Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in South Philadelphia | Upscale Italian Food

15 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in South Philadelphia | Upscale Italian Food

• Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a vibrant space where the convivial spirit of an Italian social club meets the golden glow of a modern craft beer hall. The air carries the savory perfume of slow-simmered meatballs and crispy arancini, while tables are laden with creamy burrata and inventive bites that bridge the gap between old-world tradition and bold, contemporary comfort. Whether sharing a platter of Peroni-steamed mussels or passing around a honey-drizzled ricotta bread board, guests find a welcoming retreat where every dish is a celebration of soulful, shareable flavors.
• Le Virtu — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into this rustic Abruzzese sanctuary feels like a journey to Italy’s rugged heart, where the warmth of a crackling hearth and the scent of slow-simmered ragù fill the air. Artisanal pastas like the iconic maccheroni alla chitarra are hand-cut with precision and served alongside robust, earth-driven dishes that celebrate the wild beauty of the Apennine Mountains. Whether dining in the intimate, mural-adorned interior or under the stars in the sprawling garden, guests experience a soulful celebration of ancient culinary traditions and communal spirit.
• Termini Brothers Bakery — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a timeless sanctuary of Italian baking where the air is thick with the sweet, nostalgic scent of toasted almonds and warm vanilla. Behind polished glass cases, an artistry of tradition unfolds through golden pignoli studded with pine nuts and delicate, citrus-scented cucidati that capture the soul of old-world craftsmanship. Each hand-packed tin offers a curated journey through heritage flavors, from chewy coconut macaroons to crisp, lacey amaretti that melt away with every buttery bite.
• DaVinci & Yu — Chinese: Stepping into DaVinci & Yu feels like entering a modern gallery where the rustic charm of the Italian countryside meets the refined elegance of the Far East. The air hums with the sizzle of the wok and the aroma of slow-simmered ragù, as the kitchen crafts imaginative plates that marry delicate Asian textures with bold Mediterranean ingredients. It is a sophisticated sanctuary of fusion, where every dish tells a story of two worlds coming together in perfect, flavorful harmony.
• La Rosa Pizza — Italian: The air at La Rosa Pizza is thick with the comforting scent of charred crust and simmering San Marzano tomatoes, drawing guests into a warm, flour-dusted space where the steady glow of the oven serves as the heart of the room. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into artisanal pies with perfectly blistered edges and vibrant toppings, offering a soulful dining experience that balances rustic tradition with a lively, modern neighborhood energy.
• Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House — Italian: Stepping into this aromatic sanctuary feels like a journey to the heart of an Italian piazza, where the deep, nutty scent of Palermo espresso and dark-roasted Venetian beans hangs heavy in the air. Artisanal craftsmanship shines through every pour, from the bright, citrusy notes of Sicilian blood orange tea to the velvety richness of organic single-estate coffees that celebrate old-world tradition. It is a vibrant neighborhood cornerstone where the ritual of the morning brew is elevated into a sensory escape defined by bold flavors and warm, soulful hospitality.
• Square Pie — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt celebrates the art of the thick-crust pizza, where golden, airy squares emerge from the oven with bubbling cheese and rich, slow-simmered sauces. The experience begins with the crunch of golden arancini and the savory warmth of tender meatballs, balanced by the bright snap of fresh Caesar greens and charred shishito peppers. It is a place where the simple joy of a perfectly baked red or white pie brings people together over shared trays and lingering conversation.
• CJ & D's Trenton Tomato Pies — Italian: This vibrant homage to a New Jersey classic invites guests into a space where the aroma of charred dough and sweet, hand-crushed tomatoes fills the air. Each pie is a masterclass in balance, featuring a thin, crackling crust layered first with molten mozzarella and finished with a signature swirl of bright, savory sauce that defines the authentic Trenton style. It is a soulful dining experience that captures the essence of tradition in every crisp, tangy bite.
• Dough Head Pizza — Italian: The air at Dough Head Pizza is thick with the comforting, yeasty perfume of slow-fermented dough and the savory sizzle of artisanal toppings crisping in a high-heat oven. Guests gather in a vibrant, flour-dusted space to tear into pies defined by their airy, leopard-spotted crusts and bright, house-simmered sauces that balance tradition with a playful, modern spirit. It is a lively sanctuary for crust enthusiasts, where the craft of the perfect bake is celebrated in every chewy, golden-brown bite.
• Antonio's Deli — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood deli hums with energy as the aroma of golden-fried chicken and freshly sliced garden vegetables wafts from behind the busy counter. Artisanal rolls provide the perfect canvas for masterpieces like the Chicken Cutlet Caprese, where creamy mozzarella meets tangy balsamic glaze, or the satisfying crunch of a signature veggie hoagie, making every visit a celebration of the classic, handcrafted sandwich.
• Cosmi's Deli — Italian: This South Philadelphia cornerstone hums with the timeless energy of a neighborhood hub, where the savory perfume of sizzling ribeye and slow-roasted pork wafts from a bustling open kitchen. Behind the counter, artisans layer premium meats and sharp provolone onto crusty, seeded rolls, crafting overstuffed hoagies that celebrate the city’s rich culinary heritage with every bite. Each tightly wrapped parcel offers a masterclass in texture and tradition, inviting diners to savor a quintessential slice of local life amidst the nostalgic charm of a true corner deli.
• RIM Cafe — Italian: This whimsical, chocolate-scented sanctuary transports guests to a bohemian European salon, where eclectic decor and the rhythmic sound of hand-shaved cocoa create an atmosphere of pure indulgence. Artfully crafted "volcano" drinks overflow with rich ganache and velvety foam, inviting visitors to slow down and savor every decadent sip in a space that feels like a hidden artistic treasure.
• O Sole Mio Restaurant — Italian: Bathed in a warm, golden glow that mirrors its namesake, this charming Italian escape invites guests to linger over tables fragrant with the scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted garlic. Hand-rolled pastas and sun-ripened ingredients take center stage, celebrating soulful Mediterranean traditions through plates that burst with the brightness of fresh basil and cold-pressed olive oil. Every meal feels like a sun-drenched afternoon in a bustling seaside piazza, where the rhythmic clink of wine glasses and the hum of spirited conversation create a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
• Lorenzo's Pizza — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the comforting glow of a roaring oven define this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of melting cheese and slow-simmered red sauce. Crispy, thin-crust pies emerge with a signature char, inviting guests to linger over hand-crafted slices in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that feels like a soulful celebration of simple, honest flavors.
• J & J Pizza — Italian: Despite its unassuming name, J & J Pizza unfolds as an intimate culinary sanctuary where white-tablecloth elegance meets a menu of surprising refinement. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into artful plates, from the delicate crunch of saffron-crusted salmon to the deep, earthy comfort of wild mushroom risotto and tender, glazed lamb shanks. Evenings here linger over velvety seafood bisque and bourbon-kissed crème brûlée, offering a sophisticated escape that balances neighborhood warmth with elevated gastronomy.