Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Center City | Upscale Italian Food

29 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Center City | Upscale Italian Food

• Howl at the Moon — American · rated 4/5: Howl at the Moon pulses with a high-octane energy where neon lights and live music set the stage for a night of uninhibited celebration. The air is thick with the irresistible aroma of warm Bavarian pretzels and bubbling personal pizzas, perfectly paired with whimsical, oversized cocktails that keep the party glowing long into the night. Indulgent comfort snacks like loaded cheesy tots and crispy popcorn chicken fuel an electric atmosphere of pure, social revelry.
• Capriccio — Italian · rated 4/5: Capriccio invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the aroma of freshly roasted beans mingles with the savory scent of aged parmesan. Crisp ribbons of romaine are transformed into artful Caesar salads draped in silken dressing, providing a refreshing prelude to a leisurely afternoon spent sipping a velvety, micro-foamed latte.
• Spring Garden Pizza & Restaurant — Italian: This inviting neighborhood gem welcomes guests with the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough baking to a golden crisp in a bustling, light-filled kitchen. Vibrant seasonal toppings and rich, slow-simmered sauces take center stage, elevating classic pies and hearty comfort dishes into a celebration of fresh, bright flavors. Whether sharing a signature pizza under the warm glow of the dining room or enjoying a quiet meal, diners find a soulful retreat that balances casual charm with culinary heart.
• Zio's Brickoven Pizzeria — Italian: The golden glow of the brick oven serves as the heart of this inviting neighborhood retreat, where the comforting aroma of toasted crust and simmering seasonal soups fills the air. Vibrant, farm-fresh salads and crispy calamari provide a bright, textural contrast to soulful Southern-style sides, creating a menu that balances rustic indulgence with modern bistro flair. Whether lingering over a zesty chipotle chicken salad or enjoying the simple comfort of creamy mashed potatoes, guests find a sanctuary of honest flavors and warm hospitality.
• Vetri Cucina — Italian: Tucked away in an intimate, historic setting, this culinary sanctuary envelops guests in a world of old-world elegance where hand-blown glass and warm wood accents set the stage for a masterful exploration of Italian heritage. The air hums with the quiet artistry of the open kitchen as chefs hand-roll delicate, silken pastas and coax deep, soulful flavors from the glowing embers of a custom wood-burning oven. Each course unfolds as a personal invitation into a storied tradition, blending rustic simplicity with a refined sophistication that lingers long after the final sip of wine.
• Pietro's Coal Oven Pizza — Italian: The glowing embers of the signature coal oven serve as the heart of this bustling space, infusing the air with the nostalgic aroma of toasted flour and savory herbs. Artisanal pies emerge with a perfectly charred, crackling crust and molten toppings, offering a masterclass in texture and smoke that transforms a simple meal into a soulful, communal celebration.
• Melograno — Italian: Sunlight streams through large windows into this intimate Roman-style trattoria, where the rhythmic energy of the open kitchen and the aroma of wood-roasted meats create a vibrant, welcoming sanctuary. Hand-rolled pastas and seasonal Italian classics are plated with rustic elegance, inviting diners to linger over shared plates and savor the authentic, soul-warming flavors of a traditional neighborhood gem.
• Paulie Gee's Soul City — Italian: This vibrant urban haunt pulses with a soulful energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of wood-fired dough and bubbling mozzarella. Masterfully charred pizzas take center stage, offering a symphony of textures that range from the spicy, honey-drizzled heat of the Hellboy to the thick, golden-edged crunch of the legendary Freddy Prinze squares. It is a space where artisanal tradition meets modern flair, ensuring every guest finds a seat at the table with a menu that celebrates both savory meats and inventive plant-based creations.
• Lazaro's Pizzeria & Grill — Italian: Lazaro’s Pizzeria & Grill pulses with the energy of a neighborhood favorite, where the scent of baking dough and the smoky sizzle of the grill create an instantly inviting atmosphere. Hand-stretched pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts share the table with succulent, flame-seared specialties, offering a soulful dining experience that balances rustic tradition with bold, savory flavors. It is a warm, bustling retreat where every bite captures the essence of honest, well-crafted comfort food.
• Quick Fixx — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt transforms classic comfort into an art form, where the steam from bowls of Pasta Fresca and the savory aroma of Chicken Mushala invite diners to settle in for a soul-warming feast. From the indulgent, bubbling layers of Nina's Gnocchi Lasagna to the bold, fiery notes of the Diavolo, each plate balances rustic Italian tradition with a playful, modern energy. It is a welcoming retreat where the simple joy of a perfectly executed pasta meets the cozy, bustling atmosphere of a local favorite.
• Wood Street Pizza — Italian: Sunlight catches the dusting of flour on the counters at Wood Street Pizza, where the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and spicy roasted longhots fills the air. Whether you’re sharing a rustic, thick-crusted Grandma pie or a classic white pizza finished with garlic and herbs, each slice offers a perfect harmony of crisp, charred edges and rich, savory toppings that define the ultimate neighborhood hangout.
• Barra Rossa — Italian: This vibrant Italian kitchen pulses with energy, where the warm glow of a wood-burning oven illuminates a rustic-chic space filled with the rhythmic clinking of wine glasses. Guests gather around communal tables to share blistered, thin-crust pizzas and bowls of silken pasta, all paired with selections from an expansive wine list that celebrates the spirited heritage of Italy. Whether enjoying a lively happy hour at the marble bar or a lingering dinner under soft lighting, the experience captures the effortless charm and social warmth of a modern Roman enoteca.
• Gran Caffe L'Aquila — Italian: Stepping into this lively Italian landmark feels like a journey to the heart of a bustling piazza, where the air is perfumed with the savory scent of charred lamb and the bright, citrusy notes of Calabrian bergamot. Artisanal platters of Tuscan delicacies and bowls of silken, seafood-strewn pasta anchor a dining experience that celebrates the art of the leisurely meal, perfectly complemented by a refreshing, bitter chinotto or a fragrant cup of chamomile tea.
• Pizzeria Vetri — Italian: The air at Pizzeria Vetri hums with the warmth of a wood-fired oven, where the scent of bubbling cheese and charred dough invites guests into a vibrant, modern space. Diners share golden, crispy spirals of signature rotolo and artfully composed boards of creamy burrata, while a parade of wood-roasted seasonal vegetables brings a rustic, garden-fresh elegance to the communal table.
• Barbuzzo — Mediterranean: Bustling with urban energy and the warm glow of a wood-burning oven, this rustic-chic retreat invites guests to linger over Mediterranean-inspired plates in a space defined by reclaimed wood and flickering candlelight. The air is thick with the aroma of charred, thin-crust pizzas and roasted small plates, culminating in the legendary salted caramel budino that offers a silky, decadent end to a soulful and spirited dining experience.
• Scarpetta — Italian: Scarpetta invites guests into a world of sophisticated Italian soul food, where a warm, polished ambiance sets the stage for an indulgent exploration of coastal and countryside flavors. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into sensory masterpieces, from the signature velvet-smooth polenta and fork-tender braised short ribs to the earthy, aromatic crunch of truffled mushroom schiacciata. It is a dining experience that balances rustic tradition with modern elegance, ensuring every bite of smoky charred octopus or delicate seared scallop feels both timeless and vibrantly contemporary.
• Golden Chopsticks — Chinese: Golden Chopsticks hums with the energy of a neighborhood favorite, where the irresistible aroma of sizzling fryers and savory spices promises a masterclass in the art of the crunch. Guests dive into heaps of glistening, golden-fried wings and an array of hand-rolled treasures, from the delicate snap of a vegetable spring roll to the hearty, nostalgic comfort of a piping-hot pizza roll. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and classic flavors, making it a go-to sanctuary for those seeking the ultimate crispy indulgence.
• Rex Pizza — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the warm glow of the oven define the high-energy atmosphere at Rex Pizza, where the art of the perfect pie is elevated to a sensory celebration. Each slice offers a satisfying crunch of blistered, hand-stretched crust paired with the rich tang of slow-simmered tomatoes and molten cheese, creating a quintessential neighborhood gathering spot that feels both timeless and fresh.
• 20th Street Pizza — Italian: This sun-drenched neighborhood gem hums with urban energy, drawing passersby in with the irresistible aroma of bubbling sauce and slow-fermented sourdough. Each hand-stretched pie emerges from the oven boasting a crisp, charred crust and a vibrant tapestry of seasonal toppings that celebrate fresh, bold flavors. It is a modern sanctuary where artisanal technique meets the timeless comfort of a perfect slice, offering a soulful dining experience in the heart of the city.
• Borromini — Italian: Borromini transports diners to the heart of Rome, where dramatic architectural flourishes and warm, amber lighting create an atmosphere of sophisticated grandeur. The kitchen honors the spirit of the Italian table with artfully plated handmade pastas and vibrant, seasonal ingredients that sing with Mediterranean freshness. Every meal feels like a celebrated occasion, framed by the clink of fine crystal and the lingering warmth of a perfectly aged Nebbiolo.
• The Mulberry on Arch — Italian: Tucked into a vibrant urban corner, The Mulberry on Arch welcomes guests with a sophisticated tavern atmosphere where the comforting scent of smoked wings and toasted brioche sets the stage for a soulful meal. The kitchen elevates neighborhood classics, pairing golden-crusted crab cake sandwiches and savory cheesesteaks with inventive starters like their signature warm "everything" bean dip. From the bold flavors of the Abruzzo to the perfectly seared Mulberry burger, every dish reflects a commitment to hearty, hand-crafted fare served in a space that feels both timeless and fresh.
• Top Tomato Bar & Pizza — Italian: This lively neighborhood haunt pulses with a social energy, where the aroma of toasted garlic bread and bubbling mozzarella invites guests to settle in for a spirited evening. The kitchen turns out an array of golden, shareable plates from crisp calamari to vibrant bruschetta, creating a convivial atmosphere perfect for clinking glasses and lingering over savory bites.
• Tetra Pizza & Grill — Italian: The air at Tetra Pizza & Grill is a heady blend of toasted yeast and savory garlic, drawing guests into a space where the craft of the perfect crust is celebrated in all its forms. From the airy, caramelized crunch of thick Detroit-style squares to vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pies, each creation arrives bubbling with artisanal toppings that cater to both traditionalists and adventurous plant-based diners alike. It is a neighborhood gem that transforms the simple joy of a slice into a rich, sensory journey through diverse textures and bold, global flavors.
• Maggiano's — Italian: Stepping into this bustling sanctuary of Italian-American hospitality feels like joining a grand family gathering, where the air is perfumed with roasted garlic and the sounds of laughter mingle with the smooth melodies of classic crooners. Heaping, family-style platters of soul-warming comfort food invite guests to linger over shared stories and generous portions of velvety pastas and slow-simmered sauces that celebrate the timeless art of the feast.
• Pizzeria Vetri — Italian: Pizzeria Vetri captures the spirited energy of a modern Italian kitchen, where the scent of wood-smoke and bubbling cheese drifts from a roaring oven. Guests gather over crispy, leopard-spotted crusts and the house-famous rotolo, complemented by a colorful array of roasted vegetables and silky burrata that elevate the humble pizzeria into a destination for refined, soulful comfort.
• Joe's Pizza — Italian: The intoxicating aroma of bubbling mozzarella and charred, hand-stretched dough defines the atmosphere at Joe's Pizza, a neighborhood sanctuary where the glow of the oven promises instant comfort. Vibrant toppings like peppery arugula, roasted eggplant, and dollops of creamy ricotta transform simple pies into artisanal masterpieces, ranging from the nostalgic crunch of a Grandmom crust to inventive, plant-based delights. It is a place where the timeless art of the perfect slice meets a modern culinary spirit, inviting guests to linger over every savory, sauce-kissed bite.
• Little Italy Pizza — Italian: Stepping into this bustling neighborhood haunt feels like a journey to the heart of old-school New York, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of toasted garlic, dried oregano, and bubbling mozzarella. Hand-tossed dough is transformed into golden, thin-crust masterpieces in blazing ovens, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender, flavorful center topped with vibrant tomato sauce. It is a vibrant sanctuary of flour-dusted counters and red-sauce tradition, perfect for those seeking the timeless comfort of a perfectly charred, soul-warming slice.
• PrimoHoagies — Italian: This vibrant sandwich shop brings the spirit of a classic Italian deli to life, greeting guests with the irresistible aroma of premium cured meats and artisanal cheeses. The star of the show is the signature seeded roll, a golden-crusted vessel that holds everything from sharp, aged provolone and spicy capicola to tender roasted beef and melted American cheese. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of bold flavors and satisfying textures, creating a hearty, handcrafted meal that feels like a celebrated neighborhood tradition.
• Capriccio Cafe and Bar at Cret Park — Italian: Nestled within the verdant embrace of Cret Park, this glass-walled oasis offers a sun-drenched escape where the morning air is perfumed with the rich, toasted aroma of expertly pulled espresso and velvety lattes. As the city’s pulse quickens outside, the space transforms into a sophisticated retreat where guests linger over crisp, vibrant salads before transitioning into an evening of sparkling conversation fueled by artisanal cocktails and fine wines under the glow of the urban skyline.