LaScala's

Elite '08

13

22

Andrew T.

Philadelphia, PA

La Scala's is a very decent restaurant, but I wouldn't say it's terribly special. The mussels were quite tasty and the gnocchi was just okay. It didn't taste homemade. Not like some of the gnocchi I've had at other Italian restaurants in Philly. La Scala's has a lot of competition and should probably step up its game.

The good thing is that it's a fairly inexpensive restaurant.

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Elite '08

18

86

Alicia F.

Hatfield, PA

Upon finishing our rounds at the Punk Rock Flea Market, my friend and I decided we needed some Jones! Much to our dismay, they apparently close between 3 + 5. So, we trekked across the street to LaScala's, checked out the menu, and walked in. We chose indoor seating because it was entirely too hot to sit outside.

My glass was covered in lipstick, which was somewhat gross, but it happens. Our appetizer (the bruschetta) was absolutely amazing - with a slice of tomato and garlicy, fresh mozzarella. I didn't want the experience of eating it to end...which is my way of knowing something is outstanding. I ordered the caesar salad with shrimp and my friend had a personal pizza. My salad was good and it was nice to see a restaurant put JUMBO shrimp on it, instead of the baby shrimp I usually see. As for the pizza, I hated it. I've said this before, I'll say it again. There is *no need* for sugar in pizza sauce. Tomatoes are already sweet. It was the sweetest slice I have ever tried and I found it hard to finish.

Service was exceptionally slow and not very personable. Would I go back? Only if Jones is closed and I already paid for parking.

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5

29

Vicki M.

Philadelphia, PA

I went here awhile back with some friends.  We were a little intimidated by the front of the restaurant, but decided to be adventurous and try it out anyway.

We were surprised to see how inexpensive the meals really were.  Two of us got their house PInot, which was not great, but still delicious considering the cost.  I went when I was vegan and got the Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad (sans cheese) and the Pappardelle (sans prosciuto).  The kitchen happily accommodated my special requests...and, as a bonus, the host heard my friends busting on me about being vegan.  He took the initiative to run back and make sure the cooks did NOT put cream on my pasta.  Can't beat that!!

All around, we were very pleased with our meals.  The food was delicious, reasonably priced, and the staff was absolutely wonderful.  Definitely swing by if you are in the area!!

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1

21

Alisha M.

Philadelphia, PA

Well I have only lived in Philly for a few weeks, plus a couple trips.  But I have eaten here twice.  Both times its been excellent.  I just love italian and this place really it does it right, modern italian american cuisine and gorgeous atmosphere.  It looks upscale and the waiters are very classy but you can be really casual.  Employees were helpful with directions and questions about the area.  Our waiter was down right charming I would have asked for his number but I think he was too old for me.  Reallly yummy veal and pasta.  I doubt you could go wrong with anything on the menu.  Watch out for nightly specials though they are stellar but quite pricy.  Best coffe I have ever had at a restaurant.  You can just walk up to this place on a weeknight and be seated right away.  Great for taking a relaxing evening and eating a ton of really delicious food I mean realllly good and well prepared not heavy or oily or cheap.  Good bread too and as much as you want!  And the waiters actually get you refills snappy like, good olive oil on the table really fresh and light.  Although when we went the second time I did overhear a very upset man who said his steak was soo tough and terrible, after he ate the whole thing.  They gave him a free dessert that looked craaazy good.  Now I'm hungry for La Scala's mmm.  Also free parking directly above the restaurant so you never have to search for a spot.

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Elite '08

34

163

Marcello D.

Philadelphia, PA

Based purely on one visit, I have to say that I was wholly overwhelmed by LaScala. The portions were generous and the entrees were delicious. We planned on going to Jones but it was packed. Fortunately, LaScala turned out to be a surprisingly good compromise.  

They had one of my favorite dishes as a special: Pappardelle with Sweet Sausage. I knew it wouldn't be as good as Panorama's.  Still, it tasted better than I expected.

My wife had the Homemade Gnocchi Caprese, another dish for which I am a sucker. Her dish was a little heavy on the fresh mozzarella and a little light on the sauce but it was tasty nonetheless.

The food was great and not too pricey. Both the atmosphere and the clientele were split between dressy people on dates and casual families watching the games on tv. It was a nice mix.

My understanding is that they deliver. That's going to be dangerous. I might waste a lot of money ordering pasta over the occasional pizza but damn will it be tasty.

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Elite '08

29

153

Nicole E.

Fairless Hills, PA

I was highly impressed with the environment, food and service.  That said, there was nothing terribly unique about the menu - the Arribiata was just right (nice and spicy) and my friends were also very pleased with their meals.  

This restaurant is great for lunch or dinner with friends.

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Elite '08

57

779

cherie c.

Dorchester, MA

LaScala's is safe.  The food is reliable.  The portions are pretty large.  My chicken parm sandwich was good.  The salad was good.  My co-workers all had decent food--pizza, sandwiches, seafood.  Note on the lasagna: if you order it with meat, you get veggie lasagna with meatsauce poured over it.

Our server wasn't that interested in selling food.  We asked about desserts.  We asked what "chocolate overload" cake was.  He said, "chocolate cake."  Thanks, dude.  It was quite rich, with mousse and thick frosting and choc. chips.  But I think it was shipped to them frozen.  

In all: meh.  If you don't want to think about your meal and want to please a group, hit LaScala's.  If you want adventure, go elsewhere.

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9

29

Frank Z.

Philadelphia, PA

This southern style Italian restaurant offers good traditional food in an upscale diner/sports bar atmosphere, with plasma screens galore.  If you can tolerate the constant sports broadcasts, (they tone this down in the evening) the food is worth a visit.  The pizza, thin crusted with good quality cheese, is a great starter, as is the eggplant rollatini, the broccoli rabe and sausage, or the crispy risotto.  The pasta and chicken dishes are all good choices.  I like the cavatelli with shrimp, an unusual mix of fresh shrimp, broccoli rabe, cherry tomatoes, and cannellini beans in garlic and oil.   They have a good selection of beers, and a reasonable wine list.   All in all, not a bad choice if you happen to be in the area.

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