Da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana — Restaurant in Somerville

We were looking for a new place to dine to to celebrate a milestone birthday and selected this place based on reviews . As we got to the place we were all in doubt and speculated if we should go in . But our speculation turned out to being a spectacular find.

Don't be in doubt by the inconspicuous location and outside . Walk in to discover some authentic Italian ( Sicilian ) food.

A home style restaurant with cozy yet spacious quarters with an old world Italian charm.

An engaging couple Chef Filippo Russo and his wife are the owners. They clearly love food and entertaining. This place was opened in 1988 making it the oldest Italian restaurant in Somerville .

Bertha (Berti) who is the Chef Russo’s wife was the hostess and our server . She is a bundle of energy and kept us entertained with her charm and warmth.

We tried quite a few items and loved every one of them as it offered something special .

Octopus in red sauce - tender and saucy

Fried arugula with Parmesan and cream sauce, you will want more

Their Bruschetta is one a kind - MUST TRY

Shrimp pasta was our groups pick of the day and it didn't disappoint. Jumbo shrimp with semolina pasta and peas.

I picked the fresh cavateli with marinara and sausage - I highly recommend it .

Pan seared Mahi Mahi was delicately flavored well seasoned with fresh flavors.

Profiterole and Millefoglie were our desserts.Profiterole was the star and we ordered a 2nd one to satisfy our greed .

Chef & Owner Filippo Russo played the piano and sang for the guests and a special birthday wish for our table top . He is Sicilian and his food reflected the fresh flavors of the island .

Overall this place stole our hearts in every aspect. The food , ambiance , the owners.. it is a place to celebrate with family...

I have been coming here for about 2 decades - from when I ate anything and everything, to my years as a vegetarian, and now, as a vegan for 4 years. During each stage, the food was as equally exquisite as the last.

Upon entering the quaint restaurant, wonderful Filippo and his beautiful wife, Berti, make you feel like you're walking into the home of a lifelong friend. The traditional decorations transport you to Sicily, where you feel as if you've discovered the restaurant that only the locals frequent. What's more is that both Filippo and Berti speak Italian and German (in addition to English), so if you want to speak in your mother tongue or you're feeling gutsy and want to practice, they're more than happy to oblige! Filippo taught himself piano and has a smooth yet powerful voice, so don't be surprised if you hear some quintessential Italian tunes from Filippo himself while he's playing the piano that sits in the dining room! It's always a treat to hear something so authentic.

There is a vast amount of ever-changing specials that are always phenomenal, so wait until you hear them before basing your decision on the menu. Some family favorites on the menu are: the bruschetta, Frittelle di Rughetta ('Fried Arugula' ..don't sleep on this! Delectable.), Orecchiette with sausage and broccoli, and the Profiterol. Filippo can make the Orecchiette vegetarian by substituting the sausage for mushrooms, which is just as good! As a vegan, Filippo usually makes me a pasta dish with caramelized eggplant and homemade gravy, which I have dreams about for days following.

The food coupled with the ambiance and experience makes Da Filippo a 10/10 restaurant. If you haven't been, I encourage you to make your way there.

Vielen Dank...

A beautiful experience happened at DaFilippo’s Italiana tonight. Aside from an exceptional meal, from homemade bread to a delicious heart of artichoke appetizer followed by exquisite culinary entrees...my husband and I experienced the magic of daFilippo. When asked why a piano was in the restaurant, Filippo’s wife replied, Have you ever heard Filippo’s voice? It is beautiful .” She summoned her husband out of the kitchen, where he joyfully serenaded his patrons with a compilation of tunes, many from the Beatles, along with a sentimental Italian request from a couple who was celebrating their 75th anniversary. They twirled and danced to Filippo’s beautiful singing and piano playing as I was in awe of the amount of love and warmth felt in this beautiful gem in Somerville, NJ. After playing, Filippo greeted patrons and asked about their food and the said, “ I’ve got to back to work.” And off he went to the kitchen with a smile . When we stopped h to compliment the food and his singing, we made mention of the love felt in the restaurant and he replied, “‘You have to share love.” As his wife added, “ There are so many places to dine in Somerville, we truly appreciate that you have chosen to dine with us.” And this is why you must experience a meal at DaFilippos. You will enjoy delicious food, and feel catered to, as if you were the closest of family, as Filippo and his wife share their love by providing delicious food, attentive service, and beautiful songs in an warm, inviting atmosphere. I can’t...