Insider Pages Reviews for Bistro Romano

5 Stars: Great experience, excellent meal (by countrygirlkate)

countrygirlkate — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Great Restaurant, Food & Service Outstanding, Best Caesar Ever (by sansom68)

sansom68 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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.

2 Stars: Great Romantic Atmosphere, Lousy Food, Slow Service, overall overpriced (by artdesignnj)

artdesignnj — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Great Experience! (by BrendaM856)

BrendaM856 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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!

4 Stars: Rustic (by outandaboutphilly)

outandaboutphilly — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Romantic!!! (by msjackson0126)

msjackson0126 — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: VERY romantic and great food! (by jrg936)

jrg936 — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: We had a great time (by randy082054)

randy082054 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Great Restaurant (by billyocow)

billyocow — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Great restaurant! (by eagles77)

eagles77 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

2 Stars: For the price, lack of service and average food, I would not recommend Bistro Romano. (by themurph544)

themurph544 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Everything everyone says it is !!!!!!! (by stefjoy)

stefjoy — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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!!

5 Stars: Best Night Out in Philly (by lovetodance78)

lovetodance78 — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Delicious and affordable! (by Lovemypets7)

Lovemypets7 — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

2 Stars: save your money (by trayandtom)

trayandtom — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Excellent & Romantic Dinner, Great Service and Food (by Markberry)

Markberry — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Uspcale and Beautiful, Yet Not Intimidating (by PhillyGal0900)

PhillyGal0900 — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: I highly recommend this restaurant! (by Chris M.)

Chris M. — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:16:00 GMT

The restaurant is located in the Society Hill area of Philadelphia, which is a beautiful part of the city. The food was very good, and the service was fast. The restaurant is decorated beautifully, and it is a very romantic place to go on a date.

5 Stars: Excellent (by Christine M.)

Christine M. — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:15:00 GMT

This place was excellent. They service was very quick and the wait staff was friendly. The food was excellent-- I had the ravioli. I was there for Valentine's Day, and they made the ravioli heart-shaped just for the occasion. The setting is very romantic and it is in a nice part of Philadelphia.

5 Stars: Great first experience - will definitely be back to try the mid-week specials! (by fenimore10)

fenimore10 — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Great Dining! (by phillydiner48)

phillydiner48 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: romantic (by foodstain)

foodstain — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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!!!

5 Stars: Exceptional Velentine's Dinner (by mattcohen)

mattcohen — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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.

3 Stars: Seems to have gone down hill (by Iamafatty)

Iamafatty — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Best of Philly Italian Restaurant (by traveller46)

traveller46 — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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.

3 Stars: Not Impressed (by scotts08212004)

scotts08212004 — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: My Favorite Restaurant in Philadelphia (by mark1967p)

mark1967p — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: The best Italian restaurant...the reviews were right! (by jayonline1218)

jayonline1218 — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

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!

4 Stars: The Best Caesar Salad ever (by dms13)

dms13 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 01:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Outstanding Restaurant with Excellent Food and Service (by frankrubin)

frankrubin — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: This was one of the best dining experiences I've had (by jessington)

jessington — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

2 Stars: Overrated. (by brenstar76)

brenstar76 — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

1 Stars: Horrible Birthday Experience (by msgeminirisin)

msgeminirisin — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: An outsanding dinner with great food, wonderful wines and impressive service (by jabobsmithers)

jabobsmithers — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

3 Stars: Some good points, and some bad (by jjaniero)

jjaniero — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Great Dinner For Our Anniversary - Very Romantic Evening (by robertsimpers)

robertsimpers — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Great Food and Service, Very Romantic Place (by billygreen)

billygreen — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: The best! (by maleeka)

maleeka — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Great Food, Fun Mystery Theater (by luckylady12)

luckylady12 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: High quality romantic dining (by fillyphilly)

fillyphilly — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Perfect Place for Romance (by thepenningtons)

thepenningtons — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: The Best Italian (by m_raven415)

m_raven415 — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Low-key and elegant (by leiraelle)

leiraelle — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Romantic Hideout! (by saxmanjrs)

saxmanjrs — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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

5 Stars: Great all-around dining experience (by illadeph)

illadeph — Sun, 27 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Unforgettable!!! (by lindtkrys)

lindtkrys — Wed, 23 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Tremendous! Can't wait to return to this great Italian Restaurant in Society Hill (by josea)

josea — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Excellent Dinner, Great Service and Very Romantic Atmosphere (by worthington)

worthington — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

3 Stars: I've had better meals at airports (by mlynch79)

mlynch79 — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: most romantic restaurant in philadelphia (by tb0071)

tb0071 — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

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!

5 Stars: Oustanding Food and Perfect Service in the Very Romantic Wine Cellar (by jamico)

jamico — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The restaurant was recommended by a business associate as being very romantic and the perfect place for our anniversary dinner. And I must say that it was. I reserved the wine cellar several weeks prior to our anniversary. I did not realize until I arrived that the wine cellar is a private dining room with only one table; extremely romantic. The table was covered with fresh rose petals and the room lit by candles. The food was excellent. We ordered the portobello mushroom with broccoli rabe, sausage and parmesan cheese (a special of the evening), which was outstanding; next the Caesar salad for two prepared tableside by a friendly person, which was the best Caesar I've had anywhere; for entrees I had the lobster ravioli and my wife ordered veal rosini, both were outstanding; my lobster ravioli were very fresh and had chunks of lobster which was served in a sherry sauce. For dessert, we shared the cannoli, which I enjoyed and the ricotta filling was superior to any of the S. Philly bakeries and rivaled those in Little Italy, NY. We even received a complementary Italian liqueur called Lemoncello sent over by the manager in honor of our anniversary. Service was perfect; we were seated 5 minutes before our 8pm reservation. Definitely recommend and we will be back very soon.

3 Stars: Decent, but disappointing after all the hype (by erin101)

erin101 — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 02:00:00 GMT

I was so excited to try this place for an anniversary dinner after reading such rave reviews of it, and I have to say, it wasn't bad but it definitely didn't live up to the hype. The atmosphere is really neat, between the bare brick walls, candlelight and plants. The service, however, was lackluster.....not bad, but just kind of aloofish. We had to wait 15 min to be seated, though we had a reservation that we arrived promptly for and there were open tables in view, and our waiter was pretty sluggish. After deferring ordering drinks initially because we wanted to check out the wine menu, it took him 20 min to come back and take our order for a bottle.....and even then we had to flag him down. The food was pretty good, though we found the table-side Caesar salad to be overwhelmingly garlicy. The pasta and dessert were very good however. Still, when you go to an expensive, romantic restaraunt like this, you expect the service to treat you like you're someone special, and here they acted like they didn't really care if you were there or not. There are other places in the city where the food is just as good, but you can pay much less for warmer, friendlier service.

5 Stars: great restaurant and a fun place to be! (by avarsou)

avarsou — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We love italian, so we decided to give this restaurant a try after all the great reviews we've read about it.
It was as described and even more: a fun place with a wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff, amazing food.
We enjoyed every minute of our time there and are definitely going back for special occasions. Reservations are always good, since the place was extremely crowded. A definite must!

5 Stars: Outstanding Food and Excellent Service (by davidgleason)

davidgleason — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 01:00:00 GMT

We ate at Bistro Romano last Saturday for the fourth or fifth time. As always we had the most delightful experience. Not only was the food outstanding but so was the service. Our server Emily was such a joy and took great care of us. She had many recommendations and led me to try the Lobster Ravioli and my wife the Bracciole Special, both of which were exceptional and cooked to perfection. We started with the Caesar Salad, which is prepared right at the table and is the Best anywhere. Emily also called the owner over to make a recommendation from the very extensive wine list. It looks like they have a couple of hundred selections. The owner, I think his name was Michael, recommended a 1999 St. Francis Reserve Merlot which was fabulous. I'm normally not a big Merlot fan, but he explained it as more of a masculine, full bodied, rich wine. Further, he told us that if we didn't care for it we could make another choice. But it really was superb, the best Merlot we've tasted.
The food, service and ambiance are all exceptional. It's a great restaurant and I would highly recommend Bistro Romano to anyone dining in Philadelphia.

5 Stars: Best Caesar Salad I've ever eaten (by ktelschow)

ktelschow — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

After reading some of the other reviews and seeing that one person actually compared Bistro Romano to a "mediocre chain", I had to write a review! Their taste buds must be dead to think that the food is similar to what you would receive at an Olive Garden or Buca de Beppo's. Shame on you.

My husband and I ate here the night he proposed to me (March 2005) and it was one of the best and most romantic meals I've ever had. I made our reservations online and the paranoid part of me was a little worried they'd have a difficult time finding our reservation, but as soon as I walked in the door and gave them my name, we were seated immediately! The ambience was lovely and managed to be romantic without going over-the-top or seeming cheesy. The lights are dim, but not dungeon-like, and the tiny white lights, exposed brick, and greenery provide just the right atmosphere. Our waiter was attentive without being smothering and my husband, who absolutely loves Caesar salad and orders it wherever we go, was so impressed when the waiter made it right at our table (including the dressing!). To this day he still raves about their Caesar salad and tells people it's the best he's ever eaten. Not only was our waiter attentive, but the other employees were very professional and one promptly called a cab for my husband and I when we asked. Some people act like it's a chore, but he was very accomodating and pleasant. Whenever we get the chance, my husband and I will return here for any romantic occassion or special celebration!

5 Stars: Still best of the best, hands down (by ccwxnj)

ccwxnj — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

My girlfriend and I visited Bistro Romano a few weekends ago and it continues to be the best of the best. Their tableside caesar salad is still incredible. We both had the surf and turf - lobster stuffed with crab, filet mignon w/spinach - best we've had in quite some time!! 10 out of 10 all the way around. For the few reviewers that complain about a lack of parking, there are two garages one block away (on Lombard between 2nd & 3rd - across from each other). You can't get any better than a romantic evening at Bistro Romano!!

5 Stars: Great food and atmosphere - a New Year's Eve favorite! (by oona579)

oona579 — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend and I have spent the last 3 New Year's Eves in a row starting our night with dinner at Bistro Romano. Why do we come back? For starters, the food is amazing! It's a little pricey, but certainly worth the money. The wine list is good and the made-to-order caesar salad (made right at your table!) is literally the best I have ever had. We have dined in a group as well as just the two of us, and the atmosphere is accommodating for both scenarios. Upstairs is the bar (which sometimes has a piano player taking requests - fun!). Downstairs is the dining area. The space is small, but has a lot of character, with the exposed brick and dim lighting in the dining area giving a very romatic and cozy feel. The wait staff has always been friendly and on point when I was there. The best part about dining at Bistro Romano on New Year's Eve (besides the great food) is that the location is ideal to watch the midnight fireworks at Penn's Landing. You literally step out of the restaurant, walk half a block to the right, and you have front-row seats to the light show. I can honestly say that I have always had great meal, great service, and a great time at Bistro Romano, and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes good food, good wine, and a quaint atmosphere.

5 Stars: Great Restaurant, Excellent Food, Superb Service, Perfect Atmosphere & The Best Ceasar Salad! (by rlavino)

rlavino — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 01:00:00 GMT

We dined at Bistro Romano last evening and it was a perfect experience! The food was outstanding and the service excellent, my wife and I both raved how delicious the food was. The Caesar Salad, prepared at our table, was the best I?ve had anywhere. The Lobster Ravioli was exceptional, Filet Mignon outstanding, much better than the steak houses, and the Cannoli over the top. The server was helpful, courteous and prompt without being overbearing. The atmosphere was great ? very romantic, private, it reminds me of a restaurant in Florence. The wine list is very impressive, with a huge selection at a variety of prices to suit any taste and pocketbook. The owner, I think his name was Michael, came over to our table to make sure everything was to our taste, and we had a nice conversation with him about the wine list, Italy and some of his recipes. We can't wait to return for our next dinner. Our entire evening was truly an outstanding experience. Bistro Romano is now my favorite Italian restaurant.

5 Stars: Where I always bring guests, family (by esynergy)

esynergy — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Bistro Romano is a restaurant I always bring my family and friends when they're visiting from out of town. Everything I've eaten here has been wonderful, and the prices aren't too expensive either. The atmosphere is great - although I've never come to the dinner theater, I always sit downtstairs and it's so cozy and romantic. Bistro Romano is great for a quiet dinner with my husband, or a group dinner with 6 or 8 of my friends.

5 Stars: Great service and food! (by aglo)

aglo — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The athmosphere is romantic and fun. Get there early to enjoy the piano player at the bar. We always look forward to their salad. The few times we went we never had a complaint or problem. This is truly one of the best in the city of Philadelphia. Make sure you make reservations to ensure your chance for great food.

5 Stars: Best Italian I've Ever Had (by jenfrench14)

jenfrench14 — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I travel a lot for business and always try the local Italian restaurant wherever I go. This is by far the best Italian I've ever eaten. We started with the tableside caesar salad. It was fresh and delicious. I ordered the smoken chicken ravioli for my main entree and it was amazing. The setting was quaint and the restaurant was relaxing. Make sure you try this if you're in Philly. You won't be disappointed!

5 Stars: Amazing Food, Excellent Service, Great Restaurant (by brianbartin)

brianbartin — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I enjoyed our anniversary dinner, it was outstanding. We would both like to tell you from the bottom of our hearts that the restaurant has been one of THE best experiences we ever had. The setting in on the lower level was fantastic! The mood was so relaxed and inviting the entire evening. The piano upstairs was just enough to hear, but not overwhelm our conversation. We had a great dinner; the food was amazing, and the service! I dont know where to begin, but our waiter, Todd, was great. Engaging, yet not making us feel pressured and offered a great wine for our dinner. He was knowledgeable and fun. We also wanted to thank the staff for decorating our table with the rose petals and the complimentary glass of champagne. AMAZING! The combination of all those elements made the night very memorable. We will DEFINITELY dine at the restaurant as often as we can.

3 Stars: Reviews were overrated (by jane01)

jane01 — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Not romatic - loud, the bar with the pianists was the quietest area. My wife and I had to sit side by side just to hear each other talk and I am LOUD. Food was average - comparable to a mediocre chain. For a highly recommended establishment, I would expect homade pasta and more attention to detail. I would not go back.

5 Stars: cute and romantic (by cityice)

cityice — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

bistro romano is a perfect place to have a romantic dinner. the atmosphere is great and i loved how there were rose petals on the table. service was a little slow... but maybe they're just short on workers haha. i highly recommend it. food was excellent. dessert was even more excellent. everyone who worked there were extremely friendly.

5 Stars: Excellent Ambience & Service!!! (by satisfydmind)

satisfydmind — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This place has the best ambience and wonderful service! My boyfriend and I ate in the little room, where there's only one table, and wine bottles surrounding you. Very private and romantic! The food was excellent, and we didn't want to leave! I especially like that you sign your bottle of wine when you're done and place w/everyone else's, leaving your little mark there. I can't wait to go back!!

4 Stars: Delicious food - romantic dinner (by rach7)

rach7 — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for a restaurant that does something a little different, special and romantic then I would definately recommend Bistro Romano. The food is EXCELLENT. My husband and I went there to celebrate an anniversary together. I reserved the wine cellar as a surprise. The wine cellar is definately a neat place to eat. It's a very small room (without a door) with a table for just two inside. You eat by candlelight and there are rose petals on the table. I was so excited to take my husband to this private wine cellar and my only disappointment (if you could even call it that) was that it was smaller than I expected adn it wasn't so private. It was a bit noisey outside of the cellar and since there wasn't a door the noise traveled into our little room. Don't get me wrong, it was a really neat experience and we would defiantely do it again. It's just good to know what to expect. Enjoy!

5 Stars: Wonderful Italian food. (by ljheller)

ljheller — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We went to Bistro Romano for my Birthday. It was perfect! The atmosphere was just right - romantic and private without being snooty or fussy. The food was outstanding and the service was excellent. The waiter was helpful and available without hovering. The selection was excellent and the food at the neighboring tables looked as delectable as what we were eating! The wine list is very impressive, with a wide range of choices and prices to suit any taste and pocketbook. The owner came around towards the end of our meal to make sure everything was satisfactory, and we had a lovely conversation with him. We can't wait to go back for pasta night and lobster fest, and we are looking forward to returning for our next special occasion. This is definitely my new favorite Italian restaurant!

5 Stars: I love the filet at this restaurant!! I have never had a bad piece of meat and it has alwasy been cooked to perfection! (by jrowe555)

jrowe555 — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I just adore this restaurant! It is in a beautiful neighborhood with beautiful decor and wonderful food. I would reccomend to anyone i knew.

5 Stars: Fantastic!!! (by blndbomshl)

blndbomshl — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This is one of the best in Philly! Everything is wonderful, from start to finish. The waitstaff is very friendly and helpful with suggestions, and the food is over the top fantastic!

5 Stars: the food is delicious, the service superb, and the desserts amazing! (by tk93)

tk93 — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

i've dined at bistro romano on several different occasions and each experience has been nothing but wonderful! the murder mystery dinner theater was highly entertaining and the price reasonable, although nobody at the establishment had any idea of what we were talking about when we mentioned the offer of one free drink as mentioned on citysearch. dinner downstairs in the cozy dining area was really quite romantic. i don't recall what each of us ordered, but everything was just delicious and the service was warm and attentive without being overbearing. the one thing i would recommend above all is the tiramissu. it was just perfect!

5 Stars: Great Restaurant (by williamramsey)

williamramsey — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

This is an great restaurant that is located off the beaten path on Lombard Street. We dined on Mozzarella and Tomato Salad with Roasted Peppers that was to die for, several of our guests had the outstanding Caesar Salad prepare at our table, for entrees we had outstanding Filet Mignon with a Barolo wine sauce that was superb, others had the Lobster Ravioli, another great entree, Shrimp and Scallops over pasta, Roasted Duck and Fresh Grilled Tuna. All of which were over the top. The service was very attentive without being stuffing. Mark, our waiter even provide complementary after dinner drinks since we were celebrating my wife's birthday. It really is a great place.

5 Stars: Excellent Restaurant (by robertfranks)

robertfranks — Sat, 27 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The food and service were excellent. We dined last night for the first time and I must say the Caesar Salad was the best, the Filet Mignon outstanding and the Cannoli was the best I've had in Philly. I had selected the restaurant based on the very positve reviews on Citysearch. I was very very pleased. The wine list was extensive and had one of my favorite bottles of Brunello, it was priced very reasonably. The atmosphere is very unique, it reminds me of somehthing in Europe. Tables are well spaced and offer privacy for conversation. Excellent experience.

4 Stars: Overrated (by alatkins)

alatkins — Fri, 19 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The ambiance is great but the food was only ok. Had the calamari appetizer which was average. Have had fresher squid at other places. The duck was a bit dry and below average. Was a bit disappointed. Did not try the salad but that looked interesting...

5 Stars: the best lobster restaurant in in Philly!! (by talk2much77)

talk2much77 — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

one of the finest restaurant I've been to. Special nights are awsome!!

5 Stars: Great Anniversary Dinner - Very Romantic (by wmorris)

wmorris — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I booked the wine cellar table based on a coworkers recommendation. I had not realized until I was seated that the wine cellar has only one private table which is extremely romantic. The food was excellent. We had the Calamari Fritti, Caesar Salad prepared tableside by a very friendly & professional young waiter, and as an entree I had Lobster Ravioli and my wife had Talapia with Gorgonzola and Spinach. All were clearly outstanding, the fish was fresh and a nice size with plenty of flavor, the ravioli was the best I've ever had. For dessert we had the Pumpkin Bread Pudding, great taste, excellent rum sauce. Service was outstanding, we were seated timely for our 8pm reservation. I can highly recommend without hesitation and we'll be returning very soon.

4 Stars: User review by smsteffy (by smsteffy)

smsteffy — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I went to this restaurant with one of my fellow co-worker, too bad because this place is very romantic. The food was good, not over the top, but very good. I am still wondering if it worth the money though. It is unic place, perfect for a date, anniversary... To me, the ambience as important as the food, I was blessed. Claustrophobic, avoid!

4 Stars: Visited from California; it was pretty good (by llatorre)

llatorre — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

The atmosphere was great and the food tasty. I really enjoyed the pasta primavera in pink sauce and my partner enjoyed his lobster ravioli. The tableside Ceaser salad was pretty good, but not what I would call a Caeser salad.

We went pretty late for a weeknight - 9pm. The place was empty and our server sullen and not very happy to have us there. I suspect we would have enjoyed the meal more at an earlier hour when there were more customers, and the server happier to see us. The desserts didnt seem all that interesting, so we passed on them (something I rarely do).

On the way out, we met the owner. She went far above and beyond to get us a cab. She was wonderful, and I wished she had been with us through the meal!

5 Stars: Simply The Best (by reillyc)

reillyc — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

This one of the best restaurants I've dined in. I entertain regularly for business and dine out five nights a week and I must say Bistro Romano is a real find. My group of five were very well attended to by the service staff, the music was a mix of Sinatra and Italian - not to loud, the wine list is great - very extensive and very well-priced. However it's the food that makes this restaurant so wonderful. The caesar salad is over the top - made at the table. The lobster ravioli was sensational. The cannoli reminded me of one I tasted in Sicily. Management sent us over a complimentary lemoncello with the dessert. Really the Best!

3 Stars: It was okay (by lerato)

lerato — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

What I did'nt know and should have researched in advanced was that the upstairs portion of this restaurant is a bar and there was tons of smoking and was too loud. It was not as cozy for a romantic date.The food was not as great as was hyped out to be. I had the prime rib which was on special that night. However, it was not made to order and was tasteless. Medium-well came WELL. My fiancee had the crispy duck which was not crispy at all due to the sauce. Our attendant was not knowledgeable enough about their menu. He could'nt answer half the questions we asked. Desert was nice. It was not overly sweet. I would NOT recommend the ceasar salad to anyone. It was terrible, too salty and too much powdery parmesan cheese was used. The wine list was good enough and the prices were also okay.

5 Stars: What a great night! (by venezia03)

venezia03 — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I had family visiting from out of town and I wanted something really nice for their first visit to Philadelphia and boy did I hit the jackpot with Bistro Romano! From the first step in the door until we stepped back out onto Lombard Street, everything was perfect! Our terrific server, Jessica, guided us "gently" through our evening never rushing but always present to take care of us. The appetizers and entrees were all so good that we ended up sharing portions so everyone could taste what everyone else had. Whatever you do, don't pass up the Caesar salad ... it's "to die for!" My family was so impressed and I was so proud of myself for finding this City "treasure!" Looking forward to our next visit to celebrate my daughter's birthday.

5 Stars: You Won't Be Disappointed (by hmcusn)

hmcusn — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

My wife and friends immensely enjoyed the dinner and supper club show that featured the City Rhythm Orchestra it was truly spectacular. I had been on the Bistro's mailing list for a while but had never been able to get there for dinner. I had read many of the reviews about the Bistro including Zagats but as good as they were they didn't adequately describe how wonderful both the cuisine and the staff are. I look forward to many a dinner in this fine establishment.

The wait staff is personable, the piano bar was cozy and inviting. They made me feel like a frequent patron on my first visit.........

Jay Brown......

5 Stars: Just Like My Itallian Granny's cooking (by justeach)

justeach — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

What a place? Not even sure how i stumbled upon it approximately two years ago. The place never gets old. Amazing and unique daily dinner specials . I have been there many times with my wife and make it a point to treat the rest of my growing family to the unique "old World" Itallian flavors that hit your nose from every dish. The steak is out of this world; especially when there is smoked mozzarella on top. Well worth the money spent. I have been to all of the FANCY over priced yippy places in the city, but at Bistro Romano's you are at home feeling as though the restaurant is revolving around you and your special guest. Cannot say enough! Oh yeah, try the Ceaser sald! Out of this world and prepared table side! Oh, I even forgot the chocolate sprinkled, mouse drenched, cream puffs. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Stars: Sensational Evening at Bistro Romano (by raygrande)

raygrande — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 01:00:00 GMT

WOW, what a sensational evening we had. We tried the Caesar Salad prepared tableside, it was outstanding. We also had the smoked mozzarella and tomato salad which was equally delicious. I chose the tender veal saltimboca and my wife had a beautiful Stuffed Pork Chop which was on special that evening. The food is exceptional, and I mean really exceptional. For dessert we tried the tira misu and cannoli, both of which had superb flavor. We had a very nice bottle of Cabernet that was reasonably priced. The extensive wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award.

We give Bistro only raves and compliments. The staff extremely professional and service was impeccable to every detail, the food excellent and remarkably delicious and the portions very large, the restaurant inviting with beautiful draperies. For an outstanding and unique dining experience with a romantic feel, Bistro Romano is highly recommended.

2 Stars: Over rated (by tom4581)

tom4581 — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I have to say this. If you trully enjoy this restaurant, you don't know food.

5 Stars: Best in Philly (by mmphilly)

mmphilly — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Easily one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. We were well very well attended to by the service staff. The food makes this restaurant outstanding, it was truely the best. The caesar salad was made at the table and was a real treat. The flavors of all the fresh ingredients combined to the finest caesar I've experienced. For entrees we had a duck with barolo wine sauce that was cooked to perfection and had an excellent flavor. We also had the gnocci with sausage, another great choice. The wine list is very extensive and fairly priced. We received a complementary lemoncello with our tira misu, another fabulous creation. I plan on returning next week with another couple.
I can't say enough of how great our evening at Bistro Romano was. Keep up the excellent work!

5 Stars: Outstanding Dinner (by mravello)

mravello — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My spouse and I had an excellent dinner at Bistro Romano last night. The food was outstanding, we started with the Caesar Salad which was prepared tableside and was the best we've tasted anywhere, we ordered the Lobster Ravioli and Filet Mignon - both of which were superb. And for dessert we had the Cannoli and Tira Misu - again both of which were clearly one of the best we've ever had including many NY restaurants which we visit. The server, I think his name was Brad provided very great attentive service. The manager came over to check on us during our entree and even sent over a complimentary Italian lemon liquor for an after dinner drink. Outstanding and highly recommended.

1 Stars: Mediocre at best. (by baltimorelily)

baltimorelily — Sat, 05 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Ambiance? I give them at least a 9.0.

Service? A solid 8.5.

But food? Overrated.

The "Best Ceasar Salad in Philadelphia" was a ripoff for the 18.00 we spent on it. Sure, it's made tableside but not worth the hype. The one-glass-each of 'boring' Chianti was probably a bad call on our part but the food was inexcusable. The veal chop lacked flavor, and the smoked ravioli was a jumbled mismash of unmatched spices and sauce. The desserts tasted like Hersheys chocolate syrup... which would have been okay had we gotten something remotely like chocolate but ... in tiramisu?? No kaluha flavor, no espresso and the white chocolate mousse tasted more like sour cream than anything else.

It was $122.00 of pure waste.

5 Stars: Homerun (by buckles102)

buckles102 — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Excellent service and cuisine. Good presentation and flavor. Well prepared and served at proper temperature. Ambiance is exceptional. Intimate setting and a great historic building. Highly recommended. Pricing is moderate.

5 Stars: Great food - Very Romantic (by lilmrmd79)

lilmrmd79 — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I've been to Bistro Romano 3 times now and the food is excellent (the Filet Barolo is the best steak I've ever had), the service is great and I love the ambience...very romantic. Location is near South Street do finding parking is the only con.

5 Stars: Excellent Restaurant (by tarturo)

tarturo — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I had an excellent dinner last Saturday night. We were celebrating our anniversary in the wine cellar, we called a few weeks in advance to reserve it, it was sensational. A private dining room for two, very romantic. The caesar salad was outstanding and prepared at our table. It was the best version of caesar we have tasted. For entrees I had the stuffed filet and my wife the lobster ravioli. Both were excellent. The filet was stuffed with spinach, roasted peppers and a nice provolone cheese. The ravioli was to die for. For dessert we shared tira misu, another superb creation. The manager, I think his name was Alex even sent us an after dinner drink of lemoncello. I felt like we were back in Positano. Our server was very caring and she seemed to anticipate what we needed even before we requested it. Highly Recommended

5 Stars: I love this place! (by Craig S.)

Craig S. — Wed, 22 Jun 2005 00:06:00 GMT

This place is great! The Bistro Romano is an Italian restaurant which has an atmosphere that is appropriate for a romantic night with a loved one or for a casual night out out with your friends. On Friday and Saturday night they have a piano bar and also have a Mysery Dinner Theater upstairs. This was great. Prices are very reasonable, too.

5 Stars: wonderful (by jneale7412)

jneale7412 — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Everything here from the drinks to the food, to the surroundings was wonderful. The acting was superb and kept everyone guessing. I would definitely go again.

5 Stars: Superb (by chelsea19020)

chelsea19020 — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I have been dining at the Bistro for over 12 years and in all that time I have never experienced anything other than excellent food and friendly service. The owners, Mike and Joette are always at the front door to greet us with a smile and a welcome back!

The artichoke and mushroom appetizer melts in your mouth and the Caesar salad, which is made at your table, is superb! The selection of main courses, from traditional Italian dishes to seafood and meats are absolutely scrumptious!

Go with your partner or take a group, it is most definitely an enjoyable dinner!

5 Stars: Better than the Prom (by stksave27)

stksave27 — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Instead of the Prom saw the dinner theater, fabulous food and a funny show. Added a horse and carraiage at the door (seperate cost) and made a memory we'll always cherish. The next step is to eat in the exclusive wine cellar on an aniversary. Exceptional interior that captures the flavor of the city and leads into a great night in old town. Dinner theater option is a good value vs heading to NYC.

5 Stars: Best of Philly (by kkeim)

kkeim — Thu, 09 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Clearly one of the best restaurants in the city. Food is always great (steaks, pastas, seafood), atmosphere is second to none. There is no better table for a date or anniversary than the wine cellar room. Recommend: Call ahead and reserve.

I also have been there several times on business dinners. Perfect bar area for drinks before dinner, good menu with different options and quiet but active atmosphere and most important, consistently good.

5 Stars: Above and Beyond (by tpowenski)

tpowenski — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This restaurant went above and beyond in giving my wife and I the most romantic anniversary dinner ever. The food and service were exceptional. Highly recommended. Ask for the wine celler if possible especially if it is a special occasion. A hidden gem in philly.

5 Stars: Wonderful food and atmosphere (by bybfbh)

bybfbh — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Great place -- for young couples, business folks, visitors and neighbors! Don't miss the wonderful setting and the terrific food. Very diverse menu.

5 Stars: Best Date Restaurant Around! (by shell0151)

shell0151 — Fri, 03 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Bistro Romano is an excellent spot to cozy up with a date or even a group of friends. The dim lighting and excellent ambience is amazing in the quant downstairs dining room. The food is amazing , especially the table side ceasar salads! The servers at Bistro Romano are also very friendly and helpful with suggestions for the phenominal wine list. I would highly recommend this restaurant for all get togethers and dates.

4 Stars: Homemaker had a night out, and loved it! (by Jennifer K.)

Jennifer K. — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 20:43:00 GMT

I went to the Dinner Theatre with my church group, a bunch of women. We saw the murder mystery dinner theater. We were seated immediately by wonderful and gracious hosts. I attended with a broken ankle, and the waitstaff even thought to offer me an extra chair to prop my ankle up. The baked alaksan salmon was to die for wonderfully complimented by the seasoned vegetables. The actors singing voices left something to be desired, however, I feel that was all part of their act. I sincerely enjoyed myself, due to the waitstaff/actor, the cozy ambience and delicious food. I would reccommend taking a date, your mother, a bachelorette party, or any occasion to the Bistro Romano.
As I understand it, they have a wine cellar room, where there is only one table set up, with rose petals. This would be a very romantic setting for a wedding proposal or an anniversary.

PROS: Beautiful Historic Society Hill location, Service was excellent
CONS: None

5 Stars: User review by harryfini (by harryfini)

harryfini — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I cannot choose which I like the best -- ambience, warm friendly service, outstanding food, or value for an incredible night. All are simply superb!

5 Stars: Homemaker gets a night out and loves it! (by gwenefar)

gwenefar — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

5 Stars: Bistro Romano - consistently superior (by tgarrihy)

tgarrihy — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

From the time you enter until you're ready to leave, Bistro's management & staff do their best to make your meal memorable.

Even during peak dinner time, each course is well prepared and served at the right pace.

Specials of the day are inventive and offer great value. And, their attention to detail during our visit and their follow-up between visits, makes you feel appreciated.

5 Stars: Dealers Choice...The Best! (by nettiegino)

nettiegino — Fri, 27 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

This is the only restaurant in Philly that I will have dinner. I've tried other Italian restaurants but Bistro is by far the Dealers Choice. Teh food is out of this world, the service is outstanding. I was got engaged this past December in the private wine room.
There were rose pedals covering the table, the setting was candle lit and the waitress was a doll. The owner and staff are very complimentary, on the house dessert and you are treated like a celebrity or royalty. I live a few doors down from a high class restaurant in Queen Village and the service and food doesn't compare to Romano's.
Sign up for the VIP list, I get certificates and dinner offers through my email all the time. What else can I say, it's my all time favorite restaurant! Cheers!

5 Stars: Amazing (by mccartb2)

mccartb2 — Tue, 24 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

I just celebrated my birthday here last night and it was perfect. The food was amazing (filet, cannoli) and the Wine Cellar room is amazing for any special occasion. I HIGHLY recommend this place! I will definilty be going back soon!

5 Stars: Great Restaurant (by markgross)

markgross — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My wife and I dined at Bistro Romano last night. The food is was excellent. I really enjoyed the Caesar Salad which is made right at the table. The Lobster Ravioli was the best and Cannoli better than any I tasted in South Philly. Service was outstanding, very professional and attentive. I would highly recommend. It's located in a very nice historic building. Extensive wine list with nice Italian and California selections.

5 Stars: A Wonderful Italian Restaurant (by mknLA)

mknLA — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend and I were in town for a wedding & this restaurant was recommended to us, so we decided to check it out. The food was delicious, the service superb. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough!! Yummy!

5 Stars: Top Italian Place (by harrypwc)

harrypwc — Thu, 24 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I have been in Bistro Romano three times since I move to Philadelphia back in July. The first time I selected due a review in this web site, it was to celebrate my wife birthday and our first day in the city, and I did the best choice. First, the restaurant owner confirmed by email my reservation, and place a red flower and wine on the table as I requested when our arrival to the restaurant. Scene cannot be more romantic, food amazing, and excellent service. Good wine list and the best Cesar Salad I ever tried (a waiter did it in our table). I took my parents when they came from Puerto Rico, and they love it. The third time we went to see the Murder Theater upstairs, and was hilarious. A must visit place in Philly.

5 Stars: The Perfect Romantic Dinner (by dave_sch)

dave_sch — Wed, 16 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My wife and I went for the first time Saturday. I must say we were very impressed, food was outstanding, service very attentive, ambience extremely romantic. We reserved the wine cellar which is a private room for two in the actual wine cellar, it's illuminated by candles and the table covered with rose pedals, perfect for our romantic evening. We ordered the Caesar Salad, which was prepared at the table, the best I've tasted, my wife had the Filet Mignon stuffed with spinach, portobello mushroom and provolone and I had the Lobster Ravioli, both were perfect. The filet was very tender cooked to perfection and served with a delicate red wine sauce. I enjoyed the lobster ravioli in which you could really taste the lobster; it had an outstanding sherry sauce. For desert we shared the cannoli, it was fabulous. Request the wine cellar for an excellent romantic dinner.

5 Stars: A very good restaurant (by bertanaygun)

bertanaygun — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

We loved the restaurant, food was perfect, service was good but it could have been better. The atmosphere was pretty romantic...The only downside was the desserts, which don't have the same quality as the meal.

Expect to pay 50-55$ per person. (including a glass of wine and desserts)

5 Stars: It was great (by adammenson)

adammenson — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I booked the wine cellar about a month in advance. Didn't know until I got there that the wine cellar has one table - very romantic. Excellent food - we had the calamari fritta, caesar salad for two prepared tableside by a very friendly staffmember, and as an entree I had Shrimp and Scallop Venezia (sp?) and my wife had Chicken Parmigiana, not on the menu. All were very good - my shrimp were huge and very fresh. No room left for dessert - too full to eat anything else. Service was outstanding, we were seated 15 minutes before our 7pm reservation. Definitely recommend and we will be going back again.

5 Stars: Special Evening (by kia1182)

kia1182 — Wed, 05 Jan 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I recently ate at Bistro Romano and had the most wonderful evening I can remember. My boyfriend and I went to celebrate our two year anniversary and to my surprise he proposed to me. I could not have been happier. The restaurant was wonderful to us and at the end of the evening presented us with complimentary glasses of Champagne. My boyfriend told me afterwards that he had been e-mailing back and forth with Bistro Romano and they were great in accommodating his requests. The food and service was also wonderful and made my special night even more enjoyable. I recommend Bistro Romano because they are very accommodating to special requests and important events.

5 Stars: New Year's Eve (by naom1)

naom1 — Mon, 03 Jan 2005 01:00:00 GMT

My family and I dined at Bistro Romano for New Year's Eve this year, and we had a great time. They easily accomodated our reservation for a large party. The food and the service were excellent, especially the table-side Ceasar salad. We would definitely recommend Bistro Romano, especially for special occasions.

5 Stars: Great Food & Service (by stac12117)

stac12117 — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

I was recently at Bistro Roman and truely enjoyed my evening. I found the restaurant on opentable.com and am glad I did. The evening we went for dinner happened to be Lobster fest and it was great. The lobster was wonderful and dessert was excellent. The service was also great. I recommend Bistro Romano if you enjoy great food and service.

5 Stars: Excellent Service (by nstarkey)

nstarkey — Sun, 12 Dec 2004 01:00:00 GMT

We had a wonderful experience at Bistro Romano. The service was excellent and the staff was very accomodating. We had reserved the wine cellar, and the atmosphere was very romantic. Our waiter recommended the perfect wine with our dinner, and the manager even sent over lemoncellos after dinner for our anniversary. I would highly recommend Bistro Romano, especially for a romantic evening.