Bistro Romano

4.8

4964 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 22, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem
Charming

This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 925-8880
Website
http://www.bistroromano.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
Bistro Romano provides off-site catering & theme parties for 25 to 2500.
Private party facilities
Bistro Romano can accommodate private parties of up to 125 people for a sit-down meal or 200 for a cocktail party in the 120 Room. Other rooms are available for smaller groups. Bistro Romano specializes in Business Meetings, Wedding Receptions, and Rehearsal Dinners.
Private party contact
Michael or Joette Granato: (877) 925-1170

Location
120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood
Society Hill
Cross street
Between Front and 2nd
Parking details
Parking at 215 Lombard Garage at 215 Lombard Street: Sunday-Thursday $15, Friday and Saturday $25.
Public transit
Septa: 40 Bus, 57 Bus
Entertainment
Piano Bar Friday & Saturday; Mystery Dinner Theater Friday & Saturday - Must call 215-238-1313 for Mystery Theatre tickets.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Gift card

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Experiences

Wine Cellar Experience
$125.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
The Bistro Romano Wine Cellar Experience is available Wednesday to Sunday at 5PM or 8PM for parties of two or four guests and includes: 5-Course Tasting Menu, curated exclusively by our executive chef, in our private cellar with candlelight, a rose petal-topped table, and limoncello after dinner drinks. $125 per guest + tax is prepaid when reserved. 20% gratuity is added to your guest check when you dine. Additional charges include beverages. Wine Cellar Experience is reserved for three hours. Any questions kindly call 215.925.8880 before reserving. The Experience is nonrefundable.
NYE Wine Cellar Experience
$179.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 31, 2024 only
The Bistro Romano New Year's Eve Wine cellar Experience is available at 6pm or 9pm for parties of two to four guests and includes the NYE 5 Course Tasting Meny, curated exclusively by Executive Chef Matt Buehler, in our private cellar with candlelight, rose petal topped table, party favors, champagne toast and limoncello after dinner drinks. $179 per guest + tax is prepaid when reserved. 20% gratuity is added to your guest check when you dine. Additional charges include beverages that you select. Wine Cellar Experience is reserved for three hours. Any questions kindly call 215.925.8880 before reserving. The Experience is non-refundable.
Christmas Eve Seven Fish Menu or Turf Pasta Menu
$89.00 per person
Dec 24, 2024 only
Christmas Eve Chef 5 Course Tasting Menus: Seven Fishes -or- Turf Pasta December 24, 2024 | $89 Per Guest*, curated exclusively by Executive Chef Matt Beuhler See www.bistroromano.com for Menus *beverages, tax & gratuity not included a la carte menu not available on Christmas Eve Seven Fish Menu features tuna crudo, calamari, shrimp spaghetti, lobster gnocchi, monkfish saltimbocca or poached halibut & dessert Pasta Turf Menu features steak tartare, salumeria, beef lasagne, sausage rigatoni, strip steak, veal saltimbocca & dessert

Popular dishes

Caesar Salad$16.00
house-made caesar dressing, pecorino romano, croutons
Mixed Greens Salad$17.00
gorgonzola, chickpea, white balsamic
Salumeria$21.00
cured meats, cornichons, olives
Mussels$17.00
'nduja, calabrian chili, fennel, tomato broth
Calamari$18.00
cherry peppers, lemon aioli, marinara
Burrata$18.00
peperonata, crispy prosciutto, vin cotto, basil
Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta$15.00
aged balsamic, rosemary, thyme, focaccia
Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe$17.00
prosciutto, pecorino, lemon-black pepper vinaigrette

Primi

house-made pastas

Gnocchi$29.00
truffle cream, prosciutto cotto
Lobster Ravioli$39.00
maine lobster, confit cherry tomato, sherry cream
Tortellini$31.00
spinach, goat cheese and ricotta, artichoke, red pepper, cherry tomato, roasted garlic brodo
Fettucine Bolognese$29.00
smoked bacon, beef, veal, pork, tomato
Black Pepper Macaroni$28.00
pancetta, sausage, pecorino cream, onion crumble
Mafaldine Pesto$33.00
blue crab, walnut basil pesto, lemon zest
Linguine alle Vongole$28.00
littleneck clams, old bay breadcrumbs
Seafood Risotto$42.00
scallop, shrimp, blue crab, lemon oil, aleppo

Secondi

Duck Breast$42.00
fennel puree, rhubarb, pernod
Pan Roasted Pork Chop$39.00
mashed sweet potato, broccoli, bacon, maple fig jus
Veal Saltimbocca$37.00
fontina, prosciutto, plum tomatoes, sage, trebbiano wine, whipped potatoes
Braised Veal Ossobuco$49.00
polenta, broccoli rabe, wild rice gremolata
Roasted Lamb Chops$42.00
root vegetables, brussels sprouts, herb butter, bordelaise
Branzino$38.00
charred cucumber, haricot vert, radish, black garlic
New York Steak Pepe Verde$45.00
broccolini, brown butter mash, crispy onions, green peppercorn sauce
- Rare
- Medium Rare
- Medium
- Medium Well
- Well Done
Brodetto$48.00
lobster, shrimp, mussels, herb fregola, lobster saffron broth

Contorni

Crispy Potatoes$13.00
italian feta, garlic aioli, tomato spice
Butter Braised Mushrooms$13.00
parmesan brodo, thyme
Charred Broccoli$13.00
sunflower seed gremolata
Whipped Potato$13.00
roasted garlic, chives, sage
Broccoli Rabe$13.00
roasted garlic, chili flake

Chef's Tasting

Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the special instructions.

5 Course Tasting Menu$85.00
Chef's selection of five signature dishes. Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the special instructions.

Vegetarian

Vegan options available. Please inquire when placing order.

Mixed Greens Salad (V)$17.00
gorgonzola, chickpea, white balsamic
Burrata (V)$18.00
peperonata, vin cotto, basil
Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta (V)$15.00
aged balsamic, rosemary, thyme, focaccia
Goat Cheese Dip (V)$19.00
spinach, toasted hazelnut, spiced honey, crostini
Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe (V)$17.00
pecorino, lemon-black pepper vinaigrette
Gnocchi (V)$29.00
black truffle cream
Mafaldine Pesto (V)$33.00
walnut basil pesto, toasted garlic, lemon zest
Wild Mushroom Risotto (V)$27.00
shiitake, baby portobello, reggiano, thyme
Whipped Potato (V)$13.00
roasted garlic, chive, sage
Broccoli Rabe (V)$13.00
roasted garlic, chili flake
Crispy Potatoes (V)$13.00
italian feta, garlic aioli, tomato spice
Roasted Cauliflower (V)$13.00
caramelized onions, pistachio gremolata

Desserts

Tiramisu$13.00
espresso, coffee liqueur, mascarpone, cocoa
Nutella Cannoli Trifle$13.00
sweet ricotta, chocolate chip, nutella
Carrot Cake$13.00
walnut, cream cheese frosting
Chocolate Torte$13.00
strawberry, chocolate crumble
Chocolate Olive Oil Cake$13.00
whipped cream, strawberry

Kids Menu

Kids' Pasta$12.00
red sauce or buttered noodles
Chicken Fingers$8.00
French Fries$5.00

What 4,964 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.9Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia County
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Philadelphia
Best Ambiance
Philadelphia
Great for fine wines
Philadelphia
Romantic
Philadelphia
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Bistro Romano offers a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere with "amazing service" and "delicious food." Guests rave about its romantic ambiance, extensive wine list, and attentive staff. The wine cellar experience and Chef's Tasting Menu are highlights. Ideal for special occasions, this Society Hill gem is a must-visit for fine Italian dining.

4,964 Reviews

A
Alexis
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is probably one of the best restaurants in Philly!!! The food was delicious while the service was quick and friendly. My partner has sensory challenges and the ambiance and noise levels were not overstimulating for him. Thank you Bistro Romano for making his birthday dinner so special. We’ll definitely be back!
1 person found this helpful
J
Jim
VIP
Philadelphia
37 reviews
4.0
37 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Our service could have been much better. When we arrived there was hardly anyone there. Our waitress couldn't wait to take our order, but after that, we would pass the table and never asked how everything was or if we needed anything. The server brought our salad, but it was for two, but we had to ask for a second plate. She didn't ask if we wanted cracked pepper. Dinners came and were put on the table, and she was gone again and didn't ask if we wanted cheese or cracked pepper again. The wine the waitress suggested was horrible and could have been used for salad dressing. It was so vinegary, so we ended up getting a bottle of Cabernet, which was very good.The food was delicious, and we loved the ambiance.
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A
Anthony
VIP
Philadelphia
152 reviews
5.0
152 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We brought out of town guests to eat at this wonderful restaurant. From the front desk as you arrive, to the waitress and the food was all on point. Great professional staff, clean and inviting environment. We each had something different from, Branzino, Veal Saltimbocca, Gnocchi and Pork Chops and all were perfect. The restaurant was packed. This restaurant is always a perfect choice.
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D
Daniel
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our dishes came out at cool temperature, but other meals were perfect.
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B
Beth
New York City
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The menu has something for everyone . We enjoyed sharing a bunch of apps to start. The wine lovers were happy with the selection . The ambience was jovial. The aroma divine. I loved my pesto pasta. Just wish we had enough time for dessert but alas we had a show to go to.
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B
Brian
Philadelphia
17 reviews
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife and I went on a date night. Lovely atmosphere although decor and furnishings are dated. The wine list was amazing! Service was strong and food was great but not fantastic. I had Osso Buco - it was tender and well cooked. Pastas were excellent. I had a dessert special - it wasn't special. All in all, we left happy and content.
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R
Roberta
VIP
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’m a big fan of this restaurant. I’ve been several times in the past year and intend to keep returning. Food and service all top notch.
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T
T. David
Chicago
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
I am on bistro Romano’s mailing list and they advertised a Thursday night special: plate of pasta and glass of wine for $20. Took us a while to get seated in spite of reservations. Sat down and weren’t asked for a drink or cocktail order for a solid 10 minutes. Eventually got the waitresses attention and asked about the special and she said it was for the bar only. And said she would be happy to take us upstairs. Not a huge deal, but a little frustrating because they didn’t seem to be any indication on the email. My spaghetti dish was great. Flavorful. My wife salad had inedible croutons. Like gnawing on stale bread soaked in glue. we’ve enjoyed this place before. Probably other places that we would choose from now on. The ambience is quite wonderful though.
Bistro RomanoResponded on December 14, 2024
Thanks for joining us for our Pasta e Vino offer. Glad to hear the spaghetti dish was great and our ambience was quite wonderful. Our delish offer is only available in the Bistro Bar and am glad our team was able to move you so you could partake. As you mentioned the offer is promoted in our e mails which states Bistro Bar 20pp on all of our marketing materials and on our website. This offer has been very popular with our guests. Thanks for your review and Happy Holidays.
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B
Bryan
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was amazing from the appetizers to the dessert. 10/10 I’ve been coming here since 2005 and I’ve never been disappointed.
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D
Donna
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Bistro Romano is our favorite decadent Italian restaurant!!!!!
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FAQs

Bistro Romano does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Bistro Romano also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 925-8880.

Bistro Romano is rated 4.8 stars by 4964 OpenTable diners.

Bistro Romano does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 22, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 26 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Additional information

Cross street
Between Front and 2nd
Neighborhood
Society Hill
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking at 215 Lombard Garage at 215 Lombard Street: Sunday-Thursday $15, Friday and Saturday $25.
Public transit
Septa: 40 Bus, 57 Bus
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Piano Bar Friday & Saturday; Mystery Dinner Theater Friday & Saturday - Must call 215-238-1313 for Mystery Theatre tickets.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://www.bistroromano.com/
Phone number
(215) 925-8880
Catering
Bistro Romano provides off-site catering & theme parties for 25 to 2500.
Private party facilities
Bistro Romano can accommodate private parties of up to 125 people for a sit-down meal or 200 for a cocktail party in the 120 Room. Other rooms are available for smaller groups. Bistro Romano specializes in Business Meetings, Wedding Receptions, and Rehearsal Dinners.
Private party contact
Michael or Joette Granato: (877) 925-1170

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Bistro Romano

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Gift card

Wine Cellar Experience

NYE Wine Cellar Experience

Christmas Eve Seven Fish Menu or Turf Pasta Menu

Fettucine Bolognese

Tiramisu

Tortellini

Antipasti

Caesar Salad$16.00

Mixed Greens Salad$17.00

Salumeria$21.00

Mussels$17.00

Calamari$18.00

Burrata$18.00

Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta$15.00

Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe$17.00

Primi

Gnocchi$29.00

Lobster Ravioli$39.00

Tortellini$31.00

Fettucine Bolognese$29.00

Black Pepper Macaroni$28.00

Mafaldine Pesto$33.00

Linguine alle Vongole$28.00

Seafood Risotto$42.00

Secondi

Duck Breast$42.00

Pan Roasted Pork Chop$39.00

Veal Saltimbocca$37.00

Braised Veal Ossobuco$49.00

Roasted Lamb Chops$42.00

Branzino$38.00

New York Steak Pepe Verde$45.00

Brodetto$48.00

Contorni

Crispy Potatoes$13.00

Butter Braised Mushrooms$13.00

Charred Broccoli$13.00

Whipped Potato$13.00

Broccoli Rabe$13.00

Chef's Tasting

5 Course Tasting Menu$85.00

Vegetarian

Mixed Greens Salad (V)$17.00

Burrata (V)$18.00

Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta (V)$15.00

Goat Cheese Dip (V)$19.00

Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe (V)$17.00

Gnocchi (V)$29.00

Mafaldine Pesto (V)$33.00

Wild Mushroom Risotto (V)$27.00

Whipped Potato (V)$13.00

Broccoli Rabe (V)$13.00

Crispy Potatoes (V)$13.00

Roasted Cauliflower (V)$13.00

Desserts

Tiramisu$13.00

Nutella Cannoli Trifle$13.00

Carrot Cake$13.00

Chocolate Torte$13.00

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake$13.00

Kids Menu

Kids' Pasta$12.00

Chicken Fingers$8.00

French Fries$5.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Bistro Romano offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Bistro Romano restaurant rated?

Does Bistro Romano offer gift cards?

Is Bistro Romano currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout