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Our epicurious neighbor warned us to expect two things at Radicchio: 'authenticity' and 'characters.' We found both at this neighborhood BYOB that looks like a set piece from The Sopranos complete with Garden State wise guys and their goomars, faux finish decor and awesome Italian food.
Pros
-Restaurant regulars (and there seemed to be a lot of them) who come around often were greeted with air kisses on both cheeks at the door by the all-male staff.
-Low-key vibe
-Really great, authentic Italian food - nothing fancy, but from the delicious EVOO on the table with the bread, to the grilled calamari and our pasta dishes (penne positano and buccatini) it was toto bene.
Cons Light
-Low-key vibe carries over to the service, which tends to be quite hands-off. But this is to be expected if you're looking for authenticity in your Italian dining experience. Just ask anyone who's dined out in Italy. So don't go if you're in a rush. Otherwise, take this 'con' with a grain of salt and finish your wine at your leisure.
People thought this was:
Yummers to the 'nth degree.
Pasta, why do I love thee so? Why must you be prepared so deliciously here? Why are you so heavy-laden with carbohydrates that I must avoid you most of the year? Why, is it that I let my guard down at Raddichio and consume you until I wipe my plate clean? Why??
Even crowded on Monday nights (a tell-tale sign that this place is not only good, it's popular), this cute corner BYOB is a neighborhood staple and along with La Locanda (a couple blocks over), it's a solid go-to choice for local italian BYO around Old City.
Dinner progression goes like this: crusty bread, complimentary fresh bruschetta to start. Wicked garlicky goodness of mussels followed by a favorite of mine, Penne Toto, that is liberally doused with mouth-watering prosciutto, shallots and a pink vodka cream sauce. Get in my belly! All their seafood is good here too, and the fish of the day is always fresh and well-prepared.
Service is fast, sometimes rushed and a little impersonal. Menu consists of good, standard Italian dishes except the Scallops Al Radicchio - which are bland and the scallops are almost invisible (more white beans than anything) - skip it - and try their calamari instead. Also, appears like frequent patrons (or family and friends of the owner?) get preferential seating and even reservations - even though the restaurant does not offer them. I guess if you show up here in a Porsche or a Corvette Stingray, it guarantees you the first and best table in the joint.
People thought this was:
Wow this place was great. Great atmosphere, service and food. We ordered the lobster raviolis and dover sole, both specials...and yes, they were very very special. I was scared of the raviolis because they can totally suck with too much dough and too little filling. When it was served in front of me I stared for a good 3 minutes at the beauty. The dish came with scallops and shrimp in a lovely blush sauce. Babe got the fish...which came out whole on a silver platter..fannncy..then they took it in the back and chopped off the head and tail and brought out slices of perfectly cut fish.
Our server was helpful and adorable and being a BYOB, it really comes in handy because the dishes fall in the $20 range.
One of the best places I have been to in Philadelphia here and I am planning on taking my picky Italian mom and dad for their anniversary. If they do not like it, we might have to break off communication for a while because I know this place is totally awesome. mmm.
People thought this was:
This place is great.
A laid back atmosphere with solid Italian food. Who could ask for more? (Except for a full sentence instead of the fragments I tend to write.)
You must get the calamari or the mozzarella with the reduced balsamic vinaigrette to start. Or both if you're with a ton of people and you like to share.
I love their homemade gnocchi. Every bite is soft potato goodness and makes me feel like I'm in some Italian family's kitchen. They have a fantastic lobster ravioli which they call a special but has been a part of the offerings every time I've been. I've had most of their pasta dishes, and every single thing has been great.
Too bad I'm not much of a salad eater.. I wish I could recommend some of them.
Service is not the biggest selling point, but they are never rude. And the amount of these sweating these guys do as they run from table to table is unreal. They could collect all their perspiration and sell it as some saltwater special.
OK, that was disgusting and certainly an unappetizing tangent. Sorry. Back on track.
Also another plus is that they are a BYOB.
So bring your wine and your appetites and get to a-eatin.' Just avoid the sweat.
Thanks to Alessia K I braved a rainstorm and ran to Radicchio for dinner immediately after reading her review. I can so relate to her admiration of great food "I stared for a good 3 minutes at the beauty." Alessia you're a girl after my own heart. It was so worth stepping in a huge rain puddle directly in front of the restaurant, yes the puddle came to my ankles, to treat myself to the wonders of Radicchio. To start off our server "Mike" was tall and absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't get angry at him for forgetting my salad. Boy did the salad sound good pears, gorgonzola cheese , nuts ....... Oh my. My sister ordered the lobster ravioli and I ordered the grilled lamb because I thought we were going to share. Let's just say I enjoyed my lamb and she thoroughly enjoyed ALL of her ravioli. The kids had a chicken cutlet with a side of pasta. (Evidently our very picky eating kids enjoyed their food too because I didn't get a chance to sample that either.) Gorgeous Mike apologized for forgetting the salad and gave us a complimentary serving of tiarmisu and biscotti.
This restaurant is so worth 5 stars.
Note: The review indicates the restaurant isn't good for kids but our kids (ages 5 and 8) really enjoyed the restaurant.
People thought this was:
This place has a tell-tale line out the door most of time, which says "I'm Delicious!" It lies not.
It's a tight byob, but for some reason I'm more comfortable here than Audrey Claire (despite seemingly more room.) I haven't had a bad meal here yet. Are you adventurous? Try the salad with grilled calamari! The specials are always...uh special! It's soo hard to choose, though the menu isn't THAT jam-packed as opposed to Cheesecake Factory (not making any comparisons food-wise.)
My final and regrettable suggestion is to ask for the pasta "Granziola". it is not on the menu, and the waiters pretend to not know what it is...but it is amazing! My wife or I unconditionally order it, while the other try's a special.
Well, I actually regret reviewing this place because that means more of you will go and there will be a longer line. Go early if you need to hurry.
People thought this was:
Radicchio Cafe is an Italian, BYOB bistro tucked away in the heights of Northern Liberties. Located on 4th and Wood, this charming establishment prepares some of the finest Italian cuisine with a light Mediterranean flair. In a city where BYOB Italian restaurants are as common as WaWa's, it was refreshing to see a more evolved menu while still being rustic and practical. Definitely a hidden gem I would recommend making a regular thing. A word to the wise - Radicchio doesn't accept reservations so be prepared to wait. And on weekends, forget about it!
People thought this was:
Well prepared Italian menu stalwarts with chicken and pasta always satisfying. Reasonable prices. Outdoor tables nice in summer. Service good even on very busy evenings as they have been at this for a while and rarely get deep in the weeds. Strong neighborhood following.
Note: This review can be applied to La Jocanda del Ghiottone on Third, Roberto's on South and Pesto on Broad. This isn't being flip. Theirs is a bullet proof concept for a knowledgeable operator with menu items that can't be screwed up if you pay attention. People love it and these guys do it well with no surprises.
People thought this was:
Best BYOB on the city! My wife and I live in Old City and take a stroll over to Radicchio about once a month or more. Get the Branzino! Trust me-- best fish you will ever taste. All the salads are unreal. The Guazetto (Clams and Mussels app) in red sauce is just amazing.
Get there early to avoid any wait on the weekend.
This tiny BYOB on the outskirts of Old City has remained sincerely true to its Italian heritage by offering nothing but authenticity, deliciousness and charm in every single bite. From a phenomenal grilled antipasti that marries grilled calamari and fresh tomatoes with peppery arugula and briny capers, to melt-in-your-mouth Farfalle (bow tie pasta) that swims in a creamy, rose-colored sauce specked with bits of crispy prosciutto, you simply cannot go wrong. This little neighborhood gem offers devout patrons and newbies some of the best tastes of Italy right here in Philly with prices that will keep you coming back and a Tiramisu that should not be missed.
People thought this was:
My husband happened upon Radicchio Cafe when he was walking our dog. He said it looked "cute" and wanted to try it for dinner (btw, he doesn't use the word cute very often). The restaurant is small, but it's large open windows and outside seating practically double the size. I could definitely see how this place gets crowded in the warm summer months with it's inside out atmosphere.
Although we went on a Saturday night, there was no wait (probably because it's a hidden gem). The menu is small and simple, but the specials of the night are what caught our attention. We started with the gorgonzola/pear/walnut salad and grilled calamari salad. The calamari was delicious and perfectly cooked (not chewy at all). I had the veal limone which was tasty, but my husband's bolognese with parpadelle was even better! They were quite generous with the sauce so he lapped it up with a whole basket of bread. If they are ever offering this special, order it!
Some of the dishes may seem pricey, but the portions and quality are worth it. We've been looking for authentic Italian here in Philly and I think we've found it.
People thought this was:
Wow! I went this past saturday night with 8 girls.... We ordered their specials and entrees from the menu. EVERYTHING was amazing. I actually told the server I was undecided, but i knew i wanted some pasta with a red sauce and seafood. They made me a special dish... and it ended up being theeeee absolute best!!!
It kills me to write this review. But I figure eventually everyone will know about this place.
Radicchio Cafe is a fantastic BYOB. The food is tastes like my family's home cooking (some things are actually better) and the flavors remind me of authentic dishes I have had in Italy. I generally eat here once a week or get take out.
The prices are reasonable especially as a BYOB and with such amazing food. There is complimentary bruschetta and Sambuca also.
My favorites include:
Smoked Mozzarella - you won't even find a drop of a sauce leftover and its perfect for dipping also
Grilled Calamari- authentic non-breaded calamad; finally a place in Philly that does it RIGHT
Grilled Octopus - I still don't know how they cook it to perfection and not have it be rubbery. Perfect along with the calamad.
Penne Deliziose - generous amounts of shrimp and scallops and a delicious sauce
Penne Toto - penne vodka; tasty filling and only $12
There are no reservations so either come during the summer and have a few drinks on the curb or take a walk down to Charlie's Pub (114 N 3rd) or Konak (228 Vine). There is usually a long wait (over 1 hr) if you come after 6pm. But it has always been worth it.
People thought this was:
This place never disappoints. My boyfriend lives around the corner so we frequent this place a lot. Their calamari is to die for and so are many of the pasta dishes, my favorite being the seafood pasta. They have outdoor seating in the summer and it's quite comfortable and not too noisy, as it is located on a side street. Bring your own wine and enjoy the hospitality and the great food!
People thought this was:
I love this BYOB. It is small, cozy, and just a lovely restaurant a little off the beaten track. The service is great. On my last trip there I had ordered the portobella with mozzarella appetizer which was a bit on the watery side. It was lacking taste. My entree, the rigatoni with pomodoro was excellent. This gravy is perfection. I could not get enough of it. I don't think that there was a drop of it left on my plate. My only request is that they write their specials down for guests to review, as opposed to getting the 5 minute schpiel from the host. He rambles through it so quickly, it's hard to remember any of it. The noise level is a bit high in the small restaurant, so it is also challenging to hear at times. Overall, great meal. I plan to return again, and again.. I am a fan.
Went there on a Monday night. A beautiful night out so it was busy. People sitting outside. The tables inside are a tight squeeze. This was evidenced when the server spilled an entree down my fiance's back trying to cut through. He apologized and eventually comped our dessert. With all that this place still gets 4 stars. The food was excellent. I had a black linguine shrimp and scallop special. They take credit cards too so that is a big plus.
People thought this was:
Radicchio is a gem. Its all about the food. Every dish that I've had in my three visits has been outstanding. Of note (at least for the wife) is the fresh fish, deboned at the table and just lightly seasoned.
For me, the different bruschetta versions are all amazing, and each pasta was worth writing home over. Delicious.
Other notes: very cute atmosphere, with lots of windows and light in the summer, as well as outdoor seating if the weather allows.
Price is pretty reasonable.
BYO, which always rocks.
Authentic Italian Eatery. We started out with the grilled calamari which was tantalizing to the palet. It had great taste and they gave you a large amount for the value of the dollar. I had the Lobster Ravioli and it also had a great taste. The restaurant is located in Olde City Philadelphia and it has a great atmosphere. If you like a loud restaurant and close dinning with your fellow "restaurant guest" this is a great place to go. The service was great and will definitely be revisited in the near future.Also the restaurant is a BYOB so bring a great bottle of wine.
I ate dinner here with my mom and sister saturday night. We arrived just before 7, and waited about 20 minutes for a table. We're an italian family and are all pretty picky about Italian food, but this place did not disappoint. The menu is pretty basic, but they offered plenty of interesting specials, liked smoked mozzarella with porcini in a balsamic reduction. My entree, lobster ravioli in a tomato cream sauce with scallops and shrimp, was fantastic. This place is BYO, and the servers will gladly chill your wine while you wait or uncork it and provide glasses so you can drink while you wait. It's a small place, and a bit loud, but the servers are attentive. The location is a bit out of the way -- there's outdoor seating with a lovely view of the freeway. But the overall charm of the place outweighs all of this.
People thought this was:
Haven't been there in a while but going Friday, woo-hoo! I love this place. Maybe its the quality and atmosphere at a good price point. My husband and I usually split a first course (their anti-pasto is super) and get our own main and dessert -- the total with tip is aroun $70. Couple that with the fact that they are a BYOB and -jackpot! I have only been to Italy once but this place totally remonded me of it, the simple fresh flavors and the bustling, loud atmosphere makes for a really fun dinner.
People thought this was:
My family of 6 visited Radicchio Cafe on vacation in Philly and were only moderately happy. The service was good, they put two outside tables together for us and our water was very friendly and knew the specials down pat. For the first course we ordered arugula salad with toasted pine nuts, warm goat cheese and balsamic vinagrette, a bruschetta with mozzerella and proscuitto, and fried calamari, all of which were excellent-- tasty and fresh. But the entrees were not impressive. My "chicken soprano" had almost no flavor, my brother's pasta with "arrabiatta" sauce was hardly spicy and my other brother got bad mussels, but one was so bad tasting that he was afraid to eat the rest of them. For the prices I expected more. If you go here, order appetizers.
one of my fav byobs in philly. the food is always on point. it is fresh and yummy. i love their pasta dishes. and their fish is so good. i do prefer to go lunch time. no wait and much less expensive. the service is great. i have nothing bad to say.
People thought this was:
Three Course Recession Menu
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
18" Tomato Pizza $3.99
Philadelphia, PA
Neighborhood: Bella Vista
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Olde City
Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
Category: Italian
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Italian
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