Philly Mag's 30 Best Italian Restaurants in Philadelphia

[Philly Ray]

I can't post the link because it won't open on my smartphone, but you can see the list on their website.

Here's another argument starter type of list and here are my comments...

I suppose you have to include suburban restaurants, but why not just call it Best in Philadelphia Area? Small point, but worth mentioning to me.

How can you include a chain like Davio's but leave off Paradiso?

Lots of love for Peter McAndrews, but Popolino isn't even 6 months old. Can it really be included in a "best" list? Is it really that good?

Please ignore the fact that Mr. Joe's is on the list. We don't need that secret getting out.

[Philly Ray]

Looks like I have my answer on Popolino...

http://mobile.philly.com/news/?wss=/p...

[cwdonald]

It proves that you can sell a place on a lineage... but the cat eventually will get out of the bag.

[bluehensfan]

I went to Popolino and found it was not entriely a disaster. The tavolo calda was spectacular, the calamari very good, and the entrees and deserrts were above average. Maybe I got lucky? It did seem kinda salty and very pricy though, and of course they don't take credit cards. Thankfully no visits from the chef...

[JanR]

We tried Popolino early on, based on McAndrews' involvement. It was okay but I definitely prefer Modo Mio. I even prefer Monsu.

[paychecktoday]

I was very suprised to see Marrone's in Ardmore on this list. I do not get the hoopla over their pizzas or anything else that they serve. I had their triple cheese and was not impressed. Great atmosphere and good service, but the food is questionable. If I could replace them on the list, I would put Fellini's of Media in there.

[bluehensfan]

No Zavino? While their menu may be a bit limited to pizzas and a few small plates, what they serve is great. For the suburbanites, Sovana Bistro was a no-show as well, although I have not been there for a while.

Philly Ray, is Mr. Joe's really that good?

[Philly Ray]

Mr. Joe's is really good and really cheap and you get a shitload of food. For example, you can get a pasta dish (enough to take home unless you are really hungry) for around $15 and it includes a small green salad and dessert (made across the street at Termini's). Last time we had a choice of strawberry shortcake, an eclair, and one other item.

The problem (or maybe the saving grace) is that they close at 5 on Mon-Thu and 6 on Fri-Sat, so lunch is your best bet and it will probably be the only meal you eat that day.

[bluehensfan]

Thanks....wow if it's that much food I should wait until it gets a litlle cooler outside. It sounds really good.

[Bacchus101]

I would love to hear opinions from Hound's on their 3 Best (from the list or not) :as I need to catch up on my Italian restaurants.

[Buckethead]

In descending order, Osteria, Le Virtu, and Barbuzzo.

[JanR]

I like Fiorino in East Falls.

[deprofundis]

Difficult to narrow it down to 3, but any of the Vetri places are great (Vetri/Osteria/Amis), Le Virtu, Dante & Luigi's (for red "gravy" Italian), L'Angolo, Zavino (esp. for pizza). I also had a decent meal recently at Mercato, but my entree was vile. My dining companion enjoyed his though, so ymmv.

[Bacchus101]

Thanks Hounds, very helpful in culling the herd!

[Delucacheesemonger]

Vetri, Zeppoli, and Modo Mio, going to Le Virtu with high hopes.

[JanR]

Good choices Deluca.

[barryg]

Here's the link: http://www.phillymag.com/articles/gal...

I was surprised to see Branzino, Tre Scalini and Dante & Luigi's on here.. recently had lackluster meals at all three, and the prices at D&L were way out of whack. And Victor Cafe... a place worth visiting for the experience but I didn't think anyone thought the food was great.

[Chefpaulo]

Barryg: As Philly Ray said, "Typical Philly Mag stuff."
Considering the traditionally enigmatic positioning of Philly Mag's review subjects, let's just say a well-greased palm can make any sow's ear into a purse.
CP

[mookleknuck]

"...a well-greased palm can make any sow's ear into a purse."

+1

[Chefpaulo]

PRay: Are these substantive reviews or advertising? Philly Mag also puts out "reviews" on top physicians, private schools, etc. Caveat emptor.
CP

[Philly Ray]

It's their list of the 30 "best" Italian restaurants in (and around) Philly with a little blurb about each one. Typical Philly Mag stuff.