Dante & Luigi's — Restaurant in Philadelphia

The Missus (bless 'er), The Kid and I visited Dante & Luigi's during our most recent visit to Philly. The Missus (bless 'er) wanted to introduce us to a real Philly-style Italian restaurant, and after a quick Google-aroo, found this joint. When we entered, we were greeted by the host, who after assuring us that it was a telephone and not a thermometer in his hand, sat us close to the kitchen- which I like because then I can observe behind the curtain (as it were) of our dining experience. After we were sat, it became quickly apparent that our server, Fred, was in the 'weeds.' However, it was also apparent that he had half the restaurant as his section and he was trying to keep up. The Missus (bless 'er) ordered a Sapphire Martini up and The Kid and I ordered 'mocktails.' This term threw Fred for a moment, but he cottoned on to what it was we wanted. The martini worked, but the mocktails didn't have much pizzaz (borderline Shirley Temples). The first course of the Antipasti platter arrived and it was a bit of a mixed bag: a couple of slices of mortadella, proscuitto and coppa, surrounding a pile of delicious roasted mixed and marinated peppers, a couple of marinated mushrooms, olives, under-ripe roma tomatoes, a couple of small mozzarella balls, all resting on two slices of outstanding provolone. Our mains included the Veal Parmesan with a side of Penne Pomodoro, Perciatelli Genovese, and the Veal Osso Bucco. The girls loved their mains. Me, not so much. The quality of the veal shank was obvious (the meat was absolutely delicious), but it was drenched with an awful 'gravy' that just overpowered the flavor of the veal. I had to scrape it off to get to the meat. Topped with carrots cooked to death. The risotto accompaniment was made by someone who does not know what risotto is supposed to be: creamy, rich with cheese, stock and starch. This version was watery- watery!- and way overcooked. Fred recommended a lovely Ripasso, by the way, to go with dinner. We were able to take the remainder of the wine when we left. The Kid had the Chocolate Fudge Cake, and I went with the Ricotta Cheese Pie for dessert. The Kid loved the fudge cake. The Ricotta pie was one of the finest I've ever had: the texture of the cheese came through, as did a citrus flavor that helped to cut the richness. Despite some easily adjustable shortcomings in the food, it was a very enjoyable experience, and one that we look forward to having again during our next trip to...

I've lived a few blocks from here for almost 20 years and had never been. My parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary was coming up, they mentioned Dante & Luigi's, so I attempted to make a reservation for us and their friends. It was short notice and the circumstances were such that they wouldn't normally accept a reservation for a party of 10, but when I explained the occasion, the staff at Dante & Luigi's worked with me to accommodate us and I was most appreciative of that.

Having passed this restaurant on the street a million times without being able to see in, knowing it's been in continuous operation since 1899, I had a picture in my mind of what the interior might look like based on the old fashioned facade. I realized upon stepping inside that I could not have been more wrong. The dining rooms are gorgeous, elegant, spacious, and classic. There are just enough details to remind you of the restaurant's long history, but not too many to make it feel like a throwback passed it's prime.

Likewise, being a South Philly food snob, I had in my mind that the food would be "old world" in the vein of Italian Market mainstays like Ralph's or Villa di Roma and not necessarily modern. Once again wrong, the food was impressive. I had a bite off every one's plate and everything I tasted was well-prepared and tasted great : the calamari was crisp and flavorful, the stuffed peppers were awesome, their pasta was delicate and amazing. I personally had the chicken mellanzane and didn't leave a single morsel of food.

The service was impeccable. The wait staff was always present yet not obtrusive, extremely kind and attentive. As the dinner wore on and the wine flowed, the group started to get slightly rowdy and I was a little concerned we were being too loud, but we were never made to feel out of place or rushed.

I found the prices to be extremely reasonable as well. My parents had a great meal and a fantastic, memorable evening with their friends on their 50th Anniversary and we have Dante & Luigi's to thank for that. Everybody had a great time. It just goes to show you shouldn't make unfair assumptions about something without trying it. This place is an experience, great food, great service, a timeless gem in South Philly and I hope to get...

Dear Donte and Luigi’s, First of all, your South Philadelphia location intrigued me. Then your history drew me in for a much closer inspection. And boy, let me tell you a story of falling for mia amoria!!

With high expectations, the reservations were gleefully accepted in advance via a quick phone call a few nights previously, the story begins…

We where greeted at the door with a smile and oh, how it felt like it was home. Classic, simple elegant style with white linen table clothes, very clean and crisp from the fold in the cloth napkin to the crease in Dominic’s full-dress shirt and tie. He expertly made us feel right at home when I unexpectedly asked to have a taste of the ‘gravy’ of which he promptly produced. All I can say is that it is as like it should be, prego!

Your menu boasts of true fine regional Italian dishes and I very much appreciated the classic at-home approach to true Italian cuisine. It is not the ingredients as much as it is a way of life. Our first course came to pass with a plate full of prosciutto roses and sharp provolone cheese, accompanied by green and kalamata olives, followed by warmed crusty bread. Our water classes never got below ½ empty throughout the experience. Then the main course arrived. This was an absolute delight to my eyes and senses as the server politely announced the dish as he set a clean white bowl filled with silky wide-ribband house made pasta studded by huge jumbo lumps of crab meat, interlaced with cherry tomatoes all enrobed in a perfect velvety Bianco sauce delightfully accented with fresh basil.

Now I know what you are thinking, what in the world could possibly top that? Well, you order their house made Tiramisu that is how you top it off. The lightly cocoa dusted whipped cream hiding light as air expresso-soaked lady fingers filled with layers of mascarpone cream. Now I tell you, is that a finish or is that a finish. This was THE best real Italian experience from the smiles to the food. This is a gem and should be regularly visited.

One of your son’s...