Hands Down Best Italian!

We have a visiting chef in town next week and the request is Italian since he is sick of Island food. I would assume that he (they) would want very, very authentic, a small space, and not too pricey and casual, yet very imaginative plating - with a decent wine list . Any good suggestions here? Bistro Romano? Or is it best to do a South Philly experience? Or is this too much to ask?? Thanks!

Hands Down Best Italian!

Mezza Luna would possibly be a good choice...

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Hands Down Best Italian!

I really do like Bistro Romano. I find the food very good, but it is not what I would term imaginative cuisine. The space is cool (restaurant is located in an 18th century granary) and the menu features solidly prepared Italian food (think excellent tableside Caesar salad, very good carpaccio, minstrone zuppa, veal saltimbocca and a stellar linguine posillipo (linguine and clams - white sauce.) The wine list is more than adequate.

I like Bistro Romano a lot, but if given my choice for Italian food, I prefer Mezza Luna on S 8th Street in the Bella Vista/Queen%26#39;s Village neighborhood of South Philly. The gnocchi is the best (so light!) this side of the Atlantic, the veal dishes are to die for (espeically the champagne veal dish), the sauteed mushrooms are an excellent appetizer - I would say the food is more ';imaginative'; overall than what you will get at Bistro Romano. The specials are always excellent as well - if they are offering the Branzino, do not miss it! You can either BYOB or they have a small bar that offers a variety of wine and cocktails.

Another great place that is strictly BYOB and cash only on E. Passyunk Ave in South Philly is Mr Martion%26#39;s Trattoria. They are only opened for limited days (I believe Thursday, Friday, Sat and Sun) and you would have to call for reservations, but this place makes you feel like you have found a hidden gem on a side street in Italy. It is rustic and very intimate. The food is cooked to order and is very, very good. The offer a great veal tortellini in a tomato gorgonzola sauce that is to die for. My husband likes their ravioli in this nut-butter-sage sauce as well as their balsamic chicken. They make an authentic and excellent white bean soup. Everything is very fresh and good. Prices are insanely reasonable.

Hope this helps, there are many very good Italian restaurants in Philly. Good luck!

Suzanne

Some other places I thought of that mean your food description are BYOB%26#39;s.

L%26#39;Angolo

Salento

Caffe Casta Diva

Melagrano

I also agree with Bistro Romano, however, we usually do not go casual. Some other Italian restaurants that come to mind for unique menus are: Tre Scalini, The Saloon and Danti %26amp; Luigi%26#39;s. However, they are not casual places and the menu might be considered pricey. HTH!

Wow. I just re-read my earlier response and how I garbled it. What I meant to say is that the restaurants meet your food description but they are BYOB.

Lynn