Ristorante Pesto Reviews

Amazing experience for a bachelorette party! The food was amazing, everyone was so nice and made us feel like family! The private Gianna Room was great for our party of 10. We will ALL be back. Thank you Pesto!

Pesto is absolutely unmatched! The food is absolutely delicious and they constantly have amazing cocktail specials! The staff treats you like family and is always super welcoming. I can't recommend Pesto enough! From date night to dinner with friends, it's the best place to go! You can't beat the gnocchi flight!

Hospitality, food and atmosphere were all top notch. Wasn’t sure about the black squid ink pasta, but stepped out of my comfort zone and tried it - fantastic! Highly recommend!

Ristorante Pesto is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic Italian food! My family and I had the most wonderful time here—everything about it was perfect. The warm, inviting atmosphere made us feel right at home, and the service was impeccable. From the appetizers to the entrées, every bite was a masterpiece. The flavors were rich, fresh, and exactly what you’d hope for in a classic Italian dining experience. It’s clear the chef puts a lot of love into every dish. My personal favorite? The chicken parm, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. This place is an absolute gem, and I can’t wait to come back. Hands down, the best Italian food I’ve had in Philly.

Wow wow wow I felt like i was dining in someone’s home. The family welcome you so warmly and the food is outstanding. The shrimp poppers were unusual and delicious but the meal of the night was the lobster and shrimp ravioli 🤩 Attentive staff including Sabrina and Connie were always checking in with us. To top it off, Connie personally waived down a cab for us. Worth the 14 minute ride from downtown. Lucky locals 👏👍

Absolutely amazing. If you want to feel like you’re really part of the family and eat amazing pasta. The service was phenomenal and the food was delicious.

One of the most memorable, pleasant, dining experiences I had. I was looking for an authentic, family style, Italian experience for which South Philly is known for and Ristorante Pesto went above and beyond. The food is terrific and the owners Connie and John and staff make it an experience you'll cherish. Highly recommend!

Where to begin? If you're used to your Nonnas home cooking, this is the place for you. Homemade pasta, unbelievable entrees, and appetizers to die for - everything is absolutely delicious!! They treat their customers like family and will take care of you for life. No business in South Philly deserves better recognition for excellence than Pesto. They also have a full bar, but are one of the rare places you can BYOB! What are you waiting for?! Get over to Pesto for real Italian cooking!

All of the great reviews are right. This restaurant is awesome! Conchetta, the hostess, is so warm and treats you like family, only nicer lol. Our server and bartender, we're great as well. And then there's the food. It's one of those places where everything we had from appetizer through dessert was delicious. And that's unusual. We had the Bracciolatini app and it was sooo tasty. For dinner we had the award winning cavatelli and the veal mare e monti. Both we're excellent! This was one of the best veal dishes I've ever had. For dessert we had the creme brulee 10 out 10. And creme brulee is not really my thing. But they recommended it, and they were right! We had so much to eat I got a second meal out of it the next day. The prices are great. Do yourself a favor and come here, you will not be disappointed!

We had a fantastic meal here! The pasta was absolutely delicious. It was perfectly cooked with wonderful flavor. Everything about the dish was exactly what you'd hope for at a quality Italian restaurant. One thing that really stood out was their bread service. Instead of the typical olive oil for dipping, they serve sautéed carrots, which was such a delightful and unexpected touch. The bread itself was fresh and excellent, and those warm, seasoned carrots were the perfect accompaniment. It's a small detail, but it showed real creativity and care. Our waiter had a nice, laid-back demeanor and was helpful when we needed him. The relaxed atmosphere made for an enjoyable dining experience without feeling stuffy or formal. I'd definitely come back and would recommend this place to anyone looking for good pasta and a pleasant meal. Looking forward to my next visit!

First time visit and it was FABULOUS! This family owned restaurant made us feel right at home. They were friendly and inviting and generous. Food was top notch. We plan to return very soon.

Amazing experience! Way more than dinner! Connie was an awesome host! The food was delicious! So many great options to choose from! Can’t wait to go back!

"The Best Italian Restaurant I Have Ever Been To" a comment my dinner companion made. That sums it up. From the moment you make your reservation till you exit with a delighted palate you are taken care of. The wine list is varied and accessible price wise. We had a pasta special with an eggplant appetizer, both amazing. I can go on and on but see for yourself!

We love this restaurant! Food is fabulous and such a friendly place. You are made to feel like family! Can’t wait to go back!

Whether you are a Philadelphia native or a visitor, Pesto is a must! The food is phenomenal, and the ambiance makes you feel like you are family. My family has been going to Pesto for years, and it has been part of many wonderful memories and meals. It will become part of yours too.

If you’re after incredible, traditional Italian food and friendly, fun, fantastic service, this is the place. The venue is beautiful, family owned and is reminiscent of Old Venice. This is a must if you’re visiting Phili, or if you’re from here.

We have visited Ristorante Pesto a few times when we come from Arizona. Connie and staff are amazing. They make you feel like you are family. Great Italian food from the appetizers to the desserts. I highly recommend this restaurant You will not regret it!

I will premise this by saying I have NEVER written a review for any restaurant…EVER! But I just have to share about Pesto OK…Have you ever been to a restaurant in city you were visiting and felt like you were at a friend’s house, eating the most amazing food, and welcomed with love and true joy? That’s what Pesto was to us! Before we even arrived, I felt welcome. I called to make a reservation, and I was told “no need (it was Tuesday night), just come on by!” So we did. Pesto is a cozy place where people are enjoying good company and impeccable food and service (Gianna is absolutely amazing in the front of house, and Anna is to die for!). We started off with delish cocktails, warm crusty bread, and carrots in some kind of balsamic heaven (Gianna’s father’s recipe) that was unexpected and so yummy. Then we moved on to appetizers: Calamari, layered avocado and crab salad, and burrata with prosciutto. Gianna brought us out the puffed shrimp because we just “had to try” and it did NOT disappoint! Our main courses were gnocchi with pesto for my daughter, linguine with pesto (off menu) for my son, hubs had the pesto flight special, and I had the squid ink pasta. The portions were generous, but not obnoxious. And let me tell you…you can feel the love that is put into every dish that’s served. Delicious is not enough to do this food justice. We were so full after the feast, but of course there is always room for dessert. We ordered the banana pudding tart…um yes please! But it didn’t stop there. Gianna brought us a bowl of the house-made salted caramel gelato, her father’s recipe…STOP THE PRESSES…hands down the BEST I have ever tasted in my life! My favorite part was not just how good the food was, but the whole vibe of this place! A true gem! You don’t find many places this anymore. I am looking forward to coming back again anytime I am in Philly. Gianna doesn’t know it, but she is my new favorite person! It was not just dinner, it was an experience.

If you have a particular allergy, need, etc. - no worries at this restaurant. One of my family members has an extreme allergy. We always call restaurants ahead of time, because the allergen is very commonly used in food preparations. Some restaurants find this inquiry annoying, some lie, some just say I don't know. When I called Pesto, Concetta (one of the owners) made sure that we talked to the Chef - she took the phone into the kitchen so I could hear the whole conversation. We were assured that there would be no problem at Pesto. She was so kind and caring. She also noted the issue in our reservation and talked to us about it when we arrived. Now - that was warm and wonderful - and so was the food. Let me just say that the salads, the gnocchi, the seafood ravioli, the eggplant rolatini, the chicken piccata, the chicken francese, the wine, the coffee, the desserts - everything was prepared perfectly, had a pleasing appearance, was served as ordered. This is definitely a good place to eat in Philadelphia. We loved everything!!

If you're looking for a spot with truly delicious homemade food you need to try Pesto's in South Philly . I truly had one of the best meals I've had in a very long time. We traveled from Bucks County Pennsylvania to meet friends. We started with the delicious balsamic carrots complementary we all ordered an appetizer Caesar salads Puff pastry shrimp and gnocchi,. all amazing. Our entrees were chicken Braciole, lasagna Bolognese and Cavatelli superb! . I highly recommend Ristorante Pestos. From the service to the ambiance to the delicious food, it will not disappoint. Nancy Smith

Writing a review of ristorante Pesto. WOW we were treated like family, we came for the Soccer world cup, and came from a family recommendation. You don't have to go to Italy to have a great treatment in The restaurant and Tonniemarie, and Signora Concetta were exceptional in service. All was fantastic. If I were a fancy person I would say this is my 3 star Michelin restaurant.

My experience was amazing on Friday . I would give them 20 stars if I could . Connie accommodated a last minute reservation for my family . There were 19 of us. The food was delicious as always . The wait staff was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. I'm always impressed no matter how many times I've been there. You feel like you're in your Nonna's kitchen. Connie makes everyone feel like family. We left happy and full . They let us bring in our own cakes with no extra fees for plating or corking. This place is a South Philly institution for good reason.

Pesto has been my favorite restaurant in South Philly for as long as I can remember (I’ve been coming here since I was a baby!) The food is always incredible and consistent. They have amazing gluten-free options, which I really appreciate, and the staff always makes you feel so welcome and at home! The atmosphere, the drinks, the food, everything is just perfect every time. A true South Philly gem!

What a divine experience we had dining at Pesto for the first time. It's days later and still thinking about our experience! The cavatelli and chicken parmesan actually made me feel nostalgic! Seriously haven't had cavatelli like that since my Aunt Milly, so many years ago. Do not get me started on the gnocchi. Seriously like pillows from heaven. The only sin here, is that we haven't tried it sooner. Looking forward to returning with family to share the joy we experienced Sat night.

Wow!!! What an incredible experience!! Everything was amazing from how we were greeted, the service, the food, the owner giving a personal touch, explaining the menu and making great recommendations!! Just a perfect night/perfect dinner!! Get the Rosa sauce!!!

Looking at the rating numbers this restaurant looks great. I didn't think to look at the negative reviews. If I had, I would have picked another restaurant. Several of the 1 star reviews expressed the same issues we experienced. We ubered $20 each way. We ordered a bottle of wine and the burrata appetizer (which was outstanding). My wife ordered the gorgenzola salad and mussels in wine sauce. I ordered the (world famous) cavatelli with mixed seafood. The spring mix in the salad had started going south and my wife tried to pick out the less fresh greens. The waitress said they don't serve wilted greens and accussed my wife of picking out all the cheese. Her mussles in wine were so heavily spiced with red pepper flakes made it difficult to eat. My specialty of the house with home made pasta was less than aldente (very chewey) and the scant amount of seafood was overcooked. The bottle of wine never arrived and when we asked the waitress to cancel it, she replied that they were out. The waitress handed me a faint carbon copy check that was illegible except for the total. When we asked for a legible copy. She got upset.

I had my Birthday celebration here and it was wonderful!! The food was amazing, the atmosphere great and the staff were so wonderful and welcoming! We had a large party of 17 and they were able to accommodate us perfectly. The owner Concetta made us feel so special and personally talked to each on of us. Loved it and will definitely be going back!

What an amazing find! We had a group of 8 and every person agreed that it was the best meal, start to finish, they've had at an Italian restaurant. Connie made us all feel like family and Jenna, our server, knew the menu "inside out"! Can't wait to go back!

So great!!! The best spot in Philly, with the best food and environment. The people here are great! Concetta and Gianna will take such great care of you! A yearly tradition with friends and family!

When I tell you this is the best restaurant in Philadelphia, I mean it. You absolutely cannot skip out on going here. I’ve been multiple times and I have yet to have a dish I wasn’t absolutely blown away by. The environment feels like home and the staff feels like family. You’re guaranteed to have one of the best meals and times at Pesto.

I attended a company holiday party at the Restaurant Pesto. The food and ambience were excellent. My complaint is with the bartender. I ordered a $10 cocktail and tipped the bartender $5. This slime bucket took it upon his self to add an additional $10 tip to my credit card without permission. Be careful when ordering from this place.

If you visit Philly and don’t go to Pesto, you are doing yourself a disservice. And if you live in Philly and don’t eat here, shame on you. Came here from Mississippi and if there’s a better Italian restaurant between here and there, I’d be shocked.

My wife and I went there for our 34th anniversary tonight. The owner and the staff treated us like royalty. Also the food was off the hook. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Thank you, Connie.

How many great things can I say about this wonderful restaurant? From the moment I called to make the reservation, Concetta, one of the owners, was so accommodating. She moved things around to get myself and my family the reservation time we needed, even calling me back to see what worked for me. And when I got there, she greeted us with a huge smile and hug. The entire staff was so attentive and amazing. From the moment we entered the restaurant, we were greeted with warm smiles and felt like a part of the family. Our waitress, who was so sweet, gave us recommendations on food. We ordered Espresso martinis which were 10/10. The kids food came and they enjoyed it. From the appetizers to the entrees, the food was incredible! The steak and mozzarella appetizer, bruschetta, lamb and veal parm were out of this world! We live in NJ but would definitely take the ride down to just eat here. Thank you to Concetta and the amazing staff for making our dining experience so wonderful and making us feel like part of the family!

The best food with an even better atmosphere! If you’re going to any Italian restaurant in Philly, it should most definitely be this one!

Ristorante Pesto Is home the atmosphere the vibe the FAMILY is all genuine words can’t describe how amazing the food is if someone was to ask me who has the best food in the city and I’m sending them right to this spot I would like to give a special shout out to all the workers and their amazing service 24/7

Wow, food here is spectacular and service even better as hard as that was to believe as the dinner was awesome. Owner Concetta Varallo pointed us in the right direction for my meal and appetizers.

We had THE most amazing experience here. Truly a family business! The owner checked on us multiple times, we were so full but the owner brought us a complimentary desert that we couldn’t not eat ;) (felt like we were in our grand mom’s house) and the staff was warm, welcoming and honestly it just felt like we were with our own family. We will definitely be back.

A breath of fresh air to dine in an establishment where the owners genuinely appreciate your business! We sampled some entrees as apps and everyone loved the gnocchi, bracciolatini and radicchio but the balsamic carrots and eggplant rollatini were uniquely exceptional. Our group ordered 8 different entrees including the signature cavatelli, stuffed veal chop and veal zingara and were literally handing food across the table for each other to share! With hundreds of dining options in the city this place is top of the list and worth a return visit.

So delicious, loved it and unlimited bread! Could not recommend this place more for fun dinner with family and friends!

A great night, with great food, and great friends. Couldn’t recommended this place more! The Cavatelli was excellent.

Connie made us feel at home and the service was great. The food and drinks were amazing. Lives up to the hype. Will definitely be back!

My absolute favorite place to eat in Philadelphia never had a bad meal and most definitely best staff in the city !

Amazing service from Toni Marie! From the moment we walked in, Connie made us feel right at home. The food was absolutely delicious — the marinated carrots were incredible, and the clams in white sauce were the best I’ve ever had. The Limoncello gelato martini and the toasted s’mores espresso martini, made by Gianna, were truly out of this world! Everything from the service to the food and drinks was top-notch. We will definitely be back soon!

It was all that! Atmosphere is like being with all of your favorite happy, loud family. The food is amazing and the service is attentive. You must go!

Excellent food excellent service our waiter Julian was great! Clean generous portions . Seated immediately . Many menu options .

Must go to in Philly! Food and staff both 5 stars!!!! Unlimited bread and BYOB. We got the chicken parm and the cavatelli. Great spot!

This Italian restaurant is a true gem! The food is authentic and delicious, bursting with rich flavors that transport you straight to Italy. The service is exceptional – warm, attentive, and welcoming. The cozy, homey atmosphere makes you feel like part of the family. Highly recommend for anyone craving genuine Italian cuisine with a touch of heart.

This was an exceptionally great dinner experience from beginning to end. The host was very accommodating and the waitress was great! Food was scrumptious!

We were visiting from Houston - and ate here. We loved the food, the hospitality, and the environment Highly recommend!

The food, the staff, and the ambiance were EVERYTHING. If you have not been here before you are missing out! The Portobello Special was AMAZING and if they have it on for special, the chicken stuffed with eggplant, sharp provolone, and prosciutto was to die for. I will absolutely be back ❤️

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian dining experience look no further than Ristorante Pesto. This family-owned gem delivers on every front—phenomenal food, service, and atmosphere—creating an unforgettable meal. We were traveling in from out of town and no doubt, we’ll be back!

Vibe + Food + Service = best Italian restaurant in Philly - bar none. Never had a bad meal here… ever. Concetta and her crew are top notch all the way!

What a wonderful evening. Came with a party of 12, felt like we were eating at my grandma's house. Cavatellis were amazing, lasagna was amazing, veal chop was incredible. Apps to desserts, it was an incredible meal. What a wonderful place.

We loved our experience! From the moment we walked in the door we felt like family! Everyone checked in regularly, made sure we enjoyed our experience, and gave helpful recommendations! Very accommodating! My friend is gluten free and they had great options for her as well! It felt like I was back in Italy and tasted like it too! Would highly recommend! Make reservations if possible! We had the fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp scampi (gluten free), the gnocchi flight, and the crème brûlée! All of us thoroughly enjoyed our food!

Pesto is hands down the best! Amazing food and the best service. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly made. Highly recommend!

We took 6 of our friends last Thursday for dinner and they all claim they now have a new favorite Italian restaurant. The food was impeccable, the service was great. Even though it takes an hour to get there from home, most definitely we will all be back.

This was our first visit and we were treated like long-lost friends. Concetta is the epitome of what every business owner should be—passionate about service, committed to quality and value, and proud of the family history and current generation involved in carrying on a stellar tradition. The atmosphere and vibe was fantastic. Our server, Maria, was warm, friendly, and professional. The food was outstanding - absolute musts are the homemade pasta, warm radicchio salad (out of this is world), and Concetta’s mother’s cheesecake! I wish every restaurant visit could come even remotely close to what we experienced at Pesto. Philly and Italian at its finest!

This is by far my favorite restaurant in Philly! We always go there for any special occasion. A couple days ago we went for my mother’s birthday. First off, the service is phenomenal. They make you feel like you’re part of the family. The owner is the sweetest, always walking around personally checking on you. Every server we’ve had as been so nice and on top of things. On the food side, everything we’ve tried has been outstanding, and we’ve tried a lot of things. The cavatelli and gnocchi are out of this world. The eggplant rollatini is delicious. Even the carrots they give you as a starter are amazing. I could honestly eat a meal of just the carrots! Also all their desserts are so tasty! Our favorite is the Reese’s cake. Overall, I wish I can give this place even higher than five stars, because they deserve more. I look forward to coming back many times in the future!

My uber driver told me about this place about a year ago and I finally made it! It was so homey, staff were awesome, and food was even better! Definitely can’t come to Philly and not stop at this place! Will be recommending to everyone I know.

Absolutely the best dinner and experience ever!! Highly recommend for small and large groups! So accommodating and friendly!!! Will definitely be back asap!!

Amazing place. Staff is super kind and friendly and food is a 10/10. We had the lamb and the gnocchi trio. Drinks were also delicious. Do not miss the crème brûlée. Don’t skip this place!

wen't there with my kids and grandkids 12 in all Gianna waited on us and she was great very patient with the kids. the food as usual was excellent. everything came out hot and delicious and she was very attentive throughout our meal. we were there over two hours and never rushed. still the best italian restaurant in the city. Fred Madara

Traditional Italian family canteen, with excellent service and flavors. Handmade pasta and sauces. It's worth seeing.

This restaurant had the best gnocchi and cheesecake I’ve ever had!! The service made us feel right at home. Truly incredible!

My family comes here once a year before Christmas, and I genuinely look forward to it all year. The best Italian food in Philly. Our waitress, Gianna, is always the best. Great service and even better food!!

Ristorante Pesto is an absolute gem that offers an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. This family-owned restaurant exudes warmth and charm, making you feel right at home from the moment you step inside. The atmosphere is inviting, and the service is impeccable—attentive without being overwhelming, making the meal all the more enjoyable. The food is nothing short of phenomenal. The Cavatelli is a standout, with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, flavorful sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. The Black Ink Pasta is another specialty that truly impressed—its striking black color and delicate seafood flavors transport you straight to the coast of Italy. Both dishes showcase the restaurant’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and authentic Italian cooking. It’s clear why this family-owned restaurant continues to impress. Highly recommended!

This place is AMAZING!! I have ate in before, but I just ordered out for the first time. I have an allergy and they wrote a note on my receipt to let me know that everything was cooked in fresh oil and cookware! Allergies are not usually taken very much care with so this is just the best! I am going to become very loyal! Also, the woman who sat me when I was there in person is just amazing! I believe she is one of the owners and she is just the best! It feels like I am walking into someone’s home for a family meal! Just the best! The rose sauce is AMAZING!!! (Carrots as well obviously!)

I must say this was one of the best places I have been to in a long time. The family atmosphere and the incredible food made me feel right at home! The gluten free gnocchi was to die for! Make sure arrive hungry because you will leave full! And after dinner if you have room- try the creme brule...you won't regret it!

Amazing food, amazing service 10/10 would recommend - birthday dinner for my buddy couldn’t have been better - would come back every day if possible

First ate at Ristorante Pesto in September of 2022 with my wife. I've come to Philadelphia since, three times on business and have taken my colleagues each occasion. We ate again tonight, 12/11/24, and it was FANTASTIC! The atmosphere, the workers, the ambience, everything is above and beyond. Concetta, the all world hostess, owner, friend....can't say enough of her, the staff and the food. Salute' Gratzie!

We loved our experience here and the food was astounding. It was a Friday and we didn’t have a reservation, but Concetta made us feel so welcome and at home. We had the bruschetta, gnocchi flight, chicken braciole, and squid ink pasta. 10/10 go if youre in the area!

The food and service were incredible! Would highly recommend, especially for a large party. I will definitely be coming back in the future.

Best Italian in the city!! Came here for a birthday dinner with a group of 9! The service and food were amazing. They really made us feel at home and the vibes were 10/10.

This place is a true GEM! It feels like you’re right at home, with the incredible friendly service. The food is to die for, with fresh seafood in so many of the best dishes. SLAY

I had the most incredible dining experience at Pesto! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The service was outstanding—our server Jenna was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, making us feel well taken care of. Every dish was a masterpiece. It’s clear that the chef and team pour their heart into every detail. I can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough for anyone looking for a truly authentic Italian meal. and I’ll definitely be back soon! Thank you Concetta and John for making us feel so welcomed!

Real Italian. Incredible vibes. IYKYK. Service was great. Good came out quickly, hot, and delish. Vibe was givinggggg

Absolutely mind blowing food. We came with friends and every dish was exceptional. The gnocchi were soft and light, the calamari was fresh and crisp and the sauce was flavorful and rich. There is a full bar with seasonal cocktails and an extensive wine list. I cannot say enough good things, this is the best Italian in Philly!

This is by far the best restaurant in the whole area! The food is out of this world, you can not order a bad dish! The staff is absolutely amazing, every single one of them treat you like family from the moment you walk in. Let's not forget about how clean it is in there, immaculate! If you haven't been your missing out!

If you’re looking for delicious Italian food with genuine family vibes, this restaurant is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!

If you have only one night in Philly and are in the mood for Italian food this is the place to go. The friendliness of the staff and owner made the experience that much better. Concetta was so sweet and accommodating to our family. The quality of the ingredients in the food was noticeable immediately. For the price I don't recall anywhere else I've eaten in the US that comes even close. As someone who has eaten through countless Italian restaurants in the NYC Metro area and Italy top to bottom this place is an authentic GEM. Pro Tip: Ask them what the specials are and order the one that sounds best to you. If you can't get a whole group together to share entrees, ask for entrees that you want that can be served as appetizers to allow you try even more of the delicious options. Until next time.. grazie Giovanni and Concetta!!

The best Italian restaurant we have ever been to. We would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. It all starts with the owner, Concetta greeting you when you enter the restaurant. She is extremely pleasant and starts the evening off to a great beginning. Our waitress was her daughter Gianni and she was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and was an excellent waitress. The food was not a home run but a GRAND SLAM. There were eight of us and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their appetizers and meals. I had the veal parmigiana and my wife had chicken parmigiana, both with the Rose Sauce. Absolutely amazing. I also started with a salad and the house made vinaigrette dressing was outstanding. The conclusion of all eight of us was it absolutely was excellent. In fact we booked to return on Saturday. You will be extremely pleased with the service and the food. Highly recommend. You will not be disappointed.

We ended up at Ristorante Pesto by virtue of hearing that a dear friend was in Philly and needed to find a restaurant with short notice. I saw the wonderful reviews, called the restaurant late morning of the evening (a Friday) that we wanted to make a reservation. I left a message and received a call back quickly (as the voice mail message indicated would happen) from the owner, Concetta. She could not have been more gracious and accommodating. Fast forward to dinner and what a truly great dining experience it was!! Three meals (Spaghetti with clams, Salmon alla Griglia and an Orecchiette with sausage special), one as great as the next. Topped off with tiramisu that was just outstanding. Cannot say enough positive things about the service and graciousness of the owner, who took the time (it was busy!) to speak with us and inquire about our experience. What a pleasure to know that restauranters still care the way Concetta does. We expect to be back often and it would be well worth it if you have occasion to be in Philly or live in town, but have not enjoyed this dining experience.

Pesto is authentic food that is clearly made with passion and love. From the fresh bread, balsamic carrots, specials, apps, and award winning dishes. Parking is always easy to find and the owner is so welcoming. (Highly recommend the Cavatelli- it’s life changing)

When you first walk in to Ristorante Pesto, you are greeted by the warmest hostess you’ll ever meet! Connie is a co-owner. She has a grace and friendliness about her that nearly guarantees you’re in for a treat. The staff is friendly and always in motion because of how busy this restaurant gets. The menu is extensive and offers a variety of appealing items. They start you with a small plate of sliced marinated carrots in garlic and balsamic accompanied by homemade bread. It reminded me of the same dish we had in Porto, Portugal last October. We eat calamari at numerous places but theirs is the lightest crunchiest calamari we’ve eaten. It is so good! I ordered the salmon Veneziana which was cooked perfectly. It was moist and the seafood garnish was just as moist and delicious . The homemade cavetelli pasta with seafood was amazing. You will love this restaurant. You literally see all the patrons smiling and enjoying their dinners. We’ll be back the next time we are in Philadelphia. Thank you Connie and staff. The kitchen produces miracles.

Delicious homemade pasta, the best gnocchi I've ever had, excellent salads and apps. Everything is delicious! The staff is so helpful and also really fun making for an incredible atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Love it here! The stuffed chicken special with rose sauce was amazing! The service is always excellent! Great for date night, friends night out or family dinners! Always our favorite!

My friends and I had a girls night last night and Pesto came highly recommended. Working with Connie to schedule was seamless, she was so sweet. We got a cutest private room to ourselves, and our night was completely made by our server, Gianna. She kept us laughing the whole night! The food was phenomenal, I got the stuffed steak as my entree and we split a bunch of apps in the beginning. Highly recommended the fried calamari!!! The drink flights were so good, and I highly recommend the pumpkin espresso martini. 10/10 atmosphere and 10/10 night! Cannot wait to go back!

Went for dinner before a sixers game - what a warm and welcoming restaurant and service, and some seriously good authentic Italian food. The food was truly amazing, and came out quick. A perfect spot to grab dinner off the B line.

This place is amazing. We already are planning our next visit. How did I live inn Philadelphia and not know?? Ate the portobello mushroom app, it was amazing. The Sauce was definitely homemade by someone who has been making sauce their entire life, Me and my daughter both had Salmon dishes that were cooked to perfection served with fresh bread for dipping it really was one of the best restaurants I have been to. Conchetta ( owner) welcomes you like your coming into her home… and our server Eric didn’t miss a beat making sure we didn’t need anything. Love this place!!

Tucked in South Philly, Pesto is a warm, inviting BYOB where the staff treats you like family and every dish feels homemade. The cozy space sets the tone for comforting Italian classics and rotating specials that are always fresh and delicious, from rich pastas to seasonal seafood. It’s the kind of spot where you bring your favorite bottle of wine (or enjoy their tasty cocktails - highly recommend the espresso martini), enjoy incredible food (the pumpkin gnocchi is a seasonal must-try) and leave already planning your next visit!

Had an amazing dinner at Pesto in South Philly! The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was top-notch. Our waitress, G, was fantastic—so friendly and knowledgeable. She gave us great recommendations, and everything she suggested was spot-on. My family and I truly enjoyed our meal, and we’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend this spot for an authentic and memorable Italian dining experience!

We celebrated my mom’s 86th birthday and had a fantastic meal. The staff is terrific and very attentive. Everything was homemade and we had generous portions. Very highly recommended!

One of the best and most authentic Italian restaurants in Philadelphia. We had an amazing dinner. All I can say is the food and service was outstanding. They couldn’t do enough for us. They truly provided a family experience. I can’t wait to tell everyone to visit Connie (the owner) and her family. I will be brining all my visitors for some amazing food! Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you Connie and Team! Best, Michelle P

A co-worker recommended Ristorante Pesto’s for dinner when my wife and I visited Philly. This place does NOT disappoint. From the moment we walked in, we were treated like family. The food is amazing and the drinks are great as well. Highly recommend you try a dish with their blush (rosé) sauce. If you are in the Philly area, this is a must for dinner!

This is one of my favorite Italian places in South Philly, which is stiff competition. Food is superb, decor is classy, staff is friendly. No complaints.

This restaurant is a gem. We had a wonderful dinner before a show at Wells Fargo and could not have enjoyed it more. From the phone call to make the reservation, to walking in the front door, to leaving after dinner, I've never felt more appreciated and valued as a customer. The food is delicious, three of four in our party had the special dish, seafood cavatelli, featured on Rachel Ray. A very generous portion and I noted that all three bowls were emptied. Shrimp Scampi also a wonderful selection, and the bread goes down way too easy. Great dessert selection and delicious cappuccino. Although they offer a full bar, they allow bringing a bottle of wine so we were able to enjoy our favorite with dinner. This is an absolute must visit Philly destination. You will be very glad you did. And hats off to Concetta, the owner, who is so fun, upbeat and welcoming. We will be back!

My best girlfriend and I went to Ristorante Pesto for dinner on a cold night in January. We enjoyed cocktails along with "bread and carrots" before having our meal. We had pasta dishes that tasted like we were in Italy. During the meal, my girlfriend realized that she left her purse in the Uber. When she contacted them, the driver needed $90 to drive it back to the restaurant. We didn't have cash on us and when we shared the story with the owner, she handed us the money and said we could "work it out" when we paid the bill. This was over and above anything she had to do but we were so grateful. It allowed us to remain seated enjoying our delicious meal without having to go find an ATM. This type of service reminded us of something you experienced in years gone by. It was so refreshing to feel so welcomed and cared for by the owner. Highly recommended a trip to Ristorante Pesto, owned by Giovanni + Concetta Varallo.

We did our research and everything led us to Ristorante Pesto. We're in town for the Philly zoo wine fest, and some hearty Italian was on deck. Julian, our waiter, was spot on with his recommendations and suggested things that he personally loved, not just the best-sellers or instagram dishes. Concetta, the heart and soul of the front of the house, orchestrated a busy dinner rush and welcomed us like family. The on-point extra, extra dirty martinis were a great start, and the carafe of chianti lasted the whole meal. We fired off two amazing apps - Bracciolatini and puffed shrimp - before sharing their award-winning cavatelli and the gnocchi flight...yep, you read that correctly, gnocchi flight... with rosé, gorgonzola cream, and pesto sauces. The cavatelli was enough for two, and the gnocchi were like pillowy nuggets of heaven. The gorgonzola cream was perfectly balanced, not too rich, and the pesto wasn't overpowering; it was fresh and herbaceous as hell. We finished with an espresso and two Italian staples...pistachio gelato and ricotta cheesecake. This was a great way to start our weekend, and we'll be back... with family, friends, and big appetites.

This was such a pleasant and delicious meal from start to finish. Crab salad special, rolotoni and bruschetta were perfect. Not to mention the Gnocchi and Veal. I would highly recommend and we will be back.

This meal was incredible! The owner Connie was beyond welcoming at times sitting with us discussing life. She gave us an appetizer of spinach ricotta pasta that was amazing! At that point we knew we’d need to roll out of there. The bread was incredible and the balsamic carrots were crazy good! We ordered the braciola for our app then cavatelli with shrimp and veal monte. Probably the best veal I’ve ever had. Everything was delicious! They insisted we try the crème brûlée which was to die for. And the chef/owner makes the gelato lemon cello which was a perfect end to a perfect meal. We took the ricotta cheesecake, made by Connie mother, home which I will eat tonight along with my leftovers from dinner! I highly recommend this restaurant of in Philadelphia, and cannot wait to go back!

Stop scrolling and book this place. My son and I went for dinner before a concert nearby. For starters and most important, an amazing family all working at, and making the place feel like you grew up there. Service was friendly snd super attentive. I had a delicious maple old fashioned and while sipping my drink they brought out bread and carrots in balsamic for the table. My son had a veal chip and I had pollo parmigiana and both were absolute perfection! Tasted like the most homemade and tasty Italian dishes you could imagine. Make sure you try the Rose sauce and you MUST end it with piece of homemade ricotta cheesecake. This place made a lasting impression and I will 100% be having dinner here the next time I am in Philly….traveling from HERSHEY Pa 😉. Thank you Varallo family you are our kind of people!! 💙

First time experience. Called for a reservation on a Friday night and they had no issues sitting down as soon as we walked in. Very family friendly place with the owner being very courteous. She walked around smiling the entire time, engaging with us and helped out the servers. Julian was the server and never had a better experience with such a down to earth, funny guy. The food was amazing, eggplant rollitini, gnocchi flight was very fresh. Chicken special for dinner was the best chicken dish we ever had. We are non drinkers and had some margaritas and they did not disappoint. Already planning to go back the next week.

I’m from Mississippi, but just moved to Philly. I just went to Italy and all Italian food has not been the same. This is my second time here and it’s to the same standard as if I was in Italy. Also, my second time here was even better than the first. They brought us a few extra complimentary dishes since we came back that ended up being our favorites. At one point, the owner showed me the kitchen and it was SPOTLESS. So nice to know the back is just as nice as the front. It felt like your family was taking care of you. I can’t wait to come again and again!!!

Have been going to Pesto for 7 years with big groups of friends and family. Connie and the staff are amazing as are the food and environment. Highly recommend.

Don’t miss this place! The owner and her daughter are stars! Italian family feel, and fantastic food! I’m so glad we found this gem. Do yourself a favor and enjoy true Italian food and family. Thanks Gianna for your fun spirit, we are very thankful for the hospitality! This is a must go place while in Philly! I come from Italian heritage, (west coast), and found the east coast Italian feel. Italian all the same, and it was evident the moment you enter the restaurant. They know how to do Italian, period! Enjoy, Mangiamo!

What a gem! This was our first visit to Philadelphia and after a long day of museums, tours and walking we were rewarded with an amazing meal at Ristorante Pesto. Loved the bread and carrots to start. The pollo ai carciofi was light and delicious with a generous side of, melt in your mouth, greens and roasted potatoes. Also, save room for ricotta cheesecake. It is light and fluffy, with a buttery crust. The staff was attentive, efficient and fun! The owner even sat and chatted with us a while. What a treat. The food at Pesto was outstanding, but more importantly, we were treated like family. We will be back!

We were visiting Philadelphia for one night and I was craving good Italian food. A search of TripAdvisor led to us coming here due to all the stellar reviews. Honestly it wasn’t bad but it definitely did not live up to all the rave reviews. Food was good - I’d say 3.5 stars Drinks - the house wines were very low quality and the cocktails overpriced. 2 stars for the drinks. Service was mixed - our waitress was attentive but not overly friendly with a bit of an edge. 3 stars for the service. Overall experience was 3 stars - again not bad but I probably would not return.

Our dinner was excellent, from the bread and delicious dip ( any description cannot do it justice), just try it) to the bracoile appetizer, perfectly crisp calamari, Caesar salad and pasta entrees. Ended with espresso and wonderful apple pastry dessrt, one of the best meals in a long time. We will be back! Next time we'll make a reservation- recommended. Very friendly family atmosphere!. Thank you for accommodating us!

I visited Ristorante Pesto on a Friday night with my wife and adult daughter. OMG. The food was incredible and was delivered with exceptional service. I don’t visit Philadelphia very often, but this will be the place to go when I’m there. Thank you Concetta and your family and staff for a wonderful evening.

The four of us had reservations for 5 pm on a Saturday and it was already very busy. We each ordered a different cocktail and our favorite was the Limoncello. We shared the eggplant rollatini and a salad with gorgonzola and sun dried tomatoes and both were very good. I had a special chicken dish stuffed with sharp provolone, prosciutto and eggplant, topped with the most delicious rosa sauce! Others had chicken parm, shrimp scampi and a gnocchi trio. All food was delicious, including the tiramisu and cannoli. The staff are fantastic and the hostess was very friendly. We really enjoy dinner there and I felt that it was the best Italian food I've had in Philly so far. We will return! Thanks!

Amazingly tasty and familiar! Like stepping into a restaurant scene from The Godfather. Had to look into the kitchen as big and fresh, everything cooked from scratch. Highly recommended!

A charming family owned restaurant Italian restaurant on Broad Street in Philly. We had a phenomenal meal! Every single item from our appetizers to our entrees were out of this world! The ingredients were fresh and flavorful. The owner was extremely welcoming and attentive. She checked in with us several times during our meal to make sure everything was perfect. Our server was her daughter & she was great as well. They treated us like family. I would highly recommend. We will definitely go back very soon!

Went to Dinner for My Daughter’s Birthday!! We started out with Delicious Appetizers!! Their Entrees had a wide Variety to choose from!! Drinks from the Bar were Fantastic!! The Desserts were exceptional.. one better than the other!! Excellent Service!! Last but not least The Best Hostess Concetta!! This Restaurant is Second to none!!

BYOB. Large menu. I would have liked the eggplant rollatini more with marinara sauce than with the rose sauce freed. Roasted peppers starter was very good. Convivial room gets a tad noisy. Street parking is available. Family owned and operated and it shows!

I can certainly see why they are rated number one. From the owner welcoming us at the door to her daughter who served us to the food that was excellent the entire experience we had was wonderful. This was perhaps the best Italian meal I’ve ever had including Italy and New York City. The owner was so gracious and fun to talk with that I think they would do well being a reality TV show. Certainly they would put the Kardashians to shame. We enjoyed our meal so much. We’re going back in a few days for seconds.

Incredible!! Can’t state how good this food was! This was unlike anything I’ve ever had. All the food was incredible! You must try if you are ever coming to Philly!

Smooth reservation, convenient location, nice family atmosphere, exceptional food (cavatelli and veal with shrimp entree), good service, great recommendations from lady I assume is owner.

OMG - first time at Pesto but not my last ! Yummy food, great service and wonderful vibe. You have to check it out - you won’t be disappointed!

For our first visit since before Covid we made reservations for eight people Thursday October 24. Six of the group were first timers. All agreed it won't be the last trip to Ristorante Pesto! My favorite dish Cavatelli was just as good as I remembered. Every dish was outstanding. Wednesday November 20 after a day visiting a car museum 4 of us had another incredible meal at Pesto.

Another excellent dining experience. From the apps to the cheesecake a espresso, perfecto!!! Also as always the hospitality feom Connie to her staff always on pint and beyiund. Thank you all!!!

Walking in you are made to feel like you are family. The food is delicious, the drinks are incredible, and the staff are wonderful. The atmosphere and vibe of the restaurant is part of what brings you back! When you are here, you are home ❤️ Connie, thank you for making our meals so special!

My husband and I ate here on a Friday night when we were in town for a conference. The owner was so warm and friendly and everything we tried was great. From eggplant rolatini to ricotta cheese cake we loved everything

What a great surprise. We came to Philadelphia from Texas and the restaurant was across from our VRBO. Great food and great service. We met the owner and her daughter and they were delightful. They had a variety of specials and every dish in our party of 7 was delicious. We will definitely eat there again. Highly recommended.

Delicious! Amazing atmosphere! So many options! It’s a classic south Philly Italian family restaurant. The owner was walking around the room chatting and checking in on customers. All the waitstaff was so friendly and welcoming. It felt like family dinner. I have celiacs disease and they had so many options for me. It felt nice to be able to actually be a part of a meal like this and not be just limited to a 1 or 2 options on the menu. Highly recommend for those with food allergies, specifically gluten! The waitstaff and owners are very knowledgeable about gluten free/ celiac/ cross contamination. Menu is not necessarily marked, besides a little blurb saying they have gf pasta, but just mention it to the waitstaff and they’ll explain everything! They have gluten free penne so any pasta dish can be modified. Beyond the gf pasta, they’ll work with you and modify any dish that they can from the menu. We got the gnocchi flight as an appetizer🤤and I got the cavatelli with gf penne as my main course. GF chocolate cake for dessert! They use separate work stations/ pans.

The best authentic Italian in the region ! One great dish after another AND you feel like family! It’s hard to go anywhere else !!

This exquisite South Philly Italian does not disappoint if you want the quintessential Philadelphia “gravy” with pasta, fish or meat. We started with perfectly crafted cocktails (Manhattan & Martini), a refreshing bruschetta appetizer (super fresh tomatoes diced with garlic, Italian parsley & a hint of onion on toasted bread). Chowed down on freshly baked local sesame seed bread and their signature basalmic vinegar marinated thick- sliced carrots (divine flavor with carrots still subtly crunchy). Dinner arrived with their House Specialty “Black Ink,” squid ink pasta with seafood which I ordered prepared with their super delicious marinara sauce. (My plate was completely white at the end of the meal having used that delicious bread to wipe it uber clean). My colleague enjoyed the branzino and shrimp in red gravy baked in a foil pouch. Dessert was cannolis & expresso of course. Moderately priced & a convivial atmosphere PARKING is plentiful right across the street at a monitored garage (enter on McKean St) & only $10 in the evening.)!!! In short, Ristorante Pesto is the real deal for authentic South Philly Italian experience & outstanding food!!!! Enjoy!!!

I've been here three times in the past four months! I keep going back. It's delicious. The staff is super warm and welcoming.

We visited Pesto after a fun filled day in the city celebrating the Eagles Superbowl victory parade. We opted for family style apps for our party of 8 and WOW they were all amazing. Every entree was perfection while drinks & dessert did not disappoint either. Portions are very generous and for the price point you can’t beat the value. The service is on another level, Concetta and her staff make you feel like family from the moment you walk in the door. Pesto is the best Italian restaurant in the city in my opinion. Don’t miss this GEM of an establishment if you are in the area, you won’t regret it!

Best atmosphere, best service, and hands down best meal! You will not be disappointed. Thank you to Concetta and Gianna for another great experience!

We had dinner here with family who eat here often and rave about it. We had an excellent meal and the owner stopped by and was very friendly and welcoming. Since it was a Saturday evening, the restaurant was packed and the service was a bit slow. It addition the service mixed up our order with that of another table which added to the delay and confusion. The atmosphere was also rather noisy which made it hard to chat during dinner. On the plus side the pasta was outstanding and prices were reasonable!

I literally just downloaded this app just to write about this restaurant. We just flew into town and were looking for somewhere to eat by our hotell. I stumbled on when I tried Googling "pesto" to find somewhere that serves pesto. The pictures on the reviews looked so significantly better than anything in our immediate area, and we got a Lyft over to try it. I am soooo glad we did! Absolutely everything was great, from the ambiance to the service to everything we ate. We tried the (forgive the spelling) eggplant rollitini (stuffed eggplant rolls), insalata de pere (pear salad), gnocchi trio, pollo di parmesiana (chicken parmesan), cannoli, pistachio gelato, Reese's explosion cake, and the cheesecake, and there were carrots and bread to start. Every single bite was delicious. I'm a big back. Never before have I been so excited to eat carrots! I mopped up some of that sauce from the carrots with the bread, and I had to stop myself from just eating that and filling up before the food came because it was so good. In fact, most of our plates were literally wiped clean by the end. I was pretty stuffed and ordered dessert to go, but the owner convinced us to try the cheesecake, her mother's recipe. Good Lawd 😩 Hands down the best cheesecake I've ever had. My youngest doesn't usually even like cheesecake, I said, "just try a bite"...ended up eating over half of it lol. I truly cannot say enough. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, such a great environment, loved the decorations and music, and every single bite of the food was amazing! This was a great dinner, great way to start our trip, great intro to the City of Brotherly Love, great way to celebrate a birthday. Highly recommend!

Absolutely fantastic food and experience. The owner greeted us after we were seated, then proceeded to briefly walk us through the menu including ‘fan favorite’ dishes. The appetizers and entrees delivered on the hype and the house carrot dish that comes out (in addition to bread) while awaiting our ordered selections was exceptional.

I am so happy to have found this gem. I travel to Philly for work a lot, and decided to try Ristorante Pesto with a few friend’s. We asked Giana for some recommendations, and she did not disappoint! Everything was delicious. The lamb chops were the best I’ve EVER had! We were lucky to be the last leave which gave us the opportunity to meet the incredible family that owns the restaurant. They are all so friendly, and personable . We had so much fun just chatting with everyone! We all enjoyed our experience there. We will definitely be going back.

Family owned restaurant. Very quaint. Good service. Food though was very average. Unfortunately, the reviews didn’t match the quality and taste of the food. We went with recommendations from owner and her daughter but were disappointed with taste. Not bad but certainly didn’t stand out. Prices are reasonable

Our meal was outstanding, the food was delicious, cooked to perfection and the service was on point, so helpful and informative when I asked questions. I highly recommend trying this restaurant out, make sure to put it on the top on your list.

Lovely restaurant. Friendly, helpful staff. Delicious food. Reasonable prices. Couldn’t wish for any more. They gave us complimentary side dishes. We were a party of seven and they served us in a very timely manner. Everyone loved their various dishes. The appetizers were all good. We had burrata and calamari. The lasagne special was wonderful we had banana cream pie and cannoli. So many wonderful choices and all delicious.

For better Italian food you would have to travel to Italy, possibly! We dined on bruschetta, exceptional, lamb chops,to die for, spaghetti with seafood, simply first rate and chicken Marsala that melted in your mouth! The muscles in white wine together with the home made italian bread were the best I have ever eaten! Maria the chef visited our table and she was a welcomed sight as I could personally thank her for a truly culinary 5 star plus meal! Gianna, Concetta thank you for a most memorable and off the chart gastronomical adventure! Maria,thank you for a true culinary adventure!🙏🏻🤓👍🥰

First time visiting. My experience was great from the second I walked in the door. The owner/ hostest was super friendly. Has a reservation and were seated right on time. Service was great and food was amazing. Portion size is huge and well worth the prices, that are more than fair in today's world. You can't leave without getting gelato. It's made inhouse and as good as I had in Italy! Can't recommend enough. Will definitely be going back!!!

My wife and I traveled to Philadelphia to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Dining at Ristorante Pesto was a fantastic experience. Although we thought the nice lady owner went out of her way to treat us to a special evening, I realized after our meal that she, her husband and their team go out of their way to treat all of their customers to a special evening. Our reception upon entering was very warm. We were seated promptly. Our servers were outstanding in presenting us with the specials of the evening, with their efficient and unobtrusive service, and with their friendly attitudes. The food was outstanding. Every seat in the place was filled--it was packed! And the sound of the lively conversation and laughter by the patrons was a wonderfully joyous soundtrack to a really neat experience. Being an Italian American from California, I wanted to experience a real deal East Coast Italian joint. Ristorante Pesto is like a place I see in movies, except there's no makeup, rubber shark or special effects--just a genuine, rock solid place where you feel as if you're surrounded by friends and being fed by family. THANK YOU for a memorable evening!

Dinner was delicious and the service was tremendous. I had the chicken parm, it was fantastic. They brought as much bread as you could possibly want.

Wonderful experience and I appreciate them getting me a table without a reservation. Note- make a reservation, local spot is very popular! Loved the menu and the staff was super attentive.

The owner Concetta was incredible. She worked with me to get my party of 8 seated early and got us out on time to make it to an event we had. She was so kind and gave us great food recommendations. The food was incredible and the ambiance made us feel like we were eating a home cooked meal with friends. Every dish we had was exceptional from the chicken parm, cavatelli, lamb chops to the eggplant rollatini and fried calamari appetizers! I can’t say enough good things. Went there with 7 friends and can’t wait to take my wife there. We will definitely be back

Ristorante Pesto is the gem in the crown of Philadelphia. Upon entering the hostess is warm and treats you like a regular. The food is fresh, gracious portions, and absolutely delicious. We sampled several appetizers, seasonal drinks, and incredible main courses of different varieties. The vegetarian eggplant parmesan was savory, not mush, and texture was spot on. The seafood pasta was fresh, airy, and had a sauce which compliments the meat instead of masking it. My chicken and artichoke was out of this world but I couldn’t complete the meal without ordering their signature homemade pasta on the side. In my travels I don’t have many iconic moments which stand out in our culinary ventures. Yet Ristorante Pesto has achieved an honorable mention in our travels and I would urge anyone to experience their delicious food but stay for the stellar hospitality.

We found this restaurant through trip advisor due to the very good reviews and it didn’t disappoint. There were 6 of us and we all enjoyed our meals. We will go back for sure!

Based on the reviews on Tripadvisor, we decided to give this restaurant a try. The outstanding reviews are absolutely correct. We had an awesome dinner and the waiters and waitresses added to the great experience. Everyone was so friendly and hardworking. we had the most delicious balsamic carrots. We ordered the Branzino, the flight of gnocchi, and the black ink pasta with a mix of seafood. Everthing was cooked perfectly and was so delectable. The portions are large and are a very good value. I highly recommend this restaurant!! Make a reservation ASAP.

Careful service, delicious food, well served and with fair price. Couvert and dessert already included in the main dish. The only thing is they could make Wifi available.

Ate dinner here along with my husband and three other couples. Absolutely one of the best meals that we have ever eaten. My husband had the Chicken Marsala and I had the Chicken Parmesan. We both agreed that they were delicious. We started our meal with the bacon wrapped appetizer and it was definitely one of the best appetizers that we have ever had. The restaurant starts you out with a plate of carrots for the table to share along with some bread. I don’t know how they made carrots taste so good, but I will never look at carrots the same again. The owner, Concetta is so gracious, makes you feel at home, treating you like family. Her daughter, Gianna waited on us and was just fabulous. She knows the menu very well and was very helpful in helping us to order. We have changed our dinner plans so that we can dine here again before we return home. Absolutely one of the best and most fun dining experiences. Definitely recommend eating here.

My wife and I had a wonderful dinner at Pesto on Thursday evening. The entire staff is awesome and very attentive. All of the food is prepared to order and is delicious. I usually never order Lasagna out, but Gianna recommended it, as it was a special. It definitely didn't disappoint. Caesar salad, bruschetta and roast peppers with fresh mozzarella were all perfect. And definitely don't skip the dessert. Homemade cannoli, the best in the city and pistachio creme brulee! Can't wait to go back!

Pesto was amazing!!! We had reservations at a new “trendy” pasta place but last minute decided to cancel & try Pesto instead, and it was the right decision! The food was incredible and service was 5 stars. Gianna was our server and she was so so friendly and attentive - as were the rest of the staff as well. It has such an authentic family atmosphere and was just the perfect place to celebrate a birthday with my loved ones. We will definitely be back many many times!!!

This place is a must-see if you pass through Philadelphia. The staff is very friendly and warm, always attentive to any need. As for gluten-free options, they are extremely careful about cross-contamination and have precise knowledge of the measures needed. As for the food it was delicious both the main dishes and the entailed. corregilo

Every now and again, culinary excellence combines with the right measure of attentive service and a feeling of comfort. Walking into Ristorante Pesto for the first time this past week, we felt immediately at home, as if we were part of their extended family. Ristorante Pesto is a truly a gem. From the first bite of Caesar Salad, with homemade croutons and fresh parmesan cheese, to the last bite of the most delectable cheesecake, my wife and I enjoyed every moment. I had the Veal Parmesan, thinly sliced and covered with mozzarella and marinara, and my wife had the Pollo ai Carciofi, chicken with prosciutto, mozzarella and artichokes, with a delicious white wine sauce. Both dishes were outstanding. Clearly, this restaurant is a labor of love, and we are looking forward to returning in the very near future. Our taste buds have been spoiled -

Our time at Pesto is always so great! Connie makes you feel like part of the family. The food is consistently fresh and delicious, plus the staff and atmosphere are amazing. Can't wait to go back!

Connie is lovely from the call to make the reservation to greeting us upon arrival and chatting on our way out. The service and food is amazing. It’s hard to find such scrumptious food and a family owned and run business these days. Coming from Connecticut we know phenomenal Italian food. This is a must to visit in Philly.

If you want to feel and eat like you are going to your childhood best friend’s Italian home for dinner, Pesto is for you. Our first time there after living in Philly for 35 years. Shame on us. It is stunningly good! It starts with Concetta the owner welcoming you and offering up ordering tips at the front door and ends with great homemade desserts. In between is wave after wave of authentic and creative Italian dishes. The Bracciolatini for one. Veal Monte for another. And the Cavatelli for a third. All truly great preparations. This restaurant oozes South Philly authenticity and texture. We will be back soon. Thank you Concetta and wonderful staff.

My boyfriend’s family (aunts and girl cousins) and I had Gianna’s Room all to ourselves. It was so beautiful and the customer service was fabulous! The commentary from the waitress Gianna was a good much needed laugh! I had the lobster ravioli and it was very delicious!

We had a wonderful dinner experience at Pesto for our organization’s post holiday get together. 13 of us thoroughly enjoyed the delicious homemade pasta and a variety of menu favorites. The highlight of the evening was the personalized service. The owner Concetta and her daughter Gianna made us feel like family they haven’t seen in a while. We had a great time and can’t wait to go back.

What an absolutely fantastic little spot we found ... Pesto is, by far, one of the most enjoyable family-owned restaurants in the city ! Sincerely outstanding homemade Italian food, only surpassed by the exceptional and personable service delivered by Concetta (Co-Owner with husband Giovanni) and Gianna (daughter of Concetta & Giovanni). These folks are obviously passionate about providing an experience (not just a dinner). In a pinch before a show at the Wells Fargo Center, this place was recommended by a local so we figured we'd give it a shot. This was a Sunday afternoon (they're usually not even open on Sunday's at all, but this Sunday was an exception because of the Christmas holiday). We had no reservation, but Concetta fit us in and made us feel like family very quickly. Never knew of Pesto, but will definitely be back often now !! Can't miss with this one ...

Our whole experience at Ristorante Pesto was excellent!. The food is so good. We started with the Caesar and pear salads which were both delicious. We were also very impressed with the lasagna, steak, gnocchi pesto and vegan penne primavera. These were among the best Italian entrees we have eaten. The cheesecake was also a hit. In addition to the food, the service at Ristorante Pesto was also stellar. From the reservation on the phone to the welcome at the restaurant, owner Concetta Varallo went out of her way to make the evening special. The team who served the meal was friendly, fun, and efficient. We will definitely be back!

Authentic Italian food, atmosphere and character. You feel like family or an old friend from the warm greeting as you walk in to the wait staff and their warm smiles and helpful menu suggestions. Attentive. Efficient. Affordable! And the food fabulous. We definitely ate too much but you just have to try the eggplant appetizer, the pear salad, the award winning cavatelli and must have the homemade cannoli and crème brûlée! First class Italian family!

This place is CONSISTENTLY excellent every time we go! We took our friends tonight and they had never been here and they said it was the best meal they have ever had - PESTO TRULY is that good - delicious and healthy authentic Italian food

I took my wife and my 87 year old mother to dinner tonight and had one of the most spectacular meals I’ve had in a very long time. Service was on point, staff is beyond friendly and the ambiance so authentic South Philly Italian. Love it. Concetta, the best! Spectacular place.

Ristorante Pesto is lovingly run by Giovanni and Concetta Varallo, with Chef Giovanni and Chef Maria Varallo‑Facenda in the kitchen, turning traditional family recipes from Naples into plate‑worthy art! Concetta personally greeted us and all the guests when we were there, frequently making rounds and checking on every table. She takes time to chat with you as if welcoming old friends. She even hugged us. She hugs almost everyone. She’s a real gem. I highly recommend the unforgettable, Portabella Special, with its creamy cheese, aromatic rose sauce, and sweet crab, it’s a culinary embrace you won’t forget. Mangiamo—may your meal there be as heartfelt as the hands that prepare it and serve it to you. Thank you to the staff for the memorable visit to Philadelphia.

We were in the city all day and decided to stop for dinner on a whim. So glad we did. The complimentary carrots were amazing. Our meals were very good and we enjoyed feeling like we were part of the family. We will definitely go again!

Wow absolutely amazing!! The service fabulous, the food fantastic and the vibe was giving. I never thought a carrot could slay but it did. This place is a true GEM!!