Gran Caffe L'Aquila Reviews

Restaurant is very appealing with both inside and outside seating. Staff is courteous and friendly. A wide variety of drinks and Italian cuisine on the menu. Highly recommend saving room for the gelato, its well worth it.

Zuppa de pesce was very good. Pasta was excellent. Atmosphere was noisy and that's what you get when you go someplace popular. Good service. Ice cream/gelato ws to die for.

I stopped here by chance, the Gelato here is amazing! The service starting by the host who was super friendly and attentive, and the waiters beyond words can describe with their recommendations and attention ! A very clean and kids friendly environment, really enjoyed this place.

Great food and gelato! Cute outdoor booths. Service a little slow outside but worth it. Lots of gelato flavors and menu options.

Stopped for coffee, gelato and tiramisu in the middle of the day. Once I paid I asked the host where can I sit to have my desserts. She said you can take an outside table for not longer than 15 minutes. Didn’t find it polite, but anyway… I was there for the delicious dessert. While seating there I had a chance to look into their dinner menu and decided to make reservation for later. Before I left one of the manager, stopped by and chat with me for a little bit. Super nice guy. When we came back for dinner, we’ve ordered Burrata, bruschetta, veal saltimbanca and Supla di pesce. Everything was delicious. Our server Luigi could be a little bit more friendly. Not just an order taker. Overall I do recommend this place.

We were looking for a place to have a quick dessert and were told to try here. We walked a quick distance from our hotel and arrived. Ordered a Gelato each and it was delicious. This place also has a regular food menu and a section to buy some different Italian food items for take home.

Went with a large group for work and had a prix fixe menu that had multiple courses. Every single course was remarkable. I had the eggplant entree, never having had eggplant before and it was beyond amazing. The dessert gelatos were also incredible. Absolutely will go back. Note--it was VERY loud. You could not really talk to anyone at the table because of the volume.

The food was very good ! The pasta , prosciutto, cheese great!! Unfortunately had an uncomfortable table by the door ( but got a table!!) The service was excellent. Will return but at another table!

What a lovely meal my group had here! The place was packed, but we were seated rather quickly. There were lots of options on the menu. I chose a salad topped with a generous portion of real crabmeat and a sliced avocado half. Everything was so fresh! The waiter was charming and attentive. The only drawback was the noise level. When I get back to Philly I’ll go back to this restaurant.

Was the song that kept playing in Italian. Food is very good, fresh burrata and produce. Inventive food pairings with Gelato. Great wines by the glass. Fantastic Management Bartenders and servers. Carl Eats Here

Delicious food reasonavly priced. Good service. Along with an excellent menu and its already famous ice creams, the coffee is the best we've tasted in Philadelphia.

My wife and I came upon this restaurant by accident while window shopping. When you walk into this place it fools you into thinking that it’s a shop that just sells gelato and gourmet delicacies. If you’re able to take your eyes off of the gelato (which we found out later is made fresh daily), and keep walking to the rear you’ll find an authentic Italian bar where you can order an expresso, cappuccino or coffee or a glass of wine. There are a few places to sit down and have a bite to eat as well. The “WOW factor” happens when you go upstairs and discover the restaurant and full service bar. Bobby gave us an insightful tour off why and how this authentic Italian restaurant was created. We briefly talked to the gelato maker and saw and smelled the room where coffee beans are roasted daily. The atmosphere artwork and even the tables transport you to Italy! Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. After the tour, my wife and I were so impressed we returned for lunch. We sat at the bar upstairs and had some wine from local regions in Italy and ordered a cheese board and some delicious garlic sautéed mushrooms. Both were absolutely amazing. You will not be disappointed with a visit to this place - oh yeah… after walking down those stairs we couldn’t resist a stop to get some gelato 😄

The location was excellant, around the corner from our hotel and within blocks of Rittenhouse Square. The food and service were also excellant and they sang happy birthday to me in Italian

Delicious food. Great service. Felt like we were in a hustling Italian cafe! The carbonara with bacon gelato?! Highlight!

Unique menu Outstanding service. From Patrick. Good value. Just an overall great experience. Proximity to events in center city also good

We had a great lunch in this Italian place in Philadelphia. Food was great, excellent service followed by great gelato and coffee. The Carbonara Spaghetti with "Bacon Gelato" was excellent, as well as the Octopus with Olive Oil. The Pistachio and the Coffee gelatos were great. Expresso was also excellent!

Superb service and an authentic Italian cafe experience. Cappuccinos and Tiramisu at the bar were very perfectly prepared, served with style by a charming waiter, and delicious. From the street this place does not reveal its beauty. Inside is huge with a second bar and seating area upstairs as well. Atmosphere is great, service is friendly and food is great.

Came for lunch alone on a weekend... There was a big group at the bar to watch a soccer match and they seemed to really enjoy themselves. My server was attentive and the food was delish. The little market area is so cute and the gelato reminds me of Italy.

Everything was great here ,food ,drink, and Service. Started off with martinis. For appetizer, we had the Barada and rice balls.. I had the chicken dish. My wife had the salmon .finished it with award-winning gelato. Fantastic. Waiter was great

The food was absolutely amazing along with excellent service. A must try if you're in Philadelphia. You will not be disappointed.

What a hidden gem in philly. Have traveled all around the world and this is one of if not the best Italian restaurant. Amazing food, service and great ambience. Highly recommend for lunch or dinner...and buy some Italian coffee beans to go!

Had the duck here, arguably the best I have ever eaten over 40 years of having it. Service was great, the gelato to die for it was a memorial dinner

I have never ordered anything here that was not superb. The agnolotti, papardelle al ragu, gnocci alla bava, and grilled octopus are just a few of the delicious things I have tried here. It is just as good as the food in Italy. In fact, I have had disappointing meals in Italy but never here! And the gelato is OUT OF THIS WORLD.

This is a real Italian restaurant that isn't expensive. We had the pasta carbonara with bacon ice cream which was really good and the truffle agnolotti with truffle ice cream which were very tasty. The kids had a pasta with a simple sauce that was right for simple palates. The staff speak Italian and are exceptionally welcoming. Having to wait a little longer for the table, they offered us prosecco for adults and drinks for the kids. In short, they really know what to do. What doesn't hurt is that the bill was also reasonable (around 100 dollars for a family of 4). Highly recommended

Great variety of wonderful Italian food. Desserts & bar over the top. Our server was very helpful in making the hard choices among the great options.

First our Waiter was awesome and very knowledgeably about the restaurant, the menu and the gelato. He was very attentive to our party of 3 women, Myself, my daughter and our neighbor. We ordered a bottle of wine, appetizer and the spaghettis with clams, YUMMY. And of course we had to save room for homemade gelato. The atmosphere was also very nice and Italian. Found out they ship the gelato nationally and since I live in NC I ordered some for home. Came very quickly and totally frozen. Will be ordering again!

We checked into our hotel and had to find a place for dinner. Concierge called and found us this restaurant. Being a frequent Italian food diner, I wasn't expecting much. Turned out to be quite alright. Certainly above average. Wine list was decent. Nothing special about the service we got (not warm), but overall an OK experience.

This restaurant is delicious. The menu changes weekly. Go hungry. The staff is very pleasant. Nice atmosphere. Can get loud near the bar. There were a bunch of overzealous and over aged frat boys watching a college football game who thought they were at the Irish Pub.

We started with a drink at the bar and the bartender was very helpful and competent. Our dinner was very good if a bit heavy. They gave us free flights of gelato which was delicious. We went back later just for drinks and they were also excellent. My only complaint was the service on both visits. For dinner, they brought the appetizers before the wine and we had to ask for the bread. The waiter, while friendly, seemed to be spacy. When we went for drinks a day later, the waiter appeared to have forgotten us. And, my water glass at dinner was chipped.

We had meat stuffed ravioli in a light cream sauce that was recommended by the waiter.The kicker was that it was topped with a small square of truffle flavored gelato.This was a taste sensation that I had never experienced.Pure genius.Their was a party of flavors in my mouth.Can't wait to return.

We sat upstairs. Our waiter/server Marco explained everything on the menu we were interested in. Marco was the type of waiter/server you want. It was Bologna week so we chose wines paired with food from Bologna. The food was tasteful and beautifully served. If we do not get to Italy soon, we will be back here. Wait, we will be back here regardless. Mangia!

We were looking for a placeby the Kimmel Center and found this. Food was fabulous, wine was great, service was awesome. I ordered a pasta dish w seafood in it. It had chunks of fish and bivalve kind of shellfish (clams & mussels; which my son can eat but he wasn't w us). It was v tasty! The bruschetta was delicious, too! My friend had the lasagna and liked it. Service was wonderful! Great place for a date!

Wonderful selection of foods, wines and desserts. Service was great! 2 floors of seating areas. Large bar area. Go on Wednesday evening for SIPS and sample a variety of small bites.

Had coffee with an old friend/colleague and decided to return for a glass of wine. This fabulous place has an Italian restaurant, wine bar, wine shop and a Gelato service area that makes this a must visit on a regular basis. My server, Luca was engaging, good natured and accommodating that made my time there worthwhile! Had an enjoyable Etna Bianco and a delicious Amarone that were fairly priced, based on the quality. The wine shop, featuring fine wines from all over Italy is the best way to take home a bottle or two to continue the great spirit present at this fine Caffe! Highly Recommended!

We came were for dessert to sample their gelato. Tasty gelato but a bit on the sweet side. We tried their “flight” which is a large tablespoon of five flavors which is good because they have a large selection. Wondering what the food is like here. Maybe next time.

During the summer, my girls and I always stop by Gran Caffe L’Aquila for their gelato. Their gelato is so delicious, to say the least. I love their lemon and berry gelato, as a mix … it’s just so refreshing on a hot summer day! This time my girls and I visited Gran Caffe L’Aquila for lunch to celebrate my youngest graduating from high school. Whenever my girls and I dine, the goal is to have a nice experience by sampling from each other’s plates. For our drinks, the girls each ordered a latte - one hot and the other iced. And, I ordered their Margarita Calabrese. For our appetizers, we ordered their burrata mozzarella with the tomato basil caprese and we also ordered the bruschetta with the roast pepper capanata. For our entrees, we ordered their gnocchi allá bava, salmone in placca, and canneloni di pesce. The bread came complimentary with our meal. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection and not to mention, satisfied our appetites. We loved the bruschetta, the olives and the toast, chef’s kiss! My youngest daughter enjoyed her salmon and my oldest daughter enjoyed the gnocchi so much that she wanted to save some for later … The canneloni was a favorite of our server and instantly became mine after the first bite, it was just too yummy! For dessert, we ordered a couple of gelatos, which never disappoints. The ambiance of the restaurant is nice on the 2nd level - I would say the noise level is mid, you can hear each other talking. Very nice vibe! My girls and I would definitely dine here again and I would also dine here solo, if I ever find myself in search of a nice Italian restaurant.

As a frequent visitor to Italy, I am often on the hunt for a good, authentic Italian cuisine experience that does not involve spaghetti and meatballs! This place is it. I love the "traveling" menu themes (one week, cuisine from Bologna, the next, Sicily) and the wine/after dinner drinks menu is extensive! I have tried so many of their dishes, and none have disappointed, so I won't bother giving my recommendations since I don't stick to one dish myself! Do yourself a favor though and go for the gelato after dinner, it is just amazing.

Before having a delicious caprese panini for lunch with a side salad, we did an olive oil tasting appetizer. Beautifully presented with tiny black olives and slices of bread. Nice appetizer and lesson on olive oil coming from different parts of Italy! You can purchase your favorite as well!

Not a great experience. Very slow. Not nice. Average food. Charged extra to switch pasta. Etc. Had to wait for desert and the check.

Wonderful atmosphere-delicious authentic Italian food-award winning gelato and a small shop to boot. We loved this place so much that we ate there twice. Get reservations for dinner!

This restaurant is seriously amazing. I was in Philly for business and I headed out to dinner by myself so I sat at the bar downstairs to have dinner. I started with a glass of red wine and, Gentry, the bartender, was really patient about finding me a glass that I liked. Next, as I was checking out the menu, Gentry asked if I had ever dined here before (answer: no) and he proceeded to take the time to explain the menu and let me know what city they were celebrating that week (Capri). Every facet of my meal was fantastic (beyond) - the wine, the bread and olive oil, the fresh caprese salad, the homemade pasta (the paccheri con datterini gialli) , and the amazing house made gelato (dark chocolate and pistachio). The service was spectacular. I am now looking for ways to make it back to Philly so I can have another meal here.

We had dinner at Gran Caffe on a recent trip to Philly. After being led upstairs, we were seated in the middle of a lively place to have dinner. The four of us ordered different dishes, and all had a delicious dinner. Our waiter, Luca, was knowledgeable, helpful in choosing our meals, and added to the experience. We will definitely go back the next time we are in town.

I ate here during a short visit to Philadelphia largely on the strength of reviews on this site, and I wasn’t disappointed. A busy restaurant with good, authentic Italian cuisine and friendly service – with a special mention for the gelati prepared on the premises.

Unknowingly, we were here during restaurant week.  The 4-for-$40 deal was too good to pass up, so we both went that route.  Lets see... 1st course: nicely presented cheese plate and deli meat tray - both very good.  2nd course: meatballs and rice balls - both excellent, excellent true tomato sauce.  3rd course: monkfish and pappardelle with meat sauce - again, both excellent, especially the fish.  4th: extra smooth gelato [i suspect you cannot go wrong with any flavor.  

What a lovely place to eat. I am not an expert in all things Italian, though I have been to Italy, but this restaurant seemed like the real deal. The menu was both innovative and yummy. The staff were friendly and perfectly attentive. There were four of us. We shared three share plates and each had our own main. The best part of the restaurant was the wine menu. By far the easiest wine list to choose from. Why can’t every restaurant do it that way. There are headings “light and fruity” “bold, full bodied” etc and then once you choose your category there is great individual descriptions of wines. Absolutely brilliant. I definitely recommend this restaurant

I was in town for an event and wanted to plan a late dinner with local family members. This was not our first choice but because we could not get reservations at the other establishments, we decided to try this place (first clue). We ate upstairs in their dining area instead of the cafe downstairs. A long flight of steps, if you have walking issues you may want to remain on the lower level (street level). We were quickly seated and our server was prompt to bring our drinks. We ordered two appetizers. The Fritto Misto was cooked perfectly and consisted of calamari, shrimp, and zucchini but mainly calamari. The other appetizer was the Arancini. I was a little disappointed with the portion size. The taste was average but I should caveat that by saying I make them myself at home. Our group's main meals were again average. There was not one main meal in the group that we would come back for. The highlight of the evening was definitely the gelato. Overall, I would say the service was good, the food was average, portion size on the small side and the gelato a must to try.

Finally, restaurant week was restarted in Philadelphia and we decided to give this restaurant a try....we were very glad we made this decision. We ordered off the fixed price restaurant week menu and there were plenty of good selections to chose....from appetizer, to first course, second course and dessert. I will list some of our favorites....carcioffi, buffalo mozzarella, arancini, gnocchi and monk fish. The restaurant has a large gelato menu and we both ordered from it and were delighted with the quality.

This is the best place to get coffee (real one, not the darkish liquid Americans call coffee) in Philly. We also had dinner there and the food is great - delicious, good portions and precise. Our waiter (Bob?) was amazing - showed a vast knowledge on each and every item in the menu and help us set the perfect dinner.

Incredible experience at this restaurant, you will be teleported in Italy while dining here. The food, the service, the tastes are unparalleled. I was there for lunch in late May 2023 and it was a blast. I tried Spigola al Forno with a glass of Ischia Bianco as main course, from the Sorrento weekly menu. This came after the Fritto Misto appetizer, which was delicious, too. Ended it all up with a Tiramisu Classico and an excellent cappuccino. The restaurant is in a safe area, has outdoor tables, downtown. Don't skip it!

This restaurant was a short walk from our hotel so, due to the weather, we selected it. The menu was extensive as was the wine list. Many good wines by the glass. One of our apps was the mussels, which was very good! Our main course (we split) was the gnocchi which was also great, light and tasty. In Philly you don’t have to go to South Philly to find some excellent Italian restaurants!

My husband and I celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary this weekend. We chose the Gran Caffe L’Aquila because of its great reviews and it’s proximity to our hotel. We we’re not disappointed. I had the Gnocchi alla Bava and my husband had the canneloni di Pesce. Both were delicious! For desert my husband had the Tiramisu and I had some Gelato. Again, excellent. My husband particularly enjoyed the Menebrea beer and my Bellini was perfect. Our waitress Julianna couldn’t have been nicer and the Romeo and Juliet seats were a nice touch.

Dined here on a recent Friday night while in Philly. Our experience was awesome. Food highlights included:the octopus appetizer (Uber tender), the ravioli pasta and the Italian sausage entrees. Be sure to order one of the entrees with the savory gelato included, this was a totally unexpected flavor sensation. Also be sure to end your dinner with one of the dessert gelatos, they are top notch. Also top notch was the service, absolutely no complaints there. Prices here are actually reasonable considering the food quality. The only thing we could really find fault with was that the noise level is a little higher than we’d like but this is an active eatery. Highly recommend!!

We walked in without a reservation, and were accommodated at the bar. The bar staff was friendly and attentive, and Luca was one of the best servers we have ever had. We had the cheese plate from southern Italy It was delightful. My wife had a glass of wine which she adored, and that is no mean feat. She has a very discerning palate. I had a Negroni, and then Luca recommended their infused Negroni, which undergoes a 24 hour process with coffee grounds and citrus peels. If the first Negroni was a 10, the second was a 20 absolutely awesome. Our dinner was handmade pasta with lamb sauce, and sausages, and I do not know when I have had better Italian food. We were really looking forward to gelato for dessert, but we enjoyed the food so much there was no room left. I guess that means we’ll have to come back, which we definitely will.

We had dinner for two on Saturday, 10/12/24 at Gran Caffe L'Aquila. We had the Frito Misto Antipasto and the Carbonara and Pappardelle Alle Ragu. The fried Calamari was good as was the Carbonara. The Pappardelle was good with a sauce containing filling chunks of meat. We had double gelatos for dessert: a Hazelnut with Cherry and a Coconut Rum with Cherry. They were fine but we had more flavorful gelato elsewhere. Service was great.

We took our gelato to go since there wasn’t any outdoor seating. (Tip: Nice park across the street!) My kids had excellent salted caramel and milk chocolate gelato. I ordered the Desire gelato, which tasted like cherry flavored Tylenol. This is a flavor I regularly get when I eat gelato, so I was disappointed. How we, I’d go back again and order what my kids had!

This place came recommended,and I saw it was highly rated here on Trip Advisor.Salad was good,large portion with creamy Parmesan dressing,about $10.Ordered duck for my dinner,came out cold,as did my wife’s entree.We requested the dinners be reheated.My wife’s was returned hot,mine was still cold,so I ate it...didn’t want to wait anymore.The waiter was very nice,wished us a happy anniversary...it was our 44th...but I probably will not return.Total tab for 2 including tip was about $128.

This place is great. Food was 100% authentic Italian. Very fair prices. Fun cafe-like atmosphere with lots of dining choices; cafe, dining, bar, etc. Service was terrific. Wine service. Would go back next time in Philly in a heartbeat. Well done!!

My sister lives and her husband who live in the area took me here for dinner. Italian is my favorite food so I’ve had a lot of it, and this was the best Italian I’ve ever had. spaghetti bolognese is my favorite dish and standard order, and it was excellent, as was the gelato. Service was top notch and the setting was authentic and lively without being too loud or busy. Highly recommend!

In the past 12 years, my family has enjoyed over 70 restaurants in Philadelphia. This is a city with outstanding, memorable restaurant experiences. Gran Caffe L’Aquila stands out in the top of our experiences. From the ambiance, to the exceptional service, to the perfectly prepared dinner, coffee, and desserts, this restaurant is a must for any visit to Philly. Lastly, this review would be incomplete without mentioning our waiter, Bobby, who was engaging, knowledgeable of the menu and wine list, and clearly motivated to make our evening worth raving about. We can’t wait to return to Gran Caffe L’Aquila.

Very much enjoyed an evening visit here recently. Staff was very friendly, despite being busy near to the point of being overwhelmed. Great food.

Love this venue. Food always delicious, gelato is out of this world. And then there’s the espresso and the ambiance. Looking forward to the next opportunity to visit.

We enter based on location and trip Advisor rating. Very good service from the hosts, the salonero and so on. The food was good, good portions. Full atmosphere to Italy.

Great restaurant. Excellent authentic Italian food at at reasonable price. Service was fast Decor was classy modern.

Many times in Philly, first time here. Truly a wonderful find. Everything from the food, the gelato, the service, was authentic and wonderful.A hidden gem! We happened here during restaurant week but will return anytime. Took home their wonderful coffee and olive oil as well.

The burrata was the best i have ever tasted, while the calamari was cooked perfectly with the shrimp and zucchini. The gnocchi was excellent and all portion sizes were more than sufficient. The dessert of five sample spoons of gelato was a wonderful end of the meal. Each gelato had superb flavors. The servers were also excellent, friendly, courteous and timed the meal perfectly. We were not rushed at any point of the meal. Truly a very memorable experience and would recommend to all, to dine at this outstanding restaurant.

Vibrant city restaurant with updated Italian cuisine. Much larger inside than the glass front entrance projects. Inside lower floor with small shop and gelato bar beckoning for post prandial treat. Food and wine the best, service impeccable thanks to Riley our attendant.

This place is unforgettable. It's the kind of place where the staff caters to your every whim. They "hover", which I actually like. Crumbs on the table? Whisked away before you know it. Empty wine glass? Filled before you can blink. They make you feel like royalty. And the food is excellent.

We had an amazing experience at this restaurant, even though it took a while to be seated although we had a reservation. They had a good bartender and a nice selection of cocktails and mocktails while we waited. Kids were definitely welcomed. This is a small plates kind of place... and we ordered way too much. We were stuffed and couldn't finish our platters. Seafood was good (except the oysters were badly cleaned). We loved the olive oïl tasting. (hence the experience bit). So delicious! The rest of our platters were great. The cured meat platter was excellent. The arancini's and gnocci.. miam! We were so stuffed we couldn't even bring ourselves to order desert, even though it was my daughter's birthday. They still came with a plate of whipped cream and sang happy birthday to her. Great evening, amazing food.

The place looked amazing - lots of people and we were very excited until the food came - totally bland with no flavor at all.

One of the best clubs in the USA, not just in Philadelphia. Friendly staff and very good cappuccino. Average prices. Products imported from high-end Italy. Good but not great ice cream

Amazing food. The pastas are absolutely memorable. Our server knew every item on the menu and offered some fabulous recommendations. Remember to save room for the gelato.

For our first night in Philadelphia, my husband and I wanted to have a meal near our hotel. Gran Caffe showed up on our search, and the reviews were pretty good. We snagged an early reservation and Andrea (from Marche, Italy) our charming server got us off to a good start. We shared a house salad which was huge- it’s probably enough for three - and it was very refreshing. The fried artichokes were pretty good- an aioli sauce would have taken them up a notch. The olive oil served with the house bread is plate-licking outstanding. For our entrees we ordered the carbonara and the agnolotti. Both were topped with a savory gelato and beautifully presented. And delicious. The Agnolotti is quite rich, and could be shared. We decided to have their gelato for dessert, and I’m glad we got a small size each. The gelato brought us back to Rome - it’s the real deal. In fact, we returned another evening to have a scoop. Andrea was an amazing server, and extremely helpful with menu suggestions. We only saw a small portion of the upstairs dining area which was cute, and the downstairs has a small grocery section, a bar, a gelato case, pastries, etc. If we ever return to Philadelphia, we will definitely have a meal at Gran Caffe L’Aquila.

Wife and I went to visit her son in Philly and went to Gran Caffe for dinner. Service was outstanding. The food was even more outstanding. The eggplant bruschetta was one of the best things I ever tasted. The veal braciola was extremely tasty. And to top it off is the creamiest gelato.

Don't miss this place. The food is great and the service is excellent. I do not take dessert when i eat. But this time I decided to eat a salty caramel ice cream. I did not regret it. A new era ?

Awesome and Authentic Italian! Loved visiting this cafe. We enjoyed some fantastically brewed Italian coffee and then ordered bruschetta and a cheese plate for lunch. I especially enjoyed being able to converse with the staff in Italian. The cafe also sells wine by the bottle and lots of imported items from various regions of Italy. If you want an authentic Italian experience in downtown Philadelphia this is the place!

Absolutely authentic Italian experience, food and drinks. Anniversary dinner this time but my 4th time here and it never disappoints. From appetizers to small plates to entrees to their amazing gelato and other desserts! All amazing. I recommend for couples dinners or big events. Not a huge place so call them for reservations. Save room for dessert!

Once again I wish I could give 3.5 stars. Went around Christmas time and did the 7 fishes. Had gelato for dessert. Everything was decent and there was nothing wrong with the place, but it was nothing special either.

If you are looking for chicken parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo or endless breadsticks, go to Olive Garden. This is the real deal. The menu is robust and brimming with true Italian nom noms. The pasta carbonara was exceptional and the tagliatelle with peas, fontina cream and speck was amazing.

Tried to go here around 6:00 on a Wednesday and unfortunately there were no tables for walk-ins (apparently lots of big groups). I stopped back by for gelato and it was delicious. Had the tiramisu flavor. Very rich in flavor so the small goes a long way.

I decided to write my first review to reward the Italian restaurant where we ate. As Italians who travel it is rare to find the flavors of their homeland. Everything was made more pleasant by the presence of Thomas, nice and caring as a true Italian, who made us feel at home. Marika from Como

We had a really lovely experience at the Gran Caffe L'Aquila. We enjoyed the great menu and the helpful and informative staff and service. The food maintained the Italian traditions of the Seven Fishes and was topped off with some of their sublime gelato and washed down with some good wine. What more could one ask for. The place was very busy as it would be expected on an occasion like this so the service was probably more leisurely than it might be on another day but that gave us more time to enjoy the meal. We would definitely return.

Stumbled across this place while walking through Philly on a weekend getaway. Peaked in... got lucky with bar space. BOY, were we thrilled! Dinner was amazing, great vibe, and excellent service. Planning on coming back on Sunday before we leave to head back to Florida. Thank you for a wonderful night!

So glad there is Gran Caffe L’Aquila in center city of Philadelphia , it’s truly a little piece of Italy . Very cool atmosphere, polite servers ,authentic Italian food did not disappoint me. They have two types of tiramisu , the regular one is good. Not a wine lover but they have a big selection of wines

Highly rated in TA and rightly so. The food we had was delicious, octopus starter to share, a tagliatelle and a gnocchi main dish each and fantastic gelato (the strawberry was super tasty). Big shout out to Tina who was a great host and a credit to everyone at this brilliant restaurant. Thanks for a delicious evening

Visite twice in a week! First time for a gelato and second time for a good Italian dinner with family. First time downstairs and second time upstairs. Both floors have their charm.

I visit Philadelphia regularly throughout the year...& this is my go to place for coffee, brunch & definitely ice cream !!! Great authentic Italian food. Good service ... friendly staff. Can’t wait to go back in the new year.

While strolling the streets of Center City, I was truly pleased that I found this friendly, authentic Italian cafe, right in the heart of Rittenhouse district. I was welcomed with a mouthwatering made-in-house gelato case and friendly staff. You don't have to travel to Rome in order to get the best gelato in the world- LITERALLY. The winner of the World Cup of Gelato " Stefano Biasini " is the chef-owner! So I'm guessing that Philadelphia will never get enough of gelato ever again. Gran Caffe L'Aquila is a sweet Italian bi-level restaurant/ cafe and bar with a sophisticated atmosphere, serving authentic Italian dishes in Philadelphia. Upstairs, has a sit-down restaurant, a beautiful wine bar, a gelato, and a coffee roasting shop. The romantic table on the balcony is waiting for the future Romeo to take me on a date. My gnocchi was made with happiness. Very rich, fluffy, and delicious. There were handcrafted ricotta and potato gnocchi with Taleggio cream topped with wild mushrooms and shaved Parmigiano was so rich and absolutely delicious! A WOW factor pasta indeed! I made an excellent choice of dessert, I'm always a winner when it comes to sweets. A subtle lavender panna cotta topped with strawberries was the perfect ending to my meal. I enjoyed it and at its best, with a freshly brewed cup of cappuccino. If you appreciate a good coffee, you don't have to look far!

Went for dinner. Very good service. Nice inside decor. If the weather was nice, would’ve sat outside, which would’ve been enjoyable. The only offputting part was the fact that the servers kept correcting you on the correct pronunciation of words. Understandable but after a while, it gets a little annoying when you’re not doing it intentionally. My food ratings below. Nduja bruchetta (7.5) Tagliatelle alla panna (9.2) Parpadella al Ragu (8.5), good noodles and red sauce Carbonara (4.2), very dry and not a ton of flavor Gelatos we sampled Bacio (8.1) Salted carmel (9.6) Desire (7.1) Kindiero (6.4) Vanilla (9.0) Amaretto (9.3)

Met our son for dinner. Picked for the menu and proximity to our hotel. Great find. Italian small plates. Amaros. Italian wines. Arancini polpeto crab mussels. Martinis. Everything was terrific. Lots of energy. Loved this place.

Italy in Philadelphia. Nice room, nice and spacious. The staff is very kind, the cuisine truly resembles Italian cuisine. Good value for money. I recommend the paccheri with yellow datterino tomatoes

super delish gelato so much to choose from. can't wait to go back next year. they had seating upstairs also with a bar and also a bar on the main level

Outstanding Italian in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Had the Seafood stuffed cannelloni and a glass of their Super Tuscan. Superb.

Food was eclectic but great, service was pretty good (excellent, except that the waitress never came to ask if we wanted another drink). The menu was intense, but overwhelming. Too many choices on both food and drink. Also, everything is Italian, including the beer and wine. However, all our entries were amazing and we’ll be back the next time we’re in Philly.

This was my second time to visit and it doesn’t disappoint. I wanted to try a couple of things so the server allowed me to have a starter size pasta followed by veal saltimbocca. The pappardelle al ragu aquilano was outstanding and I could (should) have stopped there. Would order again. The veal was also great and the portion was very large. The ambiance was so nice and authentic. Highly recommend.

The food here is a gastronomic delight. I felt like I was back in Italy enjoying fresh pasta on the streets of Rome. We had a large group of 10 and we had seating sort of away from other tables upstairs. We had a few appetizers, including the north and south cheese plates, and several bottles of wine and everything was good. I ordered the carbonara with bacon gelato because, let’s be honest, they had me at bacon gelato. It was rich and heavy and delicious. I couldn’t finish it. My colleague had the rigatoni which she said was equally amazing. A few of our table mates ordered the ciappino which was served in these cute little serving pots. Finally for dessert, you can’t not try the gelato flight - mango, salted caramel, black cherry, pistachio and dark chocolate (full disclosure, no one liked this one but me - it tasted like dark unprocessed cocoa powder - not sweet - but I mixed it with the salted caramel and that made it a winner). The service was good too especially for how busy they were and how large our party was. I would highly recommend for a family event or a business dinner; it’s sure to be a winner for any occasion. I can’t wait to go back.

Octopus was spectacular! Broccolini delicious. Homemade pastas - chittara dish on pasta list - were perfect texture and flavor. Cheesecake was light and delicious! Service was attentive and professional and friendly.

Delicious branzino dish. Nice covered outdoor booths for dining. And very tasty gelato with fun flavor options. Would love to go back.

I remember seeing a review of this place many years ago. Ended stumbling into this great little gem at short notice. They are specialists at ice cream and gelato. Some of the pasta is topped with gels which melt to form the sauce. Great service and good food. 4 people with mains and starter few drinks and compulsory ice cream around $190.

The food was hit and miss: 4 dishes were delicious but two were tasteless. Luckily the service was great. Nice gelato too.

For antipasti, the Polipo (grilled octopus) was excellent. I also ordered the Pappardelle al Ragu (ribbon pasta with meat sauce) and Arrosticini Biasini (lamb bacon skewers), which were good. For dessert, I naturally opted for the gelato and ordered the signature flavour Desire (Amarena cherries) and Nocciola (Piedmont hazelnuts). Both were very flavourful, though I prefer the latter. Service was good and quick.

We went there for its world famous gelato and stayed for its cuisine and coffee as well. And then there are its olive oils and other delectables for purchase. It was like a quick trip to Aquila! Our waiter was wonderfully knowledgeable, with superb suggestions for our extended lunch. Californian epicures as we are, we discovered there is nothing like this Caffe back home!

Our first night visiting Philly and Gran Caffè L'Aquilla was recommended to us by our hotel. What a beautiful spot. From the moment we walked in we were greeted with amazing staff who made our experience so great. Our server Bobby was amazing and the food was to die for. Definitely recommend this place if you are looking for an Authentic Italian experience.

We had a very nice dinner here. The wait staff was quite friendly and the food was delicious. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision to go out to dinner at this restaurant, but we were very happy we did.

Amazing food and drink from guys from Italy. Even sampled the Olive oils. Gelato and other desserts amazing too. Food you only get in best restaurants in Italy!

Delicious house made pasta and specials. We started with mortadella and cheese which also had Parmesan gelato on top. Delicious! Followed by 2 pasta dishes we shared (the seafood cannelloni was my favorite) and then roasted meats in decadent and herb tomato sauce with toasted bread. Fantastic drinks, extensive wine list and last but lot least-our server was outstanding. He talked us through the menu and took excellent care of us throughout our visit. I highly recommend.

This restaurant is amazing! We tried three pastas (including the Sugo Della Domenico) that were outstanding! Together with a delicious Caesar salad and some glasses of wine, we had our perfect dinner for our one night in Philadelphia. Our only regret is not having room for dessert but we plan on stopping by to sample the incredible selection of gelato they have before we leave town. What a great find!

The place is known for its gelato which was very good. The fried calamari and shrimp appetizer was good also. The problem was the main courses. There were 4 in our party and I wouldn’t order any of those main courses again. Small portions and nothing special about them. Flavorless sides and so so main dishes. I would not go back unless it was just to get there gelato.

We had a great family meal for seven. The table near the front entrance -- two of the family use walkers -- was in a heavy-traffic area, affecting service somewhat. The place was also quite noisy; a lot of people having a lot of fun. But our server was a good-humored guy; he did his best. The food is excellent; the menu is huge. And the resto has an extensive Italian wine list with prices that are reasonable. Everyone praised the food. We all had a great time.

We've been back here several times since I reviewed the Gran Caffe L'Aquila in downtown Philadelphia two years ago, And when a restaurant holds it's quality over that time, it deserves a fresh review and kudos for not losing its stroke. Since my last review was extensive, no need to be repetitious. Check out the menu. But better than menu items, this place has daily themed menus and great wine pairings inspired by regions in Italy. Sicily night this time. I strongly advise you to allow the server to guide you through the regional offerings and doubt you will be disappointed. And , of course, finish with the legendary gelato. our Amaretto Gelato with cookie was creamy and delicious. This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Philadelphia and for that matter, on the East Coast. We even went back for brunch on the morning after our dinner. I'd say it is high-end, price-wise, but what's not pricey at great restaurants?

I've lived in Philly for over 10 years and never heard of or noticed Gran Caffe L'Aquilo on Chestnut St. Just had lunch there and it was absolutely perfect in every way: authentic cuisine: wonderful varied menu; smart, kind and helpful servers and fantastic food. Upstairs intimate, cool and comfortable. I will return, best secret in Philadelphia. Don't tell anyone!

Very nice salads and cheese plate for lunch with a friend. Wine was nice even if it was a meager measured pour.

This is a difficult restaurant to review without context because of the attention it has gotten on trip advisor and locally. In the end, this is much more bistro than white table cloth. Expect straightforward Italian food done very well. No fuss, no huge innovation, just good bistro level cooking with a strong bent toward authentic regional Italian. Also expect lot of noise and commotion. It’s a small busy place. If you come with that in mind, instead of the five star reviews, you will enjoy your meal all the more.. The food is very satisfying. The pastas are fresh, the sauces are direct and flavorful. The gelato is a creamy as you will ever have. So go and enjoy, just don’t expect the heavens to fall.

I have eaten at Gran Cafe many times,but recently it has been very disappointing. On my last visit the server seemed very detached and just going through the paces.It was VERY loud in the restaurant and we had to wait at least 20 min. just for wine.The food which is quite expensive was just ok.

Only stopped for cappuccinos and pastries for breakfast but we were very impressed with the quintessentially Italian feel. We enjoyed sitting and leisurely taking in the ambience. We will definitely return for their Italian Cities themed dinner evening the next time we're in town.

Our second time did not disappoint. We had a great meal from start to finish. Mimmo, our server, was a highlight. We will definitely ask for him as our server next time. A must when we are in Philadelphia!

What a surprise. I grew up in the Bronx with many good restaurants. This gem was amazing from the Caponata Bruschetta appetizer to the Gelato dessert. I had the Veal Saltimboca, my wife had the Pappardelle al Ragu, and my son the Cinghiale. All three dishes were great choices. Wonderful atmosphere. Great service- Thanks Luca! Make reservations and try it!

Italian place, run by Italians, truly Italian products of excellence. Fabulous bread. You eat like in high-end Italian restaurants. Adequate prices. Compliments. Best Italian place in Philly.

I was introduced to this place last year, and I can’t say enough good things about it. The staff is so attentive, and the food is out of this world.

I’ve been here once before and from my memory, I thought it was good and thought I would return again tonight. It’s Monday night, not busy in the city at all. I walk in and ask for a table and the hostess asks me where I’d like to sit. I eventually settle on upstairs, then she confers with the other hostess and says they have a couple reservations coming in and cannot accommodate now. It was 6:40PM, the reservations (assuming two when they said a couple) were for 7PM, I’m one person and when I asked when the next available table upstairs would be, they said 8PM. I would think customers sitting there already would be done before 8PM. Anyway, they said I could sit at the bar upstairs, so I went up and saw the whole back room empty and a least five empty tables up front. (More than a couple) A server greeted me upstairs and was standing around a while so they didn’t seem to lack for servers. Anyway, I felt they could have seated me and acted somewhat snobby in my opinion. And the hostesses need to learn not to offer something up then take it back. I won’t go back here. I will go to restaurant where the food is average if the customer service makes up for it. Customer service is king.

I chose here after reading several reviews, and I was not disappointed. My server was Levan, and he was fantastic. He helped me with the menu, portion sizes and so on, and then suggested wine. I wanted mussels to start, but in white wine sauce rather than the tomato sauce on the menu, and he made it happen. Even before eating I was pleased! The mussels were fantastic, beautifully cleaned, plump and sweet. They brought a small fork, which I pointed out to Levan was was not really necessary, but a spoon for the sauce would be better! He took it in good spirit and duly brought a spoon. I followed the mussels with a salmon fillet served on a slice of wood which I have not had before but is apparently an Italian classic (who knew). Washed down with a couple of glasses of a delicious Frascate. The food is good, and the service was excellent. It is not cheap, but not outrageous either;fairly priced for the quality, and I will surely return on my next trip to Philly. I strongly suggest you try it.

Had dinner here last night. Server was Michele. Incredible food and impeccable service. Michele was super attentive and paced out the food service perfectly. Will be back.

Delicious food in this cozy Italian restaurant. Have eaten here before and you just feel at home. Beautiful dishes on the menu and delicious matching wines. Had Bruschetta with tomato and olive oil. Delicious, freshly prepared and seasoned correctly. Received a basket of bread with delicious olive oil! This time I chose a delicious pasta as my main course. Tasted excellent again. Add a delicious Valpolicella and finish with a doppio. Pampering.

Been here twice when visiting. Both times were very good. Only downside, 2nd floor staircase is quite steep, no elevator. So not handicap accessible. When making a reservation specify ground floor dining if you cannot handle stairs.

wow wow wow. 5 stars. 10 out of 10. 100% delicious. after months of deliberation i chose this restaurant for my mother’s day dinner/one nice meal while on vacation. in the end it was between here and the dandelion and i couldn’t be happier with my choice. before i get to the food i want to start by saying how amazing the service was. tina was our server and she was one of the best parts of the whole experience! very attentive but not bothersome. she was kind, helpful, quick and very easy to talk to! i’m so glad we were sat in her section!! thank you tina for being the best waitress we’ve had in a very long time! she even put my gelato (INCREDIBLE BTW) in a cup of ice so i could bring it back to the hotel as i was so stuffed from dinner i couldn’t take another bite at the restaurant. the food was absolutely phenomenal. i had the gnocchi and i made my husband get the half chicken cooked under a brick so i could try that, too! i say this jokingly because after nearly memorizing the menu, i knew exactly what my husband would have chosen if i had given him a chance to peruse the menu. which i didn’t hehe i was too excited to wait any longer! they also accommodated my daughter who is almost 2 by making her a plate of spaghetti with butter. we all loved our meals! best gnocchi i’ve ever had. my husband’s chicken and vegetables (and even the bread) was just as good the next morning when we ate it cold out of the hotel mini fridge before heading to the airport. next time i’m in philly i will absolutely be back!!

If you are tired from simply meat and traditional crab cakes everywhere, please visit Gran Caffe L'Aquila. Fantastic food (especially gelato section, unreal burrata and spagetti vongole) an exceptional service. For Russian speaking guests- bonus most prettiest girl in town from Lyvov can help you. And we never forget your visit.

Food wasn’t hot...too much al a carte...didn’t live up to ratings...even after reheating,it still wasn’t hot...won’t return...and center city Phila. locale not convenient for cars...parking lots in downtown are expensive...prices are too high for what is served.

This is a truly fabulous restaurant providing an awesome experience. The wine list is superb and the food is authentic and diverse. I loved the atmosphere and felt like I was in Italy. There were many Italian customers when I was there.

Atmosphere & food that makes me feel like i'm in Italy. Homemade pasta, gelato & wine list are highlights.

Weather was perfect to have dinner outside. The four courses were delicious. The meatball appetizer was excellent! Everyone loved their entree! The gelato was incredible! Worth the visit

The food was very good but not exceptional. I had the special gnocchi; my wife had branzino. Both were certainly acceptable. The dessert (gellato) was terrific. The restaurant was not overly noisy for which I was grateful. The service was superb and the setting was attractive.

Went with some colleagues for dinner during a work trip after looking for a good Italian restaurant walk-able from our hotel. It did not disappoint. Nice cafe-like atmosphere-- felt nice and bustling. The waiter was great at suggestion the right wine to go with things. And I had some pretty amazing saltimbocca :-) And gelatto for dessert on the walk home. Highly recommend.

The pear salad with shallot vinaigrette was superb. The charred octopus was an enormous portion and also very good. Waited a little too long for a lamb entree that disappointed- tiny cubes on a skewer. But the fondente gelato will make you forgot all your troubles. Hostess was accommodating when no outside tables were available.

Really creative Italian restaurant with bar, caffe, bakery, gelato. We came in looking for a place for a coffee and ice cream in the area while staying at a local hotel. they had a couple of high tables in the bar area, which we grabbed one, and four of us enjoyed a cup of cappuccino and some yummy Gelato! I went with the chery and cream and half chocolate. Amazing flavor! My wife went with mint chocolate, and our friends shared a Creme Brulee. Really smoth and delicious! What made the experience better was the staff all poke to you in Italian. even if they did not speak it, they welcomed you and thanked you in Italian. Gracie por tuti!

I walked in with no reservation on a Saturday, they seated me with welcoming vibes . I was craving pasta with mussels the waiter who was Italian very friendly suggested a special dish which was similar, it was delicious The mixed salad was refreshing and dark chocolate gelato topped it all 👍

We came to have dessert only --- and had wonderful coffee and gelato. They take pride in their small batch gelato and this was as authentic as you can get.

We had lunch here today. Great Italian restaurant. We like everything that we ordered. The service and the ambiance were great. Will come back.

The Gran Caffe L'Aquilla was recommended to us by David at The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. We only had one night in Philly, so we wanted this dinner to be memorable. A short Uber drive away, the first floor of the restaurant features their gelato counter (line out the door) and some interesting retail food items from Italy. The dining room is on the second floor. Seating is a bit close together, but not overcrowded, and the vibe was a very hip bistro feel. We ordered a bottle of the Banfi Chardonnay, fried artichoke appetizer, eggplant bruschetta with Prosciutto di Parma added. We split the entree; a Tagliolini Caviale pasta toped with US sturgeon caviar. We added grated parmesan cheese around the edges and fresh ground pepper to top it off. Amazing dish! The caviar serving was generous and very fresh. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the combination of flavors was inspiring! For dessert we indulged in chocolate martini and a strawberry and dark chocolate gelato. The service was spot on, each food item was the appropriate temperature, and there were no regrets when the check came ;) We give this restaurant our highest recommendation!

Everyone, this is hands down the BEST Italian restaurant outside of Italy that we have ever had the pleasure to dine at. Spectacular food----everything from the starters to the salads, entrees, and desserts were fantastic. The service was truly impeccable. Our waiter took great pride in his job, and it really showed. The servers who brought food to the table and refilled water glasses were memorable and should be called out for their excellent attention. If you are in Philly, PLEASE PLEASE eat here. You will absolutely come out thinking it was one of the best gastronomic decisions you ever made. :)

Everything about this place was wonderful. They made great drinks at the bar, all the food was delicious, good coffee/cap and wonderful gelato. Couldn't have asked for a better birthday dinner!

Went for coffee and dessert prior to a show. Sat in the cafe area, which was chilly as the door was open. Staff were very friendly, lattes were cool, not pleasant, but desserts were lovely.

We booked a table of 6 at this popular Italian restaurant while we visited Philadelphia for 10 days. We have tried different cuisine (Chinese, Malaysian, Mexican, American) in different restaurants but found this Italian restaurant as the best so far. Their menu is not extensive but what they offer are excellent. I had a mixed seafood pastas (monkfish, salmon. prawns, octopus, clams and mussels) in an excellent tomato sauce. My wife’s choice of grilled monkfish with pasta is nice as well. Although we are well fed we still ordered their tiramisu as desert which is heavenly. Their Melbet red wine is also nice. Service from our waiter is excellent. He answered all our queries and gave us his recommendations as well. All in all this is a good dining experience and I would definitely recommend this restaurant for any Italian food lovers.

Great atmosphere, friendly staff , quick sevice and excellent food. Highly reccommend for couples, friends or families.

thanks to you we found this place. high prices as everywhere in high quality. also recommended for families.

We went to have a family dinner. We shared a special salad. I had veal Saltimbocca and the others had pasta and fish. Gelato for dessert. Delicious meal. Huge menu selection. Gracious service. Would love to go again!

The decoration reminds you of the authentic italian coffee shops. You should definitely try the authentic italian gelatto (ice cream) and their tiramisu! If you are a coffee-addict, try the cold version of the italian espresso!

Got off to a bad start. Had a reservation. Showed up on time only to see hostess escort people without reservation first. Reserved for dining room but got put in upstairs cafe area. The place is a cafe not a restaurant. It is okay for a sandwich and gelato but I was looking forward to an ice birthday dinner with attentive service. The service was horrid. Person kept disappearing only to confront us to order while we were still looking at menu. For was okay. Gelato excellent but the rest just okay.

Friendly service and terrific food and wine! I enjoyed a fantastic fish stew, and my wife loved her pear salad with goat cheese, cherries and toasted pine nuts. Outside seating is dog friendly!

I found the food at Gran Caffé L’Aquila simply excellent. In particular we tasted the Carbonara and found it exquisite, also with the ice cream aside. The ice cream was superb and the staff was very very nice. Great Italian experience.

We had a great experience at Gran Caffe L’Aquila for a special birthday dinner. Greg was very attentive to our needs as well as a number of other staff (all donning pale plaid trilby hats) who delivered our dishes. There is a lot to read on the menu so take your time (maybe while sipping one of their cocktails or fabulous wines). I enjoyed the “specials” menu which features regional dishes from a specific area in Italy. The area changes on a weekly basis. There is a little something for everyone on the regular menu-from fresh seafood dishes, meats, soups and ample salads (we split our Cesarina salad between the three of us) to delicious pasta dishes. Some of the dishes are topped with a signature savory gelato that slowly melts into the food. Delicious! We finished our meal with an Amaro (Italian Herbal Liqueur) and a flight of gelato samples (divine). Be sure to make reservations because the place was buzzing and bustling. It truly was a magnificent experience in one of my favorite cities in the world-Philadelphia, PA!

Everything was very good. The staff was very attentive and friendly. The food, the drinks and the gelato were great. The have a great variety of options.

Great experience from start to finish. Every dish was delicious, especially the veal saltimbocca. Also loved the gelato. Highly recommend.

Delicious food, friendly and knowledgable servers, fantastic desserts. We've enjoyed everything from the wild boar meatballs to the burratta. The carbonara is flavorful but the gnocchi is fantastic. Daughter loved the mango gelato, I prefer the strawberries and cream. Plan ahead - at busy times getting a table may be a wait. Make a reservation for busier times/ days. Parking is city street. Great place for lunch followed by shopping. Walking distance to CHOP, UPenn, and Drexel. Servers are knowledgeable and very quick. Flexibility in the menu if the request is reasonable.

We had a lovely dinner at this cafe. This place is phenomenal. I love the authenticity of the food and beverages. FYI, this is Italy Italian cuisine, not American Italian cuisine. The portions were perfect and the food was incredibly fresh. Our server Rylie was delightful, fun, and very helpful. I have been a bartender in the industry for over 22 years and I would highly recommend to anyone in Philadelphia.

I can't say enough about this wonderful establishment. coffee...wonderful. sandwiches don't miss the bologna.. to die for. the dinner was also excellent. we like it so much we ate here three times in 2 days. Wine list is great. and the Gelato made in house. go. eat. and enjoy. maybe not great for small kids. gets crowded and they take reservations. can eat and drink at bar one 1rst and second floor.

our kids went to college in Philly so we have been going there for over 10 years to visit and dine with them for over 10 years. This place is in the heart of Center City and gets 4 stars on every level.. service, menu variety, fabulous food.. and an extensive wine list with the most affordable wine ever! There are just not enough superlatives to say about this gem!

Pleasantly surprised just how good the food and service was at this very busy Italian resto/wine bar/deli right downtown. Rapid but professional service, well presented quality dishes...and good value for money. Recommended - even if its a bit noisy

We went here just for the gelato for dessert, not for a meal. I have had excellent gelato in Italy, and the ones that we consumed here were comparable in both quality and taste. We tried several flavors, all very rich and satisfying. They let you sample the numerous flavors available to help make your selection.

Dinner was delightful and at a relaxed pace; the whole thing was about 2 hours with drinks (reasonably-priced wines), a cheese board, appetizers, main courses, and dessert. The waitress could be hard to find at times but it was a busy Friday night with all tables full. Speaking of which, you definitely need a reservation here. The cheese board was fine but nothing to write home about. However, the long hots and fried artichoke appetizers were both wonderful and our meals of jumbo rigatoni and gnocchi were outstanding. The desserts were excellent as well: bread pudding and creme brulee. The whole staff seemed to be actually Italian, and they sang happy birthday in Italian to two people celebrating their birthdays. An excellent experience!

Eat here frequently. Best Italian food in Philly and wait staff is almost always excellent. The young ladies greeting guests are another thing. Always someone new. Seems restaurant policy is to make couples with reservations wait even if four tops are open - we had two groups of four, without reservations, seated while we waited15 mins after our reservation time. Got seated, at a four top, after complaining- and suffering a lie from one of the hostesses who claimed the earlier groups had reservations. Amazing. I was standing there and heard both groups say no to the question on reservations. Disappointing - but the food was great.

My birthday dinner at the Gran Caffe L'Aquila was wonderful. They have a great menu and offer excellent service. After dinner stop downstairs and order some gelato to go Very conveniently located downtown.

Wow - what an excellent meal! In a city filled with great Italian food, this restaurant stand above the rest. The owner came from Italy 10+ years ago when an earthquake destroyed his town. Philadelphia made out on the deal with exceptional quality, selection and service. I will find a reason to go back ASAP. TIP: No matter how full you are, try the gelato.

When in Philadelphia, you've gotta find this place. Have eaten here on numerous occasions for business and pleasure. This eatery has a quaint atmosphere with great food! The service was great. Server made some suggestions and they were spot on. The gelato we had for dessert was some of the best I've ever had. The Gran Cafe L'Aquila is worth going out of your way for to get an authentic Italian meal.

We have rediscovered this restaurant with dining at home service. The food arrives hot and is plentiful.

The City Center's Chestnut Street, like the downtown areas of many other cities, experiences constant change and re-invention.  One of the most welcomed additions is Gran Caffe L'Aquila, a stunning cafe with delicious pastries, coffee and flawless customer service. What lured us in were the beautiful holiday decorations outside; what held our attentions and kept us returning was the exquisite attention to details, ranging from the interior to the taste and presentation of the food, to the superior coffee and most importantly, the service. We ordered the iced vanilla cappuccino, a beverage so delicate it was like drinking silk; for dessert, the panna cotta infused with lavender and topped with fresh berries.  The couple next to us, clearly over the moon with their pasta, looked over, admired our contentment and ordered the panna cotta for their dessert, too.

If you want great Italian food, service and gelato, you need to come here. We had a larger group dinner and the service was spectacular. Our server took the time to tell the history of the restaurant and make food and drink recommendations. All of our dishes arrived at the same time and were lovely. Many people ordered off their special menu and were not disappointed. The appetizers are not to be missed, including burrata and parmesan gelato on the charcuterie board. Save room for their excellent gelato. One scoop or two, you won’t be sad. The coffee is also great. There is an Italian market on the first floor with pasta and other Italian foods at good prices. Make a stop here for sure.