Bistro Romano

215-925-8880

120 Lombard St Philadelphia, PA 19147

www.bistroromano.com

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Categories:

Catering Companies, Restaurants, Dinner Theaters, Seafood Restaurants, Italian Restaurants

Details:

$$$, Business Dining, Date Spot, Family-Friendly Dining, Fine Dining, Group Dining, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining

Insiders:

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Mon-Thu 4:30pm-10pm Fri-Sat 4:30pm-11pm Sun 4pm-9pm

Message from Bistro Romano

Merchant_icon

Bistro Romano, a historic Philadelphia restaurant with private dining rooms and a mystery dinner theatre is situated in an 18th-century granary in the heart of historic Society Hill. Bistro Romano has been delivering quality service, culinary excellence and value since 1988. Renown for their Regional Italian Cuisine, Bistro Romano has been selected as a "Best of Philly" restaurant. Bistro Romano received the "Wine Spectator Award of Excellence." for 2005, 2006 & 2007. The wine cellar has over 350 selections from around the world. The unique wine cellar, located under the street and part of the former network of underground tunnels in Society Hill, is the place for that romantic dinner.

Editorial by

In Short
Housed in an 18th century granary, Bistro Romano is a dramatic dining experience. The entrance opens to a bar with a copper wall fixture rescued from an old steamer ship. The downstairs dining room is striking: Exposed-brick walls from a one-time tunnel network under Society Hill are now filled with candlelight and wooden booths. Typical seafood fare favorites include mussels and clams that are served with slices of sweet Italian sausage in tomato broth.

Key Points

  • Best of Philly Award
  • Candlelight Dining
  • Piano Bar

The Inside Scoop

  1. When to Go - Sway to live music on Fridays and Saturdays when their piano bar would be open.
  2. The Extras - Patrons can get a meal-and-show package on Friday and Saturday nights by going to the adjacent Mystery Dinner Theatre, which includes dinner and hors d'oeuvres from Bistro Romano as part of the production.

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Reviews for Bistro Romano

Ratings_icons I love this place!

Craig S. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 5,767

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.

Posted 06/21/05 | Report Abuse

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Ratings_icons Homemaker had a night out, and loved it!

Jennifer K. | insider Insider | Rank: 18,078

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

Posted 06/01/05 | Report Abuse

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Latest reviews from Citysearch.

Ratings_icons Oustanding Food and Perfect Service in the Very Romantic Wine Cellar

jamico

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.

Pros: Outstanding Food; Excellent Caesar Salad Prepared Tableside; Great Service & Hospitality, Wine Cellar Private Dining Room

Cons: None

Posted 03/23/07

Ratings_icons Decent, but disappointing after all the hype

erin101

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.

Pros: Neat atmosphere, mostly tasty food

Cons: Standoffish service, pricey

Posted 03/20/07

Ratings_icons great restaurant and a fun place to be!

avarsou

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!

Posted 02/20/07

Ratings_icons Outstanding Food and Excellent Service

davidgleason

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.

Pros: Outstanding Food and Service, Excellent Wine List, Superb Caesar Salad

Cons: None

Posted 02/07/07

Ratings_icons Best Caesar Salad I've ever eaten

ktelschow

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!

Pros: Ambience, Service, Exceptional Food and Caesar Salad

Cons: None

Posted 01/21/07

Ratings_icons Still best of the best, hands down

ccwxnj

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!!

Pros: Everything

Cons: Not a one

Posted 01/15/07

Ratings_icons Great food and atmosphere - a New Year's Eve favorite!

oona579

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.

Pros: Food, atmosphere

Cons: A little pricey

Posted 01/02/07

Ratings_icons Great Restaurant, Excellent Food, Superb Service, Perfect Atmosphere & The Best Ceasar Salad!

rlavino

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.

Pros: Great Caesar Salad, Outstanding Lobster Ravioli, Best Filet Mignon

Cons: None

Posted 12/21/06

Ratings_icons Where I always bring guests, family

esynergy

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.

Pros: Food, service, atmosphere

Cons: make reservations just in case

Posted 11/28/06

Ratings_icons Great service and food!

aglo

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.

Pros: ambience, food selection

Cons: must have a reservation

Posted 10/24/06

Ratings_icons Best Italian I've Ever Had

jenfrench14

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!

Pros: Amazing food and service

Posted 09/30/06

Ratings_icons Amazing Food, Excellent Service, Great Restaurant

brianbartin

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.

Pros: Great Food, Excellent Service, Beautiful Restaurant

Cons: None

Posted 08/23/06

Ratings_icons Reviews were overrated

jane01

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.

Pros: Location

Cons: Loud, not a significant menu selection, do not waste your time with reservations as walkins sit before you. Business casual no

Posted 08/11/06

Ratings_icons cute and romantic

cityice

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.

Pros: ambience, people, atmosphere

Cons: service .. (but everything else makes up for it)

Posted 08/06/06

Ratings_icons Excellent Ambience & Service!!!

satisfydmind

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!!

Pros: Ambience, service, food

Posted 08/03/06

Ratings_icons Delicious food - romantic dinner

rach7

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!

Pros: different experience, romantic, great ambiance

Cons: cellar is not as private as expected

Posted 07/04/06

Ratings_icons Wonderful Italian food.

ljheller

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!

Pros: Service, food, atmosphere. Caesar salad is made right at the table!

Cons: Nothing was bad.

Posted 06/25/06

Ratings_icons I love the filet at this restaurant!! I have never had a bad piece of meat and it has alwasy been cooked to perfection!

jrowe555

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

Pros: Wonderful food and Beautiful Atmosphere!!

Posted 06/25/06

Ratings_icons Fantastic!!!

blndbomshl

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!

Posted 06/22/06

Ratings_icons the food is delicious, the service superb, and the desserts amazing!

tk93

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!

Posted 06/21/06

Ratings_icons Great Restaurant

williamramsey

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.

Pros: Filet Mignon , Caesar Salad, Service by Mark

Cons: None

Posted 06/06/06

Ratings_icons Excellent Restaurant

robertfranks

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.

Pros: Excellent Food, Great Service, Caesar Salad

Cons: Crowded

Posted 05/26/06

Ratings_icons Overrated

alatkins

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...

Pros: Ambiance

Cons: Overrated

Posted 05/18/06

Ratings_icons the best lobster restaurant in in Philly!!

talk2much77

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

Pros: seated promptly

Posted 04/25/06

Ratings_icons Great Anniversary Dinner - Very Romantic

wmorris

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.

Pros: Food , Service , Private Wine Cellar T

Cons: None

Posted 04/17/06

Ratings_icons User review by smsteffy

smsteffy

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!

Pros: Unic decor, Excellent service

Cons: food quality/price

Posted 04/13/06

Ratings_icons Visited from California; it was pretty good

llatorre

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!

Pros: good pasta, nice decor

Cons: sullen service

Posted 04/13/06

Ratings_icons Simply The Best

reillyc

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!

Pros: Food, Service, Decor

Cons: Very Popular

Posted 03/20/06

Ratings_icons It was okay

lerato

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.

Pros: wait staff, desert

Cons: no parking, bar, loud

Posted 03/19/06

Ratings_icons What a great night!

venezia03

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.

Pros: Wonderful food, Execellent service, Great value

Cons: Cumbersome parking

Posted 03/13/06

Ratings_icons You Won't Be Disappointed

hmcusn

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......

Pros: Cuisine, Service, Reasonably Priced

Cons: None

Posted 03/05/06

Ratings_icons Just Like My Itallian Granny's cooking

justeach

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: Atmosphere, quality servive, resaturant know-how

Cons: none, at, all

Posted 02/16/06

Ratings_icons Sensational Evening at Bistro Romano

raygrande

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.

Pros: Exceptional Food, Impeccable Service, Romantic Atmosphere

Posted 02/15/06

Ratings_icons Over rated

tom4581

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

Posted 12/21/05

Ratings_icons Best in Philly

mmphilly

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!

Pros: Food, Wine List, Service Staff

Posted 12/07/05

Ratings_icons Outstanding Dinner

mravello

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.

Pros: Food, Service, Location

Cons: Booked on Many Nights

Posted 11/08/05

Ratings_icons Mediocre at best.

baltimorelily

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.

Pros: ambiance, decor, wine list

Cons: difficult to park, overrated

Posted 11/04/05

Ratings_icons Homerun

buckles102

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.

Pros: Atmosphere, ambiance, food quality

Cons: Tough getting a reser

Posted 09/17/05

Ratings_icons Great food - Very Romantic

lilmrmd79

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.

Cons: Parking

Posted 08/20/05

Ratings_icons Excellent Restaurant

tarturo

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

Pros: Excellent Food, Wine Cellar, Caesar Salad

Posted 06/28/05

Ratings_icons wonderful

jneale7412

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.

Posted 06/14/05

Ratings_icons Superb

chelsea19020

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!

Posted 06/14/05

Ratings_icons Better than the Prom

stksave27

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.

Pros: atmosphere, service, value

Cons: parking

Posted 06/14/05

Ratings_icons Best of Philly

kkeim

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.

Posted 06/08/05

Ratings_icons Above and Beyond

tpowenski

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.

Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance

Cons: NONE

Posted 06/06/05

Ratings_icons Wonderful food and atmosphere

bybfbh

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

Posted 06/06/05

Ratings_icons Best Date Restaurant Around!

shell0151

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.

Pros: Service, Presentation, Ambience

Cons: , No Parking Lot

Posted 06/02/05

Ratings_icons User review by harryfini

harryfini

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

Posted 05/31/05

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