La Viola Bistro — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Even though the food was subpar, this review is a result of the incredibly poor service we received in the lower dining room (they have a basement level dining room). While our service started out OK, our server changed after we ordered and things went downhill from there. To start, the server spilled oil on two guests at the table as he was clearing the appetizer plates. We understand that mistakes happen, but there was no remorse on his part. He apologized, but did not offer an extra napkin, water, or anything else to help clean the mess.

Giving our meals was the last time our server visited our table. Another server was great with filling our water, but after an hour of not having our plates cleared or being asked about dessert, we needed to ask the one server who was giving us attention to get the check. He went to the other server (who was frequently visiting other tables and gleefully fraternizing with the guests) and told him we needed the check. Still no response form our server. In fact, he brought other tables their check and started taking dessert orders for tables that were seated after us!

At this point, we were fed up. Myself and another member of the group went upstairs to get our own check. Our server must have realized something was wrong, so he came up shortly after us. We explained what happened to the hostess with the server standing right next to us and we received no apology from him. He was silent the entire time while we were asking for our check. The hostess was kind enough to offer free dessert, but at that point, we just wanted to leave. In retrospect, I should have engaged the server while he was standing there and make him explain himself, but at that point, I just wanted to leave.

Upon bringing the check back to our table, we realized that 20% gratuity was automatically added to the check. We know that this is probably standard, but given that the hostess was writing up the check while we were standing there complaining about the service, you’d think she wouldn’t include the gratuity. Needless to say, we left a very small tip that was much less than what was on the bill and never intend to go back to that location again.

As an aside, if you were hoping to go to an establishment that is taking COVID seriously, don’t go here. They had large groups inside and were at...

This place serves up the traditional Italian charm. The menu items are standard options but more authentic in their preparation. I think the ambiance of the energy in the room, the Italian wait staff, and the of course the food create a nice environment to transport you for an evening.

It is located in Rittenhouse, so parking is TIGHT. Plan to circle around in the immediate area if you are looking for street parking, or park a bit away and walk over (this is the option we chose after a few rounds around the block.)

We were seated in the main dining space towards the back. You can tell it's a popular place as there were many celebrations going on, so it was all hands on deck for the wait staff. It's well lit inside, with plenty of large tables, and it's deceiving how big it is inside, given the narrow entryway.

After sitting down, the waiters were prompt with serving us waters and passing out menus. SIDE NOTE: This place is BYOB - and we came prepared!

Our waiter gave us the specials for the evening. It was all happening pretty quickly, which I generally don't mind, but with our large party, it was hard for me grasp all the information on first go, so I resolved to order from whatever I found on the menu...which being a vegetarian meant I was limited to one item - the gnocchi. I did ask the waiter if some of the other dishes could be made without meat, but I don't think he liked that very much as I was promptly dismissed on that request (whomp whomp.)

I ordered the said dish, served with pasta noodles and a light red sauce. The food was warm and plentiful. The gnocchi had good flavor and tasted fresh, leaving me satiated but not in a coma.

Overall - my party had a good time. The service was quick given how occupied it was, though they didn't open up to modifying any of the dishes. Since I don't think they'll be adding more veggie friendly items on the menu, I have exhausted all my options for a further food journey here, but it's still a solid spot for a dinner date or...

Viola West - A Hidden gem for pre-show dinner or last minute reservations This place is our favorite among local restaurants. I’ve been wondering what to include for my review and still don’t have a full list of items, so I’ll have to wing it a bit. My wife and I go to Viola West for pre-show dinners. They are close to all the Kimmel venues and other entertainment. They can accommodate a last-minute table, the waiters and the kitchen are efficient, the prices are reasonable prices, and the menu has options to please everybody. The spaciousness is ideal for our special occasions: anniversaries, birthdays, etc. No matter how crowded it may be, I always feel like it’s just my loved ones who are present, and service is prompt Nearby Italian restaurants are inferior by comparison, for one of several reasons: they won’t seat you until your full party is present, they lack the availability (especially before shows), food quality is ~7/10 (at best), service is slow/overwhelmed, prices are high, and during the meal I feel like I’m constantly being pushed out to make room for the next guests, and there is minimal seating. Viola West has none of these deficiencies. The best tiramisu I’ve had in the city

At Viola, the owners are humble, respectful, and are consistently outstanding hosts. The servers and staff are hard-working, absolutely excel at their jobs, informative and are consistently responsive to our needs. I’ve eaten at several dozen restaurants within the city and there’s a reason I classify Viola West to be one of those unique hidden gems among restaurants…and why my wife and I have selected it as one of our few ‘frequent visit’ locations when we want to feel catered to for an evening. I highly recommend you give these folks a visit. It’s among the best Italian food you’ll encounter in the city, at...