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Ralphs was inviting and delicious. The room was small and cozy.
Our waiter was very nice and always seemed pleasured to help us (he even said my pleasure when we asked for things!) haha. And they were all wearing Phillies shirts, supporting our team!
The food also came out ridiculously fast, I got the chicken parm that was a massive portion, I would say I could have shared it with my boyfriend but in the end, I demolished most of it, including the side of pasta I got in a bowl.
They had a great wine selection but I opted for a cheaper bottle of cellar no. 8 zinfandel which was fine with me.
All in all, we paid around 80 including everything, which isn't bad since we got a bottle of wine a couple other drinks.
I will be going back.
In my quest to finally try The Big Three in Bella Vista (Villa Di Roma, Dante & Luigi's, Ralph's), I relented last night before seeing a movie and gave Ralph's a shot.
The first thing that hit me was the size. It's definitely a smaller-sized restaurant, seating no more than 50 to my naked eye. I liked it! It is completely impossible to be forgotten about and encourages an intimate atmosphere not only with the staff, but with the patrons as well. They also have a coat and hat rack in the front to store your belongings without fear of theft, again due to the small size -- nobody is getting away with anything here. While there is no smoking of any kind, I also took note that they do sell fine cigars here.
Our server was Anthony, a very nice gentleman who took his time explaining the specials and taking our orders. When we needed him, he was very attentive and took care of us. Anthony left a good impression on what should be expected of the waitstaff at Ralph's.
I opted to go simple and classic on my initial visit with a combination platter of spaghetti and cheese ravioli with meat sauce, using the complimentary bread and butter to dip ($11.25) and an amaretto-based coffee drink called "Italian Kiss" ($7.00-ish?). My spaghetti and ravioli was absolutely delicious and perfectly portioned, but what really got me was the sauce -- listen, I'm an eastern European, so I'm no expert, but this was the best sauce I've ever had. It was sweet, it was tangy, it was flavorful, and there was plenty of it for my bread to dip into afterwards. The drink complimented it well.
My date went for the chicken parmigiana over pasta ($17.00) and a bottle of wine ($22.00). I didn't try hers, but let me tell you, she received a small plate filled with pasta and then a larger plate with an absolutely gigantic slab of chicken parmigiana sitting atop it. It looked scrumptious, and based on what it looked like afterwards, she had no complaints.
Considering that our total bill was $80.00 including tip for two full entrees, a bottle of wine, and a few drinks, and considering the food and ambiance were excellent, I don't know what to say to the negative reviews before me because I don't understand them. If you're looking for a blow-you-out-of-the-water OMG-fest, you need to spend a bit more money, but I'm confident that if you're looking for a small family-owned style Italian restaurant, Ralph's will more than sufficiently meet your needs.
Next time (and there will be a next time!), I'm going to eat a bit less bread so I can sample their desserts. I'm still sort of disappointed that I couldn't fit one in.
NOTE: Cash only, but they do have an ATM.
Ralph's is fantastic! I took my parents to Ralph's for dinner tonight and they loved it. The decor, tons of people in a not so large space and the smell of pasta reminded me of having a big dinner with my family. It's a very cute little place. Their sauce is spot on! I think they may have an army of little old Italians cooking nonstop. It is a bit pricey, but much cheaper than flying my nonna here to cook dinner for me. The portions are hearty and the staff is very friendly and helpful. We were all very satisfied with our meals. The gnocchi is decent, though not quite as dense as I like. The rapini(broccoli rabe) was perfect. The eggplant parmesan delicious as well. My dad said he really enjoyed the veal.
Worth noting, they are cash only. During dinner if you have 3 or more people they highly suggest making reservations.
I will definitely be visiting Ralph's again!
Maybe it's because I'm a bit Italian, maybe it's because I've been to a ton of family owned Italian restaurants or maybe it's because I know how to cook, but for whatever reason, after my second visit to Ralph's, I feel I can do better.
First the good points, the place seems to get a good crowd The decor and staff are what you'd expect at an Italian American restaurant. And that's really about it.
I ordered the veal "marsala." I was intrigued by the use of sherry instead of the traditional Marsala wine, from which the dish gets its name. Absent was the prosciutto and light brown sauce you'd expect. In their place was a strangely fatty creamy broth into which were placed a few veal slices along with the expected mushrooms. If you're going to call a dish something, then for the love of God and all that's holy, use the correct ingredients. Sherry comes from Spain and Marsala comes from Sicily. They don't even taste the same.
The broccoli and escarole as a side dish was much better. However, it doesn't take much effort to properly steam something and then season it.
Now about the server, when I asked which RED wines they had by the glass, the server listed Pinot Grigio and one or other whites,..huh? Also, five minutes after you've served the food don't come back and ask if we need anything. Obviously not, you just served the food.
Also it's 2009, learn how to run a credit card machine. That's perhaps acceptable at a BYOB but not at places that charge PA restaurant prices for a bottle of wine. Most people don't carry around more than $50 in cash with them and it's just tacky to have an ATM on the premises that you're making money off with fees.
Boring.
I had dinner here when I was visiting Philly because my boyfriend had been here during his last visit and raved about it, but I thought this place was forgettable and after this visit he said he wouldn't be back either.
The bread was cold and tasted stale. The Caesar salad was drowning in dressing. I will give them an extra star because my meal came with so many mussels. They certainly did not skimp on that. But service was slow and the place is cramped. My servers butt shouldn't practically be on my table when he turns to help the table next to us.
I'd give Ralph's two stars for the food alone, but the atmosphere definitely brings it up to three. As others have noted, it's full of history (it was founded in 1900; the menu claims that Frank Sinatra, Teddy Roosevelt, and many other notables have dined there) and it has a nice old-school Italian American feel. The food arrived with amazing speed. I had the gnocchi with marinara sauce; it was decent, but nothing special. The house Chianti was pretty good; the coffee was ok. It's not a bad spot, but I'd recommend Dante & Luigi's for the same historic and nostalgic value and far superior food.
Lunch at Ralph's is perfect. The meatball parm sandwich and peppers will keep me coming back. The prices are decent. It's not as crowded. Great place to stop on your way to the Italian Market. It would probably get 4 stars if it weren't for that other meal they serve there... dinner.
It's amazing that in the span of a few hours the number of people doubles (or triples) in the same cramped space, the prices double (or triples) for the same amount of food, as does the waiting time.
Granted it has a lot of history in the area and it's a great place to check out, but do it during the day and save your romantic and friend-date evenings for one of the other Italian places in the area. CASH ONLY!
My friend who has been going here for years (since he lives right across the water) decided to bring me to this place to show me real, authentic Italian food. So of course I was expecting something amazing because he knows his food. Wow is right! Wow, this place really sucks and the food tastes like canned Italian food. Actually, I would be insulting the canned food by saying that. It's worst! What are people thinking. I had the pasta and meatballs and both were horrendous. I cannot believe this even is considered Italian food let alone great Italian food. I am sure, or even praying, there is better places in Philly. Plus it's always packed. What are people thinking! Go to the supermarket and buy the frozen variety and you will enjoy it more...even if you don't even thaw the food!
Boo Hoo.
With all of the hype this place was getting I thought for sure I was in for a big treat. My boyfriend recommended we take my family here while in town for the Army Navy game. He spoke volumes of it! I called and tried to make a reservation for 6. They were all booked up. I was sad. Determined to make my parent's dream of authentic Italian food a reality (me thinking Philly would have this) I called back every day until they finally got us in. WHOO HOO. This was a sign I thought. Any place this booked up must be amazing.
WRONG. While it gives the appeal of a cute little Italian restaurant, I can honestly say I've had better food at the Olive Garden. A truly disappointing food experience for me and my family. For starters, the waiter brought the wrong wine. He tried to argue with me that he brought what I ordered but I clearly ordered a wine that should have been RED but was brought one that was WHITE. Ding number one. To off-set this, we were VERY happy with our antipasti salad which was VERY tasty so this is why Ralph's doesn't get just one star.
Moving on to the main course. EVERYONE was disappointed. My sister's gnocchi dish tasted like a piece of soft bread you roll up into a ball, my veal was waaaay overcooked and the side of pasta was not only cold but undercooked. We were so disappointed we actually left and went to get sandwiches at Nick's roast beef because we were hungry from not eating.
My boyfriend, who grew up in Philly, also said this place went waaaay down hill. I will not go back despite how popular it is because the food is not worth it.
I did think the staff was kind of nifty, though - playing into that whole stereotypical south philly thing. Or perhaps it's just truly their personality.
PS - They don't accept credit cards!!!!
Let me preface this by saying I don't really like italian food. I went here thinking I would give it a shot since it looked like one of those legit old-time/maybe authentic/historic places. The place was crowded which I usually don't mind and the service was great but the prices were ridiculous for the portions. I won't comment on the quality of the food since I don't like Italian food to begin with but it tasted OK i guess.
I take out-of-towners to Ralphs to experience authentic South Philly Italian food. Ralph's never disappoints. It may not be fancy, but it's classic and damn good.
They are best known for their veal specials, but make a pretty mean chicken or eggplant parmesan, too. Other good choices are the antipasto, gnocchi, mussels, and Italian sausage. But folks are right; the spaghetti is just OK.
Make reservations, and don't forget to bring your patience (it can get loud and crowded), cash, and plenty of friends.
If you are looking for a good, inexpensive, no frills Italian meal - head to Ralph's. Yes, it's small - you are somewhat cramped. No, it isn't particularly a place to "see and be seen." But the portions are large and the quality is good. The staff is generally nice, but can be "short" at times. interestingly enough, I'm not a fan of their pasta.
I dined there last night with a large group of business associates and friends. I had a salad with genoa salami, provolone cheese and roasted peppers with balsamic vinaigrette - it was fabulous. For my entree I had veal francaise, the veal was fantastic - very tender, overall it was very good, but the cream sauce was just a touch salty.
Oh, and they have a great Lemonchello!
The bread at this place is so good. It's HOT and i like that in a restaurant. Our server was nice and I got a mellow vibe from this place. Everyone I was with seemed to think that Ralph's was hooking it up and serving the best Italian food around, but.... meh. My mom and I make better lasagna. The portions were big, and the food was good, but my mind was not blown and I probably wouldn't go back. Maybe my lasagna just had me all nostalgic for mom's cooking, but I suspect that other people's dishes weren't as crazy good as they were saying. We did arrive REALLY hungry
One more Italian review for the day...
Ralph's was selected from a list of best rated Italian restaurants in Philly. It is a cute traditional Italian restaurant that feels like you are eating in someone's home. The place was supposed to be excellent but was overall mediocre.
The eggplant parmesan was delicious but the wait staff seemed very indifferent and at times slow. We sat upstairs and it was crowded so it got a little noisy. They should invest in a good clean up and some new paint.
Ralph's is a wonderful place to get some authentic Italian food. The space is a little cramped, but it's rather romantic with the candles lit. I had veal parmigiana with spaghetti and it was incredible. The pasta was sticky like good pasta is supposed to be, the sauce was thick and homemade, and the veal was fried perfectly. I would definitely return.
When I go to an Italian restaurant, I'm looking for one thing: a great bolognese. When i go to Ralph's, I'm not getting the best bolognese I've ever had, but the authentic South Philly dining experience makes it more than OK. Their food comes in generous portions and the waiters know what they're talking about - if you haven't been, you need to go at least once. I don't eat seafood and I was still tempted by the pescatore.
Kinda pricey, cash only? Huge negative. Supposed to be the oldest Italian restaurant in the states. Not really a big deal for me, just as long as the food and service is good.
The gentlemen's room doesn't have a sink. The sink is outside which is fine, but I thought it was strange that sink was surrounded by the carafes used to serve ice water. Sweet!
Excellent ravioli. Professional staff.
I like eating here mostly for the decor. It doesn't look like they changed anything in the dining room since the turn of the last century. The Italian food is very good but I agree that it is not outstanding. The food and service reminds me of really good homemade Italian food served in an informal setting. The tables are really close together; so don't go there if you want privacy. They are cash only.
Ralph's talks a big game, what with its "Oldest family owned Italian Restaurant in the Country" claim, which it very well may be. But it definitely doesn't make any claims about being the best, and it shouldn't. I found they have exactly the same food as Villa di Roma (which I don't think is very good, check my review for details), but the decor and ambiance are a lot nicer. The biggest transgression they committed against me was their Caprese Salad, which is Mozzarella and Tomato with basil and olive oil for those who don't know.
I ate at Ralph's in August, the height of tomato season in this part of the country. The time of year when tomatoes become so delicious and juicy that you can bite into one and eat it like an apple. Everyone I know in South Philly and my dad in the burbs has beefsteaks and heirlooms growing in their backyard and there's just too many awesome tomatoes to go around when August hits.
Around a week earlier I had a Jersey Tomato salad at The Standard Tap, a pub in Northern Liberties, and it was one of the best things I had ever tasted in my life. I think that thought is what made me want another. I figured, it's tomato season and I'm in the Italian Market area, this has got to be banging. But alas when my Caprese came i was saddened by pink Plum tomatoes, under-ripe and semi-frozen. I guess Ralph's buys their tomatoes in March when they are off-season and then freezes them so you can have the same shitty Caprese year-round.
In my opinion no restaurant worth its salt would ever serve anything that was under-ripe or bad in any way. For Ralph's to pull off a shitty Caprese in August, in Philly, when there's more than one fresh mozzarella source down the street, and a dude outside selling perfect tomatoes for $1/lb, they really just must try to suck. Never again, Ralph's. By the way, I had the Ravioli, which is what i order when i think an Italian Restaurant might suck, cause they're hard to screw up, and they were decent. I love P&S Ravioli. House-made my ass!
There are enough reviews here that talk about various aspects of the restaurant, so I won't repeat. I'll just offer some points about the food:
Their calamari are not fried, but instead served in a red sauce. Haven't had them like this before, and probably won't again. The calamari tasted extremely fishy as I've never known calamari to taste before.
The veal parmigiana was a hearty portion, however the veal marsala was very small and the same price.
The bread that was put on our table was fresh (from the bakery next door), but it was served cold. Not even warm from sitting on top of the oven or something. Poor choice. The butter was in little individual containers as opposed to a little dish with fresh SOFT butter.
The side of "greens" is this mix of spinach, onions, garlic, and other stuff. It was OK tasting, but it was cold when it came out to our table.
The bruscetta was served on toasted bread and the topping was pretty good. Can't complain there.
The desserts, were, well, very good. They make everything there. It was just really good.
The service was good, but a lot of food arrived at our table (party of seven) cold. It was a little bit disheartening considering that they handle large tables of people all the time.
I wouldn't go back and will try other Italian places. Fellini's on the main line is still one of my favorite places to go. No doubt.
I will never, ever, in my whole life, understand why people love this restaurant so much. I walk by often and see a lots of NJ plates using the valet service -so It's gotta be the tourists (AND my co-workers that live in the suburbs - they like Ralph's, but you should see what they eat for lunch every day if you know what I mean.)
I suspect that the suburban folks are at a disadvantage by only having an Olive Garden to compare "authentic" Italian food to so Ralph's probably seems like some freaky cheese covered upgrade.
Anyway, back to Ralph's, sure, it's been there for over a hundred years, the decor is cute on the first floor, reminding one of the "olden days".
Sure, the service is cheeky if not just a little snarky, but the food is downright terrible.
Okay. it's edible, but not edible in a good way.
The last time I was there was for a wedding rehearsal dinner and no one finished their entrees & when asked by the waitress if anyone wanted it wrapped up to take home - it was a unanimous, "No." This was from roughly around, oh, 100 people.
That's a bad thing.
I appreciate that a family-owned business can stay this successful for all these years.
That said, I'm just not a fan. When I go out for dinner, I'd like to think that I'm getting something special that I couldn't just cook up at home. Unfortunately, most of the dishes at Ralph's feel like they could be accomplished with a bottle of ragu and a trip any one of the butcher shops in the Italian Market. Good food, and nice people, but I doubt I'll be back any time soon.
Glad Nick B. spoke up. As an Italian foodie I need to try all Italian restaurants in the city, and Ralph's always comes up on every list.
Small, authentic-looking and simple. The perfect makings for good food.
The waiter who waited on my party was quite strange, and very full of Ralph's pride. He sat with us and offered great conversation.
The food, however, is the reason most people go to a restaurant, and in my case, (and the case of my 100% Sicilian boyfriend) this food was surprisingly bad. Not bad as in I wanted to spit it up and wash off my tongue, but just. . . normal.
If you are looking for a great Italian restaurant like Grandma used to make, go to HOSTERIA DA ELIO. Trust me. I should be charging for these food secrets. . .
Total crowd pleaser of a restaurant. The food is tasty, but not too exotic, the prices are more than reasonable, and the ambiance is comfortable enough to be laid back, but nice enough to feel like you are dining out.
The mussels in red sauce got rave reviews, the bread basket was delicious, and the shrimp were amazing.
Plus, you get the added bonus of a little history lesson printed on your place mat outlining the family who has owned this restaurant for over 100 years. Just warms the heart.
Alright... I'm Asian but grew up eating Italian food 90% of the time growing up in NYC. Then I ended up in LA. There's no such thing as "Italian" food around here (cept for Valentino's... but that's a different grade of food altogether). I ended up working in Philly for a while... and let's say Ralphs is a Godseng. Mama mia! Like the old neighborhood Italian joints, there are all the usual favorites. It's cash only so don't bring your black Amex card thinking you're going to impress someone with it. Not gonna work. It's not a "see and be seen" kinda place. It's a place to go eat. Plain and simple. Oh, Ralphs... how I miss thou!!
Tourist trap rip off - anyway else in the neighborhood is better - anyplace else.
Great atmosphere.
I walked in without reservations on a Saturday night, and the host "rings/ buzzes" upstairs to the upstairs host. He tries to get him -or anyone- on 8 different channels, in the process using the most stereotypically mobster names you can think of. It was great. He tells us to go upstairs and ask for Gino/Mario/whomever. We do and we ask for him, he then calls BACK downstairs to make sure we're approved.
It was great, but I don't remember the food.
I will be back though, just because the atmosphere was so out of this century.
Judge the authenticity of an Italian restaurant not by its checkered table cloths, but by the taste of its meatballs and gravy.........that is, if they have a taste.
Four stars for history. See, in a sense it doesn't matter what the food tastes like, as long as you believe it's earth-shatteringly good. And a great crowd can make you believe such things.
My father is not Italian; actually his grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Russia and Romania. But apparently the Jews and the Italians used to hang out a lot in Northeast Philly in the 1950s. My dad's best childhood friend lived in a very, very Italian home, and, after many nights of dining there, my father seems to think of himself as an expert on the Italian-American culinary scene in Philly.
"There's nothing like Ralph's," he'll tell you. I mean, shit, I could buy him the finest plate of spaghetti money can buy at some fancy shmancy joint, but my father, inevitably, would tell me that it paled in comparison to his old standby.
Ralph's is cool, no question. On weekends, it is absolutely packed to capacity, and my father likes to tell me that a lot of the clientele are actual South Philly mobsters. (Are there really South Philly mobsters? According to a special with Geraldo Rivera, the answer is yes; and apparently one of them tried to knock him off.) And so, with all of this history and mythology surrounding the place, it's hard not to romanticize you meatballs or your seafood pasta.
The other reviews are right: Ralph's serves up pretty standard stuff. But then, that's what we like here in Philly; we're traditionalists. People always scoff when someone tries to fancify the great Philly cheese-steak (if I'm not mistaken, Steven Starr offers a variation on the theme made with Kobe beef, which apparently runs in the vicinity of $100). And likewise, people are always happy to have a great plate of pasta at a simple place they've been coming to all their lives.
This is the oldest Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. The restaurant has been family owned and passed down from generation to generation. The poles that people use to wrap their horses around are still outside. The food is so yummy. It's basic no frills Italian food that is completely satisfying. The lasana, spaghetti, fettucine- it's all Italian heavan. The prices are very reasonable. Most between $8-$15. $17 for a special.
We spoke to one of the managing family members and just for the sheer graciousness of this fellow makes you understand why this family has been able to stay in business for so long.
If you make it out to Philly- you have to make it out there. If you live there already, you probably already have been there. If you haven't...shame on you.
There was this one fabulous summer where the young Alexandra first got her kicks in the world of food writing. I had a pound of cash and no qualms about gettin chunky or so it seemed. I was 19, planning to move to Philadelphia and as ignorant as could be about its restaurant scene. Zagat recommended Ralph's as one of the prime spots for good Italian eating, so there I went.
Once there, my friend and I went and ordered some of our Italian favorites: I got the Linguine Pescatore and she got Eggplant Parmesan. After a few bites in it seemed something was missing. Yes the joint was definitely Italian in appearance, with red checkered table clothes and waiters with accents, but what I was eating didn't taste like the good old Italian comfort food I usually relied on. The problem was that it didn't really taste like anything. It was hearty, heavy, but altogether bland. While this happens from time to time at restaurants, it means a lot that at this ripe stage in my career, when my palate was far less critical than it would become in later years, that I could leave one of Philadelphia's 'oldest restaurants' so disappointed. This was the same for my friend's dish. The plate was so large and full of food that it felt like it weighed five pounds, but did that greasy eggplant bathed in fried batter give one the impression she was eating anything better than...well grease and fried coating? Nope.
Since this was years ago, I do not know if Ralph's has improved their food. From what I've read of recent reviews, however, the problem seems to be that the restaurant, in being Philly's 'oldest', has kept itself in business due to tourism, and it hasn't gotten any better. I mean hey I guess Ralph's seems great if you're used to going to Olive Garden right? Unfortunately even the dimmest understanding of good food will probably have you wondering why you spent so much on something that seemed it had been dosed with nothing better than Prego...but I guess some people are really that behind when it comes to learning about where to eat in Philadelphia or what Italian food is supposed to taste like in general.
I don't get the big to-do about Ralph's. I went there expecting the most freaking delicious pasta I've ever had in my life and it tasted like dare I say, Olive Garden? (Okay, I know that's not fair, but I'm trying to emphasize how bland and flavorless the food was - get my drift?) It took FOREVER to get our food, but other than that, the service was pretty good. I thought the prices were a little expensive too, at least for some of the dishes. It seems like Ralph's has gotten lazy because of their notoriety and history in Philadelphia.
Granted this may be a case of seeing nostalgia through rose colored lenses, but Ralph's had the greatest gnocci dishes. I cannot make comment on any of the other items save for the linguine pescatore, which was also excellent. Whenever I get back into town to visit family, I make it a point to eat at least once at Ralph's. It should be noted that It has been over a year since I have been back. I am hoping the food hasn't deteriorated as much as what some of these other recent comments may indicate.
I know this is a philly classic, but this place is uninspiring. Bland very generic Italian food. Also staff is quite terse....
Small, quaint, busy. Definitely one of those small family joints you think of when you picture Little Italy. Anyhow, the marsala was delish. The service I had was great. Would go again to sample more fare.
I know a lot of people slam this place, but to me it's a south philly classic. I've always had good food & friendly service here. The "gravy" is always nice & garlicky, & the pasta al dente. MAybe the decor is a a little worn, but the history of the place makes up for it.
i'm with lisa k, this place stinks. i've lived a block away my entire life and every few years go to see if it's gotten better and no, it hasn't. don't waste a meal here, unless you're like the average american and have no taste buds. if you must go, they have one decent dish, the sausage and peppers. under no circumstances order anything from the sea. they murder seafood. go to dante and luigi's, one block west, if you want good italian - american food.
this place was ok. wasnt exactly great but at the same time it didnt completely suck. the food was ok and they get their bread from sarcones which is basically some of the best bread ever. service was pretty lame. and the restaurant itself is so small it appears very old fashion-esque.
as other reviews said food is nothing special. i'm giving it a 1 just to kill the hype of this place. again NOTHING SPECIAL and perhaps just a step above olive garden. it's also cash only when the yelp profile says credit cards accepted.
Three Course Recession Menu
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
18" Tomato Pizza $3.99
Philadelphia, PA
Neighborhood: Italian Market
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Bella Vista
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Italian Market
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Olde City
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Italian Market
Category: Grocery
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