Bistro Romano

120 Lombard St, Philadelphia
(215) 925-8880

Recent Reviews

Elizabeth Meadows

I'm giving 5 stars because I don't like to bash people/businesses. Wanted to get some pasta to go. Didn't eat in or take out because prices are way too high for pasta. Wanted to buy a bottle of wine but the $$ of the food turned me off. Please think about cutting prices in pasta dishes, I believe you will benefit immensely if you do!

All The Good Names Are Taken

I had been here pre covid and absolutely loved it. So i decided to revisit and while things were nice it didnt quite live up to my nostalgia but, thats not the restaurants fault. Times change. But please take into consideration my opinion of my evening is tinted with the bias of a previous experienceI started the evening the the ceaser salad - which originally was table side (making it an experience in itself) but is no longer served like that. So…. It fell extremely flat to me. Just a salad. Next i had the grilled octopus. I enjoyed it. It had a meatier texture than i was expecting but overall enjoyable, just not standard. Next was the gnocchi. Hands down THE BEST DISH OF THE EVENING. I would highly recommend that if you have ANYTHING here, this is the one. Next was the roasted duck, as was recommended by the waitress (who was extremely attentive by the way). The duck was pleasant, the cherry jus was a great addition, packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The accompanying side was not to my liking however. Completely lacking of flavor (to me). Then i had (yea i know alot of food was ordered lol) brodetto. AFTER A FEW CRANKS OF SALT, i absolutely loved this dish (aside from the fish in the dish. Parts of the fish her tender and delicious but parks were chewy and tasteless. Either overcooked or reheated in a microwave (which wouldnt make sense because parts of it were lovely either way, aside from the fish portion of the dish, i really liked this dish.The total bill was around 250. And i have no negative feelings about it. I will return shortly because there are 3 more dishes i want to try PLUS the gnocchi needs to be in my belly again. Overall i would give this place a 7.8/10. Based on food and atmosphere. But… the chairs could use some new cushions lol.I apologize that this isnt well written or thought out, im just writing as i recollect the evening

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Jefferey Bryan

Nice old school Italian restaurant in Old City. Food was good but not amazingWe had the chefs tasting menu. It was good but expected some more interesting dishes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Diana C.

Long time ago but awesome food and service Ambiance great We will come back for sure

Elizabeth M.

Food was amazing. The wine list is overwhelming. I feel as if they could pare it back. Not sure if they have a sommelier, but it would be really helpful to have that person rounding and helping you choose your wine. We were seated upstairs and there was a pianist playing which was lovely. I think it would be fun to sit at the bar and have a drink, but for dinner, it was a little loud. Overall, a really good night

Carol L.

The food was okay but really overpriced. I think this place stays in business with the tourist trade, but there are better Italian restaurants in the area if you have the time to scope it out.

James B.

Another great evening of good, drink and friendly atmosphere at the bar. Sean is the best bartender around and the "regular " people we meet (especially Steve) always make the space a comfortable place to dine. This is our "go to" place and are willing to drive into the city ftom New Jersey.

Eric Martin

One of the best meals we’ve had since recently moving to

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus, GF Gnocchi

April Estenor

10/10, we got there 15 minutes late due to heavy rain, no problem at all! My babe booked the 5 course meal in a private wine cellar (it’s only 1 down the basement) very romantic w/rose petals and candle lights, I’m vegan and the chef really threw it down in the kitchen just for me :-) very happy about that, you have to pay in advance and beverages aren’t included, will definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Veal Saltimbocca, Grand Marnier Crème Brulee, GF Gnocchi

Last minute reservation on a Saturday evening so I should not complain. We were seated upstairs in quite a sterile room, wished we were downstairs. The food and cocktails were great!

NancyR

This was an expensive tasting menu and the courses looked like they were what they had left over in the kitchen. The entree was cold and the potatoes were coagulated into one big lump. Our server was mostly AWOL. We couldn't request any changes since she never checked in. Gratuity was included so there was no incentive for good service. The menu wasn't given to us so we had no idea what we were getting and make informed choices. It was sold as an experience and was very, very disappointing.

Tatar

I had the chefs weekly special GNOCCHI ALLA DIAVOLO that has shrimp, garlic, white wine, pomodoro, pepperoncini. It has the right amount of heat and the gnocchi were pillow soft. Delicious.

PhilaBookman

The restaurant we had planned to eat in was closed for a private event. My business partner suggested Bistro Romano instead. We made a reservation showed up early and we're immediately seated although I've been planning on having lasagna it was not on the menu unfortunately. Veal scallopini is a wonderful back up. My partner had pork chops that were way too much to eat took some home. Service was wonderful, very attentive, but in obtrusive so, our unplanned visit to Bistro Romano turned out to be fabulous.

Trong Nguyen

We celebrated our anniversary here. The gnocchi here is what brought us back. Although, they always have other delicious choices to select from. Service is great and you will never feel rushed. Our server was very attentive to us. You can take your time and enjoy a great dinner with amazing food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus, GF Gnocchi, Brussels Sprouts Cacio E Pepe

Andrea McBride

Went for dinner for girls night!!! Food was amazing the atmosphere was like I was in Italy!!! Superb waitstaff!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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