had online RSVPs. There is a parking ramp the next block down and the restaurant validates $5 toward the cost. This was one of the best meals I’ve had and the price was quite reasonable. The restaurant is in a historic grainery and has a terrific ambiance. It’s a bit crowded, but not uncomfortable. The breads and dipping tomato pesto were amazing as was the pasta course with a creamy sweet italian sausage sauce. I ordered the roasted squash soup which was so creamy and flavorful! That was more than enough food, but we also ordered entrees of sea bass and veal. They were cooked perfectly and had such delightful flavors. We couldn’t finish our dinners as it was so much food, but we ended up getting the peanut butter Bombe and Italian creme cake to go for a snack later in. Highly recommend this restaurant! Our service was fantastic as well. They sell many of their wines by the bottle at the entrance.

Wonderful Italian American cuisine! This is what you expect for upscale Italian food. Not fussy just warm and inviting. Excellent service. The wine steward was very helpful with some great recommendations and not over priced. My veal piccata was excellent. Osso bucco was outstanding! Generous portions. I would be a regular if I lived in Philly!!

This was our second time at Bistro Romano and it never fails to amaze us. We are from the Baltimore area, and this is the second time that we have come up to Philly just for this restaurant—it has always been worth the trip. The lower level of the restaurant is cozy and romantic. One feels as though they are suspended in time, mesmerized by elegant decor and fabulous dinner options. Their menu can be a bit daunting for those unfamiliar with all the options, but don’t worry: their servers are always extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. Both times, we followed the recommendations of our server and have never been disappointed. A favorite of ours: the gnocchi, which melts in your mouth. Highly recommended this place to anyone looking for a truly memorable night out—or just an excuse to treat yourself.