Bistro Romano

Elite '08

45

195

Alexandra T.

Philadelphia, PA

Table side Caesar salad, tried and true Italian fare at a low price all nestled in a cave like basement.

Service was average to good. Food was fine, nothing to rave about, however I did notice that everyday of the week they have specials that do present a bargain.

One highlight was, many of the items in the restaurant came from a retired ship. (The bar, many portraits etc)

Try it out on a night when you do want to go all out but rather are up for something simple.

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Elite '08

13

53

Courtney Y.

Philadelphia, PA

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.

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Elite '08

20

74

Michael C.

Palos Verdes Estates, CA

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.

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Elite '08

22

58

Evelyn K.

Houston, TX

2 1/2 Stars.  Reliable, quality Italian fare in a cozy Olde City location (but located far enough away from the noisy debauchery of Olde City) amidst worn brick and stone.  Friendly service, hearty food, and like another reviewer, I really enjoyed eating downstairs!  Good for a date where you want to sit across the table from one another, engage in deep conversation, look into each other's eyes over the candlelight... (excuse me, I just vomited - kidding)  Doesn't promise too much, but delivers what you expect at a reasonable value without being a dreaded chain restaurant.  (And of course the food quality is better than a chain.)

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3

10

Tip W.

Delran, NJ

I surprised my boyfriend with this restaurant on his birthday.
I had made reservations before hand on opentable.com, when we got there, there were several people waiting to be seated; since I made reservations we were promptly seated, I am guessing they had a table reserved for us. Our seat was right in front of the piano player and the bar.
The bar was absolutely beautiful, they had taken a huge carved marble block off a ship and centered it as their back drop at the bar, very breathtaking, the piano player and the candle lit dinner made our dinner oh so romantic.
We ordered their famous ceaser salad which they prepared right next to our table and our waiter told us everything he was putting into it, anchovies in a salad? who'd of thought, but it was marvelous. Our dinner was good and it was such a romantic place. I give it 5 stars. I would give it more if I could.
Definitely a very romantic place with great food and ambience. I would come back again if I was feeling a need to be romantic.

Boyfriend absolutely loved his surprise.

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14

107

Scott C.

Flushing, NY

I can't believe I get to be the first to review this!! What an amazing experience. When we got there we didn't have reservation but they were very nice to find us a table in a decent amount of time. While we were waiting we hung out in their  cool little piano/bar upstairs. Downstairs is the restaurant which is great!! It's like being in a wine cellar. It's nice for a romantic dinner or a group dinner as well. I highly recommend getting their Table-side Caesar Salad! If you get it for the table it's more than enough of an appetizer.  The main dishes were also done to perfection. If you're looking to go out for a nice night on the town in Philly head to Bistro Romano you won't be disappointed!

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14

63

diana f.

Bethlehem, PA

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.

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61

387

Caitlin C.

PA

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.

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9

29

Frank Z.

Philadelphia, PA

Bistro Romano has been around for quite awhile.  We just rediscovered it, and have been there half a dozen times over the last 8 months.  As noted by another reviewer, the atmosphere is great - romantic and quiet.  The bar on the first floor is inviting.  The food, with a decidedly north Italian slant, is consistently good.  I particularly like the pasta and fresh clams in a white sauce.  To my thinking the execution of this dish is a good test of any Italian kitchen.  My only complaint (and only on one of my visits) was that the pasta was a little too soft.  I wanted particularly to draw attention to their Monday night special: any pasta dish (huge servings) and a salad for $11.95.  Take advantage of it sometime!

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