Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.8

2272 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

17 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 49 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Charming

For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600

Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.
2nd Floor Reservations are for Lunch & Dinner service only.
Dessert service may be provided on our first level anytime.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian
Hours of Operation
Breakfast Daily 08:00–11:00 Lunch Daily 11:00–16:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–23:00
Phone number
(215) 568-5600
Website
http://www.grancaffelaquila.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Catering
Half Tray Platters available for our entire menu. Each half tray serves 4-6 guests. <br /> <br />Specialty catering orders may be requested! Visit grancaffelaquila.com or call the restaurant and ask to speak to a manager.
Private party facilities
Allow us to host your next event. Our expertly trained staff will provide a dynamic dining experience for you and your guests - Birthdays, Anniversary, Rehearsal Dinner, Family Reunion, Office Gatherings, you name it and we host it! Private sit down events available from 8-85 guests,Private stand up events available from 40 to 150 guests.

Location
1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5132
Area
Center City
Cross Street
In between 17th and 18th Street on Chestnut
Parking details
Parking garages located on 17th street after Market before Chestnut,On Sansom Street between 17th & 18th.Valet Available through Sofitel Hotel.Limited metered street parking available.
Public transit
Stop for the #42, #21, and #9 located at 18th street, and 17th street. Stop for the #2 bus at 17th and Chestnut
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

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

Send a gift card

Experiences

Week 11 -Aosta. Valle D'Aosta -March 17-23, 2025
17 Mar 2025 - 23 Mar 2025
This week, culinary director Riccardo Longo invites you on his travels to a historic region full of fine fare and wines. Discover some of the best food & wines that Aosta in Valle D'Aosta has to offer, you won't want to miss this menu! Reserve now while space remains!
Week 12-Genova, Liguria March 24-30, 2025
24 Mar 2025 - 30 Mar 2025
This week, Riccardo Longo invites you on his travels through the Italian peninsula to travel north to the birth of the pesto sauce, Genova, Liguria! Enjoy local specialties such as the Trofie al Pesto, & the Tomaxelle - slow cooked & stuffed veal medallions, braised for hours in tomato sauce! This plus the local wines of the region!! Reserve now!!
Week 13- Trieste, Friuli (March 31-April 6)
31 Mar 2025 - 6 Apr 2025
Join Riccardo Longo in his travels through Italy as we visit a different city each week featuring their bar, wine & cuisine. This week we travel to Friuli to try their famous Liptauer, Lamb, - plus much more!! Including the wines of the region! Book now!

Popular dishes

AranciniUS$14.50
Three Sicilian rice balls, veal & pork ragu peas, mozzarella, tomato
Carciofi FrittiUS$14.50
Flash fried artichokes, fresh squeezed lemon
ScamorzaUS$13.90
Fire roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto
Melanzana ParmigianaUS$15.50
Eggplant, ricotta, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato sauce
Cozze TarantinaUS$17.90
Mussels, tomato, garlic, pepperoncino
Fritto MistoUS$18.90
Semolina crusted calamari, shrimp, zucchini
PolipoUS$18.90
Citrus Grilled Puglian octopus
Torta GranchioUS$19.90
Italian crab cake infused with fresh herbs & mascarpone served with a small cucumber fresco & finished with a gastronomic roasted red pepper

Insalata e Zuppa

Virtù AbruzzeseUS$11.90
Iconic soup of Abruzzo featuring 7 vegetables, 7 legumes, & 7 pastas with accents of pancetta & aromatic herbs
CasaUS$11.90
Endive, arugula, radicchio, lemon vinaigrette
Panzanella TropeanaUS$13.90
Greens, tomato, cucumber Tropea onion, red onion, fresh basil, crostini
CesarinaUS$14.50
Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing
PeraUS$15.90
Baby greens, pear, grapes, dried cherries, pine nuts, goat cheese, shallot vinaigrette
Insalata di MareUS$18.90
Chilled seafood salad, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops

Pasta

ChitarraUS$19.90
Guitar pasta, tomato, Guanciale (Italian bacon), onion, pecorino
Paccheri Datterini GialliUS$20.90
Jumbo rigatoni, yellow tomato, garlic, parmigiano
Gnocchi alla BavaUS$21.90
Hand rolled potato & ricotta, fontina cream, wild mushrooms
Tagliatelle alla PannaUS$22.50
Northern Italian cream sauce, speck, peas, parmigiano
CarbonaraUS$24.50
Spaghetti tossed with pecorino romano, cheese egg, Guanciale & cracked black pepper topped with a gastronomic Italian bacon gelato
AgnolottiUS$25.50
Torino style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, & vegetables. Butter sage sauce topped with our gastronomic black and white truffle gelato
Pappardelle al RaguUS$26.90
Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb & chicken ragu
Sugo Della DomenicaUS$27.90
Longo family Sunday sauce, slow cooked tomato sauce, wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage & lamb. Served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta

Carne

CinghialeUS$15.90
Wild boar & long hot pepper meatballs, tomato sugo
Salsiccia BolzaneseUS$17.90
Grilled sweet & spicy Italian sausage served with homemade sauerkraut & a spicy grain mustard gastronomic gelato
Arrosticini BiasiniUS$21.90
Lamb-bacon skewers, gastronomic Italian long hot pepper gelato
Pollo MattoneUS$23.90
Free range 1/2 chicken, roasted under a terracotta brick, asparagus, potato
BracioleUS$29.90
Veal braciola, tagliatelle, tomato sugo
Vitello SaltimboccaUS$30.90
Veal, prosciutto, sage, white wine sauce, potato, asparagus

Pesce

Spaghetti VongoleUS$25.90
Fresh wild clams, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley
Pescatrice PuttanescaUS$25.90
Fresh monk fish, tomato, garlic, olive, anchovy, capers, chitarra pasta
Cannelloni di PesceUS$25.90
Homemade pasta tubes filled w/ fresh shrimp, crab, baranzino, scallops, ricotta, tomato-besciamella
Salmone in PlaccaUS$29.90
Fire grilled salmon, herb crust,on a cedar plank with asparagus & rosemary potatoes
Zuppa di PesceUS$28.90
Clams, mussels, calamari, salmon monkfish, broth tomato, tagliolini
BranzinoUS$33.90
Fire roasted, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon, fennel

Panini

CapriUS$10.90
Focaccia, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, pesto
ParmaUS$10.90
Italian baguette, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano, arugula
BolognaUS$10.90
Italian baguette, Mortadella, roast pepper
AbruzzoUS$10.90
Ventricina spicy salami, shaved pecorino on toasted casereccio bread

Verdura

Cauliflower CaponataUS$8.90
Rosemary Roasted PotatoesUS$8.90
FunghiUS$8.90
garlic sautéed cremini & portobello mushrooms
Fire Grilled AsparagusUS$8.90
Roasted Sweet PeppersUS$8.90
Truffled Patatine FritteUS$8.90
Thin cut fries tossed with parmigiano & truffle
Sauteed Broccoli RabeUS$12.50
TamboUS$10.90
Garlic & oil sauteed spicy longhots

Gelato

SmallUS$6.60
MediumUS$7.90
LargeUS$9.90
PintUS$12.90

Desserts

Cannolo con Ricotta di PecoraUS$7.50
Sicilian sheep ricotta, candied fruit
Gran Gala Creme BruleeUS$8.90
Gran Panna CottaUS$8.90
Espresso, Italian chocolate, sambuca hint
Strawberry ZabaglioneUS$8.90
Fresh strawberries, homemade zabaglione crema
Crostata di FruttaUS$8.90
Baked tart, homemade custard, seasonal berries
Tiramisu ai Frutti di BoscoUS$9.70
Lady fingers, wild berries, mascarpone
Tiramisu ClassicoUS$9.70
Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone
Budino di PaneUS$9.70
Brioche bread pudding, nutella, dark chocolate, banana, with fior di latte gelato
Ricotta Cheese CakeUS$9.70
infused with amarena cherries & served warm with fior di latte gelato
Mousse al CioccolatoUS$9.50
infused with Italian Fragolino (wild strawberry)
MacedoniaUS$9.50
Seasonal fruit salad

Caffe

EspressoUS$3.35
Espresso DoppioUS$4.60
Espresso SambucaUS$6.90
Espresso AnisetteUS$6.90
CappuccinoUS$4.29
Iced CappuccinoUS$4.59
LatteUS$4.79
CortadoUS$3.99
Drip CoffeeUS$3.35
Iced CoffeeUS$3.79
Artisanal TeasUS$3.99
Artisanal Italian Hot ChocolateUS$6.99
Cornetto PlainUS$3.75
Cornetto AlmondUS$4.39
Cornetto CremaUS$4.39
Cornetto NutellaUS$4.39
Cornetto SalatoUS$6.79
GirelleUS$3.99
BomboloniUS$3.50

Bevande

Phony NegroniUS$7.50
LimonataUS$3.99
AranciataUS$3.99
ChinottoUS$3.99
Aranciata RossaUS$3.99
BergottoUS$3.99
Fresh Squeezed OJUS$5.90

What 2,272 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
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia County
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Philadelphia
Great for fine wines
Philadelphia
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Gran Caffe L'Aquila in Philadelphia offers an "authentic Italian experience" with "outstanding" food and "superb" gelato. Guests rave about the "wonderful" atmosphere and "attentive" service. The regional Italian menu and extensive wine selection enhance the dining experience, making it a "favorite" spot for locals and visitors alike.

2,271 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia1 review
3.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We’ve had great experiences in the past, but the food was off this evening (Saturday before St Pattys Day?). The gnocchi, which is typically out of this world, was mushier than usual, and the plank grilled salmon was very disappointing—really over cooked to be too dry. The cheese board was good (particularly the parmagiano) and the peach-mango gelato was excellent. The experience wasn’t up to their normal standard but not enough to write off the restaurant altogether.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary Beth VIP
New York City86 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We shared a great northern Italian cheese plate. We both enjoyed wonderful fresh pasta for our main course.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia8 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
All around very good. Would return and recommend.
Is this helpful?
C
Calvin
Philadelphia61 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We have been to this restaurant many times, and it never disappoints. The service is outstanding, the ambiance is lovely, and the food is superb. If you're in town, don't miss it!
Is this helpful?
AK
AbeK
Philadelphia14 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As always, my experience at Gran Caffe was wonderful. The staff are all welcoming and delightful, and the food is exquisite, and I always leave satisfied. I cannot recommend this place enough; best Italian food I’ve ever had!
Is this helpful?
A
Arthur
Philadelphia8 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I just cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our visit to Gran Caffe L'Aquila on Wednesday, March 12. First of all, our special table was ready for us when we arrived, and, of course, we had their best waiter, Mimmo, who was just wonderful in terms of his service and personality. Both the veal dish and pasta with a delicious white cream sauce went way beyond our expectations. The meal was topped off with an out of this world rich Italian hot chocolate that I have not discovered anywhere else in the city. All of the staff is just so attentive and gracious and we are just counting the days until our next visit.
Is this helpful?
A
A S VIP
Greater Boston60 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The four of use LOVED our dinner here. We've eaten here over the past 2 years and are always blown away by the quality and deliciousness of their food. Really the best Italian food in Philly. The Torta Granchio was luscious with its crab cake served with a fresh marscapone sauce and a dob of roasted red pepper gelato - divine. Carbonara is the best we've ever had. Always leave room for their fabulous Tiramisu Classico. Out of this world. Can't wait to return.
Is this helpful?
V
Vincent VIP
Philadelphia23 reviews
5.0
Dined on 8 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding, as usual. The menu was from Bolzano this week. Every couple weeks the feature region changes.
Is this helpful?
K
Katherine
Kansas City7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Our server, Bobby was so engaging and entertaining. We enjoyed his suggestions immensely!!
Is this helpful?
R
Rick VIP
Philadelphia33 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was Great 👍Food and Service was Fabulous
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 568-5600.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant is rated 4.8 stars by 2272 OpenTable diners.