Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Rittenhouse | Upscale Italian Food

22 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Rittenhouse | 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.
• Cotoletta — Italian: Warm amber lighting and the rhythmic sizzle of the kitchen create an inviting hum in this intimate space, where the air is perpetually scented with toasted breadcrumbs and browned butter. Each signature cutlet arrives golden and crackling, pounded to tender perfection and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon that cuts through the rich, savory crunch. It is a celebration of simple, soulful craftsmanship, offering a comforting retreat where every bite feels like a well-loved tradition reimagined for the modern palate.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• South Side Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with urban energy, where the rhythmic slap of hand-tossed dough and the aroma of bubbling mozzarella invite guests into a space filled with warmth and laughter. Golden, blistered crusts emerge from the glowing oven to be shared across communal tables, offering a soulful, flour-dusted sanctuary where every slice celebrates the timeless art of the perfect pie.
• Rione — Italian: This vibrant Roman-style pizzeria transports guests to the bustling streets of Italy with its airy, minimalist space and glass counters showcasing colorful trays of pizza al taglio. The signature long-fermented dough yields a crust that is remarkably light yet satisfyingly crunchy, serving as a canvas for seasonal toppings that range from earthy potato and rosemary to savory mortadella. It is a place where the art of the scissor-cut slice meets a modern, casual energy, offering an authentic taste of Rome in every bite.
• 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.
• 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.