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La Famiglia Ristorante, Philadelphia, PA

La Famiglia Ristorante

4.5
4.5
1969 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
The Sena family tradition of culinary excellence dates back to early 1947 when Carlo “Papa” Sena began to cook in postwar Naples. The family carried this experience across the Atlantic and opened La Famiglia in 1976 in the shell of a Colonial tea warehouse. Today, La Famiglia stands as the finest Italian restaurant in Philadelphia and a major landmark on the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Steak, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 922-2803
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Gino Sena
  • Private party facilities
    La Famiglia can accommodate large parties of 10 or more. Please contact the restaurant for further information.
  • Private party contact
    Manager: (215) 922-2803
  • Neighborhood
    Old City
  • Cross street
    Front and Market street
  • Parking details
    Parking meters in front of the restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine

What 1,969 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Great for fine wines

  • Philadelphia

    Romantic

  • Philadelphia

    Good for special occasions

1,969 Reviews
  1. EileenB

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Couldn't have had a better experience. The staff and food were outstanding.

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  2. sjhwheels

    Philadelphia

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Another great evening and meal with La Famiglia! You cannot beat the service and food anywhere. Top it off with a world class wine bible and you cannot go wrong.

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  3. FredR

    Charlotte

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    My meal was awesome. The staff was very personable and helpful.

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  4. Maria

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall2Food2Service3Ambience2
    I wouldn’t have minded the dated faux-fancy decor if the food had been great, but unfortunately the food matched the decor- the chicken involtini was dry and the sauce was exceedingly salty, as was the pesto with the salmon. Two of the pasta plates were barely warm. The arugula salad was nice with balanced dressing, the eggplant appetizer also pleasant. For the price ($75/pp), we expected much better than the overall diner-level execution we experienced.

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  5. ScottD

    Orlando

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Service and food were excellent! Will be going back for sure. 

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  6. DanielleB

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We had a party of 10 and were put in the basement wine cellar and it was so fun and private. We weren’t expecting it. The food and service was incredible. We can’t wait to go back!

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  7. Anjelica

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    Overall1Food1Service2Ambience3
    This is not an authentic Italian restaurant. Service was mediocre. Food was awful. Do not come here.

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  8. NellM

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    It’s my go-to place for special occasions. Also one of the few restaurants that have a quiet ambiance.

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  9. Vernose

    Philadelphia

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    This is by far the Premier, Italian restaurant in Philadelphia and perhaps in the Northeast owner host. Giuseppe Sena is a wonderful people person always makes you feel welcome and at home his nephew, the chef is creative, innovative and food is always spot on. Never had a bad meal there ever been going there for the past 40 years if they don’t miss when you come to Philadelphia.

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  10. BRHor

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Everything was amazing! Will definitely be back! It was our first time, but it won’t be our last.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    Overall2Food1Service5Ambience5
    Heard good things but the food was just very poor. I don’t know if we went on a bad night…Undercooked pasta, light/watery tomato sauce. Incredibly small pieces of shrimp. We ordered a wide array of appetizers, and all of them were unimpressive. Top notch service and atmosphere, but the food being as poor as it was completely overshadowed the whole experience.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Our meals were excellent. The service was perfect. Highly recommend.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience3
    This was the closest fresh pasta I’ve had to the real thing in Italy. The food was fantastic, highly recommend.

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  14. Tony

    Philadelphia

    140 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    140 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We always have a great experience at La Famiglia. The staff is professional, helpful and care about the customer experience. If you have not dined at this establishment you are missing out. Make a reservation now. Food is perfection every time. We had our rehearsal dinner here and bring back the wedding party with us whenever possible on our Anniversary. We will be back.

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  15. MelindaH

    Baltimore

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Ordered the grilled octopus appetizer, was tender and flavorful . The veal chop special with Madeira sauce was absolutely fabulous. The veal was tender and perfectly cooked. The service was wondful. Highly recommend this lovely restaurant.

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  16. RyanS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Fantastic dining experience! Thank you La Famiglia!

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  17. STEPHEN

    Philadelphia

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    It's old school and familiar, and that is a good thing. Service and food were outstanding as ever (note we were there on a weeknight.) It's not cheap, and the portions are small enough to consider 3 courses, but they live up to their reputation. The wine "list" (more like a phone book) is great too.

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  18. Iluvfood2

    Philadelphia

    77 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We celebrated our first anniversary here 24 years ago & loved it! Over the years we have been here several times, because the food is always excellent. The servers are all very attentive, but never intrusive. This was our 24th anniversary dinner & my husband chose La Famiglia again! We had a beautiful meal & enjoyed our experience here once again!

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  19. DavidS

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    I love this place. The food is excellent. The service is friendly.

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  20. Pawriter

    New York Area

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    If you seek an excellent restaurant with equally good service and a wine list, you've just found it. Ate there last night and all four in my party thoroughly enjoyed their entrees. The service is continental--proper, courteous, without being hovering. Highly recommended!

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  21. PhilS

    Poconos

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Wow, first time and it was one of my best meals ever. we eat out often and like fine dining. This was top shelf. Thank you.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Always a great meal. I have not been there in some time but it was just as good. Outstanding place for evening out!!

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  23. BarbaraM

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    The eggplant appetizer was unbelievable and we loved our entries of Pollo Involtini and the pasta with broccoli rabe pesto. We will be back soon/!!

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  24. AnthonyA

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great food and nice ambience with a super attentive staff and owner who frequently checked on our experience. . The grilled octopus and seafood pasta was amazing! Can’t wait to try other items on the menu on my next visit

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  25. JohnC

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience3
    Overall, La Famiglia is a good place to visit for a good meal and we will be going back soon. Pros: The peach / cheese and tagliolini / seafood appetizers were both excellent; The bread served before the meal was warm with just the right amount of soft inside and crusty outside. The brushetta served before the meal was some of the best I've had. The penne / prosciutto and Filet entree's were just the right mix of al dente pasta and tasty, medium rare, meats; And the lemonciello dessert cake was to die for! And while one of the reviews I saw thought the 'bible' size wine list was a reason to give this place a bad review, we appreciate good wines and were very impressed with the sheer 'size' of the wine list. Cons: The room volume level was unexpectedly just a bit on the louder side; we kind of prefer one or two servers, and on this occasion, we couldn't keep track of who was actually responsible for our table; That probably contributed to service being just a tad bit on the slower side (i came here many years ago and the server literally wouldn't let my glass get half empty before refilling it, so the bar was set high from that previous experience; unfortunately, that didn't happen on this occasion); The Filet, while done to a wonderful medium rare and quite flavorful, came across with a slight hint that the meat might have been previously frozen and thawed and not actually full on fresh. It's worth noting, though, that NONE of the cons here are convincing enough, in our opinion, to prevent anyone from coming to La Famiglia. It was a wonderful meal and we'd certainly recommend it to others.

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  26. ColbyG

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Staff was warm, attentive & professional. The food was presented beautifully. Enjoyable evening.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Everybody should have the experience of La Famigilia!!!!

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience3
    Food was excellant. Service was good but not up to the level it was last time we were there. Pasta dish that was to b served with dinner, we had to ask for it a few times.

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  29. TimP

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    lovely dinner in a charming, traditional atmosphere. We loved everything about this place. The staff could not be more attentive and the food was out of this world.

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  30. peanut

    Atlantic City

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant in old city. Food and service are first rate.

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  31. outandabout

    Philadelphia

    333 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    333 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    Overall3Food3Service4Ambience4
    I have been going to La famiglia for years especially during restaurant week and found it disappointing this time. I had the veal saltimbocca. I suspect there was a batch of it prepared ahead of time so they didn't have to take time to cook it. I told the restaurant about it they didn't seem to have much of an answer

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  32. Phillygourmand

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
    Very old school! We’ll dressed wait staff, attentive; great atmosphere.

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  33. Clifto

    Philadelphia

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience5
    First visit to the self-proclaimed "Best Italian Restaurant in Philly", but we were NOT impressed. Disclaimer: we went during "restaurant week" to save money but this was a big mistake. The menu of the "2 course with desert" deal was very restricted and the portions were very small (almost French style). I actually left the restaurant still hungry! What we ate was very tasty however. Service was impeccable and ambience was very nice. Perhaps another negative about Restaurant Week was the clientele. We observed fellow diners wearing jeans, shorts, and even t-shirts, which I found disrespectful. The wine list must have been curtailed because it was miniscule compared to rhe website and didn't even list the brand names, so it appeared that only "house wines" are being offered. I did give the Martini a grade A with proper cocktail olives without pimentos. The wife doesn't want to go back, but I wipimento. to retry with the "full menu" treatment.

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  34. JosephM

    Atlantic City

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    First time at this establishment. Great old school Italian ambience. Food and service were excellent. Will definitely return.

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  35. Loretta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Excellent!! Would recommend your restaurant!!service is the top food delicious!!

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  36. Melody

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    The food was excellent and the service was wonderful. Everyone was welcoming with a warm smile. The setting was truly authentic and comforting. I was not celebrating a special occasion, however, everyone treated me as if I were special. The oyster appetizer was the best I've ever had and the array of desserts were exquisite. Finally, I met very friendly people from other countries. I highly recommend this restaurant to all. Dr. Mel

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  37. AnneMarie47

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Our dinner last night was exceptional: the food was delicious and the wine was reasonably priced and excellent. What a beautiful atmosphere in which to enjoy a great meal with terrific service. We celebrated our friend's birthday and she was quietly presented with a candle in the dessert and a rendition of Happy Birthday.

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  38. Chanel

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    Overall2Food2Service3Ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant that used to be one of the best Italian restaurants. No longer. We went for restaurant week dinner, something we’ve done in the past. Menu choices looked fine, but the food, when it arrived was dry and overcooked. When asked by our waiter what we thought of our meal, I told him candidly that we were disappointed…although the oyster appetizer was very good. The service was okay, but honestly, La Famiglia was supposed to be among the best for fine dining. Restaurant week should have been their moment to shine.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great service and very good food. Had the beets salad and the veal. Enjoyed the trip of small desserts too

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  40. Dinnergroup

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2023

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Dinner was absolutely delicious and the service was attentive and professional!

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FAQs

La Famiglia Ristorante is rated 4.5 stars by 1969 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

11:00 PM


Booked 10 times today
Google Map for La Famiglia Ristorante

8 South Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Front and Market street
  • Neighborhood
    Old City
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Steak, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Parking meters in front of the restaurant.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Gino Sena
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wine
  • Phone number
    (215) 922-2803
  • Private party facilities
    La Famiglia can accommodate large parties of 10 or more. Please contact the restaurant for further information.
  • Private party contact
    Manager: (215) 922-2803
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