Vetri Ristorante
In an elegant, intimate atmosphere, Vetri Ristorante serves fresh Italian fare prepared in exquisite ways. You usually have to book a month or two early to secure one of the 35 seats in this upscale restaurant, but the dining experience will be a treat.
Try a specialty of the house such as foie gras pastrami with fruit mustard; spinach gnocchi with shaved ricotta; or sweet onion crepe with white truffle fondue. Proceed to a pasta dish, from pappardelle with lamb ragu to sweetbread ravioli with braised veal sauce. Depending on the time of year, entrees may include roasted turbot on potato pancakes; baby goat with soft polenta; or roasted shaved pork with figs.
Vetri Ristorante
1312 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 732-3478
vetriristorante
Osteria
Marc Vetri, owner of Vetri Ristorante, is also the talent behind Osteria. With stained concrete floors and pine tables, this second restaurant is more casual, but the food is equally stunning.
Osteria's antipasti include rabbit sausage with quince mustard, and grilled octopus with cured lemon. Entrees range from grilled veal short ribs with parsnip puree to wild striped bass with artichoke cream and mushrooms.
The unusual but tasty pizzas include octopus, tomato and red chili; eggplant, provolone, pine nuts and raisins; and mozzarella, grilled figs and gorgonzola dolce (a milder version of aged gorgonzola). For dessert, don't miss choices such as fresh fig strudel with gelato, and hazelnut tart with pear salad.
Osteria
640 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130
(215) 763-0920
osteriaphilly.com
La Famiglia
For more than 30 years, two generations of the Sena family have served outstanding fare at La Famiglia. In a handsome Old World setting, diners can enjoy authentic Italian food and a glass or bottle from the well-chosen wine list.
For an antipasto, try fresh mozzarella fried in a batter and served with basil sauce, or beef carpaccio with marinated mushrooms. For your pasta, you can order risotto with mixed seafood, or wide-cut fettuccine with tomato-porcini sauce. Savory entrees include rack of lamb, pan-seared veal chops and salmon sauteed with brandy.
La Famiglia
8 S. Front St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
(215) 922-2803
lafamiglia
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
