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Braised Veal Ossobuco - Bistro Romano, Philadelphia, PA

Bistro Romano

4.8
4.8
5006 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 24 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Wine Spectator Award for our wine list! Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and the romantic underground wine cellar for two to four. Wine Cellar reservations book the Wine Cellar Experience on OpenTable. We are now celebrating our 36th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.

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Private dining

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 16:45–21:00
  • Phone number
    (215) 925-8880
  • Website
    http://www.bistroromano.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Catering
    Bistro Romano provides off-site catering & theme parties for 25 to 2500.
  • Private party facilities
    Bistro Romano can accommodate private parties of up to 125 people for a sit-down meal or 200 for a cocktail party in the 120 Room. Other rooms are available for smaller groups. Bistro Romano specializes in Business Meetings, Wedding Receptions, and Rehearsal Dinners.
  • Private party contact
    Michael or Joette Granato: (877) 925-1170
  • Location
    120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
  • Area
    Society Hill
  • Cross Street
    Between Front and 2nd
  • Parking details
    Parking at 215 Lombard Garage at 215 Lombard Street: Sunday-Thursday $15, Friday and Saturday $25.
  • Public transit
    Septa: 40 Bus, 57 Bus
  • Entertainment
    Piano Bar Friday & Saturday; Mystery Dinner Theater Friday & Saturday - Must call 215-238-1313 for Mystery Theatre tickets.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
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Experiences

  • Wine Cellar Experience

    US$125.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    The Bistro Romano Wine Cellar Experience is available Wednesday to Sunday at 5PM or 8PM for parties of two or four guests and includes: 5-Course Tasting Menu, curated exclusively by our executive chef, in our private cellar with candlelight, a rose petal-topped table, and limoncello after dinner drinks. $125 per guest + tax is prepaid when reserved. 20% gratuity is added to your guest check when you dine. Additional charges include beverages. Wine Cellar Experience is reserved for three hours. Any questions kindly call 215.925.8880 before reserving. The Experience is nonrefundable.

  • Valentine's Menu

    US$99.00 per person

    14 Feb 2025 - 15 Feb 2025
    Valentine's Menu TBA 5P - 10:30P last seating Rose Petal Topped Tables $99 per guest*, curated by Executive Chef Matt Buehler beverages, taxes, gratuities not included* a la carte menu not available

  • Valentine's Wine Cellar Experience 2025

    US$199.00 per person

    Prepaid

    14 Feb 2025 only
    Valentine's Wine Cellar Experience $199 per person The Bistro Romano Valentine's Wine cellar Experience is available at 5pm or 8pm for parties of two to four guests and includes the 5 Course Tasting Meny, curated exclusively by Executive Chef Matt Buehler, in our private cellar with candlelight, rose petal topped table, party favors, champagne toast and limoncello after dinner drinks. $199 per guest + tax is prepaid when reserved. 20% gratuity is added to your guest check when you dine. Additional charges include beverages that you select. Wine Cellar Experience is reserved for three hours. Any questions kindly call 215.925.8880 before reserving. The Experience is non-refundable. (taxes and fees may apply)

Menu

Antipasti

  • Caesar SaladUS$16.00

    house-made caesar dressing, pecorino romano, croutons

    • Mixed Greens SaladUS$17.00

      gorgonzola, chickpea, white balsamic

      • SalumeriaUS$21.00

        cured meats, cornichons, olives

        • MusselsUS$17.00

          'nduja, calabrian chili, fennel, tomato broth

          • CalamariUS$18.00

            cherry peppers, lemon aioli, marinara

            • BurrataUS$18.00

              peperonata, crispy prosciutto, vin cotto, basil

              • Whipped Sheep's Milk RicottaUS$15.00

                aged balsamic, rosemary, thyme, focaccia

                • Brussels Sprouts Cacio e PepeUS$17.00

                  prosciutto, pecorino, lemon-black pepper vinaigrette

                  Primi

                  house-made pastas

                  • GnocchiUS$29.00

                    truffle cream, prosciutto cotto

                    • Lobster RavioliUS$39.00

                      maine lobster, confit cherry tomato, sherry cream

                      • TortelliniUS$31.00

                        spinach, goat cheese and ricotta, artichoke, red pepper, cherry tomato, roasted garlic brodo

                        • Fettucine BologneseUS$29.00

                          smoked bacon, beef, veal, pork, tomato

                          • Black Pepper MacaroniUS$28.00

                            pancetta, sausage, pecorino cream, onion crumble

                            • Mafaldine PestoUS$33.00

                              blue crab, walnut basil pesto, lemon zest

                              • Linguine alle VongoleUS$28.00

                                littleneck clams, old bay breadcrumbs

                                • Seafood RisottoUS$42.00

                                  scallop, shrimp, blue crab, lemon oil, aleppo

                                  Secondi

                                  • Duck BreastUS$42.00

                                    fennel puree, rhubarb, pernod

                                    • Pan Roasted Pork ChopUS$39.00

                                      mashed sweet potato, broccoli, bacon, maple fig jus

                                      • Veal SaltimboccaUS$37.00

                                        fontina, prosciutto, plum tomatoes, sage, trebbiano wine, whipped potatoes

                                        • Braised Veal OssobucoUS$49.00

                                          polenta, broccoli rabe, wild rice gremolata

                                          • Roasted Lamb ChopsUS$42.00

                                            root vegetables, brussels sprouts, herb butter, bordelaise

                                            • BranzinoUS$38.00

                                              charred cucumber, haricot vert, radish, black garlic

                                              • New York Steak Pepe VerdeUS$45.00

                                                broccolini, brown butter mash, crispy onions, green peppercorn sauce

                                                • Rare
                                                • Medium Rare
                                                • Medium
                                                • Medium Well
                                                • Well Done

                                              • BrodettoUS$48.00

                                                lobster, shrimp, mussels, herb fregola, lobster saffron broth

                                                Contorni

                                                • Crispy PotatoesUS$13.00

                                                  italian feta, garlic aioli, tomato spice

                                                  • Butter Braised MushroomsUS$13.00

                                                    parmesan brodo, thyme

                                                    • Charred BroccoliUS$13.00

                                                      sunflower seed gremolata

                                                      • Whipped PotatoUS$13.00

                                                        roasted garlic, chives, sage

                                                        • Broccoli RabeUS$13.00

                                                          roasted garlic, chili flake

                                                          Chef's Tasting

                                                          Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the special instructions.

                                                          • 5 Course Tasting MenuUS$85.00

                                                            Chef's selection of five signature dishes. Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the special instructions.

                                                            Vegetarian

                                                            Vegan options available. Please inquire when placing order.

                                                            • Mixed Greens Salad (V)US$17.00

                                                              gorgonzola, chickpea, white balsamic

                                                              • Burrata (V)US$18.00

                                                                peperonata, vin cotto, basil

                                                                • Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta (V)US$15.00

                                                                  aged balsamic, rosemary, thyme, focaccia

                                                                  • Goat Cheese Dip (V)US$19.00

                                                                    spinach, toasted hazelnut, spiced honey, crostini

                                                                    • Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe (V)US$17.00

                                                                      pecorino, lemon-black pepper vinaigrette

                                                                      • Gnocchi (V)US$29.00

                                                                        black truffle cream

                                                                        • Mafaldine Pesto (V)US$33.00

                                                                          walnut basil pesto, toasted garlic, lemon zest

                                                                          • Wild Mushroom Risotto (V)US$27.00

                                                                            shiitake, baby portobello, reggiano, thyme

                                                                            • Whipped Potato (V)US$13.00

                                                                              roasted garlic, chive, sage

                                                                              • Broccoli Rabe (V)US$13.00

                                                                                roasted garlic, chili flake

                                                                                • Crispy Potatoes (V)US$13.00

                                                                                  italian feta, garlic aioli, tomato spice

                                                                                  • Roasted Cauliflower (V)US$13.00

                                                                                    caramelized onions, pistachio gremolata

                                                                                    Desserts

                                                                                    • TiramisuUS$13.00

                                                                                      espresso, coffee liqueur, mascarpone, cocoa

                                                                                      • Nutella Cannoli TrifleUS$13.00

                                                                                        sweet ricotta, chocolate chip, nutella

                                                                                        • Carrot CakeUS$13.00

                                                                                          walnut, cream cheese frosting

                                                                                          • Chocolate TorteUS$13.00

                                                                                            strawberry, chocolate crumble

                                                                                            • Chocolate Olive Oil CakeUS$13.00

                                                                                              whipped cream, strawberry

                                                                                              Kids Menu

                                                                                              • Kids' PastaUS$12.00

                                                                                                red sauce or buttered noodles

                                                                                                • Chicken FingersUS$8.00

                                                                                                  • French FriesUS$5.00

                                                                                                    Last updated: 29 September 2024

                                                                                                    What 5,006 people are saying

                                                                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                    Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                    4.8
                                                                                                    4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                    • 4.8Food
                                                                                                    • 4.8Service
                                                                                                    • 4.9Ambience
                                                                                                    • 4.6Value

                                                                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                    Loved For

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia County

                                                                                                      Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Best Ambience

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Great for fine wines

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Romantic

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

                                                                                                    Review summary

                                                                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                    Bistro Romano serves as a charming haven for Italian cuisine lovers in Philadelphia. Guests rave about its "romantic nooks" and "beautiful atmosphere," complemented by a live piano bar. Standout dishes like truffle gnocchi and Caesar salad delight patrons, while exceptional service from staff members like Sean and Rodrigo ensures an unforgettable dining experience.

                                                                                                    5,006 Reviews

                                                                                                    1. Esther

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined today

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano is one of my favorite restaurants. Love the food and the ambience!

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                                                                                                    2. Brina

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      If you’re looking for an elegant and cozy place this is it! It was dimly lit and very romantic . Opt for a booth if you need a little more room as the seating is close together. My fiancé and I enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious. We ordered the Caesar salad that had a very tasty dressing. The black pepper macaroni was so good! The portions were very generous. I also ordered the gnocchi and lamb chops . Everything had great flavor. It was so great to be here for our date night

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                                                                                                    3. Jack

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Atmosphere was very nice super romantic. Service was excellent, food was good but slightly overpriced but overall a very good restaurant.

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                                                                                                    4. AK

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      18 reviews

                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                      18 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                                      2. Food 3
                                                                                                      3. Service 3
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                      After reading all the high-rated reviews, we had higher expectations from the place. Circling around like most center city restaurants for parking took a moment, but we checked in on time and were seated pretty quickly. We were seated in a well-lit area against the wall. Despite being close to the kitchen, we were only offered water at the beginning of the dinner, no refills happened through the entire dinner. After talking our server for recommendations and listing out things I usually don't prefer, it came down to pork chops or lamb chops. I ordered the pork chops, and while it was well cooked and had a lot of flavor, I should have gone with the lamb chops because I didn't enjoy the sweetness at all. Also ordered the pesto which was alright. Portions were large, the meals are not cheap, so we had some leftovers. Probably not a returning place for us as it did not live up to the hype.

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                                                                                                    5. Ioannis

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Montreal

                                                                                                      7 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      7 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Excellent food and experience. The night we went there was live piano music, which added more to our experience. We highly recommend Bistro Romano

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                                                                                                    6. Stephen

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      390 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      390 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      The RICOTTA AGNOLOTTI with maitake mushroom & beef ragu was simply delicious.

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                                                                                                    7. Pat

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Great food and excellent service at bistro Romano, as usual. 

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                                                                                                    8. Thomas

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Western NC

                                                                                                      13 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      13 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano never disappoints! Still our favorite go-to place in the neighborhood.

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                                                                                                    9. Susan

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      21 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      21 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      We sat in the bar area for the $20 wine and pasta night. Perfectly cooked pasta creamy and accented with pancetta. We opted for a calamari and shrimp appetizer and chocolate olive oil cake with strawberries and whipped cream for dessert. Our server was exceptional. I have been to the special pasta nights several times and will continue to visit for them as well as their regular menu items.

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                                                                                                    10. Amanda

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      16 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      16 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on 12 January 2025

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      It's expensive but you do feel like it's great quality.

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                                                                                                    FAQs

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Bistro Romano also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 925-8880.

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano is rated 4.8 stars by 5006 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

                                                                                                    Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                    Make a booking

                                                                                                    2 people
                                                                                                    19:00
                                                                                                    Booked 24 times today
                                                                                                    Experiences are available.

                                                                                                    Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                    Google Map for Bistro Romano

                                                                                                    120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

                                                                                                    Dining areas

                                                                                                    Additional information

                                                                                                    • Cross Street
                                                                                                      Between Front and 2nd
                                                                                                    • Area
                                                                                                      Society Hill
                                                                                                    • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                      Dinner Wed–Sun 16:45–21:00
                                                                                                    • Price
                                                                                                      $30 and under
                                                                                                    • Cuisines
                                                                                                      Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
                                                                                                    • Dining style
                                                                                                      Casual Elegant
                                                                                                    • Dress code
                                                                                                      Business Casual
                                                                                                    • Parking details
                                                                                                      Parking at 215 Lombard Garage at 215 Lombard Street: Sunday-Thursday $15, Friday and Saturday $25.
                                                                                                    • Public transit
                                                                                                      Septa: 40 Bus, 57 Bus
                                                                                                    • Payment Options
                                                                                                      AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                    • Entertainment
                                                                                                      Piano Bar Friday & Saturday; Mystery Dinner Theater Friday & Saturday - Must call 215-238-1313 for Mystery Theatre tickets.
                                                                                                    • Additional
                                                                                                      Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
                                                                                                    • Website
                                                                                                      http://www.bistroromano.com/
                                                                                                    • Phone number
                                                                                                      (215) 925-8880
                                                                                                    • Catering
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano provides off-site catering & theme parties for 25 to 2500.
                                                                                                    • Private party facilities
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano can accommodate private parties of up to 125 people for a sit-down meal or 200 for a cocktail party in the 120 Room. Other rooms are available for smaller groups. Bistro Romano specializes in Business Meetings, Wedding Receptions, and Rehearsal Dinners.
                                                                                                    • Private party contact
                                                                                                      Michael or Joette Granato: (877) 925-1170
                                                                                                    Gift card

                                                                                                    Gift card

                                                                                                    Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

                                                                                                    Send a gift card
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