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Bistro Romano
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
120 Lombard StPhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: Society Hill
(215) 925-8880
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
77 reviews for Bistro Romano
Review Highlights
"Again, this is only a review for the *Private Wine Cellar."
(in 5 reviews)
"my suggestions are the Lobster Ravioli & Duck."
(in 8 reviews)
"Would definately recommend the table side ceasar salad."
(in 8 reviews)
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77 reviews in English
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Review from Eerie S.
Media, PA
1/21/2012
I'm smitten.
Amazing food, excellent service, and a beautiful decor.
I took my lady for her birthday dinner and reserved the Wine Cellar table (which, by the way, is quite possibly one of the coziest seats in Philly). The room was prepared with rose petals on the white linens, candle light, and quaintly isolated from the rest of the room...a perfect romantic setting.
The food was amazing. Presentation on all courses was well done, and done with care. Selection was broad enough to cover staples, yet offer variations to classics and hints of contemporary concepts. I was pleased beyond words at the overall taste of our selections.
The decor is wonderful. Warm and timeless. Service was attentive and helpful with any and all of our inquiries (and quite good at creating our tableside Caesar salad by light of only 2 candles, bravo!).
Parking was nearby, and plentiful, even on a weekend night. I believe they even validate for the nearby garages. They're located close to carriage rides on 2nd St., just to put that finishing touch on your romantic evening. -
Review from CindyZoo L.
Manhattan, NY
1/7/2012
Bistro Romano has amazing decor! Once you walk in, you feel like you've been instantly transported to a beautiful, romantic, cozy brick wine cellar.
We started off with the calamari and the clams/mussels appetizer. The calamari was perfect - crispy and not greasy at all. I only wish they gave us more. The clams/mussels were decent but I wouldn't order them again.
For the entree, I had the rigatoni bistro which was delicious!! Huge portion & creamy, cheesy goodness w/ my faves mushrooms & broccoli. My bf had the duck which he devoured quickly.
Unfortunately we were too full for dessert =( Instead of a dessert menu, the waiter comes by with a tray of the night's desserts - all looked delicious! -
Review from Liz W.
Philadelphia, PA
11/10/2011
I'm Italian...I'm a great cook, I can usually tolerate even mediocre Italian cooking but I may as well have stayed home and opened a jar of Ragu.
It's a pretty place, but that shouldn't try to compensate for the food. You go to a restaurant to eat..period...
As for the so called "acting" for the Murder Mystery portion, it must be that they have decided to take pity on the "occupy Philly" protestors and offer them a meal in exchange for some free thespian labor.
Aside from the food and entertainment, well, there isn't really anything aside from the food and entertainment, is there? -
Review from Ashley L.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Bistro Romano has to be one of the best date spots in the area. We dined in the dimly lite downstairs room, which resembled a large wine cellar (and yes, they do actually have a separate private wine cellar room). Although the dining room was decently full, it was still surprisingly quiet. Our waitress was very attentive and friendly. I went with the Salmon Granato, which is topped with scallops! It tasted a little fisher than it probably should have, but I enjoyed the dish nonetheless. My date went with the Shrimp Scallop Venezia and the portion was large enough for two sittings. Although it wasn't the greatest seafood meal I've had, the decor was certainly special enough to bring me back. For my next date night- Lobster Fest Tuesdays!
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Review from Nsharin T.
Ambler, PA
10/5/2011
I loved Bistro Romano. We went to try something new and they host a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater (the friendly waitstaff were the actors). The cost was around $40 and that included the show along with a four course meal. We had soup, salad, salmon (yumm, it was nicely seasoned and cooked to perfection) and cheesecake.
The food was delicious and the show was entertaining. It was an interactive event that got all the guests involved in trying to solve the murder mystery. Some of the guests even had a couple lines to act out. We spent the night laughing, eating and making friends. We will be going back again to check out the downstairs dining area that has gotten great reveiws as being quaint and romantic. -
Review from Ana S.
Upper Darby, PA
10/30/2011
I have always wanted to experience a Murder Mystery Dinner, so I got tickets for a friday night show. The food was ok - salad was an average caesar salad, soup wasn't anything special but it was good. My boyfriend and I both chose the salmon as our entree. It was well cooked, well seasoned, but still average. The cheese cake was not good and probably store bought.
I would have accepted average food had the show been average as well.
The show was horrible; the acting, story, and organization was extremely poor. I have seen better high school productions. While two or three actors were ok, the rest were embarrassingly bad. No one could remember their lines and often stumbled or ad-libbed which increased the awkwardness of the entire show. However, it was the over acting and attempts at comedy that threw the show entirely off. After two scenes, I was wishing they would stop completely and let us eat in peace.
Drinks are not included in your $43 tickets, they also ask for a tip. Two tickets came to about $90, drinks came to about $20. If you include the $10 tip they ask for, this $120 date night would have been better spent elsewhere.
I love theatre and was hoping for a entertaining show with good food and a talented cast. It was very disappointing. -
Review from Ann V.
8/31/2011
I love Bistro Romano - maybe the food isnt super super amazing BUT it's so romantic! Maybe I'll have to check out the murder mystery dinner show one day.
Oh and I like the whole table side caesar salad thing - you know exactly what is going into it.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Andrew L.
Philadelphia, PA
7/10/2011
I have to say this place reminded me of a glorified, slightly higher priced Olive Garden. The ambiance was dungeon-esque, and the temperature of the dining room was warm. The yellow, electric candles above the table were covered in dust, and the place looked like it could use a nice overhaul by Molly Maid.
The wait staff was friendly, but they all seemed to be faking it really bad. I wouldn't want to be working there either! One of the guys had a goiter on his cheek. Another guy had his hand wrapped in a bandage.....appetite killers!
The food was mediocre at best. The tilapia and baby shrimp grossed me out, but the beef tenderloin and horseradish mashed potatoes were okay. The side of veggies was doused in oregano, and the side of pasta was unexciting. Even the lemon sorbet I had for dessert didn't seem cold enough.....imagine that!?
If you're desperate for Italian, I guess give it a shot. I would much rather eat at Pietro's around the corner on South Street. -
Review from Steve W.
11/1/2011
Nothing special. Kind of like Chef Boyardee meets the Olive Garden. They overcompensate on the decor to take your mind off the bland food. Had the the ravioli with what appeared to be lobster in it. Tasteless and unaspiring. The only thing that saved this place from getting 1star was the Tira misu was ok. Still for the price you'd be much happier and your taste buds will thank you by going to Vetri on Spruce.
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Review from John F.
6/21/2011
This is a good spot if you're in the mood for Italian in Society Hill. The upstairs offers a lounge with a bar (I want the mantle behind the bar for my house- I heard it came off a ship!)
The dining area is downstairs in a quaint, dimly lit cellar. The feel is charming so it is a good romantic date spot. I've had a few different dishes and found the food to be good but not unbelievable, still, it is a great spot.
I did go to the murder mystery night (I believe it's on Fridays) about a year ago. I'm really torn here, I wasn't a huge fan that the dinner was a bit more planned for me but the entertainment was... entertaining. You will be sitting banquet style with guests at about 10 person tables so you are exchanging the romantic dining experience with more of an entertainment feel. I'd probably recommend this if you have a large group that wants to have fun.
If you want to go on a weekend, I highly recommend a reservation or you might get turned away, unless you want to be seated at 1030. -
Review from chris g.
Philadelphia, PA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
GO --- We were hesitant to try this place after the seeing neg. reviews, but it ended up being much better then we expected. All 3 of us had different veal dishes & sampled each others' (Rosini, Saltimbocca * Melanzane). They were all very tender & well-prepared - really finely done. The seafood app was the only downer - somewhat overcooked. Waiter (Walt?) was excellent, prompt but not breathing over us. Wine list looks interesting but seems way pricey.
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Review from Eva H.
5/1/2011
I read too many Nancy Drew books and played too much Clue as a child. Hence, I demanded we attend Murder Mystery Dinner Night. Note: you don't get the full menu on MMDN, so perhaps other options fare better (doubtful).
We entered and ponied up to the apps station. Oh man, bad wedding food. (Sidebar: why have I been eating so much bad wedding food lately?!) Cold meatballs, pre-frozen fried shrimp, shriveled veggies with dip, and slivers of cheese with crackers. Ummm, no. Thankfully, the (overpriced) wine and mixed drinks were drinkable.
So, dinner was an experience--a bad one. The salad (mixed greens in a basic vinaigrette) was totally tolerable. The minestrone was fine (well, I think; the boy couldn't eat it) if uninspired. But the mains? HAHAHAHA! WOW, they were so bad I couldn't help but giggle. I got the chicken marsala. Though the chicken was moist, I had to dump a tablespoon of salt on it to get any flavor. Then the flavor was just salty badness. The grilled veggies and rice were simply inedible. The boy went (he thought) safe and got rigatoni in a cream sauce with broccoli. Even salt and (pizza parlor shaker style) parm couldn't save it. It was, simply, atrocious. You know how people politely eat to avoid being rude? He couldn't even do that. Yep, that bad. Dessert was your typical supermarket cheesecake with strawberry "topping."
As for the MMDN itself...well, it was fine. The actors were hardworking, doing the work of acting and being servers (in character!) all night. The plot was pathetic, but they were trying really hard. Though I don't think I'd go again, I'm glad I went.
Except for that pasta. Which will never, ever, stop haunting me. They murdered that dish, and there was no mystery about that.Listed in: Meh and Worse Philly Style
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Review from Gavin S.
Philadelphia, PA
5/18/2011
Came here for a graduation celebration for three. No problems with the Open Table reservation I made online a week before. This place is as I remembered it the other 2 times I've been here - cozy and quiet.
The Caesar salad is a great way to start, watching them make it right at your table. Delicious. For entrées, the lobster ravioli in a cream sauce was very good, if a bit light on the portion if you're a big eater like me. Luckily I ordered the scallops and shrimp venezia - also very good, if slightly unexciting. I filled up on pasta. Our other guest had the veal melanzane, which was the biggest portion of all.
Service was great - really no complaints all the way around - parking was a breeze on front street in a city lot half a block away. Bistro Romano is reliably good, and as intimate as you want it to be. -
Review from pracheta t.
Pittsburgh, PA
2/12/2011 Seated via OpenTable
I came here with the fi on a much needed no cell phone date night and we couldn't have chosen a better place. We got there a little early and had a few pre-dinner drinks at the upstairs bar with the most talented piano player in the world. I think we could have spent all night at the bar - it was so unique and just had this old school feel to it. The bartender was attentive and modified my drinks to my liking (i'm a bit picky) without a hint of annoyance.
We were then seated at a a table downstairs that was probably in the most inconvenient spot in that place. I won't go into details because when we asked our waiter for a different table the manager came over, apologized, and lead us to a sweet booth.
The food was as magical as the restaurant itself - super yummy. We ordered one appetizer and one entree and it was more than enough. At the end of the night, our waitress let us see the private cave room which was sooo pretty and intimate. Our waitress says they like to call it "where philly gets engaged" and on the walls couples have scribbled their names in chalk. Though i wish that room had been available when I made the reservations, we both agreed this was one of the most romantic date nights we've had in a while. Don't think twice - just go! -
Review from Kevin W.
Conshohocken, PA
8/2/2011
Horrible. How else can I say it............yeah, horrible. I had the "pleasure" of watching the murder mystery. Most of the hipsters I know are unemployed. The ones that were "acting" in this play, SHOULD have been unemployed. The only way I can really sum up the food is that its something that literally any ones mom could make in their home kitchen. Very bland and tasteless. Not really sure how this place has survived as long as it has but I can tell you with the restaurant "boom" in Philly, if this place doesnt get its act together then they ALL might be unemployed.
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Review from Lexy M.
12/15/2010
Boyfriends, Husbands, Dates... want some advice? Want to REALLY score some points with your Hottie?
Then let me introduce you to the Private Cave Room at Bistro Romano.
Again, this is only a review for the *Private Wine Cellar*....
- Romantic and private setting with stone walls and dimmed lighting
- Your own little cave to do, touch or tickle as you please (Hey I'm just saying...)
- A+ service and charming waiters
- Order for the lady...my suggestions are the Lobster Ravioli & Duck
- Their well known Caesar Salad is also a nice treat and fun to watch make (although it can be a bit too dressy and salty.. it does hit the spot)
I had the pleasure of eating here when my Fiance booked the Warm & Cozy Private Wine Cellar on a cold night the day of our 1 year Anniversary. I was romanced and impressed and yes... he got lucky that night.
Now, go out and SCORE men!
;-) -
Review from Joseph T.
Abington, PA
3/27/2011
My wife and I went last night for our 10th wedding anniversary. Our service was excellent but not sure I agree on the romantic aspect of the private wine cellar. Between the old space heater in the room, dusty old empty wine bottles, and the interruption of the staff to unlock the closet in the room to get a wine (not for us!!!); my wife and I did not get the romantic vibe from the room. Not sure it is worth the additional cost of renting the wine cellar.
We arrived early and had a few drinks at the bar. The service and the atmosphere at the bar was excellent.
Our waitress and the other servers were very good. They were attentive to us.
Our meals were good but sadly the atmosphere is what will be remembered. -
Review from Serena R.
Jersey City, NJ
8/30/2011
This is place is good for a romantic date spot. I did not come on a date, however, I came with a bunch of girlfriends which was a good thing b/c I was able to clean my plate without feeling shame. It's been months since I ate here so I can't even remember what we ordered but I was so happy with the food and service that I had to write a review.
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Review from Jeffrey M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/14/2011
The one star it gets for ambiance. I will say, it is one of the most delightful eating spaces in the South street Society Hill area. Still, my experience there was less than stellar, and for the price, it was a absolute travesty.
I made reservations and when I got there, the manager and host seemed very confused. My name was in the system, but it still took them quite awhile to seat us at our vacant table.
Then, a patron fell coming down the stairs, shattering a glass of wine everywhere. And seriously, I timed it, it took them 45 minutes to clean up the glass. Costumers (little girls even) kept walking through the glass on the stairs unknowingly. The staff seemed very distracted and unknowledgable. Our waitress took 20 minutes to come by.
These things can be forgiven; they are those random yelp happenstances at a generally good restaurant. But the food: the food was terrible.
I had the stuffed mushrooms (stuffed with hamburger helper) to start and the peppercorn tuna for my primary. The tuna was over cooked in spots and undercooked in others. It had a very foul taste and it left me sick for the rest of the night. Really, it was rather unpleasant.
So, Bistro, you're like all other superficial parts of life: look great but nothing inside. -
Review from Nikki W.
Philadelphia, PA
9/11/2011
I didn't know what to expect when getting e-mails constantly about a prix fixe menu for only $29 but was pleasantly surprised about the charm of the place, the service and of course the food. It was a very romantic place to have a meal and had a great wine & beer list. I would definitely go back.
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Review from Dan W.
Conshohocken, PA
12/11/2010
I was really excited to try bistro romano, but overall it was pretty disappointing. The place has a pretty cool vibe inside with the exposed brick and historic feel. The food was very mediocre, had the mussels as an app, and they were just okay. Filet for me and clam sauce for the gf. Both were again just okay. Waitress was not personable at all and gave sub par service. The food was priced reasonable especially for the location, but overall a pretty disappointing experience.
We went on the night of the army navy game so they were busier than usual, might explain the bad waitress but either way the food was nothing to get excited about. Check it out if you like exposed brick and historic vibes I guess, but don't expect great food. -
Review from Brian P.
Philadelphia, PA
8/31/2011
If you're looking for better than decent Italian food but a very nice romantic place Bistro Romano is the clear winner. I would classify the food as a little better than average but the atmosphere makes up for it. It's the perfect place for a date. I have not been there in a few months but I had to write a review because it's always a positive experience every time I go.
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Review from Papa B.
New York, NY
7/24/2011
Passable society hill Italian, basic and traditional.
The first bite of bland bread and overly-bitter garlic olive oil was quite predictable of what was to come.
Hostess and servers were pleasant, and tried quite hard. It's just not enough to recommend or return. The same semi-fresh meal I remember from anywhere.italian in 1977 just doesn't cut it today. -
Review from Alyssa W.
Cherry Hill, NJ
8/21/2011
Food is consistently good. Great atmosphere and excellent service. Ceased salad made table side is the best
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Review from Jenn K.
Conshohocken, PA
2/13/2011
Very romatic!
Would definately recommend the table side ceasar salad. Lots of fun to watch them make it and it might be the best ceasar salad I have ever had. For our main course, my fiance got the duck which was very good, not too oily. I had the asparagus ravioli which was okay, but I wouldn't get it again. The cannoli we had for dessert was great!
Above the food, the service was excellent! -
Review from Mike M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/3/2011
This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Philadelphia. The owner Mike, seems to be there all the time, and makes himself available on the floor to guests regularly. The Cesar Mare is the best salad I have ever had in my life. Perfect date spot with my girl friend, and the prices are just right. Incredible food food and a great atmosphere. Highly suggest this restaurant for dates!
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Review from Martha M.
Ardmore, PA
7/24/2008
While I am on my Italian restaurant review kick....lets spell it out for Bistro Romano...this is one great place.
I went here with the whole fam to celebrate my Dad's birthday. So we were a big and hungry crowd (20 of us) and the waitress was very enthusiastic and accommodating. The great room upstairs was able to accommodate the size of our group as well as about 20 other patrons who were there to watch the Frank Sinatra impersonator. (yeah, my Dad's a serious "ol' blue eyes" fan).
All the food (salads, soups, entrees and desert of pumpkin bread pudding) was fantastic and the portions were so big that we all brought portions home. Would definitely go back and would recommend it to all. -
Review from Amy S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/18/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I've been to Bistro Romano a handful of times now, and it's somewhere I know I'll go a handful more times. The bar upstairs is absolutely stunning. I think it's taken from an old-school luxury cruise ship (for real) -- it's a unique place to sit and have a drink. Plus, there's a piano player by the bar on most nights, and he's fantastic.
The atmosphere in the dining area downstairs is also unique and beautiful -- exposed brick, nice wooden tables, and the feel of eating in a wine cellar. Romantic and cozy, with very friendly and knowledgeable waiters/waitresses.
The food is great, and in some instances better than great. The filet mignon is very good, although at my most recent visit "medium rare" came out more like "medium." The lobster ravioli is excellent, in a delicious and creamy sauce. The veal saltimbocca is another favorite of mine. But probably the best thing I've had there is the cannoli. The filling they make is out of this world. -
Review from Elizabeth R.
Kennesaw, GA
7/24/2008
I applaud any restaurant that boasts a table side display of Caesar Salad action. Leaving out places like California Pizza Kitchen, and Buca di Beppo, I do enjoy seeing the food prepared for me to a certain degree. With an authentically made Caesar salad, it takes knowledge, appreciation, and certainly some training to whip that bowl of ingredients into action.
All the food we had was simply made, and good. Not over the top delicioso, and nothing to write home about, but satisfying for a hungry tummy. There are finer Italian meals to be enjoyed in the city a few blocks south of here.
The draw for me that almost bumped me up a star is the decor and the feel. There was a fine piano player kickin it jazz and standards style the night I ate here, and that made for a romantic backdrop to the meal. Good music will always positively influence my appeal for a restaurant, just as bad or loud music will have the opposite effect. -
Review from Andrew T.
Philadelphia, PA
9/25/2008
As I write this review at work, I'm looking forward to my lunch break so I can reheat my delicious gorganzola stuffed artichoke hearts, lobster ravioli, garlic linguini and crusty italian bread. Bistro Romano is a wonderful restaurant, comfortable and ultra-romantic. It's a great date place or it's a cozy place for small parties. The dining room is below ground and on a quiet block of Lombard Street, so you feel completely detached from the rest of the city-which is fine in my book! The exposed rock walls also absorb a lot of noise.
The food is pretty good, too. I've had better Italian in Philadelphia, but I've also had a lot worse. The menu and wine list are both quite large, so you're bound to find something you like. You'll probably see 4 or 5 items you'll want to try, so be adventurous and get something new. Or else just play eenie-meenie-minie-moe.
The main bar is gorgeous. Make sure you read the history of the bar, which is printed on the menu. I really enjoyed my night at Bistro Romano and I plan on doing it again soon. -
Review from Suzanne S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/29/2010
Wow some of the other reviews on here completely SLAM this place-its really not as bad as they made it out to be (and i can be picky).
The service was good, drinks were fairly priced for downtown. The Caesar salad they make at the table is PHENOMENAL, as was their calamari appetizer. The entrees however lacked flavor, but a little salt took care of this. I would definitely come here again for the ambiance, drinks and appetizers. The dining room is soo pretty and cozy.
I will not rush back, but I definitely would go there again. -
Review from Caitlin C.
PA
2/19/2007 1 photo
The bar is very old school and is like being on an 19th-century boat. But you really come here for the Italian food.
I think it's nothing too amazing, but very good for a dinner you weren't expecting to be awesome. Like Frank said, the mussels are a sure bet. My favorite starter is a bit of a wallet hog, but melts in your mouth:carpaccio that is drizzled with lemon olive oil and shaved Parmigiana cheese.
Their Cesar salad is the real thing (prepared tableside) and very fancy and scrumptious. This is a great place for serious Northern Italians (linguine with clams, etc.). This isn't a trendy place by any means and the food is meticulously and delicately presented, but it definitely does the trick.Listed in: True Italian Restaurants
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Review from Courtney Y.
Berkeley, CA
3/5/2008 2 photos
I first heard of Bistro Romano from an acquaintance. When I checked out their website I discovered they offer a lobster special on Tuesday nights. For just $14.95 you get a green salad, whole lobster with butter, and small side of pasta (see my pics). My husband and I couldn't remember the last time we ate a whole lobster, so it was a nice, affordable indulgence. To be safe, reserve your lobster in advance when you make reservations.
We ended the night with profiteroles that were smothered in chocolate mousse. Yum! Sorry, no picture of dessert because if you can imagine they didn't look very appetizing (round balls covered in brown goop), so you'll just have to trust me.
We're definitely going back to try BR's legendary tableside ceasar salad and some pasta dishes as well. I hope they live up to our first experience. -
Review from Sarah B.
Philadelphia, PA
2/15/2009
Get the Caesar Salad.
The ambiance downstairs is nicely rustic, with old stone and wood. Our entrees were good but overpriced. I had the black lobster ravioli, which was much improved by a generous sprinkling of salt and parmesan.
The Caesar rocks my world, and every couple weeks I get it to go. The bad news is that you have to order two at a time, making it the single most expensive salad I've ever eaten. The good news is that it is easily worth it, and it is also the best salad I've ever eaten. -
Review from Chris P.
Medford, NJ
9/5/2008
I can't believe all the great reviews of this place. My GF took me here last night for a romantic birthday dinner. She paid extra for the 'wine cellar table.'
The wine cellar is an alcove under the sidewalk next to the gas meter with empty wine bottles in graffitid pegboard racks. Ok. We said we could get by that weakness. I got a 2002 Penfolds pinot noir that was served a bit warm in a wonderful glass. My GF got a reisling that was served in a cheap glass. Odd, but ok. The bread wasw warm but perhaps a day too old.
The waitress was attentive and we ordered the mozz and tomato salad to share as an appetizer. It was beautifully prepared but had no seasoning other than the oil and a spare sprinkling of basil. Salt and pepper saved the dish, but it was pretty average.
For dinner I ordered the veal saltimbocca and my GF got linguine and clams in white sauce. Both dishes were disasters. My veal was less than 1/4 inch thick and incredibly tough. It was severely over-cooked and actually had melted cheese topping the dried out prosciutto. I tried one bite of each of the three pieces, looking for one that was edible. It was a fruitless search.
My GF's meal was passably better, but still not really edible. The only flavor evident was salt and we didn't have any water on the table to counter the pound or so of salt that was in the clams and pasta.
When asked how everything was, we were silent. The waitress apologized profusely and offered to bring another dish for me. I decided it was time to go and told her just to bring the check. After 20 minutes she brought it by wordlessly. My dinner was comped but the GFs was still there. We waited another 20 minutes for someone to return for the check. No one did. We got up and went upstairs and gave it to the host (wearing a golf shirt and black pants? For a host? Really?).
I dunno. This place has had great reviews on Yelp and several other sites. I just can't imagine that ANYONE could have a good experience here. -
Review from Jing G.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/18/2009
2.5
I'm not sure I came back; I didn't have great recollections of it from our experience earlier. But, anyway we came on a Monday when we couldn't find another place to eat at.
It's not bad food, it's just overpriced for what it is. I ordered some pasta that was supposed to be cheese and wild mushroom. What I got was pasta with cheese. And the very rare bit of regular white button mushroom.
Very underwhelming and even though we ordered before some other tables, we were served later than them for some reason?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/10/2008
Why all the three stars I give? I don't know, a 5 star range is a pretty tight range and this… Read more »
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Review from Michael C.
New York, NY
2/16/2008
You know Buca di Beppo? Bistro Romano is Buca's dressed up in old school classy decorations and a price tag to match. But in the end, taste is taste, and Bistro Romano is yet-another-Italian-restaurant. All these other positive reviews are making me wonder if I just ordered the wrong dishes, or if the kitchen was having an off-night.
Yes, this is a romantic joint, what with the moody atmosphere and dim candlelit lighting. It has a very polished feel, but there's an intimacy missing from the restaurant. You feel like you're partaking in a "run of the mill dinner" instead of a "dinner experience". I hope that makes sense. With all this said, I can recommend their artichoke hearts appetizer - creamy, papery thin deliciousness. But I doubt I'll be heading back just for that. -
Review from diana f.
Bethlehem, PA
3/19/2007
Wow, I love this place. The food is amazing and the atmosphere is wonderful. When you first go in, the bar is upstairs. There's a beautiful wide spiral staircase to take you downstairs to the dining area. The lower floor is dark and pretty romantic, but it doesn't feel stuffy or too fancy and you wouldn't feel like a loser eating there alone. But if you have a date you can definitely hold hands across the table and gaze into their eyes by candlelight and all that stuff. We've always had really good service there and the food always comes out quickly.
Now, the food. If you like a ceasar salad, you HAVE to get it here. They make it right next to your table with fresh ingredients and the option to add anchovies or not. We got it with 'chovies once and I bit a tiny bone so that pretty much ended it for me. Even then, it tasted so good. We usually went on Monday night, when they served most of the pasta dishes on their menu for under $14. The desserts are delicious too. The portions are pretty big, so you could definitely make two meals out of it, especially if you save some of that bangin' ceasar salad you got. Even the little mints they offer you at the door after dinner are delicious! I want to fly home just to have a meal here. -
Review from Tom G.
Brighton, MA
7/29/2008
A friend of mine and I were headed to Little Fish or Dmitri's for dinner after work one night. After 30 minutes of not finding Queen Village parking, we decided to head over to Bistro Romano.
It was a Tuesday at 7:30PM. We were asked to sit at the dinky bar for 5 minutes until our table was ready. 30 minutes later I walk down to find the host and it was clear he forgot us. He apologized and sat us.
5 minutes later we get water. 15 minutes later we see our server (50 minutes in), We order everything since we realize that this may be one of those nights when seeing your waiter is at a premium. Wine is ordered, I ordered chicken parm and my friend ordered salmon. Wine comes at around the 70 minute mark, food comes at around the 90 minute mark. At this point we just want to leave but it is about 9:00PM and we are hungry.
The salmon was hideous. It was old, fishy, and overcooked. My friend returned it and the manager came by to ask what was wrong. We asked him to taste it and he said "no it's ok I trust you." He took that off of our bill, so my friend and I split my chicken parm.
It was just a bad experience. I have no reason to want to return. -
Review from Jeffrey C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/10/2009
Overall, the food was good, I would give it a 3.5 if that existed.
Service was good, the booths downstairs were nice, but a little dingy.
The table-side cesar is a must, the rest of the menu was your average italian fare. Portions were large, nothing really stood out as spectacular.
