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Braised Veal Ossobuco - Bistro Romano, Philadelphia, PA

Bistro Romano

4.8
4.8
4978 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 33 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
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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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 Wine Cellar Experience

    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 4,978 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 offers a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere with "amazing service" and "delicious food." Guests rave about its romantic ambiance, extensive wine list, and attentive staff. The wine cellar experience and Chef's Tasting Menu are highlights. Ideal for special occasions, this Society Hill gem is a must-visit for fine Italian dining.

                                                                                                    4,978 Reviews

                                                                                                    1. Wendy

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      23 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      23 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 4 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                      The food was amazing. Definitely recommend the focaccia with whipped ricotta

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                                                                                                    2. Jeff

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      4 reviews

                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                      4 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                      Always a good place. Service and food always consistent.

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                                                                                                    3. sandro

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      New York City

                                                                                                      15 reviews

                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                      15 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                                      2. Food 3
                                                                                                      3. Service 3
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                      Nice ambience. Some dishes were tasty, like their baked pastas, while others just okay.

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                                                                                                    4. Laurie

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      4 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      4 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Beautiful atmosphere , great food , good portions , happy staff

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                                                                                                    5. Stephen

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      388 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      388 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on 24 December 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      I had a very delicious night before Christmas meal and a wonderful time. Thank you all so much.

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                                                                                                    6. Walter

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      9 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      9 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on 24 December 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Had Christmas Eve feast of 7 fishes. Wonderful. Service impeccable. Bistro Romano is one of our favorite restaurants for date nights, and their Bistro Bites wine tastings are a great bargain! We go to so many restaurants, and when we re-visit Bistro, we are reminded why we love it so much.

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                                                                                                    7. Bob

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      11 reviews

                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                      11 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on 24 December 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                                      2. Food 2
                                                                                                      3. Service 3
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano is a very beautiful cool spot. We went for Christmas Eve and had the seven fish seafood menu. Beautiful table downstairs, lots of antiques and obvious history. Unfortunately, the food was a major letdown. Fried calamari was beyond basic. The kind you’d get on the boardwalk. My spaghetti with shrimp was un edible. The pasta was four minutes from being al dente. I could not chew it. The shrimp were laced with garlic powder. My wife disgustingly gave it back to me after reading my plate. The monk fish had no real taste. The sauce was cold while the fish was warm I might give it another try but not for a long time.

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                                                                                                    8. Lauren

                                                                                                      VIP

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      11 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      11 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on 24 December 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      We went on Christmas Eve for drinks at the bar with friends and then a 5 course prix fixe dinner for 2. Both experiences were fabulous. Quality bartender and the table service team was top notch: professionally urgent, menu advice, flexible to small adjustments, on top of clearing and packaging to go, no time holes in waiting for food or drinks, EXCELLENT FOOD. I am embarrassed I lived in Philly for 21 years before coming here. I have been missing out. Will definitely be back.

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                                                                                                    9. Devon

                                                                                                      Philadelphia

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      4.0

                                                                                                      1 review

                                                                                                      Dined on 23 December 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      An amazing experience, one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to maybe the most. I felt like the reception in the front was a little slow and lack a little sense of urgency, even though they were still fine and great. I had the best server I ever had ever that night and the food was more than amazing with beautiful Ambience and privacy. I would recommend anybody to come here. 

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                                                                                                    10. John

                                                                                                      New York City

                                                                                                      5 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      5 reviews

                                                                                                      Dined on 23 December 2024

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Most enchanting restaurant with many eclectics steamer ship artifacts. Food was amazing and staff was very attentive. Will be back many times with additional friends.

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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 4978 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 33 times today
                                                                                                    Experiences are available.

                                                                                                    Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                    Google Map for Bistro Romano

                                                                                                    120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

                                                                                                    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

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                                                                                                    Send a gift card
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