La Famiglia Ristorante Reviews

4.4

80 of 4,874 Restaurants in Philadelphia


Reviews

excellent lunch

By Rich M |

We just walking in off the street. The lunch was fantastic and the service was too. Very attentive to the kids and willing to go off-menu for a picky eater. I would love to return.

Consistently superb

By FemaleBizTraveller91 |

Hadn't been there in years but took advantage of Restaurant Week to visit. The lunch menu was excellent--no short cuts!--and the service, as well.

Fabulous chance find.

By jontymp |

Our first night in Philadelphia and came across this amazing place. A very traditional Italian restaurant with attentive staff, quiet mood and wonderful background music. The food was fantastic and the whole experience was most memorable. Would highly recommend.

You MUST dine here, if you are in Philadelpia!

By D C |

We made reservations for 4 and were nicely accommodated at a round table nestled in a corner. All of the servers and the sommelier were very helpful and attentive. Their bruschetta was delicious and our carpaccio appetizer and octopus appetizer were a huge hit. We had veal, seafood, steak, and a scallop seafood dish. Everyone was very happy with their meal; and to top it off, the desserts were amazing - served from a cart allowing to select as many pieces as you'd like. Their wine list is one of the best I've seen. More of a bible than a list. We will definitely go back if we're back in Philly. Don't miss this amazing restaurant.

Superb Italian restaurant

By xerius13 |

Restaurant with beautiful round tables covered in a row, in a cozy environment Attentive and discreet service A beautiful, refined Italian menu Going down to the toilets, admire the superb natural wine cellar behind its grilles! Good times in this establishment

Oldest Italian in Philly

By Marlena K |

Best Gnocchi and veal. Largest wine list in the USA. Definitely returning with invitation. They need to add cannoli to their dessert menu.

Great place and great food.

By Suzie T |

We had a wonderful dinner starting with the freshest of salads and delicious bruschetta. Our main course was homemade fusilli pasta with mussels, clams, crabmeat and baby shrimp in a light tomato sauce and veal medallions served with artichokes and sun dried tomatoes in a white wine and garlic sauce. Everything was delicious and it had a wonderful atmosphere, marble staircase brings you downstairs to immaculate restrooms and a very impressive wine cellar.

Straight out of The Godfather

By Richard S |

What a wonderful restaurant. Old style service from a seasoned staff who really know what they are doing. This is fine dining but with a friendly family undertone. The food is perfectly prepared. Their Branzio is worth it. A fabulous wine cellar and prices to suit all tastes

One more gold list

By Alexandre Daccache |

Insane wine list Insane food Fantastic service This restaurant is fantastic Wine is not cheap but you will love

Old style classy Italian restaurant

By ellyjellybelly |

Four of us had lunch at La Famiglia recently. It was the first time I was there. I was overwhelmed by the beautiful old world decor of the place. Charming waiter who was very knowledgeable and accommodating. We are not experienced wine drinkers but were very impresses with the 14,000 bottle wine cellar. Food was good but not up to our expextations. Moderately priced and worth a visit.

Excellent food and service

By ajcNorthCanton |

Visited with two business associates during Philadelphia restaurant week. Food was fabulous. I had a veal dish special. It was tender and prepared perfectly. Gnocchi as a first dish was also prepared perfectly. On top 5 of restaurants ever visited.

Great Italian

By jjohn111 |

This is a classic spot in the city for Italian cuisine thats been around for many years and continues to be excellent. I had an olive oil and herb marinated steak and eggplant on my last trip and both were excellent. Fantastic wine list.

AMAZING❤️🍷🌟

By Misslovelygirl |

I never had any restaurant experience this Fabulous! Everything was Outstanding! We shared their eggplant appetizer and citrus salad which were amazing! My date had the veal chop and I had the Fusilli Pescatore! Both were Exceptional! My date's only complaint was there wasn't more chop because it was so awesome. The wine list, actually encyclopedia, was a bit overwhelming. That wine cellar though is a must see🍷 They had beautiful deserts. The Service was IMPECCABLE! 5 STARS ALL THE WAY⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Classic old world Italian

By maapar |

Went here for my birthday and were not disappointed. Have been here before but not for several years. We were greeted warmly and seated in a beautiful room. I had salad and fusilli calabrese with mussels, shrimp, clams and crab which I loved. My husband had the tableside prepared branzino. It is truly an art to filet this and fun to watch. The wine list is a huge book with labels on each page. The waiter helped us pick a suitable wine. This is a great place for special occasions.

Great dinner

By Susan Y |

We were in town with friends for the Army-Navy game and were a little intimidated by how formal the dining area appeared. Staff was very friendly - and took us downstairs to the wine cellar where we were placed in the corner and could be noisy without bothering anyone. Service and food were terrific. We all had fabulous food. The wine list was ridiculously complicated and involved - and grossly overpriced . We finally found a "cheap" $60. bottle. Another Army Navy group came to the wine cellar- and we were all noisy and had a wonderful time without bothering the very sedate crowd upstairs whom we saw as we left- very quietly! Great experience.

Outstanding food and service !

By Greg C |

Stopped in for dinner with friends last weekend. We were seated upstairs and were very comfortable. Our waiter, Wilson, was prompt, attentive and anticipated our every need. Food was prepared to perfection, drinks were wonderful and everyone we encountered was professional. We'd make the 4 hour drive to Phili just so we could experience this meal again. Thank you, it was the highlight of our weekend at Penns Landing.

Amazing wine list, great food, service ok

By Pescecanne |

I spent a half hour reviewing the wine list...I picked an obscure 1997 Barbaresco worth it however the mastermind who created this amazing cellar and collection should give staff some lessons on wine handling. It was decanted obviously but shaken through the process too much. Let's not let this impact the 5 star overall rating. The wine was great...lots of sediment. We started with 5 appetizers for 4 people. The truffle gnocchi led the way. Paccheri, Penne, Gamberi/Fava, Ravioli, and Provolone followed. We liked the structure of the ravioli, however, the filling could have been creamier. Paccheri in marinara and Penne with prosciutto special sauce were very well prepared. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and Dave had great flavor...wish there were more because everyone was diving in. The gnocchi while not as tender as we are usd too were very flavorful in their black truffle butter sauce. Main courses...more pasta for the women and bistecca for two for PesceCanne. The captain meticulously trimmed the large rib eye and played two dishes with a beautiful presentation with Rosti potatoes. The owner was there and enjoying dinner with his family. While he wasn't welcoming guests, we decided to say hello and tell him how great it was. There was clearly lots of experience in this kitchen. If the rest of the house catches up, this could become # 1 in Philadelphia easily.

Excellent experience!

By Andi |

We visited La Famiglia for dinner on the recommendation of a family member and were not disappointed. The food and service were both excellent.

Awesome Italian Food

By Disney4ever86 |

My husband, daughter, and I visited La Famiglia Ristorante after a Channel 6 special that talked about La Famiglia's 40th anniversary. So we thought we would give it a try and go for their special 40th anniversary menu. The place reminds me of something out of the "Godfather." Very old Italian looking. Each one of our meals were incredible. The gnocchi with pesto was so tasteful. They melted in your mouth. The tortellini was incredible too. The chicken with the Marsala sauce was wonderful. However, the rum cake was they best dessert I have ever tasted. Staff was attentive and friendly. It took us an hour and 1/2 to get there but well worth the drive. We are planning to go back with friends. You can park right across the street for $2.50 and hour.

very impressed

By craigpop1 |

My wife and another couple had dinner Sat night. First time there and hope to go back again. Service was impeccable. The food and the presentation of the food was outstanding . Everything was first class ..

Class

By Tradewinds5138 |

This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia. The setting and service are a step back to old Italian classy dining. Service is impeccable and food fantastic. It's Family and it's wonderful.

Excellent Italian presentation to the core.

By SuePMoorhead |

We came for a late lunch and were served graciously and with attention. It was the perfect, relaxing place to be after a medical appointment. Excellent presentation of everything which included veal, julienne vegetables, biscotti, cappuccino! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Filet at your table

By Wendy M |

We loved this restaurant! It was intimate, the staff was excellent, the food was to die for. My fresh catch of the day was fileted by hand at the tableside. The vegetables were great as was the tiramisu that was big enough for the two of us to share. very romantic.

Nice romantic atmosphere

By Rick C |

The food selection was very good and done well. Prices were a little high so this my be a good place to go for a special event like a birthday. The wine list is huge and you can visit it downstairs where the restrooms are located. The service was done just right. They de-boned our fish rifgt at the table.

Happy Anniversary

By Dendoo |

Wife of Dendoo writing this review. My husband surprised me with a luncheon reservation at this restaurant to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.The day was a week day and rainy so the restaurant was rather quiet. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the servers were most attentive. My husband picked pasta fagiole (soup) for first course, followed with salmon and I had rigatoni with meat sauce followed with salmon. You could tell all the food was cooked fresh and it was delicious! They also had a very extensive wine list. When the servers learned it was our anniversary, they presented us with a delicious dessert at the end of our meal. The restaurant is off the beaten path, but well worth searching for it. The lunch certainly left us with a wonderful memory of Philadelphia and my thoughtful husband.

Fabulous Food! Great Anniversary Celebration!

By Patricia I |

My husband and I chose La Famiglia to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary and we are very glad we did. The service was attentive and the good delicious. We began with the special ravioli of the evening as an appetizer then followed with a veal chop for my husband and Vitello al Pistacchio for me. The veal melted in my mouth! The sommelier recommended a Valpolicella Ripasso wine that complimented our dinners perfectly. My husband had the ricotta cheesecake topped with bananas that he said was out of this world. Yes, this restaurant is expensive BUT IT IS WORTH THE PRICE! We would HIGHLY recommend La Famiglia to anyone visiting Philadelphia who are looking for an extraordinary experience!

Overrated

By Margo545454 |

We really wanted to love this place and waited a long time to try it. Unfortunately we felt it was truly overrated. The wait staff was terrible - either too attentive like trying to clear plates and glasses before we were done, or not attentive enough like asking us if we'd like another drink after we were done or a coffee refill with dessert. The food was fine - just fine. Nothing exceptional at all - in fact the veal special was very dry. For the money this place should be phenomenal but it definitely wasn't. We won't go back.

Still fabulous after all these years

By Barry W |

This was one of my all time favorite restaurants over 10 years ago. Returning last night I found it to be still worthy of my fondest memories. My wife had never been but now she understands why I always rated La Famiglia so highly. We were equally impressed by the food, the attentive service and the old world atmosphere. Though they cater to many regulars, each guest will feel like an old friend nor will you feel rushed. The total experience is elegance. We shared a small portion of the seasonal specialty of ravioli filled with duck in an apple wine reduction which was marvelous. In addition to a salad, we had entrees of veal chop and lamb chops and desserts. The portions of each course were delicious but not abundant. This allowed us to eat several courses with feeling engorged. This restaurant has one of the finest wine cellars you will ever visit (and you WILL see it downstairs). We will be back again, You will return.

If You Like the Twentieth Century, You Will Love this Place

By Gem1920 |

Old style ambience, old style service, and old style dining. All a positive in my book. Wonderful food. Somewhat funky wine list, very extensive. Highly recommended.

Lovely dinner

By NancyGail |

Food was really good. Salmon with capers and brandy cream sauce was delicate and a nice generous portion. Gnocchi was excellent and substituted red sauce for cream sauce. Stuffed sliced chicken was interesting and tasty. Veal dishes were really good. Loved the bruschetta that was brought to the table complimentary. Dessert was great. Tried the napoleon, chocolate mousse and lemon sorbet. Easy to get an Uber to pick up from restaurant.

excellent food

By CMM-LA |

this is the second time I've been here. it's on the expensive side but the quality of the food and the service is excellent. portions are not huge so go ahead and order a couple of courses. wine list is on the pricey side but wide ranging.

Amazing start for 2016.

By bruno m |

Say goodbye to 2015 with some great friends of mine in this Amazing Institution Ristorante La Famiglia. dinner was something to remember fantastic we all loved what we got the Veal Chop was the best I ever had , polipo alla sena was amazing, the wine like usual I made Giuseppe the owner for recommendation ,another great pick. so this was a great ending of 2015. the service was great as usual and the place is class& art. this is the real thing and not the typica fly by night italian restaurant La Famiglia is an Institution where class& amazing food create magic. we will always go back.

A must visit for excellent Italian cuisine

By Lynn G |

Old world charm restaurant. Excellent food, presentation & service. Cannot fault this restaurant the food which was excellent was presented beautifully. And I have never seen such an extensive wine cellar in a restaurant.

Wonderful meal

By Alan W |

We had a wonderful meal at La Famiglia Ristorante while attending the Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia. The restaurant was recommend by the Concierge at our hotel and I take these with a grain of salt but in this instance he was spot on. The staff was friendly, the food was well prepared and very tasty. I hope to get the chance to return and visit them again!

Old World Service

By Victoria Z |

Bygone era of tableside attention. You feel like a movie star. The atmosphere is grand but not stuffy, the food is premiere Italian classics - plus first class steaks. The wine list is vastly extensive and has labels to help you recall dimly remembered bottles from the past. The main thing, however, is the gracious, extraordinary and most welcome level of service. So rare in this age. We were with a big, rather disparate and somewhat raucous group. Still they made us feel like treasured and valued patrons. Lovely.

Exquisite

By Mike B |

We live in Boston where the North End neighborhood is justly renowned for its outstanding Italian fine dining. Our standards are therefore very high and La Famiglia surpassed them. We started with a wonderful soup of chicken broth with chopped spinach and tortellini. I had a veal chop that was delicious and very tender. My wife had large tortellini with a seafood filling (triangoli di granchio) which was spectacular. The cheesecake dessert was exquisite. Service was attentive, portions satisfying, cocktail and wine generous. atmosphere pleasant, prices appropriate to value.

Fabulous Italian Gem

By Dianne D |

This was a wonderful restaurant experience! The atmosphere and the food and the service were all impeccable! It was a memorable meal with friends. We were all equally impressed with everything. It was a relaxing and delicious dinner.It was a quiet and elegant place. It was a bit expensive but worth every penny. The wine rooms downstairs are worth seeing. They have over 15,000 bottles of wine. The wine list is an inch thick book. They also have a cheat sheet for those who don't want to read the whole list. We had the carpaccio which was wonderful.The veal medallions were outstanding with lemon.I would definitely go back to this restaurant when in Philadelphia. Great Place!

Flawless Evening Dinner

By Stephen F |

This is a place for the finest food and service in a small refined setting in Philadelphia. We have had the opportunity to dine here on may occasions and have never been disappointed, whether for just the two of us or entertaining. The Branzino is a specialty not to be missed although the veal chop is a close second. If there is such a thing. Wine list is sensational, and the service superb. Don't miss this one.

Underwhelmed

By Peggy A |

We were referred by our concierge at the Marriott. We arrived and waited over 15 minutes before our waiter appeared although there were only 5 tables occupied at 8 pm. Both of our pastas were overdone and the sauces were heavy and sweet. Definitely not what we were looking for!

A Roman Temple of Fine Italian Cuisine

By Roberto S |

La Famiglia Ristorante feels like stepping into a Roman temple of fine Italian cuisine in the heart of Philadelphia. From the moment you enter—with its gleaming marble floors, stunning bar, and Renaissance artwork—you feel transported. The service is impeccable: never rushed, always attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and the exceptional wine list. I had the Penne alla Famiglia, easily the most flavorful pasta dish I’ve ever tasted, followed by a salt-crusted branzino expertly filleted tableside—absolutely divine. The tiramisu was the perfect finish: light, balanced, and not too sweet. A flawless dining experience.

Great special dinner place!

By Leon B |

Service was top notch and the food was superb! The salmon was perfectly cooked and the scallops and shrimp with house made pasta was awesome - have to admit to cleaning the sauce from the bowl with the homemade bread. Definitely will go there when we are in Philly again! Make it a point to go downstairs and see the huge wine cellar.

What an amazing delightful meal!

By BillLeighty |

My wife and I had a sumptuous meal at La Famiglia this evening. Every aspect was well done. The appetizer started the meal and raised expectations, which were met throughout the evening. Fantastic evening experience.

Philadelphia’s Greatest Hidden Gem

By Joshua |

We have been coming here for over 10 years and have not once had an experience that was not superb. The service, both intimate and professional, is only rivaled by both the high caliber dishes inspired from the owner’s hometown and family restaurant in Italy and the extensive wine list. Coupled with the lively ambiance and upscale decor, La Famiglia is truly Philadelphia’s best eateries.

Surprisingly good

By Terence M |

This place exceeded our expectations. The room is very attractive and comfortable, The staff is very friendly and attentive. They are proud of this place. The food was very good and somewhat innovative. The waiter recommended a special pasts which was superb. My wife and I had different veal dishes which were both very tasty. Go downstairs to see the wine cellar. Ask for the Wine Book, not the Wine List. Their selection of Italian wines was amoung the best I have seen in this country. The wine steward (one of the family0 was very knowledgeable without being pretentious. Most Italian restaurants in this country are lucky to carry one grappa. Thus place has a grappa list. Enough said

Italian Fine Dining at it's BEST

By Amanda B |

I cannot say enough positive things about this place. The service was impeccable. The food was delicious. It was a very romantic atmosphere with taper candle on the table and wine suggestions from the manager was terrific. We felt very welcome and never had to lift a finger. Make sure to see the wine cellar downstairs! Phenomenal. Well done. Tiramisu is out of this world...save room for dessert!

Superb!

By richardhurts h |

My wife took me out for my birthday here. I said Italian and she overwhelmed me with this gem. We started off sharing the calamari. ( which is a must with me) I had the Costata di Vitello,Veal chop with porcini mushrooms, fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil. My wife got the Tagliolini ai Frutti di MareMagnifico. Mussels, crabmeat, shrimp, and clams in red or white over pasta. Both entrees were very tasty and plentiful. The ambiance was exactly what you'd expect from an Upscale Dining establishment. Our waiter was very attentive and enlightening about his recommendations with what to get on the menu. Prices are reasonable but i believe in not being cheap when going out to dinner, i'm going to get what i want. regardless of price. All and all a wonderful experience, highly reccomend and can't wait to go back!

A corner of Italy in Philadelphia

By Luca S |

Restaurant absolutely up to expectations. Really quality food, cooked and served well. We had three first courses and a dessert. Friendly staff, present but not intrusive. Definitely to recommend.

A place to take a cousin you have not seen for a while.

By Julian M |

The Sena family keeps on working like the Energizer Bunny. They just keep doing it the right way and the food is still worth coming for.

Wonderful Food

By Gary P |

Great food, great service..a MUST when in Philadelphia. Love places like this. Thank you so much from the Parker's from Okc

Spectacular

By boomertraveler54 |

Beautiful old world Italian ambience. Excellent service. Every dish we had was delicious. Octopus with polenta cake - crispy on the outside and soft and moist inside, with porcini sauce, eggplant layered with mozzarella and mushroom truffle mouse, penne with caramelized onion and prosciutto. pappardelle with porcini tomato sauce and halibut on a bed of fennel. I can't recommend this place enough.

Anniversary Special

By Richard C |

My wife and I went here on the recommendation of the concierge at the Marriott. The place doesn't look like much from the outside, but it had a nice, cozy feel inside. This visit came during Restaurant Week, and my wife and ordered off the specials menu. Both meals were excellent, but the best of it was the gnocchi apptizer -- perhpas the best gnocchi we have ever tasted. The dessert also was terrific. Best of all, the special prices meant we could have a very nice night out for something less than a fortune ... not always easy in a big city.

Just the right amount of old and new

By Steve O |

Went here with a work colleague looking for an authentic Italian experience and left completely satisfied. Food was excellent, service was old school and the place looked like something from a scene in The Godfather. I loved it. Not inexpensive , especially for a business trip dinner, but if I lived in Philly I would come here for any special occasion.

THE BEST!!!

By 299michaele |

This is fine dining at its best. Gaetano was our waiter and did a tremendous job.The wine list is endless. You cannot go wrong here!

Excellent Italian Restaurant

By larryderm |

What a delight to be able to dine again at La Famiglia, even if it is on Front Street. The food was excellent, the pricing better, and the service great.

Perfect place for our group of 6

By KittyF309 |

We had a wonderful experience at La Familglia, on a warm summer Tuesday night. Our preference for this size group or larger is always a round table, which we feel is more conducive for conversation. They quickly converted a square table to a round, and helped the evening get off to a good start. Five out of six of us ordered the pistachio crusted veal with cranberries, and it was perfection. The owner was very friendly and accommodating.

Do you remember romantic,quiet, and wonderful service

By CaptainMo1 |

If you like this combination you are in for a treat!! Just finished the most wonderful dinner in a quiet romantic old charm decor restaurant. The service was over the top but certainly not pushy this is the nicest we'll run dining room that I have experienced in a long while. The food was also top notch. I wish I could bring this restaurant back to palm beach with me

Awesome Authentic Italian

By Kevin M |

Dining here is like a Rat Pack experience. Very pricey but worth every penny. Ambiance is old school Italian. Wine list is massive. Menu incredibly extensive. I was here with my wife and 2 other couples and everyone had an entrée that was exquisite. Stuffed calamari appetizer was fantastic. I had potato gnocchi with truffle for my entrée and it was the best gnocchi I ever had. Loved the service. Don't miss the wine cellar in the basement when you are here.

A good start, but not living up to expectations

By troglodyte |

We want to eat at the "10 best restaurants in Philly", this season and have to fight the traffic driving up from Delaware. La Famiglia was easy to find, as well as a parking spot across the street, and was a very pleasant surprise in its elegance and old world charm. It is as if one were stepping into a nice restaurant in Rome. The decor is elegant, with maroon marble floors and the walls padded to dampen noise. Tables are set nicely and waiters in dark suits bustle about and everybody greets you cheerfully. There is a huge bar on the right when entering. There is no foyer. Presentation of food ist very lovely, so are all the accoutrements. However, the food itself was spotty. There was a complimentary bruschetta, which was tasty, the bread/rolls were average, my husband’s appetizer of Burata cheese, sorrounded playfully by small roasted red pepper and a pesto design, was very good, but, he would have enjoyed a little more of the roasted pepper. My appetizer of pulpo with black olives was a disappointment. The sauce was good, the pulpo cut so small, it was hard. The waiter was very accomodating in offering to have the chef prepare veal piccata for my husband, his favorite, which was not on the menu. That came to the table, for his taste, rather too thick, and was missing lemon slices and capers, but had a lovely sauce. My fusilli with clams and mussels, was a great disappointment. As I did not want a soup plate full of pasta, I had ordered the smaller size, and it came as buccatini with the tiniest clams and mussels ever seen on earth. They were an embarrassment and in no way comparable to the many pictures shown online. The sauce was very good though. The Italian white wine was wonderful. They come around and ask you …….and my husband tells the truth. We were given one complimentary dessert which was the zuppa Inglese and out of this world. My napoleon, was a variation of the standard version, but also great. Coffee was good too, presented with little biscottis. So, all in all, I would like to return and see what another meal would hold in store, when I follow perhaps their suggestions or ask more questions in advance.

Great place for a group

By Jennifer H |

We made last minute reservations for a group of 10 people. They sat us in the wine cellar. Food was excellent. Our server was Italian and was attentive but not intrusive. Wine list is ridiculously extensive. The book looks like the Guttenberg Bible. Highly recommend.

Top notch Italian

By jeff315 |

Exceptional meal, exceptional service. Quiet and very comfortable yet elegant and tasteful. A bit expensive but you get what you pay for. Worth a bit of travel to eat here.

Mmmmmmmm

By Rachel |

Unbelievable taste in every bite. Enjoyed a business dinner here with arugula salad, mozzarella and tomato, flight or homemade pastas with melt in your mouth gnocchi with pesto, bronzino, and flight of desserts. Cappuccino and espresso. The owner Giovanni checked on us to make sure we enjoyed (definitely, oh yes!) everything and offered us all homemade limoncellos on the house!! Extensive wine list and impressive cellar downstairs. WOW. Do not miss this experience. Will definitely be going back with my family!!

First time. VERY nice

By David G |

We were taking another couple out. It was a special night. The wait staff was appropriately formal and accommodating and not rushing us at all. The wine list if your into very deep wine lists was amazing. It's not a few pages it's a 5 inch thick book. And take a walk downstairs even if you don't need the rest room to see the wine cellar. 🍷. And the food. Veal chops were 9/10. The wrapped chicken was also great as was the Chilean sea bass in brandy cream sauce. One caution not about the restaurant. Parking nearby is slightly expensive $25 for 3 hours and the parking enforcement if you get a legal meter spot is unrelenting.

People,Food and Wine

By Colin M |

As some of you know, when I review a Hotel or Restaurant, I am inclined to look at the People or better known as Staff. I was advised by Sean, the Concierge at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, that I would enjoy the noted La Famiglia Ristorante for ambiance, food and most of all the elaborate wine list. In town for business, I ventured to this Penns Landing location for a reservation. I had one of the most enjoyable and relaxing dinners after a busy day of work, as I have ever had. The Restaurant is a very subdued but elegant setting that sets the stage for a perfectly timed leisure dining event. From the greeting and seating to departure, the Staff has their timing down to perfection. Nothing is done in haste, and yet the Staff is absolutely tuned into the pace that each guest would like set. The Wine list is the largest selection of Fine Wines that I have ever seen, and enjoying an excellent Alois Lageder Pinot Grigo thru the evening, kept me relaxed but attentive to what was happening. The Antipaste selection of Rolatini di melenzane or rolled eggplant with fresh mozzarella and truffle mousse served in a light cherry tomato sauce, was outstanding and as I like my Italian offerings, light. Try the Penne alla Famiglia as a appeitizer instead of Entrée, and then go for the Vitello con vino rosso, Veal Medallions topped with ovoline mozzarella in a shallot ,star anise and red wine sauce, again a light as a feather. One of the nicest 2 and 1/5 hours of out of town dining I have had in Philadelphia in many years. You cannot miss at La Famiglia and I look forward to my visit next month.

Overrated

By ZZdiner |

Service extremely slow 40th Aniv menu no bargain; portions small, no meat in antipasto, chicken at 10.99 not even tender; drinks very expensive. My advice - SKP

Superb Food

By Fuzzbubble_123 |

Ate in here with the good lady recently, the food was cooked and presented well, the choice was excellent including vegetarian options, the waiter was in fine form also, the decor inside was a refreshing change to all the modern minimalistic places out there, this place felt quite homely.

Felt right at home

By patandrob2015 |

My family and I had a most enjoyable birthday dinner this Saturday night and can't say enough about the perfectly prepared recipes. Every meal was cooked to perfection! But what makes this establishment stand out from the rest is the staff. Each and every person, from the host/hostess, to the wait staff and runners, went above and beyond to accommodate our party and make everyone feel right at home. They made the birthday very special indeed(they even sang with us)! One slight critique..maybe they could add a few wine selections that are a little more affordable. Did not see any that were under $40-$50. Even by the glass there was a hefty mark up. Other than that it was a wonderful evening! Will definitely return!

Delightful and delicious

By SouBru |

While I was not sure that this would be such a great restaurant I realize I only based that upon it’s location and outside appearance. Truth is, walk past the doors and enter an elegant marbled Italian masterpiece with impeccable service and delicious food. This is 5 star service. Attentive wait staff that is ever present but never intrusive. A wine list that initially appears overwhelming but shortly unfolds like an easy read with assistance from well educated and informed sommelier. And the food, served with perfection, presented with care, delicious and savory. The servings are sized to allow you to fully enjoy the meal, but not get full, leaving room for the next course. This restaurant is upscale, and I would suggest a blazer or sport coat, but well dressed casual works. This is a restaurant that is well worth the investment. Special occasion, business dinner or just a nice relaxing and enjoyable experience, La Famiglia has it all.

Top notch Italian

By M3703QA |

We were working downtown Philly and staying at the Hilton. The front desk mentioned this was close by and excellent. We were in that morning as didn’t have reservations until later in the week. As a result, we just walked over, without a reservation. The team at La Famiglia was VERY gracious We were early, so not a huge crowd, yet. It was a Monday night and we were sat almost immediately. After an amazing ravioli , crab meat appetizer, we decided on our meal. I️ had Penne Pasta and my guest had a Ravioli with seafood. They “split” the dishes so we could each enjoy half a main course. Again, very gracious as they actually brought out four small plates. The food was amazing and our bill , with tip, under $100. We didn’t drink alcohol, but I still believe this was an amazing value, considering the upscale nature of the restaurant . I️ would recommend and return.

Unique Restaurant and delicious food

By glrailey |

Wonderful Italian Food, Close to hotel, great ambience, service could not be better and you have to see their wine cellar!!

Old World Outstanding

By IluvSIC |

La Famiglia is elegance lost from a time where dining out was an event not a sport. The waiters wear black and white, long tapered candles decorate each table and there's no rush to "turn the table". My veal chop and my spouses lamb chops were outstanding as was the soup of the day "artichoke and onion". The burrata was creamy and sweet and our cocktails were perfect. I can't say enough good things about this old world Italian restaurant. We will definitely go back and try some of their other dishes. Thank you for a very pleasant evening.

Great food

By Chrissyshea2 |

I just had dinner here for my grandmother's 80th birthday it was also resterent week I started off with a excellent eggplant appatiser it was delicious another member in are party had a gnocchi appatiser it was awesome I have a beef dish for my main corse stuffed with spinach the deserts were awsome the staff was wonderful check out the wine cellar it was nice to see the different types of wine

sensational Italian

By Kirk E |

La Famiglia is one of Philly’s more storied restaurants, with atmosphere worthy of the Godfather trilogy and one of the best menus in town. Branzino and gnocchi are the house specialties here, both of which were sampled to audible satisfaction by our party of four. The bruschetta starter may have been the best we ever tasted, with perfectly textured bread. Waiters wear formal black and make a specialty of personal service and possess a gift for knowing just what wines to pair with the meal.

About a 3.6

By Mark R |

Maybe I'm just too picky when it comes to food, especially when some of the best restaurants are right here in Philadelphia. The city is packed with excellent chefs, serving flavors, with quality products, that makes for a foodie paradise. Yes, La Famiglia has excellent service. The atmosphere is very nice and it has been here for many years. It's what is going on in the kitchen and bar, that is questionable. I ordered a Saphire and tonic while looking at their very extensive wine book. What I got, isn't what I ordered - maybe they left out the gin or substituted something else. Make sure the drink you ordered is what you get, or send it back. I did. We both enjoyed our appetizers, though my shrimp in garlic sauce wasn't anything special. My husband ordered the filet with a wine reduction sauce. The filet was nicely cooked, but the sauce was too sweet. I ordered the lamb chops. There were four, tiny chops about 1/4 inch in thickness, coated with a brown gravy. This was nothing to write home about. The desserts were served on a tray, and you were able to choose from the many choices. La Famiglia is not known for their baked goods. Again, the service was excellent; the chef and bar need to sharpen their skills before we think about returning or encouraging others to visit. Happy New Year!

Elegant and formal

By Mary Jo M |

La Famiglia Ristorante was in walking distance of our hotel located in the Independence Hall district. It is a small restaurant so reservations are a must. I went with a party of seven and we probably should have dressed up a bit more for the setting. Beautiful chandelier, linen tablecloths and napkins, and a quiet setting so the whole table could talk together. For wine connoisseurs they have an extensive wine cellar - fun to go downstairs and just see all of the bottles of wine. The pasta dishes were fabulous and everyone enjoyed their meal. Very attentive staff and this is a great place for a special dinner.

Overpriced for the quality of food and experience overall

By Lui C |

Place, it seems to be a classic with old fashion deco, maybe that's the nostalgic idea of people visiting with market focused on retired or closed to people. Food, I love enjoying food and having experiences with flavors, a place with this prices should have at least a decent bread and not that of supermarket... Plates are simple, not from fresh ingredients (as supposed) by the price, the worst is that an Italian place is expert on pasta, here is not the case they need better quality pasta and knowledge on al dente. Service, they are gentile while is not half full. During my visit they had a large table and where getting crazy, more than 5 minutes to take out of table our plates after we finished the main course, waiting for having dessert other 5-7 minutes.

To expensive for the quality

By Inspire660396 |

The deco is ok and we were sitted in the wine cave, so not in the main hall but that was not the problem. Our pasta wasn't enough and I had for example the "pasta special"-> pasta not homemade and the quality was not even everage. The price for our whole dinner was to expensive and for the quality! It's better to search another italian restaurant in old philly.

Superb food and service

By midwestfran |

If you want to have genuine and fresh Italian food, look no further than here. The menu offers many specialties and are expertly prepared and plated. Every table was full, however we did not feel rushed. All of the food is cooked to order and the pasta was made fresh. They have a wonderful wine selection and make sure you visit the wine cellar which is in the basement where the restroom rooms are located. Very impressive. Don’t pass up desert which you will see the offerings presented on the desert cart which is brought table-side. They don’t mind if you share either.

Grateful to Be Accomodated

By LuckySpivey |

We had a group of 10 we needed to find last minute Saturday night reservations for and they made us feel as though this had been set up weeks in advance. The food was all good - the fish of the day was exceptional. We appreciated the service we received.

Pleasant Surprise

By Mngmc |

Our family got stuck in Philadelphia because of a snow storm. We were looking for a quick meal and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at La Famiglia. The ambiance was warm and cozy on a very cold night. The staff was elegant, attentive and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious and the desserts were to die for. We will definitely be back again.

Really good food. Excellent service

By ldiastx |

Went here with a group of adults and kids to celebrate one of he kid's birthday. The menu was a bit 'adult' at first glance but the wait staff was quick to announce that the kitchen was flexible to serve to order any kind of pasta and sauce to our group. If it was not on the menu, please ask and the kitchen could probably accommodate the request.

Charming!

By jaded-eye |

Delightful true Italian reststaurant down near the river. The staff is very good. The food was great! Get the Bronzino if it's on the menu! Wine and dessert great!

WONDERFUL!!

By Vincetta L |

My husband, daughter and I dined during Restaurant Week. We sat at a table on the second floor. Beautiful room. Not loud at all. The service was EXCELLENT without being overbearing. Friendly waitstaff. The food was so delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. It was just enough food - not too much so we felt sick by the time we left. The wine cellar is AMAZING!! A bit pricey but so worth the $$. We are most definitely returning.

Don't believe all the reviews you read

By poipupup |

4 of us new to the area we chose this restaurant from the online reviews. The Maître d highly recommended Amicone at $70 a bottle, similar to Amerone but half the price. I had the crab filled ravioli with eggplant gravy. The Ravioli tasted like it had been frozen and my girlfriends chicken piccata she said tasted like old dried out chicken like it had been frost bitten. Restaurant was not busy, surprisingly since it was rated so high. The wine was good, however during the dinner we googled this particular wine and found it on line for $11.98 a bottle!!!! Same year same vineyard. What a scam this restaurant is, so be aware of the reviews you read on line.

Authentic Italian Restaurant

By ViviCharlotte_NC_USA |

Great food, incredible wine list, and good service. The special was branzino fish. It was prepared, deboned and served at the table, and it was awesome! The restaurant is small and charming.

Beautiful food and good but expensive wine

By Barbara W |

I took two friends there for dinner on the recommendation of the concierge at the hotel where I was staying. We had a good table in the window and beautiful food. The wine was, we felt, really expensive with most starting at $140 per bottle. The waiter recommended a red at $60. This turned out to be very acceptable. We felt the service was a little slow but we were also lucky to get a table at short notice on a Saturday night. I would certainly go back to this restaurant if I am ever in Philadelphia again.

5/5

By DoctorVincenzoVonCueBall |

7.28.18 I was born in Philly a few blocks from here. Never knew this was here so a pleasant surprise. Bread Sticks 5/5 Salad 5/5 Beer Cold 5/5 Veal with Crusted Pistachio Nuts 5/5 Pasta Penne Famiglia 5/5 Desserts 5/5 Service 5/5 Manager 5/5 Cleanliness of Bathrooms 5/5 Wine Selection 5/5 over 10,000 bottles in stock Only item I thought was weak was the quality of the Italian Bread 🥖 This is a winner! the Doctor Hit me with some BIG LOVE ❤️💕 and a helpful VOTE!

40 year nostalgic.YES!!!!

By emraf09 |

Have never been here before but saw info on our local news and made a reservation on Open Table right away.. Wow!! Loved the 70 prices and the food was soooo good ! We started with the tomatoes and onions appetizer and the gnocchi with pesto. Both were excellent. Our entrees were the Vitello Papa Sena and the Gamberi Alla Famiglia. Both entrees were absolutely delicious and the portions, although small were just right for us . Because the prices were so reasonable we had wine and shared a dessert. This is definitely a place to go for a special occasion and the service is probably the best I have ever had in Philadelphia ! Will go back again but probably can only afford their lunch menu!

Best restaurant in Philadelphia

By Helaine B |

The food and atmosphere at this restaurant is the best is Philadelphia. The service is top notch. If you love fine wine this will be your favorite restaurant too. Be prepared for an expensive dinner but worth every penny. Everything is fresh and delicious. Don't miss anything from appetizers to dessert. The Bronzino prepared table side was perfect but don't miss a taste of home made pasta either. This is a special occasion place and a treasure in this city of fine dining.

Exceptional!

By pallidin11 |

Wonderful, traditional Italian food and atmosphere! Best we've had since Italy. Every dish was excellent, service, too.

Great dinner

By Paul B |

Attentive, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff. Stupendous wine list. We had veal special and chicken from the menu, great martinis, carpaccio app and a delightful Italian wine. All were absolutely terrific. Atmosphere is cozy. Just a delightful restaurant.

Absolutely top class Italian!

By TKrieg |

We visited this restaurant for a pre-event dinner. It was a long way from our hotel but I am glad we made the effort down Market St. The wine list has to be seen to be believed! Great range of US and world wines. Food was perfect, good choices and well prepared. Based on our table experience, listen to your server! He knows what's good! We will be back.

All around great experience

By Ritch |

We heard about the 1976 pricing and decided to try it. Great "old school" restaurant. The wine list is the size of the Manhattan phone book. The mussels in red sauce were the best I have ever had, Entrees were super. Try the wheat pie for desert. Service could not have been better. Many diners appeared to be regulars. Get dressed a little better and enjoy this place.

Best Meal we had in Philly, and there's a lot of good food!

By OklahomaMomOf3 |

Excellent Fish, Lambchops, Italian version of sushi, antipasto, creme carmel and red wines. We ate in the wine cellar with a group of about 12. It was private and worked well. Service and food were fantastic.

Not Quite the Best!

By jknows |

Service was excellent. Wait staff was attentive and pleasant. A little put off by the 10lb wine list. No suugestions by wine guy. The bottle we ordered was very good. Stared with Eggplant Rollatine which was OK. Pasta portion was OK and lumps of veal in a brown sauce were On. Suace was very good though. The best part of the meal was a large golden orb of flan surrounded by a nicely sedated sauce. Expresso was hot and tasty. Won't go back a second time. My expectation based on their own promos was that this was the best Italian Restaurant in Philadelphia. It aint.

Excellent as usual.

By bruno m |

Went for dinner with some good friends and the dinner was great as always. The service was something that you only experience in a great restaurant. This is a Real Italian Restaurant and not just a make Believe one. The room has a great sound proof walls,you can have a conversation with no problem, the wine list is 100 pages long and the all dinner was Amazing. what can i say Ristorante La Famiglia A+

Birthday dinner for my husband

By Joanne G |

My family and I went to La Famiglia on 7/5/17 for my husband's birthday. We did the Nostalgia menu. There were many items to choose from. The portion sizes for the Nostalgia menu were very nice. Everything that we had was delicious!! I definitely will be returning.

great service but an average meal for a high price

By flyn318 |

We ent to this restaurant in the early 80s and remember as just a wonderful meal.This time not so wonderful.The restaurant is on front street where there is a lot of construction.The restaurant is somewhat elegant,clean with an amazing wine cellar.We shared an appertizer of shrimp 4 large pieces total,with fava beans,It was very good,not exceptional and overpriced,My wife had bronzino baked with salt and the fileted expertly at the table with a sauce.It was okay but I make it better at home.I had a veal chop over rice with mushrooms and a light sauce.Sounds good?Nothing special as the chop was medium size had a funny flavor as the mixture of wine and mushrooms was not in connection.For $38.00 this was a poor choice.We shared a desert of a chocolate moose which was good.Overall too much talk and not enough action.The bill was very high.Very disappointed.

Another Excellent Dinner.

By bruno m |

Celebrating a Friend Birthday you always have to pick the Best Restaurant. Giuseppe the Owner send to our table a real Italian Antipasto ,Amazing, we all got Polipo alla Sena ( Octipus in San Marzano Cherry Tomatoes, Main Course Branzino a Mediterranean Fish my friend got an Amazing Veal Chop and other friends got Home made Gnocchi. dessert The real Millefoglie no one can make that dessert like La Famiglia. the service as usual impeccable the Restaurant is an A+. If you ever want to experience something Great this should be your choice Ristorante La Famiglia. We will be back Again & Again...

Excellent Italian in Philly’s Old City

By daigdude |

We enjoyed an excellent dinner and service. Traditional Italian menu, with an extensive wine list. My party ordered the rigatoni a la Famiglia, salmon, and the fruta di Mari- all excellent. Do check out the wine cellar in the basement - very impressive.

Good meal, great service.

By pghtransplant |

Went here on the recommendation of our concierge. My wife, daughter and I all enjoyed the meal. The smoked provolone appetizer was very good, and all three entree’s were very good. We had the halibut, Paccheri and Penne. Amazing wine list and the drinks from the bar were spot on.

Quiet, Romantic New Years.

By Patti B |

We had an early New Years dinner here( 2015) and it was Delicious. The atmosphere was delightful, you could have a comfortable conversation during dinner. The Lobster ravioli, veal chops and deserts were all excellent. It had been 29 years since I first ate at this wonderful Philadelphia institution and found it even better. I will be sure to visit again when I am in Philly.

Off the beaten track, but track it down!

By Robert W |

My wife and I stumbled across this delightful Italian restaurant one lunchtime while wandering the streets of Philadelphia and ended up being the only diners that afternoon. However, the friendly staff made us most welcome and entertained us throughout our meal. I had a delicious tortellini in brodo soup as a starter followed by a plate of calamari which was simple but superb. My wife opted for tomato & mozzarella as a starter and then a pasta ragu - she devoured it though so it must have been tasty. The restaurant interior is quite plush and would make a lovely venue for a celebratory meal where you could select a nice bottle from the 3 inch thick wine list - I jest not! They have a HUGE selection which is stored in the basement and can be viewed en route to the toilets. Prices range from $45US to $8-10,000US. Try this restaurant - you will not be disappointed.

Old world charm near Old City Philadelphia

By Gene F |

You can tell that this place attracts a lot of regular customers. The owner mingled and made sure to stop and recognize these diners. The food was very good from the appetizers to the entrees. A plus here is that most of the entrees can be ordered in the smaller size. Service was spot on and the staff is well versed in the menu and specials. Everyone of them was pleasant and presented well.

Buinissimo

By MajesticM |

We had dinner at the restaurant. The food was excellent and the service great. The little extras were a very nice touch - bread, bruschetta (before the meal) and biscotti (with the coffee) and provided free. While the cost was on the more expensive side it was not over the top.

Good food but horrible service

By Vioarr |

This was like some episode of Hell's Kitchen where people are getting up to leave. The longest wait I've ever had for the main course. Was thinking about dessert but too tired to eat anything more by the time we got our food. Mediocre concern from the staff and management when we complained. How about bringing out some fee appetizers if the table is waiting 2+ hours for the main course?

Delicious Italian; Great Small Group Venue Downstairs

By Keith D |

Our business group of about twenty people reserved the downstairs dining room for lunch. The setting was quiet and comfortable with STAIRS so no ADA that I could see. The menu was set by our organization with a few nice choices. Soup was delicious and others had a salad that looked likewise. Entre choice of chicken, sole or egg plant parmesan. The sole was wonderful and the other dishes looked likewise. The dessert was a trio and all three were tasty. The service was phenomenal. Strongly recommend this venue for a small business lunch!

Old World Elegance

By Sue S |

Just the place to rekindle memories of eating well in Italy: starched white table covers, attentive waiters, elegant atmosphere, and very good Italian food. This is not a "trendy" place. We recently took friends; the decorous atmosphere allowed for nice conversation and a leisurely, well-paced meal. We couldn't believe that we had spent almost three hours over dinner. The wine cellar is worth a viewing and the selection is overwhelming. We told the owner, Lucca Senna what we looked for in wine, and he chose appropriate selections without breaking the budget.

Used to be better

By FGNYC |

Had not visited La Famiglia in years but wanted to go back because I remembered it fondly from the times I had gone. I went last night and found it has changed. I still had a good meal but the menu wasn’t very creative. There was only one special and I could have been reading a menu of any Italian restaurant. The items I ordered were good- burrata with arugula, penne with prosciutto and onions and a rib veal chop. Good food but nothing special a restaurant like the old La Famiglia menu used to be. I noticed the change immediately when they brought out complementary tomato bruschetta. Who’s serving fresh tomatoes in February? No other topping options that are seasonal? When I ordered my veal chop, I asked waiter if it was a rib chop or loin. He didn’t know and didn’t know the difference. He said it was veal. Not the same level of wait staff as they used to have. The wine list could use an update. Although I wanted a good bottle of higher priced wine, an easy find at La Famiglia, there didn’t seem to be many choices for good, more affordable options. One thing that hasn’t changed is the dessert cart. It is still filled with a great variety of options that are excellent. Glad to see that cart is still rolling around! Regrettably, there are now better options for Italian food in Philly than La Famiglia. I hope they can reclaim their status as top notch Italian by matching the inventive menus their competition offers and finding better wait staff that knows more about food. Nobody did it better than them and I think they can get back to how great they used to be.

One of my favorite Italian restaurants.

By Randy L |

One Saturday night on my way back to central new Jersey from Delaware, my daughter and I decided to see if wee could grab a bite to eat in Philly, last minute and without reservations. We called La Famiglia, and of course they were booked. When I explained that the restaurant was one of my favorites and that I was only going to be in town for a little while, she was able to fit us in! My daughter, who had never eaten there before, was glad they did! I had not eaten here in about 2 years, but was happy to see that the quality and elegance of the food was still there!! Love it.

We went for Restaurant Week Lunch

By SteveinPhilly |

This restaurant has been arounf for at least 40 years but we only go on Restaurant Week because it is pricey. This year we did lunch and it was a good value. Pasta Appetizer was excellent, So was dessert. The veal with lemon entree was a bit salty (and I like salt). Surprised I had to ASK for olive oil (instead of butter) for bread. But service was professional. And it is true Italian food

service second to none

By kildavaig |

We ate here twice on our last visit to Philly right from walking in the door the service was impeccable , the food and presentation superb. The wine list is daunting but don't be shy about asking for recommendations. we were not disappointed. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Mr Z

By KaiserFJ |

Above Average Italian at best. Over priced. Corking fee of $35 ridiculous compared to other BYOB. Not Southern Italian in anyway.

ONCE AGAIN SIMPLY THE BEST

By bruno m |

This was a great dinner with friends. just back from Italy and I can say La famiglia restaurant reminds me of my nights in Rome and Positano the menue is simple but great . i've seen many restaurants coming and going but La Famiglia Is an Institution in the city of philadelphia. some of us had the veal chop,excellent, the lamb chops also great, the branzino under salt exquisite .so don't waist your time with fake me out italian restaurant. this is a great one. the atmosphere is very elegant and the device was great. we will be back.

EXCELLENT AS ALWAYS

By bruno m |

Great dinner with some beautiful friends this was what i call a great night out . The food like always was unbelievable me and my wife order the branzino a mediterraneo fish .the presentation was very professional the taste made me believe i was in Italy.our friends loved everything the place the food the classy atmosphere,The owners Gino and Giuseppe are great host this restaurant as been always wonderful. yes I will go back with my family and Iwill Always recommended..A+

Fabulous!

By Bill W |

Have not been here for two decades.....no decrease in quality.....friendly attentive service....excellent wine choices....the insalata with arugula was delightful to start.....my entree was the veal chop which at medium rare was spot on....others described their branzino as "the best I ever had" with excellent presentation.....desserts were presented on a cart....treated very special.....would definitely return...

Second Visit!

By 299michaele |

We returned to Philadelphia for a wedding and thought we would return to La Familia while we were there. Two other couples asked to join us. All six of us were very satisfied with our meals and outstanding service! If we return to Philly we will do it again.

Excellent restaurant but issue with food consistency

By RaiDoc |

A fine dining establishment with class needs consistency in both food quality and service standards and that is how I'm writing this review. The ambiance is exemplary, the service exceptional...but the food, a little lacking; at least this one evening. I ordered Gnocchi and they came out smothered in cream and tasting of wet flour. They were sent back, but with no subsequent comment/explanation by the manager or owner. The Chilean sea bass instead was good albeit a little bland.

So good!

By Kelly S |

I happened in here while on a business trip and the setting feels like old world Europe and the food was wonderful. The servers are very attentive, my only recommendation would be to slow down service, the food came out with little to no break between courses.

Great food and great service!

By Granita43 |

As the hosts for a reunion of Vietnam veterans and their wives, my husband and I chose La Famiglia because of its good reputation (we had never dined there), its proximity to our Olde City hotel and the fact that it was Italian and therefore, quintessential Philly. Our group of 28 people had an upstairs room to ourselves, the waiter explained each course on our prix fixe menu, the food was excellent and the portions ample. The waiter billed each couple individually for their drinks and split the food bill evenly among 14 credit cards. The one problem we encountered was that one member of our group was unable to climb the stairs to the second floor and so, had to eat downstairs with his wife and another couple who volunteered to keep them company. Other than that, it was a lovely dining experience.

A Great but Pricey Dinner

By sib715 |

Only negative is limited parking and pricey $23 on a Sat. night. The food and service was outstanding. It is located in an excellent area of town. It is not a large restaurant, but has 2 floors and a very accomodating staff. The menu and wine list is varied and pricing is what you could expect from a first class establishment. I'm not familiar with most italian wines so I stayed with a Sonoma Cabernet, it was smoderately priced at $45 and very good. Make sure you make reservations, we were a party of 7 and table was awaiting us at 7:30.

Amazing Wine Selection and Attentive Service!

By chs6 |

The food at La Famiglia was outstanding. Had the Filet and Chicken and both were superb.The servers were very attentive and the wine selection huge. A step back in time in the best way. I can't wait to return!

Olde World Cusine & A Charming Atmosphere

By jmh414 |

First time in many year's to visit - went for the Anniversary Menu and it was fabulous. Beautiful decor, excellent service, the owner came by our table several times during the meal to check on us and the food was superb. Light as clouds gnocchi, creamy pasta carbonara, delicious calamari, fungi and mozzarella appetizers and meltingly tender veal dishes. We would return - highly recommended.

Anniversary Dinner

By gregd0wns |

Considered a few places in Philly for our Anniversary and came to the conclusion we were interested in a more traditional Italian meal. We went to La Famiglia and came away super impressed. Excellent service and atmosphere. The wait staff was very attentive adn the food was excellent. We enjoyed Burlata (sp?) and Rigatoni in a nice red sauce as appetizers. The red sauce rivaled any I have had anywhere, including many travels to Italy. Both were delicious and the the presentation was superb. Main courses were Osso Buco and a Fettucine dish with Sausage and a vegetable sauce which were equally as delicious. Desert was Chocolate Mousse, Cappucino and Lemoncillo. All in all a wonderful meal, great atmosphere and a fantastic evening. We will return!

Delizioso!!

By fredoflorida |

My husband and I had dinner here. Had the octopus appetizer and it was wonderful. Served in a red sauce..very tender. Couldn’t let it go until we dipped our bread in the sauce. From the chef we also had at the onset homemade breadsticks and bruschetta. We split the rigatoni, because it looked so good, and it was, had to have it. Then I had the eggplant parm appetizer and again, no disappointment. In addition, the service was impeccable. Hope to get back there.

good but used to be better

By wandaMPa |

We were here a few nights ago with friends for dinner after a hiatus of maybe a decade. I remember that La Famiglia was my all time favorite Italian restaurant in Philly. It still is, but it is not the La Familigla of the past. The service was very, very good and professional. You could have a conversation during dinner (what a concept!) because of the noise abating and absorbing aspects of the dining room. No deafening roar so typical of today's restaurants. My argument was with the ho hum nature of the entrees. The veal chop was competently prepared, but not spectacular. The salad was fresh, but bland. The special pasta was well prepared but had no complexity. I remember years ago coming here and having the best Dover sole in my life. Perhaps we've over fished the seas and those days are long gone. But gummy calamari is no substitute. It's a good restaurant and I will be back, but it is not the great La Famiglia that I remember.

This is an Institution of excellency.

By bruno m |

Had a great dinner with some close friends and once again i was amazed how a Restaurant it's being in Business for 40 years and the quality and service has never changed. excellent. The Sena family cares about their costumers. the service is like old school always smile and Professional. once again a Great night at at Ristorante La Famiglia . we will be back . 40 Years of Greatness .

Everything was homemade...even the breadsticks.

By skippypicket |

I ordered the Triangoli di Granchio...delicious. The whole experience was wonderful...you need to see the wine cellar!

Now this is Italian!!

By James W |

My wife and I were in town for a wedding, and on the trip in I told her about a fabulous Italian place where I had eaten on a quick business trip several years ago but unfortunately couldn't remember the name. Our first night in town we were strolling around and I started to see familiar looking buildings - and somehow we walked right to it! Boy am I glad; everything was top notch from the greeting we received upon arrival to the service and of course the wonderful meal. Rest assured that from now on this will be my "go to" place in Philly.

Great Italian food

By Susie K |

Be prepared to dine, not just eat. That means a 3 hour meal. Crunchy bread sticks on the table, we ordered wine which was excellent but had to ask for menus when most of the wine was gone. Food all made to order, and I asked for an appetizer (smoked mozzarella) without any mushrooms even though the mushrooms were a big part of the dish and they had no issue with that. Everyone else was happy with their salad or appetizer as well. Pasta can be appetizer or entree portion. I had the penne with pancetta and cream sauce which was excellent, not too thick and cloying like other sauces can be. My companion had the fish special which he really enjoyed, the fish stew and scallops other choices that everyone enjoyed. All food came out hot, fresh and at the same time. For desert the flan custard was excellent—I usually don’t order as you can get it anywhere but was really good, just the right temperature and with sugar sauce. The apple cake was also really nice but you have to like nuts. The wine list impressive, bathrooms are downstairs but for having to make the trip were clean and well lit

Last day of restaurant week

By 521Markdb |

This was our third time. But first during restaurant week. The selections for lunch were great. The food and presentation was just as good as during regular times. Their trio of small deserts were the best. The staff was extremely friendly and very attentive to everyone's needs. This is a great place to enjoy great food.

Average and over priced

By bigstarru |

The ambiance in the restaurant was very nice, but the food was average. We got appetizers (burrata, arugula salad, calamari, carpaccio) which were pretty good, the for entrees we got pasta that was very average.

Amazing a must visit

By Aish D |

Beautiful food and it’s definitely worth visiting. Some of the best food I had in all of America! A must visit if you are near!

Delicious meal, excellent service, and wonderful Italian music in the background

By Beth_McD05 |

My friend and I had gone to the African American Museum in Philadelphia and then stopped for hot chocolate at Shane's Confectionery before our dinner at La Famiglia. It is Restaurant week, so we had the prix fixe menu. The meal was quite delicious and our servers were so attentive. I had the Vitello alla Mandolese and it was wonderful. The dessert was a sample of three desserts. My friend and I had a lovely evening and La Famiglia was the perfect way to end a lovely day!!

Cozy Italian restaurant

By Jennifer W |

Stopped in and was seated very quickly. Had a lot of the specials! Delicious! Ate the fresh Mozarella and tomatoes! Delicious! I had the fish and it was superb! There is a beautiful wine cellar downstairs. You could tell this was a local place to eat!

Spectacular Wedding Reception

By Cheryl D |

We held our wedding reception for 75 at La Famiglia in the upstairs Banquet Room and it was everything we hoped for. The food and staff were incredible and our guests raved about both. We loved the intimacy and character of the room and the restaurant. I can't say enough about the food. We have dined in the restaurant and it was every bit as good at our reception. The staff is the most accommodating and thoughtful I've come across. They did everything they could to make a beautiful evening!

EXCELLENT RESTAURANT WEEK LUNCH!!!

By Jacqueline M |

Soft music and a pleasant waiter greeted my date and I as we entered this classic Philadelphia restaurant noted for fine Italian cuisine. It didn't disappoint in any way. The warm friendly atmosphere proved to be the perfect setting for a delectable lunch during the recent "Philadelphia Restaurant Week". My order of Linguine Alla Bolognese (sauce on the side as per my request) was cooked to perfection and went well with the unlimited warm bread that can be reordered at will. My date's order of Soglio Alla Florentine was tender, sweet and consumed with great relish. Our waiter had warned us beforehand to leave room for dessert and he wasn't kidding. Three small samples of their most popular confectionary delights were served to each of us and we had a hard time deciding which one we liked the most. I think we decided on the lemon cheesecake but you couldn't go wrong with anything you choose.

Overpriced

By mgmc2015 |

Service over the top. Lousy pour for the price! Dinner was okay, not great. Was told only available table at 5:30 or 9:00. Took the 5:30 and restaurant was empty even when we left after 7:00.

Disappointing

By Monica G |

Our last night in Philly so we decided to try a highly rated restaurant. Place is small and intimate. Service was average - we felt like we weren't a priority; seemed like they were paying attention to everyone but us. Unfortunately I didn't like my entree ( waiters recommendation). He knew I was pensive but the waiter said if I didn't care for it they would bring me another choice. Too bad they never asked us if we liked our entrees. They have this elaborate desert cart (sort of overwhelming as it was almost on my lap a few times) but we decided to give it a try. When they asked my husband if we wanted desert and he responded yes they whizzed the cart right by us to another table - consistent service issue. We decided to ask for our check and left disappointed.

Inconsistent

By sensable |

A very busy Saturday evening at the restaurant. The service was very slow, the waiter convinced my friend not to get the food he wanted, and the food was either delicious or inedible.

old college friend invited us to dine here

By HENRY T |

if an old college friend invited us to dine here we would have missed a wonderful meal. we had sea bass baked in a salt crust that was so well presented at table by our server. watching him open the salt crust to reveal the fish within was good for the eyes.. the fish was excellent too.. after the meal we had strawberries in balsamic vinegar that just hit the spot after the wonderful meal.

Gnocchi good, salt crusted bass great!

By Thomas I |

Excellent Italian restaurant. You are greeted with a friendly welcome. The waiter was very attentive and made good suggestions. We decided to share a salt crusted sea bass and I ordered a gnocchi. Even though the gnocchi was very good, sea bass was excellent. Flavors were subtle and did not overwhelm the fish. Finally, the flan was exquisite and the gelato was one of the better ones I've tasted outside of Italy.

Pre-wedding family dinner 05/30/24

By raybyerley |

We are in Philadelphia for the wedding of a daughter of friends of ours. They invited us to join their family for dinner the Thursday before the wedding. There were a group of 11. I had the Branzino that the restaurant said was their special fish dish ( picture attached), they prepared it, filleted it, at the table. The rest of the group had a variety of entrees and we shared several appetizers that were excellent. For dessert we shared tiramisu and chocolate mousse cake. Delicious. Well worth negotiating the road construction in front, but allow a little extra time if its still in progress!

Excellent Italian Restaurant

By larryderm |

After a lapse of many years due to living in the suburbs until now, we returned to what had been our favorite dining place. La Famiglia did not disappoint with its offering of a number of outstanding appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Our party of four either had the bronzino which was worthy of raves or a veal dish, each being well-prepared and perfectly served. Cocktails are nicely presented, as well.

Top Notch White Tablecloth Italian

By Kevin A |

I have to comment first on the wine cellar/selection. I've been to some places with deep lists (e.g. Vivere or the Windsor Court) but this place takes first place in wine. The downstairs cellar is magnificent both in size and design. But the prices are not for the faint of heart, so be prepared. The food was terrific. I had the lamb--four bones. Just perfect. The presentation and table service, and especially the maitre'd were top flight, as was my pasta second course with the truffles. If you're on an expense account and love high end Italian, this is the place in Philly.

So good - we ate there twice in 2 days!

By Rudy M |

At the suggestion of the concierge, we ate at La Famiglia our first night in Philadelphia. We were tourists in town for the the 4th of July, and our dining experience at La Famiglia was great from beginning to end. I had the homemade pasta with seafood which was wonderful, and my wife had the fresh fish special that one of the waiters masterfully filleted at our table. She raved about the butter/tomato/caper sauce and so I tasted - it was exceptional. We each had a glass of wine which could have been better, and next time we'll order a bottle from their extensive reserve. The service was the type you don't see much anymore - very attentive and on the formal side. Multiple waiters saw to it that everything went smoothly and we were well taken care of. This all added to the atmosphere and the overall experience. We loved it. We were so impressed that we went back for lunch on our last day! This time we had the fried calamari appetizer which was wonderful (we are picky when it comes to calamari). Then I had the veal in a mushroom sauce (excellent!) and my wife had the tortellini which melted in your mouth. We topped it off with cream puffs covered in chocolate sauce which were rich and decadent. Another great meal!

Excellent Italian

By jschipper2014 |

Visiting family in Philadelphia recently was the impetus to visit La Famiglia. The food was excellent, the service superb and the atmosphere friendly.

Everything we expected

By Dave G |

My wife and I took our 9 year old daughter & 7 year old son to La Famiglia in 1980. Last week we took our now 42 year old son and 13 year old grandson. The menu has been modernized a bit and the wine list is even more impressive but the impeccable service, excellent food, and delicious desserts are still there. La Famiglia manages to be classy without being stuffy. Highly recommended.

Unexpected Surprise!

By Mimi538 |

My husband and I were on our way to attend a family celebration in the North East recently and as were were loading our luggage into our car, in front of our Condo Building, we ran into our neighbor, who inquired as to our whereabouts. Upon telling him we were flying into Philadelphia late that afternoon, he suggested that we consider having dinner at his family's restaurant, La Famiglia, on Front Street. What a stoke of luck that we ran into him! The service at La Famiglia was impeccable, as was the food. The staff presented with such professionalism, absolute attention to detail, but without being intrusive in any way. Upon receiving the bill at the end, we noted that our fine wine had been comped by the establishment; yet another unexpected surprise! An additional note for the wine enthusiast, is their vast wine cellar located in the basement of the restaurant. We have strongly recommended this fine establishment to our family and friends in the Tri-State area! La Famiglia is not to be missed. We are looking forward to our next visit to this fine establishment.

Pretty Good

By JGA |

Dinner with colleagues - greeted warmly and seated quickly. Friendly staff. Excellent wine list with moderate prices across the board. Note: this is not a place to order a beer. Appetizer of toasted or baked provolone cheese was good. Entree of oversized gnocchi (portions on the smaller side) in a light white truffle sauce was a solid choice. Other diners had seafood and enjoyed it Overall, I'd rate a "very good" but not great rating. While food was good it was mildly memorable and candidly a bit stuffy from my perspective. I'd visit again and was glad we did. Rated accordingly.

Handled our larger party efficiently

By James S |

We started our as a group of six and ended up as 12. They handled this very well and didn't appear flustered by our change in numbers. Everyone enjoyed their food and the choices ran the gamut of the restaurant's offerings

Excellent service and food

By Suzanne Perry |

We had a group of 9 business associates/friends. Everything from the wine, appetizers, entrees and dessert was wonderful. Service was very accosting and attentive. Recommendations we very good.

Good Italian Food!

By jchiodo |

Overall, La Famiglia is a good place to visit for a good meal and we will be going back soon. Pros: The peach / cheese and tagliolini / seafood appetizers were both excellent; The bread served before the meal was warm with just the right amount of soft inside and crusty outside. The brushetta served before the meal was some of the best I've had. The penne / prosciutto and Filet entree's were just the right mix of al dente pasta and tasty, medium rare, meats; And the lemonciello dessert cake was to die for! And while one of the reviews I saw thought the 'bible' size wine list was a reason to give this place a bad review, we appreciate good wines and were very impressed with the sheer 'size' of the wine list. Cons: The room volume level was unexpectedly just a bit on the louder side; we kind of prefer one or two servers, and on this occasion, we couldn't keep track of who was actually responsible for our table; That probably contributed to service being just a tad bit on the slower side (i came here many years ago and the server literally wouldn't let my glass get half empty before refilling it, so the bar was set high from that previous experience; unfortunately, that didn't happen on this occasion); The Filet, while done to a wonderful medium rare and quite flavorful, came across with a slight hint that the meat might have been previously frozen and thawed and not actually full on fresh. It's worth noting, though, that NONE of the cons here are convincing enough, in our opinion, to prevent anyone from coming to La Famiglia. It was a wonderful meal and we'd certainly recommend it to others.

Disappointing.

By Tom M |

I made reservations two weeks in advance and was very excited to try this spot. My wife and I dine out quite a lot. It was a 100 mile round trip drive to get here. When we arrived there was no one inside the front door to greet us. No maitre d. Then a man, who also turned out to be our waiter, asked if we had reservations and then we were seated in the worst table in the place, all the way in the back (not a big problem, it is what it is). Once we were seated I asked the waiter for a wine or drink list. His response was just "full bar". My wife ordered a Peroni and I ordered an Old Fashioned. A few minutes later another waiter arrived with the drinks. He put the Peroni down onto the table and while putting my drink down, he slipped and the drink went flying across the table towards me. They had to remove everything from our table and replace the tablecloth. Once the table was reset, we ordered our food and a new round of drinks were brought out. I should have ordered a beer or a glass of wine, because I could barely taste any bourbon in my Old Fashioned. A few minutes later the food was delivered to our table. The food was good, but I was not blown away. After we were finished eating I asked for the check. It would have been nice if they had comped us for the first round of drinks, just for the inconvenience, but they didn't. I paid the bill and still left a decent tip, but we won't be returning. From the time we arrived until we left, it was just a very disappointing experience. C'mon guys, you can do better.

Food was absolutely delicious

By mehenkel |

The restaurant itself is clean and beautiful. The staff was wonderful. The food was out of this world. Could not ask for anything more.

Lunch during Philly's Restaurant Week

By Ursula K |

We had lunch at La Famiglia's today. It was DELICIOUS! Our waiter was very attentive and friendly. When I noticed that 2 of the items I had seen listed on the Restaurant Week website were not on the menu, our waiter asked the cook and he said he it would make it for me! How nice! Everything was yummy! Would definitely go back. It was lovely decor, also.

Old World Elegance

By Herstory_62 |

At the eastern edge of the old city longtime neighborhood favorite La Famiglia offers old world elegance, delicious food & excellent service in an intimate setting at tables covered with starched white cloths. For lunch we shared the best homemade angel hair pasta anywhere, a plate of prosciutto with olives and cheese & a mound of insalata mista. Although opera music would be more appropriate to the setting than old pop favorites, as soon as possible we look forward to returning for dinner!

Taste of Italy in South Philadelphia

By richard H |

Our favorite Italian restaurant in Philadelphia did not disappoint despite our high expectations. The place offers a cosy, elegant, comfortable personal dining experience and the food and service can compete with the best. We visited during restaurant week and did the fixe price menu which offered an excellent selection at modest prices. We had the gnocci which represents the most challenging dish for a restaurant to do well and it was light, tender and delicious. The veal was done perfectly and the risotto was perfect! The desert was only average but by then we were more than satisfied. La Familigna deserves its reputation as a Phila institution not to missed.

Best Italian food in Philly

By Navigator9389 |

A group of friends went during restaurant week. The food was delicious and portion size was perfect! The gnocchi melted in your mouth, the tenderloin was not only tender but so flavorful. The desserts were served in small portions with a selection of four. It again was the perfect size. The setting is small but not cramped...we will be returning!

Really good experience

By Sueli777 |

It is a fine dining restaurant with great service and good food. The wine list is endless and you will find lots of options. The location was in walking distance, as we're located in a hotel at Chestnut Street.

Possibly the best food experience we've had

By Richard C |

We had my 70th birthday party in the wine cellar. Tremendous atmosphere. Everything was great. The eggplant was light and super. Same for the pastas. The steak was perfectly cooked. Service was excellent and very professional. The wines are always good.

Fancy dishes ok taste

By Phenom M |

Service was really good . Polite waiters checking you all the time. Soft cream appetizer was awesome and we ordered some beef appetizer too which was good. We order bruschetta pasta in a appetizer size . Don't order! It is not special ! The main course was veal! Still I think we would have been better off ordering sea food ! Overall I might not go back here Bc of the food. the wine storage downstairs is so beautiful . I liked it.

Mama Mia!

By RPeeden |

Authentic Italian experience! Beautiful restaurant and fabulous food. Settle in, relax and enjoy the courses of foods and spirits. Delizioso!

Special Surprise

By jennstar79 |

This restaurant was a special surprise. On an anniversary weekend away in Philly. The hotel concierge recommended the place and made us a reservation. Being from central FL, my husband said "this place is kind of like Disney perfect...but Disney is fake and this is real.". It was outstanding. The food was fresh and the servers and hostess were very polite and made our dinner date enjoyable. The eggplant special was super delicious and my not so adventurous husband nearly cleaned his plate of pollo.

The best restaurant in Philly

By Cathleen M |

We moved to Philly 3 years ago after living and dining in NYC for 10 years. We've also traveled and dined in Italy multiple times. Last night we finally enjoyed the type of Italian meal and service we've been looking for in Philadelphia. The service and setting are Old World, the servers are "gentile". There was no rushing us to finish. The food and wine list and the music were wonderful. Even the coffee was superb! Just a perfect dining experience from the second we entered until we left. Bellissimo!

Worth a return trip

By MargChi |

We liked the old world atmosphere and the attentive service. Cocktails were excellent as was the arugula salad. Here is where things went south: the chicken entree w/ cranberry sauce sounded tempting. It was a very small portion which ultimately did not matter as it was, in fact, over salted and did not taste vaguely fresh. It was very disappointing. The signature pasta, however, with thinly chopped onions was amazing. We will return again for a closer look at their culinary efforts but will skip the chicken.