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Bistro Romano

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120 Lombard St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Philadelphia, PA 19147

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(215) 925-8880
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Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
Bistro Romano - Philadelphia, PA
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( 3 )

Best

Bistro Romano is a great place to eat whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a family dinner. The food is delicious and the restaurant is very cozy.

Worst

The atmosphere was great, not so good food and not so speedy staff. You walk downstairs into a stone cellar, very romantic with low lighting. We were impressed. We were served wat...

Great Food and Service, Very Romantic Place 7/16/2007

Bistro Romano is my favorite in Philly. It is very romantic, we ate in the wine cellar which is full of candles and rose petals. It's like dining in a very romantic cave. The food is excellent, I would say the best Italian that Philadelphia has to offer. We had the Caesar Salad which is prepare table side. Then we had Lobster Ravioli which was outstanding. We also had the tenderloin of beef special which was equally superb. Tira misu concluded this great dinner, it was the best we ever had. The service was very attentive, I beleive her name was Kelly. This is my favorite Italian in the City. Pros: Great Food, Best Ceasar Salad, Very Romantic, Superb Service more
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The Best Italian 7/12/2007

Knowing how my uncle is such a picky Italian eater, I did not hesitate to name this as the restaurant for us to go to. Bistro Romano did not disappoint. The atmosphere here is romantic and amazing. I also recommended this place for my friend's Valentine Day dinner. They loved it with its candlelit dinner. My friends and I love this place when we tried. The food is amazing. The pasta always come out cooked exactly right, not too soggy. I do not mind the price at all for the amazing meal that I have had here. There is also a live piano playing for your enjoyment. Pros: Atmosphere, amazing food more
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Low-key and elegant 7/2/2007

I tried Bistro Romano during Restaurant Week, and it was simply fantastic. The interior is understated but gorgeous, the food is delicious, and the service is attentive but not intrusive. The atmosphere is great for groups or a date. I'd go back again in a second. more
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Romantic Hideout! 6/12/2007

Bistro Romano is one of the most romantic places I have ever been. What made it the top romantic place was my beautiful girlfriend. Our reservations were for the wine cellar table for two. The setting was perfect. A candel lit, wine filled room with rose padals on the table awaiting our arrival. When we arrived, we were greeted at the door and led to the most romantic evening of my life. Our waitress, Lauren, made the evening a very memorable one for the both of us, with the outstanding service she provided. Lauren's attentiveness to our every need was prompt, courteous and timed perfectly for a very special evening in our little ""Hideout"". I could not have asked for a more perfect evening. Bistro Romono as my girlfried put it to me, ""ROCKS"" . I have to say, I agree! Thank you for an Awesome evening Bistro Romono! Pros: Romantic more
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Great all-around dining experience 5/27/2007

Bistro Romano is a fabulous restaurant. The maitre d' was friendly and accommodating, the waitress was prompt and knowledgeable. The food was outstanding, and the serving sizes were nothing to be scoffed at. For appetizers we got the bruschetta and the artichoke hearts--both excellent. The wine list is extensive...it probably weighs about five pounds, no joke. The table next to us got the Ceasar salad, which the servers make right in front of you...we regretted not ordering it because it looked great. My boyfriend had a special, beef tenderloin--it was the kind of meat that just melts in your mouth. I had the Fettucini Romano, which was amazing. We both saved room for desert, and we were glad we did! I had the chocolate cream puffs (I'm salivating right now) and my boyfriend had a raspberry chocolate cake which was so rich and delicioius. This was one of the best dining experiences I've had. Make sure you dress somewhat nice; khakis and a polo for guys will do. It is moderately expensive, with entrees around $20, but you really get more than you pay for. Their menu is online, so check it out. Reservations are a must and you can make them online from their website. Parking in Society Hill is always a challenge, so keep your eyes peeled. The ambience is great...I love the staircase, the stone walls, the bar, everything! If you want to impress a girl and show her that you have some class, take her here! Pros: Ambience, value, food, service... Cons: Parking more
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Unforgettable!!! 5/23/2007

What a terrific place. I was visiting Philadelphia and booked a table with no previous recommendation and after speaking to someone at the restaurant and explained that I wanted a great place for conversation, with privacy and romantic ambience. The manager then spoke to me about the history of the restaurant and their philosophy of treating customers, especially for special occasions. The staff was attentive but not intrusive. It met all our expectations, the food, the atmosphere and it didn't hurt that the company I was with, was exceptional too. All those, in combination, made it a truly fantastic and unforgettable evening and I hope to repeat the experience there should we ever travel to the city together again! Pros: great atmosphere, great staff, the food selection and the great wine cellar Cons: a bit hard to find if you don't know the area more
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Tremendous! Can't wait to return to this great Italian Restaurant in Society Hill 4/25/2007

Bistro Romano does not disappoint. I met a friend at the bar the other evening and was surprised to find this unique marble looking bar, which I was told is from a luxury liner, with the rest of the lounge full of candles, vintage posters, a large wine cabinent which extends from floor to ceiling and walls lined with draperies. It was impressive. Plus, to my surprise, Happy Hour was underway which offerers heavily discounted drinks and complimetary food that you could easily satisfy your appetite. Even though we were a little full, we stayed for dinner. The dining room is located below street level and has stone walls and is lit by candles too. The ambience is so unique and the food was second to none. We had a grilled portobello mushroom stuffed with sausage and broccoli rabe and smoked mozzeralla for our appetizers. Next was the Caesar Salad, prepared tableside with the server explaining each step of the preparation which was really neat and informative. For entrees we chose the black lobster ravioli and a baked tilapia with gorgonzola cheese and spinach greens. We had a little to take home! We saved room for dessert and split the homemade cannoli. Our server was outstanding and her service was not intrusive. We can't wait to return. I highly recommend Bistro Romano. Don't miss this one! Pros: ambience, food, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for Wine List, service more
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Excellent Dinner, Great Service and Very Romantic Atmosphere 4/20/2007

Dined last night with my wife and I must say it was an excellent dinner. We started with the Caesar Salad which was made right at the table and it was outstanding. Then we shared the Lobster Ravioli as a pasta course...it was to die for. For entrees I had the Mahi Special which was tender and flavorful, my wife had the filet which she said riviled the steak houses. The Tira Misu completed an excellent dinner, nice coffee flavor and the smooth consistency, one of the best we've had anywhere. The service was cheerful and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere of this place is really very romantic, tables are candlelit. I saw a very neat private dining room for two in the front of the building...our server told us it was in the wine cellar and to call in advance to reserve it. It looked very special. Clearly one the best in Philly. Pros: Great Food, Attentive Service, Romantic Atmosphere more
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I've had better meals at airports 4/18/2007

I went to Bistro Romano recently and was disapointed. All of our food was over cooked. The salmon was dry and the clams linguini was chewy. For the price I expected much much better food. The service was good and the atmosphere was nice but that doesn't make up for not knowing when to say when with the fire. The dessert was good, I bet it was not made in house. more
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most romantic restaurant in philadelphia 3/28/2007

i love this restaurant. not only is the ambience amazing, but the food was wonderful. this was a delight for Valentine's day, or any romantic day. i would go back over and over to this place! Pros: EVERYTHING Cons: no more
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Oustanding Food and Perfect Service in the Very Romantic Wine Cellar 3/23/2007

The restaurant was recommended by a business associate as being very romantic and the perfect place for our anniversary dinner. And I must say that it was. I reserved the wine cellar several weeks prior to our anniversary. I did not realize until I arrived that the wine cellar is a private dining room with only one table; extremely romantic. The table was covered with fresh rose petals and the room lit by candles. The food was excellent. We ordered the portobello mushroom with broccoli rabe, sausage and parmesan cheese (a special of the evening), which was outstanding; next the Caesar salad for two prepared tableside by a friendly person, which was the best Caesar I've had anywhere; for entrees I had the lobster ravioli and my wife ordered veal rosini, both were outstanding; my lobster ravioli were very fresh and had chunks of lobster which was served in a sherry sauce. For dessert, we shared the cannoli, which I enjoyed and the ricotta filling was superior to any of the S. Philly bakeries and rivaled those in Little Italy, NY. We even received a complementary Italian liqueur called Lemoncello sent over by the manager in honor of our anniversary. Service was perfect; we were seated 5 minutes before our 8pm reservation. Definitely recommend and we will be back very soon. Pros: Outstanding Food; Excellent Caesar Salad Prepared Tableside; Great Service & Hospitality, Wine Cellar Private Dining Room more
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Decent, but disappointing after all the hype 3/21/2007

I was so excited to try this place for an anniversary dinner after reading such rave reviews of it, and I have to say, it wasn't bad but it definitely didn't live up to the hype. The atmosphere is really neat, between the bare brick walls, candlelight and plants. The service, however, was lackluster.....not bad, but just kind of aloofish. We had to wait 15 min to be seated, though we had a reservation that we arrived promptly for and there were open tables in view, and our waiter was pretty sluggish. After deferring ordering drinks initially because we wanted to check out the wine menu, it took him 20 min to come back and take our order for a bottle.....and even then we had to flag him down. The food was pretty good, though we found the table-side Caesar salad to be overwhelmingly garlicy. The pasta and dessert were very good however. Still, when you go to an expensive, romantic restaraunt like this, you expect the service to treat you like you're someone special, and here they acted like they didn't really care if you were there or not. There are other places in the city where the food is just as good, but you can pay much less for warmer, friendlier service. Pros: Neat atmosphere, mostly tasty food Cons: Standoffish service, pricey more
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great restaurant and a fun place to be! 2/21/2007

We love italian, so we decided to give this restaurant a try after all the great reviews we've read about it. more
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Outstanding Food and Excellent Service 2/7/2007

We ate at Bistro Romano last Saturday for the fourth or fifth time. As always we had the most delightful experience. Not only was the food outstanding but so was the service. Our server Emily was such a joy and took great care of us. She had many recommendations and led me to try the Lobster Ravioli and my wife the Bracciole Special, both of which were exceptional and cooked to perfection. We started with the Caesar Salad, which is prepared right at the table and is the Best anywhere. Emily also called the owner over to make a recommendation from the very extensive wine list. It looks like they have a couple of hundred selections. The owner, I think his name was Michael, recommended a 1999 St. Francis Reserve Merlot which was fabulous. I'm normally not a big Merlot fan, but he explained it as more of a masculine, full bodied, rich wine. Further, he told us that if we didn't care for it we could make another choice. But it really was superb, the best Merlot we've tasted. Pros: Outstanding Food and Service, Excellent Wine List, Superb Caesar Salad more
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Best Caesar Salad I've ever eaten 1/21/2007

After reading some of the other reviews and seeing that one person actually compared Bistro Romano to a ""mediocre chain"", I had to write a review! Their taste buds must be dead to think that the food is similar to what you would receive at an Olive Garden or Buca de Beppo's. Shame on you. Pros: Ambience, Service, Exceptional Food and Caesar Salad more
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Still best of the best, hands down 1/16/2007

My girlfriend and I visited Bistro Romano a few weekends ago and it continues to be the best of the best. Their tableside caesar salad is still incredible. We both had the surf and turf - lobster stuffed with crab, filet mignon w/spinach - best we've had in quite some time!! 10 out of 10 all the way around. For the few reviewers that complain about a lack of parking, there are two garages one block away (on Lombard between 2nd & 3rd - across from each other). You can't get any better than a romantic evening at Bistro Romano!! Pros: Everything Cons: Not a one more
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Great food and atmosphere - a New Year's Eve favorite! 1/2/2007

My boyfriend and I have spent the last 3 New Year's Eves in a row starting our night with dinner at Bistro Romano. Why do we come back? For starters, the food is amazing! It's a little pricey, but certainly worth the money. The wine list is good and the made-to-order caesar salad (made right at your table!) is literally the best I have ever had. We have dined in a group as well as just the two of us, and the atmosphere is accommodating for both scenarios. Upstairs is the bar (which sometimes has a piano player taking requests - fun!). Downstairs is the dining area. The space is small, but has a lot of character, with the exposed brick and dim lighting in the dining area giving a very romatic and cozy feel. The wait staff has always been friendly and on point when I was there. The best part about dining at Bistro Romano on New Year's Eve (besides the great food) is that the location is ideal to watch the midnight fireworks at Penn's Landing. You literally step out of the restaurant, walk half a block to the right, and you have front-row seats to the light show. I can honestly say that I have always had great meal, great service, and a great time at Bistro Romano, and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes good food, good wine, and a quaint atmosphere. Pros: Food, atmosphere Cons: A little pricey more
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Great Restaurant, Excellent Food, Superb Service, Perfect Atmosphere & The Best Ceasar Salad! 12/22/2006

We dined at Bistro Romano last evening and it was a perfect experience! The food was outstanding and the service excellent, my wife and I both raved how delicious the food was. The Caesar Salad, prepared at our table, was the best I?ve had anywhere. The Lobster Ravioli was exceptional, Filet Mignon outstanding, much better than the steak houses, and the Cannoli over the top. The server was helpful, courteous and prompt without being overbearing. The atmosphere was great ? very romantic, private, it reminds me of a restaurant in Florence. The wine list is very impressive, with a huge selection at a variety of prices to suit any taste and pocketbook. The owner, I think his name was Michael, came over to our table to make sure everything was to our taste, and we had a nice conversation with him about the wine list, Italy and some of his recipes. We can't wait to return for our next dinner. Our entire evening was truly an outstanding experience. Bistro Romano is now my favorite Italian restaurant. Pros: Great Caesar Salad, Outstanding Lobster Ravioli, Best Filet Mignon more
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Where I always bring guests, family 11/28/2006

Bistro Romano is a restaurant I always bring my family and friends when they're visiting from out of town. Everything I've eaten here has been wonderful, and the prices aren't too expensive either. The atmosphere is great - although I've never come to the dinner theater, I always sit downtstairs and it's so cozy and romantic. Bistro Romano is great for a quiet dinner with my husband, or a group dinner with 6 or 8 of my friends. Pros: Food, service, atmosphere Cons: make reservations just in case more
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Great service and food! 10/24/2006

The athmosphere is romantic and fun. Get there early to enjoy the piano player at the bar. We always look forward to their salad. The few times we went we never had a complaint or problem. This is truly one of the best in the city of Philadelphia. Make sure you make reservations to ensure your chance for great food. Pros: ambience, food selection Cons: must have a reservation more
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Menu for Bistro Romano


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Editorial

  • In Short
    Housed in an 18th century granary, Bistro Romano is a dramatic dining experience. The entrance opens to a bar with a copper wall fixture rescued from an old steamer ship. The...

  • 11/7/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Sun: 4pm-11pm
  • Neighborhoods: Center City East, Center City
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