Bistro Romano

I'd never been to this restaurant and was invited to attend a surprise birthday for a friend. A party bus picked us all up in Maryland where we live and took us for the hour drive to Bistro Romano.
I have some photos posted here on my blog but Citysearch does not permit me to post the URL. You can see them perhaps by googling Chronicles of a Country Girl super fun happy (it's what I named the post).
A section had been reserved for our party of 22, downstairs near the intimate wine cellar room. We were given a set menu to order from and I chose the Chicken Putanesca. My only complaint is that the caesar salad, so widely touted, was very much on the wilted side with too much dressing. The flavor was still incredible but it was just a tad disappointing. The Putanesca was divine, as were the roasted vegetables. We enjoyed a layered birthday cake and the coffee was excellent. One of the best cups of coffee I've been served in a restaurant, quite frankly. The atmosphere was unique. Superior service.

Pros: Ambiance, service, meal

Posted 06/08/09

I always enjoy taking family and friends to Bistro Romano for dinner. The food and service are always outstanding. I am partial to the Caesar which is prepared at your table. I think its the only place left in the tri-state area that prepares the traditional Caesar, it's the best i've ever had anywhere. That is the beginning to a perfect meal. The filet is an excellent cut than I've had at the local steak houses. My wife enjoys the homemade ravioli, particularly the Lobster. Desserts are equally superb, definitely try the Tira Misu or the Pumpkin Bread Pudding, two of our favorites. Service is very attentive, the server we had last night was Donna. She was extemely pleasant and anticipated our every need. It's clearly one of the best in Philadelphia.

Pros: Caesar Salad, Filet, Pastas, Tira Misu, Service

Posted 01/26/09

The atmosphere was great, not so good food and not so speedy staff. You walk downstairs into a stone cellar, very romantic with low lighting. We were impressed. We were served water immediately, but then waited and waited to be asked what we would like to drink. Finally our waiter came over we put in our drink orders along with our apps. Our bread and apps came out about 10 minutes later, drinks came a few minutes later. We order one meal off the menu and the other was a special. Both meals were bland, and parts of both were just so bad we did not eat them. Paying took about another 15 minutes. Great atmosphere but overall disappointed with food and service. Especially for the price. We would not go back again.

Pros: Great Atmosphere

Cons: Bland Food, Slow Service

Posted 01/23/09

I've read countless great reviews & figured it would just be another dud restaurant in philly-- but I was wrong! I reserved the wine cellar room-- I was surprised by how cute it was! It's $15.00 to reserve the room but definatley worth it- - it just adds a lil xtra specialness!! my boyfriend was completely impressed.. he said it was his favorite place by far. the caesar salad was very good-- and watching them make it in front of you is fun.. Calamari is the best i've ever had!! (and we get it EVERYwhere we go!) . i got the lobster ravioli (good) and he got the veal parm (great). Two shots of orangecello came complimentry w/ the wine cellar room-- and we each had dessert (canoli and pumpkin bread) and coffees... total bill $113.00. Not bad at all considering how much we ate and how great it was! I can't wait to go back, and try just a regular table.. the entire restaurant is completely addorable. I really can't recommend this place enough! It's as casual or dressy/romantic as you make it! GO go go!

Pros: Romantic Atmosphere/ Food

Cons: Nothing

Posted 11/30/08

Good food, nice staff, nice location. However, I didn?t really think this place was super romantic for the 30ish crowd, or if anything, should I say for my taste. Over all I would say it?s a nice place to check out at least for some good food.

Pros: No wait with a reservation

Cons: bathroom is upstairs in the back

Posted 10/20/08

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday, and I reserved a table in the wine cellar. We arrived a little early for our 8:00 reservation, and they weren't able to accomodate us immediately, but that was not a problem. The atmosphere in the cellar was very romantic. The room and the table were lit by candles and rose pedals were sprinkled on the table. The room was still a little dark for our liking, so the server brought a few more candles, which we thought was very accomodating. The food was delicious. I ate the tilapia scampi , served with baby shrimp, and my boyfriend ate the pescatore, which he raved about for the rest of the evening. Overall, we had a wonderful romantic experience and will definitely be returning. Next time, we'll sit in the community dining area which was brighter and reader friendly.

Pros: Great atmosphere throughout the restaurant, wonderful food

Cons: Nothing really

Posted 09/24/08

We just went for my husband's birthday. It was on the later side on a sunday night (they close the kitchen at 9 and our reservation was for 8:30)
we were one of 4 tables- so there was barely any noise in the place. It was very romantic atmosphere- very dark with candles.
The food was great.. We split the carpaccio and the smoked mozzerlla.. both were great. My husband got the lobster ravoli which was as good as that dish can be. I got the special duck which was very good. We split a a cannoli for dessert- which was awesome! also- the prices are great. I highly recommend!

Pros: great food- so romantic

Posted 08/26/08

My wife and I ate here last week during a business trip. I had found the restaurant via previous good reviews on this website. We were not disappointed.
Our server (a young lady whose name I can't now recall) was attentive and friendly. The food was excellent; the wine list also very good. Just an excellent dining experience!

Pros: great food, wine, service

Cons: it was a little too dark

Posted 08/18/08

We had an excellent dinner at the Bistro last evening. The food was outstaninding, service very refined and attentive, and the atmosphere is very special. Candlelight, Italian music, great food; it was a great date. We had requested a romantic table and were seated in the wine cellar, which is a private table topped with rose petals. The entire evening was very special; I will return soon.

Pros: Food & Service, Wine Cellar Tabel

Cons: none

Posted 07/09/08

I went here for the first time a last week with my girlfriend after a coworker recommended it, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The food was fantastic and not too expensive, the lighting and ambience worked very well for a date, and the waitstaff was very helpful. The lobster ravioli was especially good. Make a reservation ahead of time, as the place is bound to be packed. Great restaurant - I would recommend it for anyone going on a date or looking for good Italian food. It's hard to find a parking spot on the street, so park in a lot or save time to find a spot.

Pros: Delicious food, great menu, good service

Cons: Parking

Posted 06/11/08

After reading numerous good reviews we decided to give Bistro Romano a try. We had a reservation for 5pm on a weeknight and arrived on time. We were seated immediately. There were only a couple other tables with customers at them when we sat down. We waited at least 10 minutes for our drink/bread person (who looked like they would rather be anywhere else but there) to bring us a couple ice teas. We waited at least another 10 minutes for our waitress. I had a couple questions about some of the Italian dishes, which she could not answer. These were not hard questions, just how things were prepared and what they were served with. The food was ok to good when it comes to Italian food. I expected much better from a place of its so-called caliber. We consistently had to wait for service and could not find servers when we needed a drink re-fill.

For the price, lack of service and average food, I would not recommend Bistro Romano.

Pros: Good table-side caesar

Cons: Over priced for average food and poor service

Posted 06/05/08

I went here based on great Citysearch reviews. I am in the business, and yet had never been to Bistro Romano or really heard much about it. I was soooooooooo impressed! What a great space!!! Exposed brick walls, great lighting, ,unique unique unique!! The food was WONDERFUL! I went 3 days ago and I already can't wait to go back!!

Pros: great space, food, ambience

Cons: none

Posted 04/06/08

I went to Bistro Romano for the first time this weekend, with a few friends, after reading so many positive reviews here on citysearch. It was a Saturday night so we did have to wait a little while to be seated, which was fine with me. We waited at the bars, and ladies let me tell you they're bartenders are both reeally hot, and friendly to boot. After enjoying a few cocktails, we were led to our seats. The service was attentive and friendly and especially quick considering how busy it was. I had lobster Ravioli that was absolutely delicous. For dessert I had the best cannoli EVER! Highly recommend this place to anyone.

Pros: Hot Bartenders, Amazing Food, Friendly Service

Cons: Parking is a challenge

Posted 03/26/08

I love Bistro Romano! The basement dining is very romantic and the food is hearty and delicious. Sign up for their VIP list on their website and you'll be sent emails with great deals quite often! I went last weekend for a 3 course + glass of wine dinner for just $35 (better than restaurant week!). The waitstaff is friendly and attentive.

Pros: romantic seating, hearty servings

Cons: too much pepper in the caesar salad

Posted 03/25/08

I am having a hard time understanding why this restaurant gets such glowing reviews. Unless you have had a friend who went and had a great experience I would save your money and go elsewhere. There are much better choices in Philadelphia.I have had better meals at Italian chain restaurants-not that I frequent those places. My husband and I went for our second wedding anniversary hoping to enjoy a rare baby free night. We started with the stuffed mushroom appetizer-the "italian sausage" that they were stuffed with could have lost a taste contest with Jimmy Dean. In addition, the tops were burnt. I tried the Lobster Ravioli for the entree and it tasted worse than store bought. The ravioli were swimmming in a soup like sauce and had absolutely no flavor. The only reason I gave this place two stars is because they really do have a nice caesar salad. They also did take the ravioli off the bill and offer to bring out another entree. Another disappointing thing about our meal was our anniversary was not even acknowledged until the end of the meal. I don't know if we went on an off night, but I will be saving my money and going elsewhere. There are much better places to spend your money. As far as being romantic-this place is not even close.

Posted 03/16/08

We celebrated our wedding anniversary on Saturday at Bistro Romano and the entire evening was excellent. The food, the ambiance and the service were all outstanding. At the recommendation of our server we began with the Caesar Salad, it was prepared in front of us at the table, the best I?ve ever eaten. We then had a pasta course of three unique pastas that was provided complementary to us. I suppose since I made a note on the reservation that I made with Opentable that it was our anniversary celebration. For the main course I select the pork chop which was stuffed with Italian sausage, it was a chef's special and it had a great flavor, perfectly seasoned, fully cooked but not dried out. It was perfect, as was my wife's veal rosini. For dessert we shared the cannoli, another superb treat. The service was equally sensational. Kelly was there whenever we needed something but never awkwardly obtrusive. She made several recommendations to us and they were all outstanding. The owner even recommended a great bottle of Tuscan wine that was fabulous and reasonably priced. The wine list is huge with a large selection of Italian wines. Now for the ambiance, very romantic, we were sat in the wine cellar dining room. It is very private, only one table which had red rose petals on it with many candles. It was very special, as was the entire evening. I look forward to returning to my new favorite restaurant.

Pros: Great Food, Romantic Ambiance, Superb Service, The Best Caesar Salad

Posted 03/16/08

I do not usually go to very many fancy establishments, but this was a special night and I wanted a nice change. I made reservations because this was a popular date night. The staff was extremely helpful, the food was delicious and it had a great atmosphere with a nice bar and a piano player.

Pros: Inviting, Cosy, Great Service, Amazing Food

Cons: No Parking

Posted 03/12/08

After much searching for a great in-town restaurant, I decided to give Bistro Romano a try for a long overdue romantic dinner with my wife of 22 years. It was a wonderful choice. I must say up front, that I have travelled quite a bit for my job, especially in Europe, and do seek and expect a quality dining experience, preferably with a European style and pace. Bistro Romano is just such a place right here at home.

I reserved our table and chose the later time - 8:30 PM on a Saturday night. Parking is the biggest drawback for this destination, but you have to put that aside, as the location is in Society Hill, a dense area of the city where this is always a challenge. Solution - give yourself at least 30 minutes more time than you think, and keep circling the blocks 'til something opens up, or go public lot.

We arrived on time with a couple of mins to spare, and were greeted warmly on a very chilly night in February. Coat check was available and upon check-in with the hostess we were told our table would be a few mins, so we happily enjoyed a drink at the very interesting bar until our table was ready. We were given a table in the lower dining area, off to the side away larger tables where we could have private conversation at a comfortable level. The interior is unique and has a sort of dark and cozy feel to it.

The 3 wait staff members were all pleasant & professional, so were happy to tip upwards of 20% accordingly. We shared the smoked mozzarella starter special and moved to the Caeser Salad for two, which was prepared table side (sans Anchovi paste on request). Dinner was the black Lobster Raviloi (colored with squid ink) and the Seafood Special Ravioli (heart shaped). All were prepared perfectly with tasty & fresh ingredients. We skipped desert, despite how goog it looked, maybe next time.

We are looking to return mid-week with the children now, to try the lobster and pasta specials! Enjoy!

Pros: Romantic dinner, excellent quisine, wine list, service

Cons: Parking

Posted 02/23/08

Wonderful atmosphere, great food, outstanding service. The server was very attentive, nothing was overlooked. I had the caesar salad prepared at tableside. It could not have possibly been prepared and served any better. For entree I ordered the Swordfish served over mozzarella and tomato with a basil pesto, it was superb. The meaty fish was prepared perfectly, it literally fell apart when touched with the fork. A great place to have a nice dining experience.

Pros: Great Food, Attentive Service, Wonderful Atmosphere

Posted 02/19/08

My date took me out at the last minute and I am so pleased he did. We had a wonderful meal with exceptional service. The price is in our conservative budget a nice value. I could not ask for a better Valintine night. The host gave each of the ladies a rose. Nice touch!!!

Pros: Romantic

Cons: parking

Posted 02/14/08

We enjoyed an exceptional dinner for our Valentine?s Dinner last evening. I have been dining at Bistro for over sixteen years and we continue to enjoy the innovative and interesting menu. The place was busy for the special day and Bistro made it special for us. When we arrived the host greeted us by name and escorted us to a nice table in the lower level dining room. The tables were covered with rose petals and had red candles on them for a nice Valentine?s touch; the atmosphere is very romantic. Our server, Jen, presented us with a variety of nice chef specials for the evening. I selected the Pork Chop with Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Peppers and a Sharp Provolone Cheese and my wife chose the Ravioli filled with Goat Cheese and Asparagus. Both choices were delicious, a great combination of flavors and outstanding quality. We began with the Caesar Salad which was prepared at our table. It?s the traditional Caesar, which you cannot find anywhere; the presentation is great, but the taste is phenomenal! For dessert we shared the Tiramisu, another treat that was over the top. Coupled with authentic Italian espresso the entire meal was a sensational experience. I would recommend a reservation as it is very popular.

Pros: Exceptional Food, Authentic Espresso, Great Wine Selection, Sensational Caesar Salad

Cons: Very Popular - Make Reservations

Posted 02/14/08

Been here a few times...first time, had one of the better meals I've had in quite some time. Great ambiance, nice service, Ceaser salad lives up to its name. Lobster Ravioli was fantastic and highly recommended. Last time I was there had a pasta dish that was drenched in sauce and had just got out of the microwave. For whatever reason, seems as if this place has gone downhill since its received so much positive attention recently.

Pros: Ambiance, Ceaser Salad, service

Cons: Quality of food seems to have dropped off in recent months

Posted 02/13/08

My wife and I went to Bistro Romano last night, partly based on reviews on Citysearch, and also on the recommendation of an associate in my firm. We were celebrating an anniversary; I must say that the celebration was over the top. When I made the reservation of Opentable I noted that it was our anniversary, thinking maybe some type of special treatment. But I couldn't have dreamed of the romantic experience that the Bistro staff created for us. They sat us in a table in their wine cellar; it's extremely romantic. The table was covered with red rose petals and the room was entirely lit by candles. There were two complementary glasses of champagne delivered to our table immediately after we were sat. The waiter introduced himself and welcomed us with a happy anniversary and the champagne; a very nice touch. I must say that I've been celebrating anniversaries for a while and have never had this level of hospitality before.

Now for the food, it's outstanding. I would say, in my humble opinion that it is best Italian that Philadelphia has to offer. We started with the Caesar Salad, which was prepared next to our table by our waiter. Over the top, the best of the best, never had a better Caesar in my life, and I've had many. Then I had the Filet Mignon, prepared perfectly at my requested medium and very tender, topped with a mushroom & Barolo wine sauce. My wife had the Lobster Ravioli which was equally superb. We concluded with the Tira Misu, nice layers of Marscapone with coffee induced lady fingers, excellent. The service was very attentive without the waiter hovering over us. This is my favorite Italian in the Philly, by far. It was a perfect anniversary celebration.

Pros: Outstanding Food, Very Romantic Setting, Great Hospitality

Cons: None

Posted 02/10/08

My husband and I went to Bistro Romano last night, in large part because we had been inspired by the many, MANY positive reviews on this site. We've actually been wanting to go for a year or so, last night we finally got around to it. I'll cut right to the chase and say -- it's a pretty, romantic spot, but the food was just average and WAY overpriced. And the prices listed on the menu on this website were WRONG. We started with the Caesar for 2 ($8.95 / person; menu online says $7.95 / person). The Caesar might have been the best part of our meal (though extremely overpriced), it was a little spicy, but very flavorful. It was a hefty salad for 2. Hubby had Veal Saltimbocca ($22.95; menu online says $18.95). He said it was good, but the plate was so big and the veal was so small it looked like the plate was missing something. I had the Chicken Ravioli ($22.95; menu online says $17.95). The raviolis were HUGE, the sauce was pretty good, but it wasn't worth $23 to me. We each got a dessert -- he got the chocolate torte with raspberry sauce and I got the profiteroles ($7.95 each - yikes!). His torte was really good but my profiteroles were disappointing -- they weren't covered in the traditional chocolate ganache, it was more like melted ice cream or a loose chocolate moose. My recommendation -- try it if you want, but if you really want great Italian food, you can find more reasonably priced options, with better food and selection, elsewhere. We both think Italian Bistro is better than this place. Our bill last night came to $105 with tip -- and we weren't even drinking alcohol! $105 for 2 salads, 2 entrees, 2 desserts?? We could have gone to Morton's Steakhouse, without drinking, and had a better meal for $105. This place is way overpriced, the food is not worth it. If you want Italian food, go to Italian Bistro (NE Philly or downtown), or Vinny Testa's in Wynnewood.

Pros: Romantic

Cons: Value for cost

Posted 02/08/08

The Bistro is a great place for its culinary creations, European atmoshere and very attentive service staff.
I have been to this restaurant many times and I am always impressed by the selections on the menu. Every time I go, there is always something new to try. Their wine list is impressive with great values to be had. I've dined with business associates, dates and friends and always had an outstanding experience. Particularly noteworthy is the Caesar salad, which is prepared at your table; the taste is excellent and the show of the presentation is nice also.

Pros: Great Food, Nice Atmosphere, Attentive Service

Posted 12/17/07

I chose Bistro Romano based on the reviews and I must say it was a great decision. Spent the weekend in PA from NY and decided to take a friend for b'day dinner..this place is a definite must!! We enjoyed the Caesar salad that was made table side...the best I've ever had!! The Smoked Mozzarella and Clams as appetizers. For dinner, the Lobster Ravioli was AMAZING and she had the Smoked Chicken Ravioli! For dessert we shared a Tiramisu! This place was warm and charming, attentive service, and the best food I've had in a long time! Would be ideal for a romantic dinner or date. Will definitely return to PA just to visit the restaurant. Reasonably priced for the food and service!

Pros: Everything, food, service, reasonably priced

Cons: It's not located in NYC!

Posted 12/13/07

My husband and I are both vegetarians and this is actually the place we went on our first date ever. The menu is not very vegetarian friendly but they will change the dishes somewhat to accommodate vegetarians. By far the best thing here is the Caesar salad. They make it at your table, for a minimum of two people but I would go here just to have the salad, it is that good! It is a great romantic place although being tall i felt a little cramped as did my hubby. But we would def go back, even just for the salad!

Pros: best salad

Cons: street parking or find a garage, not many vegetarian options

Posted 12/11/07

Dined with our extended family and I must say the food and service were excellent. It was our first dinner at Bistro Romano and it's now my family's favorite. The Caesar Salad was the best, prepared right at the table, the Beef Tenderloin very tender and cooked to perfection and the Cannoli was the best, I mean really better than the traditional S. Philly bakeries. I had selected the restaurant based on the very positve reviews on Citysearch. I was extremely pleased with the entire experience. The wine list is very extensive and had one of my favorite bottles of Super Tuscan called Boschino, it was priced very reasonably. The atmosphere is very unique, it reminds me of somehthing in Florence, Italy. Excellent experience and highly recommended.

Pros: Excellent Caesar Salad, Great Service, Tender Beef

Posted 11/27/07

My husband and I dined at Bistro Romano last Saturday night. The place is a fabulous restaurant. The host was friendly and accommodating; the server was knowledgeable and provided attentive service without being overbearing. The food was outstanding, and the serving sizes were of a nice portion. For appetizers we ordered the artichoke hearts presented in a casserole with combination of cheeses and mushrooms; and Portobello with sausage and broccoli rabe, both were superb. The wine list is very extensive, looks like it has several hundred selections, we choose a nice Super Tuscan that was moderately priced at $48. We also ordered the Caesar Salad, which the servers make right in front of you at the table. The preparation looked great, and the taste was outstanding, one of the best we've ever tasted. My husband had one of the chef's specials, Tenderloin of Beef, it was an excellent cut that was presented with garlic mashed potato and rosemary mushroom sauce, and it was so tender it melted in your mouth. I had the Lobster Ravioli, which was amazing. We shared dessert, Tira Misu, a delicate combination of that had a light coffee flavor, it was sensational. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had. The prices are moderate, with most entrees around $20, but I must say that I felt that we received more than we paid for. Reservations are recommended; I made them online on their website. There is a parking garage on the corner that we used. This area of the city, Society Hill is really beautiful. The ambience of the building is great, very romantic with stone walls, candlelit, even the bar is amazing.

Pros: Excellent Food, Outstanding Service, Great Ambience

Cons: None

Posted 10/19/07

To start we are told to make a reservation then are asked to wait 25 minutes while our table is being set. Okay well it happens, so we sit over by the bar where the piano man is playing The Monkeys (romantic? I don't think so). After being seated in the poorly decorated basement with fake ivy strewn about, we make the best of it. When the waiter finally comes over we order the "acclaimed" Caesar Salad that is billed as $7.95 feeds two. The waiter says two? I say no just one but it feeds two right, yup...nope we were charged for two. Because you must order two to have it made at the table to have it made period. The food was okay seafood pasta was good nothing to rave about. They try to make you feel your getting a great bargain by giving you an entire bowl of pasta. Dessert was no better, the Tiramisu was dry and the check was dropped along side it. It's sad to think that this is number one in a town where the Italian population is so prevalent. Please try harder.

Pros: Busboy was hysterical.

Cons: Everything esle.

Posted 10/12/07

I chose this place for my birthday dinner, with my mother and two close friends, because the restaurant sent me a $20 coupon to use for my birthday. Turns out, they didn't want to honor my birthday coupon because my mother and one of my friends participated in their "WOW Wednesday" promotion. The manager/co-owner Mike was extremely rude to my mom and to the rest of our party.

To top if off, I had sat through my entire meal, all the while catching whiffs of what I thought was garbage. However, after our meal I discovered that there was a decaying m**se on the floor next to our booth and the manager tried to cover it up by saying that "it wasn't there this afternoon."

I have NEVER experienced anything so disrespectful and gross in my life, not to mention on my birthday.

Pros: food, atmosphere

Cons: service, cleanliness

Posted 09/20/07

We had an excellent evening last Saturday at Bistro. We ordered the Caesar Salad prepared tableside, it was outstanding. We also had the smoked mozzarella and sun dried tomato appetizer which was equally delicious. I chose the tender veal rosini and my date had a beautiful tenderloin of beef which was on special that evening. The food is exceptional, and I mean really above and beyond. For dessert we tried the pumpkin bread pudding and cannoli, both of which had great flavor. We ordered an Oakvilled Cabernet by Groth that was reasonably priced. The extensive wine list was superb and has an huge quantity and selections, it received the Wine Spectator Award. We give Bistro only accolades and can not wait to return soon. The staff were extremely professional and service was without a flaw, the food excellent and remarkably delicious and the portions very large. For a terrific experience in a romantic setting it is the best!

Pros: Wonderful Wine List, Outstanding Food, Impressive Service, Romantic Setting

Posted 07/23/07

Though the wine cellar atmosphere is lovely and the artichoke/gorgonzola appetizer is justly famous, the service and the rest of the menu are both uneven and we were totally turned off one evening with a piece of salmon that had obviously been frozen and tasted as bad as you'd expect from a TV dinner . . . except that it cost $26. From now on we will stick to the appetizers.

Posted 07/20/07

I booked the wine cellar table based the review I read on Citysearch. I not aware prior to seeing it that the wine cellar has only one private table which is extremely romantic, including roses all over the table. All of the food we tasted was outstanding. We had the Caesar Salad, which was prepare by our server right in front of us, and as an entree I had Fresh local trout and my wife had Talapia with Gorgonzola and Spinach. All were clearly creative from a culinary point and the flavors came together in a nice harmony, the fish was fresh. For dessert we tried the tira misu, great taste, excellent coffee flavors. Service was very attentive, we were greeted by a smiling hostess, who welcomed us for our reservation. The restaurant is always a favorite for any romantic occasion.

Pros: Great Food and Service, Very Romantic & Private Table

Posted 07/17/07

Bistro Romano is my favorite in Philly. It is very romantic, we ate in the wine cellar which is full of candles and rose petals. It's like dining in a very romantic cave. The food is excellent, I would say the best Italian that Philadelphia has to offer. We had the Caesar Salad which is prepare table side. Then we had Lobster Ravioli which was outstanding. We also had the tenderloin of beef special which was equally superb. Tira misu concluded this great dinner, it was the best we ever had. The service was very attentive, I beleive her name was Kelly. This is my favorite Italian in the City.

Pros: Great Food, Best Ceasar Salad, Very Romantic, Superb Service

Cons: None

Posted 07/15/07

My first time there was for my anniversary and it was romantic. Someone had cancel their celebration so the person who took my reservations decided to give me the table in the wine cellar. That made my day that much more perfect. We wrote our comments to each other and 'til this day it is our favorite restaurant. I love the salmon and he loves the ravioli. And let's not forget the caesar salad. I loved it so much that I suggested it for my cousin's surprise 30th birthday celebration and everyone enjoyed themselves and the food!

Thank you for being you!

Pros: Cesar salad for two made in front of you

Cons: Parking, but that's parking anywhere in the city. I think they should have Valet.

Posted 07/15/07

Fun times with friends over good italian food. Great choice for a group setting or a girls night out!

Pros: Fun, good food, reasonable price

Cons: Dark

Posted 07/15/07

From the street, this place looks unassuming, but once inside we were surprised at how elegant and romantic it is--dark wood, brick walls, and the Old World feeling of being in a beautiful wine cellar. We came on a Monday night for the $11.95 pasta and salad special and were pleasantly surprised at how fresh and tasty everything was, from the house salad to the entrees. I had the linguine with shrimp and scallops, and my husband had the lobster ravioli. Both were truly delicious, and the portions were really generous, not small plates like you might expect for such a low price.

We're having guests from out of town this weekend and plan to take them to Bistro Romano. It's a welcome surprise to find such fine dining, atmosphere, and service so close to our new home.

Posted 07/15/07

My husband brought me to Bistro Romano for my birthday. It was an amazing experience. They allowed him to have flowers sent to the restaurant and they kindly placed them on the table before we arrived. The service was wonderful; our waitress was so attentive. Most of the time, we didn't even have to ask for anything. She just knew. We ordered the bruschetta and it was delicious. I am very picky about bruschetta and this was probably the best I have ever had. I ordered the smoked chicken ravioli and it was so tasty. The combination of the atmosphere, service, and delicious food makes Bistro Romano the best, most romantic restaurant in the city!

Pros: Atmosphere, service, and food

Posted 07/15/07

Knowing how my uncle is such a picky Italian eater, I did not hesitate to name this as the restaurant for us to go to. Bistro Romano did not disappoint. The atmosphere here is romantic and amazing. I also recommended this place for my friend's Valentine Day dinner. They loved it with its candlelit dinner. My friends and I love this place when we tried. The food is amazing. The pasta always come out cooked exactly right, not too soggy. I do not mind the price at all for the amazing meal that I have had here. There is also a live piano playing for your enjoyment.

Pros: Atmosphere, amazing food

Cons: none

Posted 07/11/07

I tried Bistro Romano during Restaurant Week, and it was simply fantastic. The interior is understated but gorgeous, the food is delicious, and the service is attentive but not intrusive. The atmosphere is great for groups or a date. I'd go back again in a second.

Posted 07/01/07

Bistro Romano is one of the most romantic places I have ever been. What made it the top romantic place was my beautiful girlfriend. Our reservations were for the wine cellar table for two. The setting was perfect. A candel lit, wine filled room with rose padals on the table awaiting our arrival. When we arrived, we were greeted at the door and led to the most romantic evening of my life. Our waitress, Lauren, made the evening a very memorable one for the both of us, with the outstanding service she provided. Lauren's attentiveness to our every need was prompt, courteous and timed perfectly for a very special evening in our little "Hideout". I could not have asked for a more perfect evening. Bistro Romono as my girlfried put it to me, "ROCKS" . I have to say, I agree! Thank you for an Awesome evening Bistro Romono!

Shirley & John

Pros: Romantic

Cons: None

Posted 06/11/07

Bistro Romano is a fabulous restaurant. The maitre d' was friendly and accommodating, the waitress was prompt and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding, and the serving sizes were nothing to be scoffed at. For appetizers we got the bruschetta and the artichoke hearts--both excellent. The wine list is extensive...it probably weighs about five pounds, no joke. The table next to us got the Ceasar salad, which the servers make right in front of you...we regretted not ordering it because it looked great. My boyfriend had a special, beef tenderloin--it was the kind of meat that just melts in your mouth. I had the Fettucini Romano, which was amazing. We both saved room for desert, and we were glad we did! I had the chocolate cream puffs (I'm salivating right now) and my boyfriend had a raspberry chocolate cake which was so rich and delicioius. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had. Make sure you dress somewhat nice; khakis and a polo for guys will do. It is moderately expensive, with entrees around $20, but you really get more than you pay for. Their menu is online, so check it out. Reservations are a must and you can make them online from their website. Parking in Society Hill is always a challenge, so keep your eyes peeled. The ambience is great...I love the staircase, the stone walls, the bar, everything! If you want to impress a girl and show her that you have some class, take her here!

Pros: Ambience, value, food, service...

Cons: Parking

Posted 05/26/07

What a terrific place. I was visiting Philadelphia and booked a table with no previous recommendation and after speaking to someone at the restaurant and explained that I wanted a great place for conversation, with privacy and romantic ambience. The manager then spoke to me about the history of the restaurant and their philosophy of treating customers, especially for special occasions. The staff was attentive but not intrusive. It met all our expectations, the food, the atmosphere and it didn't hurt that the company I was with, was exceptional too. All those, in combination, made it a truly fantastic and unforgettable evening and I hope to repeat the experience there should we ever travel to the city together again!

Pros: great atmosphere, great staff, the food selection and the great wine cellar

Cons: a bit hard to find if you don't know the area

Posted 05/22/07

Bistro Romano does not disappoint. I met a friend at the bar the other evening and was surprised to find this unique marble looking bar, which I was told is from a luxury liner, with the rest of the lounge full of candles, vintage posters, a large wine cabinent which extends from floor to ceiling and walls lined with draperies. It was impressive. Plus, to my surprise, Happy Hour was underway which offerers heavily discounted drinks and complimetary food that you could easily satisfy your appetite. Even though we were a little full, we stayed for dinner. The dining room is located below street level and has stone walls and is lit by candles too. The ambience is so unique and the food was second to none. We had a grilled portobello mushroom stuffed with sausage and broccoli rabe and smoked mozzeralla for our appetizers. Next was the Caesar Salad, prepared tableside with the server explaining each step of the preparation which was really neat and informative. For entrees we chose the black lobster ravioli and a baked tilapia with gorgonzola cheese and spinach greens. We had a little to take home! We saved room for dessert and split the homemade cannoli. Our server was outstanding and her service was not intrusive. We can't wait to return. I highly recommend Bistro Romano. Don't miss this one!

Pros: ambience, food, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for Wine List, service

Posted 04/24/07

Dined last night with my wife and I must say it was an excellent dinner. We started with the Caesar Salad which was made right at the table and it was outstanding. Then we shared the Lobster Ravioli as a pasta course...it was to die for. For entrees I had the Mahi Special which was tender and flavorful, my wife had the filet which she said riviled the steak houses. The Tira Misu completed an excellent dinner, nice coffee flavor and the smooth consistency, one of the best we've had anywhere. The service was cheerful and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere of this place is really very romantic, tables are candlelit. I saw a very neat private dining room for two in the front of the building...our server told us it was in the wine cellar and to call in advance to reserve it. It looked very special. Clearly one the best in Philly.

Pros: Great Food, Attentive Service, Romantic Atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 04/19/07

I went to Bistro Romano recently and was disapointed. All of our food was over cooked. The salmon was dry and the clams linguini was chewy. For the price I expected much much better food. The service was good and the atmosphere was nice but that doesn't make up for not knowing when to say when with the fire. The dessert was good, I bet it was not made in house.

Posted 04/17/07

i love this restaurant. not only is the ambience amazing, but the food was wonderful. this was a delight for Valentine's day, or any romantic day. i would go back over and over to this place!

Pros: EVERYTHING

Cons: no

Posted 03/27/07