Ralph's Italian Restaurant Reviews

My wife and I visit 9th street at least several times a year stopping in at DiBruno's, Esposito's, Fante's, Talluto's and Sarcone's among others and always cap the trip with a meal at Ralph's. Recently, we once again made the journey and visited Ralph's early (6:00ish) on a Friday evening and were immediately seated. The service was prompt and the food excellent as usual. Highly recommend.

Food was delicious,atmoshere was great! We were celebrating and needed a larger table. Very comfortable and a lot of fun!

We dined this past Saturday night and even though they were busy as usual, it was a terrific experience. The food and service were both on point. Every dish was terrific....I really can't recommend one over another. You can never go wrong with a Veal or Chicken dish for sure. This time I actually call out the Greens & Pastina Soup as one special treat you can't miss....lots of soup and just so damn flavorful. Ralph's remains one of the highest rated restaurants in the city and with good reason. We have been going for both business and personal for decades. In fact, we'll be hosting a large group function there in 2025 as we trust Ralph's to always get it right as they do. Special shout out to JB who manages the place as the pro that he is....he really makes sure every guest is happy and we were! Thanks to everyone at Ralph's.

I was greatly looking forward to this dinner as I had heard great things about this restaurant. It was my sister's birthday and we were visiting from NYC. It was so disappointing. As an upscale restaurant, the only thing that was upscale, was the prices on the menu. It started with the basic italian bread with butter which you could get at any supermarket. Based on my waitresses recommendation, I ordered the veal parmigana with penne. The veal was tough and hard to cut and as I tried to eat it, the ends around it got harder, which is indicative of the fact that it was nuked and not cooked fresh. The pasta was bland and had very little sauce. Our waitress did not come around to ask how it was, and I guess I wouldn't have either if that were me. When the busboy came to collect the dishes, he asked me if I wanted it wrapped up since I ate very little of it. I told him no and that the food was disgusting. He never had any one come speak to me. They just brought the check. This is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the US. I expected a lot better. I literally could have had dinner at my local pizza restaurant and it would would have been so much better and so much cheaper. I felt extremely disappointed and ripped off.

I was not impressed. Went here with my family for a birthday meal. We were seated in a stuffy attic room. The only benefit was that it was quiet compared to the other rooms we passed through up the many steps to our table. Yes, it's a landmark but I can't say I was impressed by the food. My food was barely warm, when it arrived. Not sure if that had to do with where we were seated. My husband did enjoy his seafood. Not sure if that had to do with where we were seated. They do have valet parking for a charge. That was convenient. I would say that the best part of the meal was the dessert choices. All were delicious. Honestly, though, I don't think I would return.

This was our second trip to Ralph’s and we had quite a different experience this time. The service was slow, inattentive and somewhat incompetent . The food was fair. They ran out of their signature veal parm dish which was disappointing. Salads came out without dressing. We didn’t stay for dessert. We won’t be back .

Great service. Reservations made and table was available on time. Friendly staff and very efficient. Everyone loved there meal.

The placemat on the table informed my wife and me that Ralph's might be the oldest Italian restaurant in the U.S., which heightened my anticipation for the meal. My hopes were dashed when the food arrived. The chicken in the parm was not overcooked--it was just tough and the portion was small. The baked eggplant was limp and bland. Even the sauce was quite unremarkable. To add insult to injury, we left $95 lighter in the wallet. From my house in Cleveland, I am 20 minutes away from three mom and pop Italian restaurants that are better. Sorry Philly--stick to the cheese steak.

Being the oldest Italian restaurant in the USA means something .The restaurant is old school inside much like ITALY. The food was very good from lasagna , pasta vodka , gnocchi & tripe, The tripe is made by the father who is 90 years old. The only problem is parking ,I did valet.

Recently celebrated my dads birthday. We were a large group and were seated on second floor. It is a steep flight of stairs. Food was red gravy Italian,but very good. Service was excellent,we even bought our own cake. Only complaint some of the cocktails were very small. Dinner portions were huge!

Excellent service and top grade family style dinner. The Chicken Parm and calamari were incredible. Highly recommend

My gawd!!!! The best incredible Italian restaurant in town! On our last day in town we stopped by this wonderful restaurant! A local had recommended this place and boy are we happy they did. You need to eat the pasta it melts in your mouth. I am definitely coming back to this restaurant. And this history behind it is incredible.

We had an early Sunday dinner there before heading home. SO glad we made reservations -- even at 5pm it was busy and filling up. The service is friendly - -they have a full bar and a nice wine list. Food is very good and the portions are generous. It's a very comfortable place and feels like you're stepping back decades. It makes for a very enjoyable meal. Highly recommend!

Didn't have a great dining experience because there was too many things wrong and not enough right. Ordered chicken francese. It came out on a very huge plate with 2 fairly small chicken cutlets and ton of sauce covering the whole plate. This much sauce would have been okay if there was pasta on the plate along with the cutlets. I did ask for pasta, which they charge extra for, thinking they would include it with the francese sauce but instead it came in a side bowl with tomato sauce. Just about every Italian restaurant I have been to the waitress asks if I wanted the pasta with the sauce from the dish or with tomato sauce. Guess I should have asked. Just about every Italian restaurant includes pasta or vegetable when you order Chicken Francese and doesn't charge extra for it. A small bowl of pasta only costs the restaurants literally a couple of cents. The sauce on the pasta was not very good. Not quite sure why the filled the plate with so much sauce other than to fill up the space not taken up by the small chicken cutlets. I would have been okay with not getting a huge portion of chicken francese if it was tasty. What usually makes chicken francese tasty is the sauce. However the sauce was fairly bland. The chef decided to season the dish by using a lot of salt on the chicken specifically the egg batter. Chicken Francese shouldn't be salty especially the batter. They offer no refills when you order ice tea. The restaurant advertises valet parking but doesn't tell you the valet parking will cost you $15. The majority of restaurants I have gone to in the past offer complimentary valet parking. If not they would at least mention the valet parking is run by an independent company so you know it will cost you money. I am sure at some point in time in the past the dining experience at Ralph's was very good and worth spending your money at. However it seems it has just become just a point of interest in Philadelphia. If I wanted to see a point of interest in Philadelphia and not enjoy a good Italian meal I would go see the Liberty Bell.

We were walking around the Italian Market area of Philadelphia and happened upon the little gem. We made reservations for the next night (Saturday). The place was crowded but really pretty quiet despite this. The food was absolutely wonderful! None of that fancy schmancy overpric3d and overrated stuff. Just good old regular Italian Restaurant fare. My wife had the Chicken Parmesan-the best we have ever had. I had Chicken Cacciatore-it was outstanding also. One of our friends had veal that was out of this world. The spumoni and espresso were likewise excellent. The neighborhood is safe and we walked back to our hotel after the meal. If i lived there I would go to this place several times a year.

Ralph’s has been on our Philly bucket list for a while. We knew it would be a good meal with familiar old-school dishes but, since this family-owned restaurant (for 100+ years) is also a Philly landmark, we were ready for impatient waiters and a total tourist experience - like many places we stay away from in NYC. Howevah, Ralph’s is quite the opposite. From the moment we were greeted and then seated by Lauren, we found Ralph’s to be a friendly and welcoming place. The waitstaff is super efficient and eager to offer both “best of house” recommendations and personal fave suggestions. The service was consistently attentive - but never hovering - throughout the meal even as the dining room filled up. For the familiar Italian classics, Ralph’s does it to perfection. Next visit to Philly, we’re there again!

So, I arrive at the restaurant 10 minutes early and before my guests. Great, I will have a drink while I wait. But no, you can't be seated until everyone is there. I get that if the place is packed, but it wasn't even half full. Instead I am told to sit on a bench and wait, or I can go across the street to a bar owned by the same owner--huh? It is raining and I just want to relax, so I sit on the "penalty bench." I don't exactly feel welcome. After a while my guests arrive and we are seated. I had a Caesar salad that was just OK and lasagna. I think the lasagna was heated in a microwave. My guests had gnocchi (it was good but not great) and mussels in red sauce. The mussels were small but good. Overall, the food was just average, and we felt rushed, even though the place was not at all full. There are plenty of red gravy places in Philadelphia that are better and make you feel welcome. I doubt if I will go back to this one.

We enjoyed our casual late Saturday afternoon Italian dinner in South Philly. Ralph’s is a tiny old school Italian restaurant, with your typical “tile decor” on the walls and floors. Service was quick and friendly and the itty bitty wine glasses were brought to our table in no time. Food was good but the white linguini with clams was not the best I’ve ever had as there was only a handful of fresh clams among the chopped/canned clams. However, if you want good home made Italian food and are not looking for an upscale or trendy atmosphere- this restaurant is for you. Would definitely go back for some authentic ravioli with that wonderful tomato sauce!!

Nice Sunday dinner. The food is always great. It's like eating with family. Our waiter David is always a joy treats us like friends. We enjoy his service as well as his company.

Authentic crowded in close quarters to the next stranger old Italian restaurant. Service was ok, server stressed and made facial remarks after serving other tables. Food average, prices HIGH.

Seated beside the coat rack at top of stairs. Tiny table, everything was cramped as waiters constantly squeezed by us. Service was below par. Brought food out before we were finished with prior course. Food was okay, but not what I expected from all the awards posted at the entrance. Very noisy. It was a huge disappointment in every respect.

Been eating and visiting here for 50 years and was thrilled to see my entire family love their experience on this visit - not to mention everyone loved all their dishes!!

Great ambience with old world feel. Reservations necessary. Quantity of food is plentiful and enough to take some home. Appetizers calamari in sauce and meatballs fabulous. The "simple" garden salad is wonderful and extremely fresh. Our meals from the steak to the chicken or veal parm, perfect. We were seated promptly and service excellent. Will absolutely return. Use the $10 valet parking, easy to use and attendent courteous.

Ralph's has a certain old world charm and feeling of authenticity, located in the middle of a working class row home-type residential area. The entry oozes of history and we were greeted by a gregarious, smiling host. We arrived early for dinner and were seated immediately. We ordered a carafe of wine and warmed up with a loaf of bread made in the nearby bakery. Clams casino, veal parmesan, gnocchi with red sauce - all were superb with generous portions. As much as we enjoyed the historical mystique and top notch Italian food made with recipes passed down from generations, our experience was tainted and unsettling due to the attitude of the server - at best, indifferent. At worst, obnoxious. Never a smile. We did not feel welcome or appreciated as customers. I thought perhaps we just got unlucky with our server, but we overheard a waitress being borderline rude with a neighboring table. Our group of four wondered how Ralph's could survive in a blossoming Philadelphia restaurant scene with such disrespectful wait service. Complacency, perhaps. I was raised in a gritty, middle class town and appreciate how locals might be accustomed to coping with an attitude, but we were disappointed to encounter street-level servers at such a widely recognized and historically relevant establishment. There are better experiences for the money.

Incredible history with this place. Centrally located in town. Food was awesome and service was great. They offer valet parking, which is nice.

During a recent visit to Philly, my family and I had occasion to visit Ralph’s for dinner. It was wonderful. The service was quick and attentive, the food was excellent (ravioli, veal, mozzarella) and the ambiance was classic family style Italian. I’d definitely return!

We arrived in a downpour for dinner. It was worth going out to have a fabulous dinner of mussels, veal and chicken livers followed by a wonderful chocolate cake. A small intimate family restaurant with great food and service. Walking distance to the Doubletree Hilton eight blocks away when it cleared up.

We had dinner with the family (wife and 2 kids). The place was very busy and a bit loud but the ambiance was good. The waiter was friendly. He filled our wineglasses right to the top. They were so full we had to drink some leaving the glass on the table. That was new to us. Our appetizers were ok. The clams would have been better if there would be less toppings on it. But they tasted good. Bruschetta was not very special. My son ordered lasagna. That would have been enough for us all. Very large portion, American size. The pasta my wife ordered was overcooked. It was fresh handmade pasta though. My ossobuco was fine. The meat was nice and tender. I would not have put cheese in the polenta which was underneath the meat because now it was a bit salty. But I guess other people would like that. The tiramisu we had was a joke. It was cake with whippedcream. This has nothing to do with an italian tiramisu. We go to Italy a lot so we are used to eating italian food like they make it in italy. This is a nice restaurant to eat italian style food but you should not expect real italian dishes/food. We did have a nice evening eating at Ralph’s.

Make sure you make a reservation, this place can get packed. Started with bread and butter. I was surprised that the bread wasn't warmed and that they did not offer olive oil in addition to the butter, but the bread had a great flavor. I got the spaghetti with red gravy and meatballs. It was very good, but nothing spectacular. I liked the servings and the overall taste was flavorful. But again, nothing that was stupendous. Our server was nice, but not super attentive. We had to ask for water refills and there was a long wait between our finishing the meal and getting the check and a long wait for them to return my card. Parking is horrible and we used the valet service for $12. I gave the valet $15 to pay for it when he brought me my car and he took it without looking and got into another car and took off. No change. I was going to tip him with some of the change anyway, but it would have been nice for him to do the standard thing which is to give the customer back her change and wait for a tip if one was coming. I realize the restaurant isn't responsible for the valet's behavior but they do partner with them and I think they should be informed of the quality of service. I am not sure I would return to Ralph's but it was good enough for this night.

Hard to believe that Ralph's is not rated first by Trip Advisor reviewers. The oldest Italian restaurant in America it is simply fantastic. It's a small place so reservations are recommended. The ambiance and service are wonderful but it's the food that sets it apart. From the bread to appetizers and entrees it's all excellent. We've eaten in Italian restaurants from New York to San Francisco to Italy and Ralph's is right up there with the very best.

Ralph's is without a doubt one of the best Italian restaurants we ever ate at. Their only flaw, as i see it, is the seating. The tables are small and cramped. That being said their meals were over the top delicious, i was raving about my meal to my wife for days. During a meeting we were attending i was asked where we ate the previous night, when i said Ralph's our attorney said that he eats there a lot and highly recommends it

amazing quick service workers so nice especially the manager and workers. vintage that's what suspected and two floors genius 10/10 experience.

History brought to life, great Italian American dishes of fantastic portions and reasonable price points. The "gravy" is old school and the menu selection includes all the favorites with some items you just do not see anymore. Nice wine and bar selection with fantastic service, the lunch portions are gigantic with lower price points than dinner. Can not wait to get back there next time I am in town!

Had lunch at the currently the oldest Italian in American with a century of tradition. Reataurant is dim lit in contrast to the bright sunny day outside with Sinatra played at the background. Starting off with bread I heard from Sarcone, an awesome no preservative italian bread next door that now at its 5th generation. Bread is fluffy but hard to break apart and butter taste smooth and nicely salted. Ordered Escargot Au Gratin where the pieces of escargot are chewy yet crispy at the edges. Toasty buttery cheese taste. Handmade ravoli with the lovely scent of tomatoes. The mild sweet and sour tomatoes coated large puff ravoli pieces with fluffy cheese middles so you dont get overwhelm with the cheese. It isnt because the cheese tasted heavy. It's rather milky and light but they are huge pieces and big portion for me who isnt used to heavy meals. Nice experience. 😋

I lived in Philly for 30 years, so I know there are lots of great Italian restaurants--many in the Italian Market area. At holiday time, however, it's hard to get a table for a group at most of them. The other night there were eight of us at Ralph's. And it was the WORST ITALIAN FOOD I'VE EVER BEEN SERVED. Two of us ordered eggplant parm and both dishes came out the same. Loaded with sauce and cheese on top of a stack of hardly breaded, burnt to a black char eggplant. It was inedible. Thankfully I ordered a side of spaghetti which came with a runny, watered-down marinara. To their credit, the waiter took our dishes back to the kitchen and they took them off the bill. But we'd waited over an hour for our food, so didn't want anything else. My husband's gnocchi was a pile of huge, doughy, heavy logs. Others at the table said their meals were just so so. Making a dish with burnt ingredients is inexcusalbe. We will NEVER return to this Philly tourist trap.

We dined here for the first time, and it was fantastic. The menu options, the service, the food were amazing. The vibe of his historic restaurant rounded out this evening and it was perfect. I had the veal saltimbocca on a bead of fettucine and my wife had the chicken marsala. The portions were served plenty and hot. Very satisfied! Don't pass up a chance to dine at this historic Italian restaurant.

It’s been years since I ve be been to Ralph’s. Use to live in that neighborhood and would frequent there at least once a month. Always loved the food there never had a bad meal. Upon returning I and my family were not disappointed. The service was excellent. The atmosphere is casual. The place was clean bright just the way it was. The food did not disappoint either. We had an awesome meal with plenty of left overs. So happy we came back to eat here. My veal artichoke was as awesome as it has always been. My kids got lasagna which was still made in the classic way. Delicious.

I visit Ralph's with my son from college and other family members I should have known when the bread came out cold in the middle and hard on the outside the service was horrible the food was expensive the food also was horrible it tasted very old I don't know who's giving good reviews to this place maybe it's tourism but beware of Ralph being the oldest Italian restaurant in South Philly it's old it's called its food

Saw Ralph's featured in Marcus Samuelsson's television series "No Passport Required" episode on Italian restaurants in Philadelphia, which aired on PBS. Ordered through Caviar a couple of times while staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Center City. Got the lasagna again and again; it was so good the first time. Truly outstanding home made taste; a real comfort food esp. in stressful times.

Our first visit to Ralph’s was in 1980 when we lived in the Phily area. We moved away long ago though we eat at Ralph’s every time we are in Phily. Bottom line: Ralph’s is a must stop for a great Italian meal! Ralph’s boasts it is the oldest Italian restaurant in the U.S., founded in 1900; the restaurant has been in the same building since 1900, so this is truly a classic old time restaurant. The seating is close with little room between the tables yet this is part of the experience. Come hungry as the food is plentiful. We shared a salad, tomato and cheese, which was incredibly tasty. Veal is their speciality. I ordered veal and eggplant, with gravy, and it was amazing; my wife had veal and mushrooms in a wine sauce and it too was great. Sadly we were too full and had no room for desert. Be sure to get a reservation otherwise you will probably have a wait. We ate on a Thursday evening, 7pm, and people who came in without a reservation were asked to go across the street to a bar to wait for a table. Parking is street only so good luck. Best to cab, Uber, or lyft. After dinner you will have to walk a few blocks to South St (a safe walk) to get a cab. Not sure if Uber picks up there but cabs do not according to the fella who sat us. So if you are a visitor to Phily, first time or multiple visits, be sure to make Ralph’s a stop as you will not be disappointed.

First time here, and I liked the food for the most part, but felt sick the rest of the night. I just ordered the wrong dish because the other 3 people I was with felt fine. We had ordered the bruschetta, which I thought was good, but average. We also got clams casino, which was mostly breading. I had gotten the flounder francaise, which was delicious, but I think that’s what made me sick. Two people got chicken Parmesan, which they said was delicious. The penne with shrimp was also good. I would never order the flounder though.

Anthony was very attractive but more importantly the food was delicious. I had a lasagna and my wife had the veal cutlet, they were both incredible.

Ralph’s was a big disappointment , because we were looking forward to going to the Resturant. The food was marginal at best and some was poor. Given the price of the food, I would have expected more. It is extremely loud in the Resturant given the number of tables. I will not be going back.

My family recently went to Ralph’s for the first time. The atmosphere was perfect and reminded us of a scene from the godfather movie. We had a 5:00 reservation on a Friday night and we were fully prepared to use the valet parking but we found a parking spot right out front of the restaurant. We got seated right away - the hostess was very nice and made us feel very welcomed. The restaurant was not crowded. We started off with a cafe of the house Chianti and the burchetta as an appetizer. The Chianti was excellent- very smooth with medium body. The burchetta was little pieces of bread and you were to put the tomatoes and mozzarella on yourself- a little different but good. My husband got the shrimp scampi and is was very good-the shrimp were X-large in size. My 90 year old father and I split an order of the spaghetti with marinara sauce, we also split a lettuce, tomato and onion salad. Both were large enough to split The food tasted very fresh and homemade, It was like eating in Nana’s house- very good. My daughter got the penne with vodka sauce which was not on the dinner menu but on the lunch menu-which was no problem. The highlight of the evening was when they brought out the cannoli cake and spmonie for my daughter’s birthday and the whole restaurant sang happy birthday to her. It was a wonderful dinner and we would definitely go back again.

It’s a must visit, because of the historical significance, and the food is good. Again, this is not some top notch restaurant, but a very good quality one. They make their pasta and sauces, so the taste was good. My kids were wearing yankee gear and the hostess was very funny with them. It has a small feel vibe and we all enjoyed the experience.

In Philadelphia for Christmas Eve. After eons of family dinners of the seven fish for Christmas Eve what do you do? Can’t order fish in a day. Can’t cook. Go to Ralph’s! Yes this iconic restaurant in Philadelphia offered the feast of the seven fish for Christmas Eve. Okay so it wasn’t mom’s but it was a new twist on having 7 Fish without the hassle. The menu starts with 1) shrimp cocktail 2) Manhattan clam chowder (3 and 4 salad topped with crab and scallops (5, 6 and 7) noodles in red sauce with calamari, mussels and salmon. I would have preferred baccalla to the salmon but I got my seven fish The place was filled with families. Not necessarily having the special menu but it was festive I’ll have to try Ralph’s on a regular night food looked awesome

This little Italian Resturant remind me of the Godfather movie: small, quiet place, clean yet old. Yet food was outstanding. Service great. I love this place.

We heard about Ralph’s being the oldest Italian restaurant in the US and thought we should try it. We arrived in Philadelphia early and since we couldn’t get into our hotel in the northern suburbs until later, decided to spend the day in the historic district and grab a late lunch/early dinner at Ralph’s which is located in the Italian market district. The restaurant opens at 4pm. We had made a reservation, but at the early hour I don’t think that was necessary. While eating, we did hear reservations for larger parties being booked more than a month in advance. The menu let us know that a San Francisco restaurant had commissioned a research project to prove they were the oldest Italian restaurant in the US, which it was, and mentioned that Ralph’s was the next oldest, about 20 years younger. The San Francisco restaurant closed, so Ralph’s took over the top spot. It is now operated by the fourth generation, with help from the fifth and sixth generations. The menu contains mostly classic dishes but they are prepared excellently and you can taste the pride they take in their product. We decided to share the lasagna and eggplant parmigiana. The waiter let us know that the eggplant would take about 20 minutes and wanted to make sure that was alright with us. The portions were extremely generous. Both dishes were perfectly cooked. The lasagna was firm and not overcooked. The eggplant was piping hot and again, perfectly prepared. The red sauce was delicious. Prices range from the mid $20 with a few items more expensive. We enjoyed our meal and only wish we had room for dessert.

Delicious food in an old world atmosphere, the staff was friendly and helpful. We love Ralph’s and recommend it highly. Delish eggplant parmigiana and my partner had Tripe which he said was fantastic. We go whenever we are in Philly.

Went there recently for my birthday. The food was top notch as it always is. One of the great things about this restaurant is the close proximity of each table, so over the course of a meal, there are conversations going on between strangers. I thought our waiter may’ve been a bit smug, which I didn’t appreciate, but still, this place is legendary. The highlight for me, was when they brought out my birthday cake and the entire restaurant stopped to sing for me. I imagine that could’ve happened anywhere, but it really made me feel very special, and the more I tried to discourage the patrons and staff from singing, the louder they got. It was quite a memorable moment for me, and one I won’t soon forget. Had that song been about a minute longer, I likely would’ve lost it, but it was a spectacular ending to a great birthday. I look forward to my next visit.

My husband and I came in for brunch and we immediately felt unwelcomed. The two waitors looked at us and our baby like we didn’t belong there. We felt they catered to locals but to us they did not mention their names, recommend any dish, ask us if our meal was okay and didn’t even ask us if we wanted another drink. I could see if it was crowded but there was just three other tables with couples seated. I felt really uncomfortable and wasn’t even finished my meal when the waiter grabbed my food to box it up. Very disappointed I would not recomend going unless you are 100 percent white or Italian maybe, if you are from another culture you may not be treated good.

I loved the way Ralph's looks inside! We found the food to be very good and the wait staff to be excellent! We enjoyed their Bruschetta and broccoli rabe appetizers and their Eggplant Parmesan and Clams in white sauce. Good lunch!

Small restaurant that is said to be the oldest Italian Restaurant in America. The food (Meatballs, chicken parm and veal parm) and the service were very good. Definitely a local jewel to be enjoyed.

Ralph’s South Philly, oldest Italian restaurant in the United States. Located in the heart of the city, this Italian restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Italy. From traditional pasta dishes to mouth-watering desserts, every bite is filled with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff add to the overall charm of the place. Whether you're craving a classic linguine Pescatore or a decadent tiramisu for dessert, this restaurant is sure to satisfy your Italian food cravings. This Philadelphia restaurant is a must-visit for all Italian cuisine enthusiasts! Service: 5 stars our waiter was Jimmy and he was excellent. He provided great recommendations and was very attentive. Chef came out to check on us which was so sweet. Ambiance: 4/5 stars. we sat on the first floor it was a little tight. We should have requested 2nd floor. Love the old pictures throughout the restaurant. Food: Overall 4/5 stars. Mussels in red - very fresh and nice portion. These were sneaky good the mussel sauce had a mild spicy kick. Rating: 5/5 stars. Meatballs: Dollop of ricotta “Best Of Philly” these meatballs were seriously the best. The fresh ricotta was a nice touch. Rating: 5/5 stars. Bruschetta - Chopped tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Rating: 4/5 stars Tomatoes And Mozzarella Salad: the balsamic glaze was to die for. This salad was extremely salty. Rating 3/5 stars. Mediterranean Salad: Shrimp, crabmeat, tomatoes, black olives, romaine. Rating 5/5 stars. Gnocchi Alla Vodka: Blush sauce with pancetta. Rating: 4/5 stars Eggplant Parmigiana: Egg battered and baked with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Rating: 4/5 stars. Linguini Pescatore: Shrimp, clams, mussels, and crabmeat in a white garlic wine sauce. Seafood was very fresh, sauce was very light. Delicious. Rating: 4/5 stars Veal Saltimbocca: Mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, spinach, mushrooms, marsala wine. This was my least favorite. It didn’t taste right with the Marsala sauce it should have been a white wine garlic sauce. Rating: 2/5 stars. Lobster Ravioli (special) very fresh sauce was light and airy. Rating: 5/5 stars Highly recommend the espresso martini I added cream to mine it was a little strong. For desserts tiramisu and cannoli cake were to die for. The cake was dense yet airy if that makes any sense. Dessert rating: 5/5 stars seriously the best. #pennsylvania #pennsylvaniabeautiful #pennsylvaniafoodie #philly #phillyeats #50countriesbyage50 #50statesbyage50 #50before50 #impossibletraveler #phillyfoodies #visitphilly #visitpa

Enjoyed dinner at the oldest Italian restaurant in America. Both entres (mussels in garlic with pasta and lamb shank w/polenta were delicious. Dark, dingy, and cramped atmosphere stuck in 1960s. Bar very limited and cheap booze.

We were invited here by a local, we are from out of town. We had reservations for 3, which were honored on time and we were seated immediately. This is not a super fancy place, but it runs like a well oiled machine; no surprise it has been around since 1900! Service was outstanding, there when you needed them, absent when you didn't, knowledgeable and friendly. Food was superb, reasonable portions, excellently executed and presented. if I lived there I'd dine here frequently. I'll definitely visit again next time I am in Philly.

So many pros and cons to making a reservation here. We read that politicians and celebrities have dined here, oldest Italian restaurant in America, and some people really disliked the food and others raved. So, the three of us made reservations at 7:30 and glad we did since the small restaurant was packed. We were promptly given a menu and soon we ordered a carafe of Chianti, lasagne, Italian sausages with peppers, and eggplant parmigiana. Servers continually walked by our table waiting on others. We waited for a very long time and finally flagged down a server and asked for our wine. Time passed and then our food arrived. I usually order lasagna and have made it many times at home. This lasagna was truly tasteless. My husband and daughter thought their food was okay but lacked flavor. I think our server gave up on us because a female server refilled our water glasses and asked if we wanted dessert. The server did comp our wine which was appreciated. Overall, it was not a pleasurable experience since service was exceedingly slow and flavorless food. Our uber driver asked about Ralph's. He commented that the food was okay with slow service. Guess we had the same experience.

This should probably be a 4.5 star review. The food was positively outstanding. We started with a wonderful house antipasti. I had their incredible veal parm with penne pasta. It couldn't have been better. The service, however, while friendly lacked the follow up I'd hope for. Drinks weren't refilled and no one ever checked in to see if we needed anything. But the food... oh my!

Having eaten at Ralph's at the South Philadelphia location we went to their restaurant in King of Prussia. The two restaurants are nothing alike. Even the bread was tasteless. My eggplant parmigiana was oily and the sauce was tasteless. The mussels were so salty we could not eat them. The only edible item was the chicken parmigiana--not great. Readers....eat at the S. Phila. location....the old world charm and the delicious food is worth the drive.

This was the hardest working staff I have ever seen at any restaurant in all my travels. And the food was absolutely outstanding! Thank you so much to Jimmy Rubino, Marco, and staff.

I realized I have never seen a woman worker? Does anyone know anything about that? There is yummy food though.

This is classic South Philly Italian, down to the 70's era metallic wallpaper. First and foremost the service was out*stand*ing. The food was tasty but I thought it was over priced. We ordered a couple of the specialty drinks and those were good. My party split an order of the meatballs in gravy appetizer and those were yummy. Their gravy has a great reputation and lived up to it. For our main courses I had the lasagna and my dinner companions had Penne alla Vodka and a Veal chop. I'd recommend the lasagna but penne was "meh" and the veal was just a not worth the price. After-dinner cappuccino's were good but dessert was a cannoli which was a little disappointing--there was filling in each end of the shell but none in the middle of the shell. We were on the first floor and the tables are quite close together. We were practically elbow to elbow with the next table so private conversations were not possible. Also, the room was chilly so that detracted from the ambience. I want to try Ralph's again because the menu is huge and we merely scratched the surface of the offerings. But based on this first experience I'd hesitate to recommend to anyone.

The restaurant holds approx 60 people. This is the oldest Italian restaurant in America. We went for a late lunch and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. Great manicotti! Lauren was our server and she was fantastic!!

This is a great place Good food and good service They can do some little details to make it better ( flowers at the table) that would make it a 5 star review In summary, if you want a very good meal ( without any thrills) go to Ralph’s

Ralph’s is a consistent South Philly bright spot. At this visit, I really enjoyed the Eggplant Parmesan but the highlight was the sautéed spinach appetizer— loaded with garlic! Service is ok, but that’s not why you come to Ralph’s.

Went on a Friday night when my husband and I were in town for the weekend. I ordered fettuccini with red gravy. It was only ok and I asked my husband if the tiny bit of texture in the sauce was meat. He wasn't sure either. He felt like his chicken parmesan was only ok and that the breading on 1 of the cutlets was burnt. I'd recommend trying someplace else for Italian. I'd say Ralph's is trying to get by on its name.

My husband & I went for dinner, friendly staff nice atmosphere , little pricey but overall a nice experience. I ordered spaghetti w/ meatballs & sausage which was really good.

I had not been to Ralph's in over 20 years. After returning to the Philadelphia area recently, I tried it again. It was exactly as I remembered. The mussels are the best anywhere. Dipping the bread in the red sauce is the real treat. The Veal Parmesan was absolutely fantastic. The service was perfect and my whole party enjoyed the experience. After all these years, credit cards are finally accepted. The bartender was very nice but the selection was basic. Also, the available wines are not great; very limited. I wish Ralph's charged a corkage fee and allowed outside wine. Valet parking was helpful, since parking in the area is not easy. Overall, I was more than satisfied with this throwback of an experience with amazing southern Italian food in a family/neighborhood environment. I will be back.

We had a reservation for 7 but we walked right in at 5:30 on a Sunday. The staff were very friendly. The bread is very good and chewy. I had the ravioli and it was very good and the sauce was perfect. My husband had meatball with penne and his was very good. We started with the mozzarella and tomato and it was so fresh.

Went with friends. It’s a short walk from Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Lots to choose from. We had 2 chicken dishes, a veal dish, and gnocchi. All were happy with meals. Bread was nice. Had desert. Tiny men’s room with sink in hallway.

Great service, delicious foods. Everyone enjoyed their meals.RJ at the door was awesome, made sure our special needs were taken care of.

oldest Italian restaurant in the country. lovely dining room that is simple old school italian. food was amazing. my meatballs were even delicious cold the next day. husbands lasagna perfect texture and chicken Alfredo best I've ever tasted. service on spot. carafe of house red wine delicious and budget friendly. would love to dine here next time back in town.

Looking for good restaurants in the Philadelphia area this was near the top. It did not disappoint. My cousin and I had a reservation and we did sit inside although outside dining was available as well as take out. Per the title we began our meal with meatballs. My cousin said she found out online that this was their specialty. It did not disappoint. Our server was Mark. I hope that is right. He was very good. We each had a cocktail while waiting on our main course. I had a blood orange cocktail and she had a champagne cocktail. We both had the flounder as our main course and it was fabulous. We both gushed about it's excellence. We really did not have room for desert BUT we had a cannoli anyway and split it. Totally delicious it was. Parking off street was available but good luck finding a spot. This sits in a heavy residential area but so worth making it happen. Ralph's we loved being your guest and have absolutely determined that our return visit to Philadelphia will include a repeat engagement at your fantastic establishment. If you are a local you know you should go. If you are visiting please check it out. You will be glad you did !

Glad we took our friend's recommendation to visit this Philly institition. It doesn't look like much from the outside and it's pretty tight on the inside, but the place was packed for dinner on a Monday night. The staff was efficient and no-nonsense. The food was awesome and classic Italian. We worked off our dinner by walking the short trip back to our hotel on Market Street.

took several colleagues to Ralph's. they enjoyed eating at the oldest Italian restaurant in the US. food and service were good. mixed drinks were just ok.

Perfect old school Italian! Veal parm off the charts. Everyone happy with their meals. From appetizers to desserts, perfect! New South Philly go to!

There aren’t enough great things to say about this fantastic eatery. The food is scrumptious: he staff is friendly; the ambience is warm and friendly. One of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia! This is my second trip and I would definitely return. I had the salad and meatballs for dinner and paired it with the Chianti...fantastic! Had spumoni for dessert and tasted my friend’s cannoli cake: fabulous!

This is a must visit in Philadelphia. I advise to book a reservation as it is small but has 2 levels which stairs are steep. Great cannoli finished the meal. I had lasagna never had home made noodles before. Parking can be difficult but they offer valet for 10.00 now which is worth it especially on s rainy day like when I was there.

Got the recommendation to go to Ralph’s from a local Italian deli. Described as great food in a quaint local restaurant. Exactly as described! This is a casual, small and noisy place with pleasant staff and wonderful food. Can’t loose with veal or mussels. Veal Parma is amazing.

There is NO WAY on God's green earth that #19 (begins with an M) is better than Ralph's . . . . even if the Chef was home with the flu and the dishwasher cooked that night. Let's get back to the actual review . . . . . We walked in about 2pm on Saturday. There were a handful of patrons seated. We were seated without hesitation and the server was over to see us quickly and could not be more pleasant. After going over a few specials and offering some suggestions we placed the order. ALL of the apps and food were to our satisfaction. We had the meatballs and mussels (red) for apps. and the veal and osso bucco for the mains. Every bite was great, the server was spot on and her tip reflected it. Would come here again over and over. There are many add'l things I would like to try. Go here and enjoy the food. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.

Founded un 1900 and runs still by the family. Best tomato sauce recipe i have tasted outside Italy. Quick and friendly service, very old settings and tasty food. Lots of old favorites and a couple of gluten free offerings. Veal Francaise was fantastic.

The atmosphere is great. It really feels like old and authentic. The places was cramped and on the small table for 2 it had a little of the feeling eating in economy class on a plane. The food was just average and it was fairly high prices. I head the linguini with meatballs and they were just average.

We were in Philly for a Villanova basketball game and had to try Ralph's. It opened in 1900 and still served authentic Italian cuisine. They have traditional Italian family dishes, and all of our meals were delicious. The service was excellent and the atmosphere is modern but historic. It was a real delight to have dinner at Ralph's.

Food was absolutely terrible. Get a tin of tomatoes, blend it up, don’t add anything else to it and put in the microwave, pour over pasta and that’s your meal - $23 though. Enjoy. Honestly the worst dining experience of my life. Was shouted at by a waitress. Food was AWFUL, incorrectly priced on the menu. Just stay away if you’re a tourist and you think you’re getting something authentic. Better off putting the money towards a flight to Italy to get some real food, for a fraction of the price.

Went early on Friday with two 100% Italian couples, as was there once before and wanted to share authentic food with our friends. Well, we were mortified! Host & server wee so rude and disrespectful. They lost our reservation, gave us a hard time about getting a table although we were 1 of three the whole time we were there. Drinks were crept, just thrown together by the waiter who obviously didn't give a deal about quality products or service. Unfortunately food wasn't as good this time either - overcooked chicken, items not prepared as described on menu & the sauce would've been better out of a jar...of course nobody even cared to ask about our satisfaction. We won't be back. There are too many better options to choose from.

We had a loud and boisterous dinner during a conference. We had a large and somewhat tipsy group. Our waiter, Marco, took very good care of us. He helped us select food and provided outstanding service! And, the food was amazing. It was the best Italian food I’ve had in a very long time.

Classic Italian cuisine. Very authentic and flavorful. Service and ambiance great and portions were big. I’d recommend and would like to return again

Old school Philly restaurant that is somewhat run down, decor and furnishings are worn (which is part of the South Philly charm), bathrooms are old and downright dirty. The volume in this place is nearly unbearable. Absolutely impossible to hold a conversation it was so LOUD!!!!! One person in our party of 6 went outside to take a break from the noise. As for the food.....it was very good, though portions were a bit skimpy. Pasta sauce was a bit bland, chicken parm and saltimbocca were excellent. Overall the food was really good. I'd like to say I would I would try Ralph's again, but not sure I would solely based on how loud this restaurant is.

We had both lunch and a dinner here on a recent trip. Veal parmigiana was great! Bottle of wine was reasonably priced. Will visit again.

With an original tile floor and handsome woodwork, historical ambiance enhances the delicious food and full bar (an espresso martini recommended) at Philadelphia's oldest Italian restaurant. Be prepared to spend time surveying the extensive menu: In fact one of our guests gave up trying and asked the cordial server to choose for and surprise him, as she did with a delicious plate of penne with giant shrimp. Thanks to generous portions, we had plenty of leftovers for the next night, and one helping of the divine cheesecake dessert satisfied our entire party!

After a Friday appointment at Penn, my wife and I stepped out on the sidewalk and searched for a nearby restaurant. Google returned several options, but knowing that the oldest Italian restaurant in Amercia was just a few blocks away sealed the deal! Ralph's is very old school in space and decor. The dining room was cramped, but it was exactly as the pictures showed it to be. They seated us with no reservation, even though most of the tables were reserved. Our server was not the friendliest person, but the hostess who was also looking in on us made up for it. We had a nice Chianti, and they brought us bread. We shared a ceasar salad to start, and it was excellent! The dressing was delicious. For our meals, I had lasagna and my wife had the shrimp scampi. The portions were huge... My lasagna was probably enough for 2. The sauce was correct and there was plenty of meat. Very good. The scampi was also terrific, maybe even better than mine... We finished the meal with tiramisu and espresso. Perfect! We plan on returning and next time I will try the veal, as they are known for their veal. RECOMMEND!

I’ve been going to Ralph’s for 69 years and am never dissapointed-went there with my parents and grandparents and my children and all I can say is what a treat-down home delicious Italian food-manga !!!

We visited due to the notoriety of it being America's oldest Italian Restaurant - we were disappointed. Just average Italian food that was overpriced. Would not recommend.

Took a party of 12 for a business dinner. Wine list is good, not spectacular. Our entrees were AMAZING. Chicken parm, chicken and veal napoletano and shrimp scampi were all absolutely divine. The service such a large table was very good as well. Dessert was cannoli cake and tiramasu both really good. Whenever I am in Philly I make it a point to go to Ralphs. DON'T MISS IT.

This place has been open & family run for 119 years. They don’t rest on their laurels though, the staff were friendly & welcoming and super efficient. I guess the menu is fairly fixed- I had a massive veal parm. Loved it. Not fancy but tasty. The place is bustling full of locals so my guess is they’ll be there for 119 more..

Ralph’s Italian food is fantastic! Todays lunch was meatballs then fettuccine Alfredo. It’s one of my favorite dishes and They make the best. My family also chose Lasagna and Clams in red sauce. We were delighted with our meals. Love coming here.

This was a hard one to judge because Very Good is too generous and Average is not quite right either, but the bottom line is that it was closer to Average than Very Good. I chose this place for dinner based on the reviews and that it popped up in some Best Italian Restaurants In Philly lists. I ordered the tomato and mozzarella to start, and chicken parm with a side of broccoli. The caprese was very good: slices of tomato, decent mozzarella and drizzled with a high quality well-aged syrupy balsamic. It could have used some fresh basil and some olive oil (I asked for oil and they provided it). The chicken parm was good, not great, but satisfying and a huge portion of two pieces (so I got two meals out if). The side of broccoli was abysmal: frozen florets that had been microwaved. Truly unforgivable. The house Pino Noir was just okay and not a very generous pour. The service was friendly and well paced.

We've been here a couple of times while visiting Philadelphia and this is one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Authentic homemade pasta. All male waiters (old school). Nice ambiance. Check out the cool pics on the walls. This place was a favorite of the original Rat Pack, based on the many pictures of Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Peter Lawford. It still has that same old school feeling to it. Try their gnocchi...to die for! Delicious desserts, good selection of wines and beer. The moment you walk through the door, you feel transported back in time. An entire book has been published based on the colorful history of Ralph's. Upstairs is open and can get noisy when it's full. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it.

Had three out of town folks who wanted to go to a authentic Italian restaurant while in Philly. So off we went to Ralph's. built in 1900 a fantastic culinary experience. I had the Calamari Fra Diavalo which was fantastic, while the others had he Chicken Parma which was equally as good. Wine list is great and very reasonable. Highly suggest while in Philly to get to Ralph's for lunch or dinner.

My friend and I stopped at Ralph’s on a Sunday night after the Philadelphia Eagles game. Lauren is the hostess and she is friendly, brisk and efficient. If she can get you seated, she will. She’s just amazing!! But it’s best to have a reservation because the food here is incredible! The restaurant has three different levels so though it appears small, there is plenty of seating. The atmosphere is quaint, music isn’t played loud so you can actually enjoy a conversation, and you won’t be disappointed in anything you order. Just perfecto.

This is an old school Italian restaurant. The restaurant is small and you may have to wait a little bit, but the food is amazing. We had a group of five people with meals, drinks and desert we only paid $250. This is a must eat at restaurant you won't be disappointed.

Dinners at Ralph's and other South Philly restaurants when in college a few decades ago were special events. I was fortunate enough to take my 14 y.o. there on a Philly visit. We didn't have a lot--but the bread, the ravioli and the chocolate gelato sandwich were wonderful. The service was very welcoming and neighborly.

Want to feel like you are in the heart of South Philly. Eat here. Great food and service. Dress is casual. Valet out front. Make sure you have a reservation. The host knows his stuff. No one waited more then 10 minutes while we were there. Had dronks..full bar.. appetizer antipasta and roasted red peppers with house made mozzarella. I had the veal parm.wife had th he chicken parm . Both delicious. They even put a candle in her cake and sang happy birthday. And priced right.

The famous guest list is as titillating as the restaurant setting itself is unassuming and the food is authentic Philly/Jersey Italian.

The Chicken Sorrento was delicious, if a lot of butter scares you then you will be missing one of their signature dishes. We started off with the roasted peppers and mozzarella with the addictive Italian bread. A carafe of house Chianti topped off a perfect dinner.

Every dish in this award winning iconic restaurant is note worthy! Our large group all ordered something different. From pasta to veal to Oslo bucco we all licked our plates clean. Make a reservation and see for yourself why it’s been so popular for a century ! YUM!

Wow. This was the best meal I’ve had in a long time. We all just kept saying “wow.” Chicken parm was both crisp and tender, sausage was to die for, and the gnocchi were like little pillows. Seriously, already planning on coming back to Philly just so we can eat at Ralph’s. Also, all staff were so polite and funny—excellent experience

Excellent food with VERY knowledgeable servers and prompt service. Would definitely go back and try something different because what I had was so good. It seemed like a great place to try something that I might not have ever had before

This could be the loudest restaurant with the slowest service I have ever experienced in my life. The upstairs is louder than an AC/DC concert.

This is a great, historic, celeb-going Italian spot for everything you could want. Food is really good (but not stand out great) and the atmosphere is very traditional, old-school Italian. Our server was fantastic and all food was very timely. We had really really good dessert, The cannoli was maybe the best I ever had and the tiramisu is also very good.

Was in NE Phila for a benefit with 2 friends we left and they said they were hungry They are from NJ I said lets go to south Phila for a meal so I took them to Ralphs service, food and setting just great if you are in the area and want a Italian meal go there Iforgot 1 fact it is the oldest Italian restaurant in the country

There is nothing wrong with this place, but nothing special either. It was oppressively loud- we were a group of 5 and couldn't hear the farthest away at all, and could barely hear the person sitting next to us. The veal parmigiana was big, but unexceptional. The marinara was thin and not particularly flavorful. The highlight of the meal was the cannoli cake.

This is an amazing place for truly authentic Italian food and atmosphere. The Mussels were amazing and would have been enough for me but I had already ordered an entree. When I went it was CASH Only so confirm before you go, they do have an ATM in the lobby.

Came from Texas up to Philly to run the Rock and Roll Marathon and visit the city. We were walking the Italian Market and Ralph's was recommended as a good Italian Restaurant. We were seated on the 1st floor, in a quaint room with comfortable seating and atmosphere. Good service. Had a Carafe of Chianti, meatballs and bruschetta to start. The main entries were tasty and we split one of the signature desserts. Had a great time, never felt rushed. Pleased with the prices of most items on the menu including the cost of the wine.

My kids took me to the Barnes Foundation as a belated Fathers Day gift from 2020 (thx Covid). After the museum we headed back to their apartment and looked for a place to have a late lunch. I had always wanted to visit Ralph’s but living outside of the city we just never found the time. I was happy to find Ralph’s was only a 10 minute walk from the apartment. Luckily they had room for a party of 4. I ordered the Shrimp Scampi, my wife the Chicken Parma, and my kids Ravioli, and spaghetti & meatballs. All four of our entrees were terrific! Great ambiance in an authentic Italian restaurant with great food! I will return

Oh my this place does it all if you are into deli food. The sandwiches are big enough to share as it just about everything else. Come hungry or plan to take a to go box with you.

Went for the history and thinking how could a place be in business almost 120 years and not be amazing? I was sadly disappointed. We tried the gnocchi and the chicken Alfredo. The Alfredo had no seasoning; the most bland I’ve ever had, and the chicken tasted almost fake. The gnocchi was ok, the sauce was flavorful but the gnocchi tasted pré-made vice fresh. I hope if you try it, you have a better experience. For the money though…stop by, take a picture and then try somewhere else.

Ralph’s is the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States for a reason. We reserved a table for 7 earlier in the day. We were greeted at the door and were shown to our table immediately. The server took our order of appetizers that consisted to meat balls, mussels, and calamari. Everything was cooked in the delicious red sauce. For Entrees we ordered pasta and raviolis for the children. They ate all their food. My wife and I ordered Linguini Pescatore that was filled with delicious seafood. Overall, the experience was incredible.

The pastas are phenominal , and you can't find better South Philly atmosphere anywhere, unless you go to someone's house and have grandma cook!

There is valet parking for $10, so we didn’t have to deal with parking. The restaurant is located in a cute little neighborhood close to shopping. The meal was delicious. We both had the chicken parmigiana, a glass of red wine, and a Caesar salad. They were very good. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant is small and I would definitely recommend making reservations as it gets very busy. Prices are very reasonable and the portion sizes large.

You have to make a reservation because they are quite busy. The restaurant itself takes you back for sure, taking you back in time. Our waiter was wonderful. Our table had ravioli, chicken Parmesan, lobster ravioli and the veal Parmesan. All were great except the veal was a little tough. Meatballs for appetizer were delicious. I’ve seen mixed reviews but we really enjoyed the experience.

I often go to old restaurants. It’s a weird quirk but it brought me to Ralph’s which is the oldest Italian restaurant in Philly. I liked the place. The staff was friendly and efficient. The customers were a mix of tourists and locals, mostly locals. The food was identical to what I get in Italian places in Brooklyn. Fine but nothing special. Still we really enjoyed our visit.

I got the chicken marsala, which was very good, but had to pay extra for pasta, which I am not used to. I did like that our food was brought out by another server, but we were almost finished our meal before anyone came to check on us. Valet parking for $15 is available, and as this place is in a neighborhood, it would be a miracle to find a parking space anywhere close by.

My husband and I had a wonderful birthday meal here on a May Sunday night. It's good and basic, no big frills or anything fancy, but the food tastes amazing! I had the house Merlot, which went down smoothly. We shared a basic garden salad and then my husband had spaghetti and meatballs and I had eggplant parmesan. It was all great! We took a cannoli and a cannoli cake back to the hotel for later. They were both great as well. This is a must-visit restaurant in Philly!

Love this restaurant love this city (grew up here!) This food is fresh perfectly balanced and just delicious. Come back every year at least 3 times.

Been dining here since I was a kid! And you know what? NEVER had anything but great food, a comfortable atmosphere, and service professionals. I mean they've never missed - not once. So.

Definitely lives up to the reputation— adorable atmosphere and food is the best this side of Italy. I had chicken parm and tiramisu and it was delicious— service is fantastic.

I was excited Excited to visit Ralph's but much to my dismay the sauce tasted like it was burnt, not only did mine taste burnt, so did my wife's and my two daughters also had the same experience very disappointing!! service was great but the food left a lot to be desired For $180.00 it was not worth it

really liked the ambiance, almost thought i was in brooklyn waiting for one of the corleones to come out. food was very very good. excellent meatballs and 'gravy' fabulous chicken parm. can't hold it against them just cause joe biden likes it there.

5 of us went on a Friday evening. We sat outside and although the occasional traffic behind us was odd, it was not a problem. In fact that made it super easy for our Lyft drop off and pick up. Marco was our server. He was very good and quite attentive to all our requests. We first had wine. The others in our party had particular preferences and are much more knowledgeable than I am. So after a few minutes discussion we agreed on wines for the table. We ordered some appetizers and salad type starters to share at the table including mussels, gnocchi, meatballs, and 2 types of salad. Loaves of bread were also brought with these courses. We each had different entrees. Marco did an excellent job answering all our questions about the entrees as well as giving us recommendations based on our preferences ( and pleasantly not necessarily the most expensive of the alternatives we were considering). Across the group we had veal piccata, veal scallopine, Ralph’s famous parm , a spaghetti with olive oil/garlic type dish , and I had something called capricciosa ( mozzarella, prosciutto, eggplant, thinly layered , topped with tomato sauce). We had sides of pasta, and broccoli rabe. After all that we managed to save room for cappuccino and dessert. Marco treated us to a portion of each dessert that we shared. And although our meals were delicious and we were quite full, those desserts were amazing. My favorite was the tiramisu cake. We also had dark side of the moon chocolate cake, a large cannoli, and cannoli cake . All fantastic! Throughout the evening our wine and water and bread was constantly topped off if not by Marco then by others on their friendly staff. We found the prices quite reasonable, too. We highly recommend this place

I was recommended by a friend that often visits Ralph's. Very welcoming place. Started with some appetizers, Mussels and claims casino. Shrimp scampi

Had a salad for lunch, basically romaine with 2 shrimp and a tablespoon crab on top but the canned black olives? This is the best place to buy Italian things, they can’t possibly be buying local. Staff was friendly, service was good

Service was great. Bruschetta was fantastic. Veal Piccata very tender and ton of flavor. Wife had ravioli with meatballs. Meatball was also tender and not over packed.

I've been wanting to come here for years, finally made it. The food was amazing as was the service, you know it's good to be in business for 121 years.

I have been going to Ralph's for more years than I care to mention. The food is always good and hasn't changed much over the years. The service has always been good and still is. We have eaten on every level of the historic location and really enjoyed our recent meal on the main level. Like most city restaurants the tables are close together and the noise level is high but everyone seems to be enjoying their dinning experience. I have never had a dish I did not like over the years. it will continue to be on our short list when visiting Philadelphia. We weren't aware they now have valet parking available but have always found a parking spot on our own.

Ralph’s the oldest Italian Restaurant in the country. Food is just what you would expect and even better. This is southern Italian with Sunday “gravy”. The veal parmigiana was excellent. There is a full bar. Seating is limited. Reservations suggested. Restaurant is located in the South Philly market district, parking is limited but there is valet most nights. If you like Italian, you’ll love Ralph’s!

Busy and reasonably priced restaurant. You will need a reservation and use the valet set as there is limited parking in the area. The antipasto was generous and delicious with a wide variety, it easily would serve 3-4 as an appetizer. The clams casino was “ok.” I recommend the wide variety of veal and chicken dishes.

Ralph’s Italian restaurant lives up to its reputation. The food was fabulous. Try the baked clams and the meatballs in gravy for appetizers. The menu is extensive with the usual Italian fare but also Tripe, Chicken Livers & Onions and veal dish just to name a few. Make sure you have a reservation. It gets crowed by 6. The bread comes from the bakery next store. A fabulous restaurant for great authentic Italian fare!

On the edge of the Italian Market area in Philadelphia. Good Italian food. Very nice antipasti, delicious sauce and pasta dishes. Everyone in the party had take home containers so the portions were generous and the prices were reasonable for Philadelphia.

It was good not great. My amaretto sour was good. The Italian bread was good but served cold. My chicken roll atone was good not great. Everything is ala cart. So no salad, no pasta served. Just the chicken. I don’t think we will go back again.

We were there last night for New Year's Eve....just fantastic as usual. The food and service were both awesome. Lauren greets you as you arrive and she is so professional/caring about your total experience. She keeps everyone happy...interacts so well with all the guests. She is the best. Dan was our server...a true hustler and really knows the menu. The Meatballs are so famous...try them...the Ricotta cheese that comes with them is a difference maker. We went with our standards....Veal Parm and Chicken Sorrento....and they again lived up to our traditional high expectation. Finally, special shout out to the Valet...he also really hustles, is very timely, and takes great care of your car....he even held the door for my wife. Don't even worry about finding a parking spot! Our hats are off once again to the Ralph's team! It's an easy 5-star rating to give.

If you are in Philly, and looking for great Italian restaurant experience, look no further than Ralph's. Not only is the service great, the food is out of this world, and you are eating in the oldest Italian restaurant in America! Opened in 1900 this place has had guests like the Roosevelt's, Tony Bennett, the Rat Pack, and many others. It looks small upon entering but there are many tables not visible from the entrance. I would highly recommend the Veal or Chicken Parmesan. Please note this is one place you should not pass up on a chance to eat an appetizers. Also note the portions are large, in fact HUGE.

In an area known for cheesesteaks, Ralph's is an excellent option for those seeking some real Italian. The seating is extremely tight and the decor is nothing to write home about -- but the food is what matters and they deliver! Excellent chicken parmigiana and eggplant parmigiana. Highly recommend for those looking for something different outside of Center City.

As advertised, this is one great restaurant. It was a beautiful night, so my wife and I ate outside. Our waiter, Marco was extremely knowledgeable and very chill. He never rushed or pressured us and his service was spot on. The food was great. I had a Cesar salad that could have fed 3 or 4 people! Had to try their famous Veal Parmigiana, and it was excellent - 2 gigantic pieces too. My wife’s Veal Piccante was also very good. If you come to Philly, you need to eat at Ralph’s!

We first visited Ralph’s in 1981 and have eaten there every time we returned to Philly. The food is great, I always get the chicken parm or eggplant parm. My wife jumps around the menu liking every dish she has had. Yes, we also eat the cannolis, ymmmmmmmm! The atmosphere is wonderful with traditional music such as Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby playing great songs. This past weekend we had Christmas music! The downstairs tables are smaller compared to those on the second floor but both rooms are great. Yes, Ralph’s is a traditional Italian restaurant and a classic in its original place from the 1900s. Be sure to get a reservation especially on the weekends.

We had dinner here on Friday evening. We had a group of 10 people and were seated in the upper dinning area. The room was busy and loud. It was hard to have a table conversation, but we could have a nice conversation with the close table mates. We had the house red wine, and thought it lacked flavor. The food was tasty, flavorful and served hot. The portions were appropriate for the price. We enjoyed coming here, and would recommend this restaurant to those that enjoy traditional Italian meal in the south Philly area.

Was invited to dinner here by some colleagues, the company was tremendous and the food was even better! We shared some delicious appetizers, the meatballs the calamari the delicious Italian bread and then the entrée, great service phenomenal food !!

Been going to Ralph's once year for 10 years,food and service always great.Wife had traditional spaghetti and meatballs and loved it.I had braciole and was a little disappointed as in a little braciole. Didn't think it was a substantial piece of meat for price,too much pasta that was overcooked and overly salted and it wasn't the prosciutto. Otherwise bread,vino and tiramusu rounded out good dinner.

Great place to experience South Philly Italian Food. Ample portions, good wine, and service. Still family owned for over a 100 years. Yes, it’s a bit loud, tables are close, but this is Philly. Chill out and enjoy the food and chatter.

Outstanding....as they have been for the many decades we have been going to this amazing old school Italian gem. You just can't come to Philly without visiting Ralph's. It's that simple. People will ask you if you went there and you will love saying yes. Tonight was no exception. We hit all the dishes....Chicken Sorrento, Veal Parm, and even a special Cacio e pepe which we shared and were so happy we did. Lauren is super caring about her guests and is very professional....hopefully you get to meet her as she runs things many nights. She is terrific. Save room for their bread (from a very local bakery) and dessert....you can't miss the Cannoli Cake. You will walk out stuffed....no way not to do so. Just a fantastic experience....not just a Philly experience but a great experience by any measure. We'll be having our son's wedding rehearsal dinner there soon and are so proud for them to host....special people hosting our special night.

Alright, it is the oldest family owned Italian restaurant in the United States and it deserves the accolades because the food is delish. Their red sauce, a family not so secret has been gracing the neighborhood as it cooks for more than 100 years. The eggplant parm was superb, the waitstaff marvelous and the dishes were great portions of wonderful home cooked pasta and sauce. The wine list is good and especially our server Paul was a delight. Be sure to buy the recipe book;, a most entertaining easy read and the secret to the red sauce. Cheers.

Each dish was more delicious than the next. Loved the Chicken Masala, anchovy and garlic pasta and mozzarella and smoked red pepper salad. Went out of their way to accommodate a gluten free vegetarian - so appreciate the super delicious meal - a complete treat. Service was great. Sat outside on the sidewalk - great atmosphere. We will be back.

Went here after college graduation for a celebration. Best old world Italian for sure. Our group of 7 shared mussels to start with along with a carafe of wine and a few individual glasses. Our entrees were shrimp scampi, veal and eggplant parmigiana and a chicken dish. All were done perfectly. The service was perfect and very attentive.

Such a great place! It’s really small, like I’m talking just one small open room with tables. I got a glass of wine and my husband got a beer. They brought out fresh bread before our meal. It wasn’t warm, which I was surprised about. But still fresh. My husband had the Penne Vodka pasta with chicken and I had the Famous Chicken Parm. This was the best Chicken Parm I’ve ever had! If we would have known it was so big we would have shared. If you want pasta on the side, you do have to pay extra. We were so full we couldn’t do dessert. Staff was very friendly too. Make sure you have a reservation. It was 7pm on the Sunday of one of the slowest weekends of the year and it was still packed.

If you want the South Philly Italian experience this is the place to go. It claims to be America’s oldest Italian restaurant. Let’s just say the food is amazing. Our group had spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and many other traditional Italian food. This is a must eat when you are in Philly

We both went for the old school spaghetti and meatballs in 1 red gravy, 1 marinara. It hit the spot looking for some good Italian.

This place is so amazingly authentic and delicious. Small and cozy, everything on the menu is old school Italian. I had Veal Saltimbocca, and I’m not kidding when I say it is the best I’ve ever had. Hands down. The chicken parm was also a hit and the desserts—including homemade cannoli—were off the charts. If I lived in Philly I’d eat here once a week. Go and enjoy real-deal Italian the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.

We took our son to Ralph’s. He ordered spaghetti with Italian sausage and the sausage was not cooked properly. I ordered veal parmigiana. The veal was mediocre and the spaghetti sauce was runny and not rich. The eggplant parm was average. The bread was cold . The service was average. I’m sure this restaurant was one of the best in Philly at one time but it is not anymore. It was not even close to good Italian restaurants in Louisiana.

Ralph’s is the oldest Italian restaurant in the US. The food is straight forward home cooked food. We were a party of 10 ; we had a reservation which I highly recommend for large groups. As a kid I remember going to Ralph’s with family and friends; 45 years later as a tourist in Philly with my family I can say the food is as delicious and plentiful as I remembered it from the past. Save room for the Cannoli cake.... Bellisima!!🤗🙌

First the good. The food was outstanding. Lasagna was a HuGE helping and my friend said it was delicious. I had the manicotti and it was over the top good. Our party of 10 thoroughly enjoyed the food. But....the service was awful. Water wasn’t filled at all, no clearing of plates or asking if we wanted another beer. Will be back but they need to rethink their service.

Incredibly atmospheric, Italian-American red gravy restaurant. Feels like you’re stepping back in time. The clams casino are excellent, the veal parmigiana too. Very generous portions and friendly, helpful waitstaff. Reasonably priced drinks. Great history behind this place. I couldn’t recommend it more.

This restaurant is the classic, old school Philadelphia Italian restaurant. From the classic, delicious meatballs, to great old school pasta dishes like tripe and spaghetti. Everything was fairly priced and delicious. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to friends and family.

Linguine Pescature, Calimare, so good! Nice cozy atmosphere, waiter friendly, Caupachino & Cannoli's, delicious! price A little high, enjoyed myself would recommend

It has been 30 years since I ate at Ralphs. it was awesome then and it is awesome now. I had dinner with my wife and daughter, The apps, dinners, and the wine were great and the service was even better. I had the veal rollatine and I gave it 5 stars. Choose Ralph's, you can't go wrong

Classic hearty Italian food. I have been here before and one of the guys said let's go to Ralph's. I am glad we did. I went upstairs and the room is has that classic old charm. I had the Veal Saltimbocca and it was one of the best that I have ever had. Real tender. We had great service too.