Philadelphia opera restaurants? Recs?

[Main Line Tracey]

Hello! I have heard about different Italian restaurants in Philadelphia where opera is sung during the meal. Can anyone recommend one?

[lawgirl3278]

Right down the street from the Victor Cafe is Franco & Luigi's restaurant. It used to be called Past'aria but I think they changed the name. Good food plus entertainment.

[Main Line Tracey]

Does Franko & Luigi's also do opera, or something else? How is the food?

[lawgirl3278]

I haven't been there in awhile, but people say it's still good. It's now called the High Note Cafe, and it looks like they do more than opera now.

http://www.francoandluigis.com/

[jessicheese]

Hi lawgirl3278=)

I know a family that recently went to Franco & Luigis and raved about both the food and the entertainment. Seems like they're still going strong.

[brightman]

Franco and Luigi's is very family friendly, and the food is much better there than at Victor Cafe. Victor Cafe is ok food at high prices, vs good food at moderate prices at F & L's.

[QueenB]

I was at Victor Cafe approximately two years ago. I remember the food being decent, not outstanding, but good. The prices were high (around 30 bucks a plate, if I'm not mistaken). The opera was definitely interesting and good, and really made the dinner something different.

[kagoo]

I haven't been to Victor in several years, but I've always enjoyed it. As Queen B says, the food is good and decent, if not destination-worthy. But the opera is. The waitstaff are voice students; many sing professionally as well; they are wonderful. If you are an opera-lover, you should go -- there's nothing like it in the city. (Be warned, though: when the little bell dings and the singer is singing, the diners are expected to stop talking and listen. I know a woman who was highly insulted that she and her friend got dirty looks from the other patrons for continuing their loud conversation during the performance.)

[rabidog]

i heard about something like this at victor cafe, or cafe victor - but i have not been yet. and after they were recently featured in rocky, i'd imagine they are probably crowded.

i'd be interested in hearing if there are any others with some good eats, too. nothing wrong with a good gimmicky place if the food is excellent!

1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.victorcafe.com/

[CindyJ]

I've been to Victor Cafe twice. You don't go there for the food, which is good but not outstanding; you go for the entertainment. The waitstaff are young, very talented performers. Keep in mind that your table conversations will be interrupted by their arias, but that's what you're there for. Definitely worth a visit.