Bistro Romano — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I had been here pre covid and absolutely loved it. So i decided to revisit and while things were nice it didnt quite live up to my nostalgia but, thats not the restaurants fault. Times change. But please take into consideration my opinion of my evening is tinted with the bias of a previous experience

I started the evening the the ceaser salad - which originally was table side (making it an experience in itself) but is no longer served like that. So…. It fell extremely flat to me. Just a salad. Next i had the grilled octopus. I enjoyed it. It had a meatier texture than i was expecting but overall enjoyable, just not standard. Next was the gnocchi. Hands down THE BEST DISH OF THE EVENING. I would highly recommend that if you have ANYTHING here, this is the one. Next was the roasted duck, as was recommended by the waitress (who was extremely attentive by the way). The duck was pleasant, the cherry jus was a great addition, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The accompanying side was not to my liking however. Completely lacking of flavor (to me). Then i had (yea i know alot of food was ordered lol) brodetto. AFTER A FEW CRANKS OF SALT, i absolutely loved this dish (aside from the fish in the dish. Parts of the fish her tender and delicious but parks were chewy and tasteless. Either overcooked or reheated in a microwave (which wouldnt make sense because parts of it were lovely either way, aside from the fish portion of the dish, i really liked this dish.

The total bill was around 250. And i have no negative feelings about it. I will return shortly because there are 3 more dishes i want to try PLUS the gnocchi needs to be in my belly again. Overall i would give this place a 7.8/10. Based on food and atmosphere. But… the chairs could use some new cushions lol.

I apologize that this isnt well written or thought out, im just writing as i...

My wife and I took our two daughters there to celebrate Jessica's 16th birthday with fine dinning experience. As advertised Chef Michael De Lone and the Bistro Romano's staff knocked it out of the park. If I recall, we had 3 people attending to our table, coupled by a few visits from the manager who kept asking if there was anything else they could do for us. The ambiance was very nice, quiet and comfortable, The wine selection is second to none, as if you need to go any further than the Montepulciano. The antipasto consisted of generous portions of the "real deal" aged meats, imported cheeses and those olives which compliment the wine and help to get your palate ready for what is in queue. The girls went with their favorites the Gnocchi and homemade pasta dishes, have you ever had them anywhere else and they tasted this good? so lite, in just the right fusion based sauce. I always look forward to ordering something that I wouldn't order just anywhere, so I went with the special which was a complex veal dish, I also like to opt for a side of their fresh pasta. I am still talking about that meal and our experience at this wonderful restaurant. I hope that dish becomes a seasonal regular along with many of the inspired specials that chef Michael features. Look out!.. here come the deserts and a round of house made lemon-cellos. Forgetaboutit, we recommend trying all of them, especially the Tiramisu, or Crème Brule. After dinner you can gather upstairs at their unique bar and enjoy an after dinner cordial. Can't wait to go back! Five star dinning @ Two...

Incredible dining experience, I can't get enough of Bistro Romano. Starting with the location in old city and the building itself with its traditional Philadelphia exposed brick & wood beam construction it is like a time portal but with modern comforts included. The setting is warm and intimate but still rustic & historic. The bar is a magnificent ornately carved wood piece straight out of the old world. It designed by Louis O. Keil for the 'City of Detroit-III' which was the world's largest sidewheel steamship when she launched in 1911. Beautiful art & red velvet curtain drape the walls as you descend the spiral staircase to the cellar at the far end of which is an intimate seating area in what was one a coal cellar right underneath the sidewalk along Lombard St.(one of the coolest features in any city restaurant). The menu is equally amazing and as artfully crafted as the stucture it's served in. The staff is wonderful as well, prepared to go above & beyond to make your experience memorable. I have sincerely enjoyed every meal and I continue to recommend Bistro Romano to family and friends (just as I am with you) while anticipating our next occasion to dine here. During our most recent visit, our party of 3 ordered the following entrees: Bordetto, Veal saltimbocca, Osobucco, which were absolutely delicious and plated beautifully. They also have wine to go in case you enjoyed what you had with dinner so much that it just had to come home with you. Bistro Romano is a very special place that I know you will enjoy as...