Authentic Family Run Homemade Italian Food in Philadelphia | #1 Ristorante Pesto

1.5 miles from Citizens Bank Park at 1915 South Broad Street Philadelphia Family Run  restaurant Ristorante Pesto is serving Homemade Italian Food in Philadelphia.

Contact Information

• Email: cevarallo1966@comcast.net
• Phone: +1 215-336-8380
• Facebook: RISTORANTE PESTO
• Website: Ristorante Pesto Web

Location

1.5 miles from Citizens Bank Park at 1915 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148

Hours of Operation

• Sun – Mon: CLOSED
• Tue – Sat: 5:00pm – 9:30pm

Take-out & Delivery

• Take-out Available: Tue-Thu 5:00pm – 8:30pm, Fri 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Note: No longer offering delivery
Important Information

• Only 2 credit cards or 2 separate checks permitted per party
• 20% gratuity included on parties of 6 or more

History

South Philadelphia is renowned for its excellent Italian dining spots, and Ristorante Pesto is among the finest.
Operated by the Varallo family, a respected name in South Philly’s culinary scene, Ristorante Pesto brings authentic Italian flavors to the table. Led by Giovanni Varallo and Concetta, with chefs Giovanni and Maria Varallo-Facenda crafting each dish with Italian authenticity.

The Pesto Experience
Dive into a menu bursting with unique veal, pasta, and seafood dishes. From homemade gnocchi in creamy pesto sauce to the house specialty, Portabella alla Parmigiana, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Don’t miss the veal chop stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese.
If you seek a taste of family tradition in a warm and inviting setting, Ristorante Pesto is your destination.

Price Range: $21 – $30

Special Diets:

Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Meals: Dinner

Cuisines: Italian

Features:

Parking Available, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, BYOB

Positive Aspects

Here are 10 things that are good about Ristorante Pesto:

1. Recommended Dishes: Visitors loved the variety of dishes offered, including pasta dishes, chicken dishes, braciole, eggplant parm, and more. These dishes were consistently praised for their delicious flavors and generous portions.
2. Service: Customers repeatedly praised the exceptional service at Ristorante Pesto. The staff was described as warm, friendly, and accommodating, making diners feel welcomed and attended to throughout their meal.
3. Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a welcoming and cozy ambiance, reminiscent of dining with family. Guests appreciated the comfortable and inviting atmosphere, which enhanced their overall dining experience.
4. BYOB Option: The BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) option was highlighted as a plus by many reviewers. This feature allows diners to bring their own alcoholic beverages, adding flexibility and convenience to their dining experience.
5. Large Party Accommodations: Ristorante Pesto received praise for its ability to accommodate large groups seamlessly. Whether for special occasions or gatherings with friends, the restaurant provided excellent service and delicious food for groups of various sizes.
6. Consistency: Customers noted the consistency of Ristorante Pesto’s food quality and service over time. Whether visiting for the first time or as a regular patron, diners could expect consistently excellent experiences.
7. Family-owned and Operated: The restaurant’s family-owned and operated nature resonated with customers, who appreciated the personal touch and attention to detail in every aspect of their dining experience.
8. Authentic Italian Cuisine: Diners praised the authenticity of the Italian cuisine served at Ristorante Pesto. From homemade pasta to traditional dishes, the restaurant captured the essence of Italian cooking, delivering flavorful and satisfying meals.
9. Warm Hospitality: Guests felt genuinely welcomed and cared for by the staff, including the owner and servers. The warm hospitality contributed to a memorable dining experience and left patrons eager to return.
10. Overall Experience: Many reviewers expressed overall satisfaction with their dining experience at Ristorante Pesto, citing it as one of the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia. From the food to the service to the atmosphere, the restaurant consistently delivered exceptional experiences for its patrons

Negative Aspects

Here are some things which visitors complain about
1. Disliked Dishes:

• Fried Calamari: The fried calamari was disappointingly chewy and lacked the expected flavor. Despite being a popular appetizer, this dish failed to impress due to its subpar texture and taste.
• Penne alla Puttanesca: The Penne alla Puttanesca was a letdown, with an overwhelming amount of olives overpowering the dish. Additionally, the sauce seemed excessive and heavy, drowning out any subtle flavors. The veal in the dish also appeared to be overcooked, further diminishing the overall dining experience.
• Black Ink: The Black Ink seafood soup failed to deliver on its promise, with dried pasta floating in a lackluster broth. The dish lacked depth of flavor and freshness, leaving diners underwhelmed and dissatisfied.

2. Slow Service:

• Despite being promptly seated upon arrival, the service at the restaurant was notably slow. Diners experienced prolonged waits between ordering and receiving their meals, leading to frustration and impatience.

3. Overpriced Menu:

• The menu at the restaurant appeared to be overpriced considering the quality and portion sizes of the dishes offered. Diners felt that they were not receiving sufficient value for their money, resulting in dissatisfaction with the overall dining experience.

4. Mediocre Quality:

• The quality of the food served at the restaurant was mediocre at best. Despite positive reviews and recommendations, diners found the dishes to be lackluster and unremarkable, failing to meet their expectations.

5. Lack of Authenticity:

• Diners were disappointed by the lack of authenticity in the Italian cuisine served at the restaurant. The flavors and preparations fell short of delivering the genuine taste and experience associated with traditional Italian dishes, leaving diners craving more authenticity.

6. Limited Beverage Options:

• The restaurant offered a limited selection of wines and beverages, which detracted from the overall dining experience. Diners felt restricted in their choices and were unable to find suitable pairings for their meals, resulting in a less enjoyable dining experience.

7. Noisy Atmosphere:

• The atmosphere at the restaurant was excessively noisy, making it difficult for diners to hold conversations comfortably. The loud chatter and background noise detracted from the dining experience, causing diners to feel overwhelmed and unable to fully relax and enjoy their meal.

8. Parking Issues:

• Diners faced difficulty finding parking nearby the restaurant, leading to inconvenience and frustration. The lack of available parking spaces made it challenging for diners to access the restaurant, detracting from the overall dining experience.

9. Inconsistent Flavor Profiles:

• Diners noted inconsistencies in the flavor profiles of the dishes served at the restaurant. Some dishes lacked balance and depth of flavor, indicating issues with preparation and execution. The inconsistency in flavor left diners feeling disappointed and uncertain about the quality of the food.

10. Unremarkable Desserts:

• The desserts offered at the restaurant, such as the Oreo ice cream cake, failed to impress diners and lacked the homemade quality expected from a reputable establishment. Diners found the desserts to be unremarkable and uninspired, leaving them craving something more satisfying to end their meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Ristorante Pesto located?
   • Ristorante Pesto is located at 1915 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148, approximately 1.5 miles from Citizens Bank Park.
2. What are the contact details for Ristorante Pesto?
   • You can contact Ristorante Pesto via email at cevarallo1966@comcast.net or by phone at +1 215-336-8380. Additionally, you can find them on Facebook under the name Ristorante Pesto.
3. What are the restaurant’s hours of operation?
   • Ristorante Pesto is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It operates from Tuesday to Saturday, with dining hours from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
4. Does Ristorante Pesto offer take-out and delivery services?
   • Yes, Ristorante Pesto offers take-out services on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm and on Fridays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. However, they no longer offer delivery services.
5. Are there any important notes about payments and gratuity?
   • Yes, Ristorante Pesto permits a maximum of two credit cards or two separate checks per party. Additionally, a 20% gratuity is included for parties of six or more.

Specific Questions / Answers

1. What are some recommended dishes at Ristorante Pesto?
   • Visitors have praised a variety of dishes, including pasta dishes, chicken dishes, braciole, eggplant parm, and more.
2. What is the atmosphere like at Ristorante Pesto?
   • The restaurant offers a cozy and welcoming ambiance, reminiscent of dining with family, enhancing the overall dining experience.
3. Does Ristorante Pesto accommodate large parties?
   • Yes, Ristorante Pesto is known for seamlessly accommodating large groups for special occasions or gatherings with friends.
4. Is the Italian cuisine at Ristorante Pesto authentic?
   • Yes, diners have praised the authenticity of the Italian cuisine, noting homemade pasta and traditional dishes that capture the essence of Italian cooking.
5. What is the BYOB policy at Ristorante Pesto?
   • Ristorante Pesto offers a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) option, allowing diners to bring their own alcoholic beverages for added flexibility and convenience.

These answers provide specific information about Ristorante Pesto, addressing common questions and concerns. If you have any further inquiries, feel free to reach out to the restaurant directly.
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