Braised Veal Ossobuco - Bistro Romano, Philadelphia, PA

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Bistro Romano

4.8

4328 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

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 35th year! Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 750 wine selections, including 20 by the glass.

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 925-8880
Website
http://www.bistroromano.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Andrew Kedziora
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
Neighborhood
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, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

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Experiences

Valentine's Chef Tasting Menu
$99.00 per person
Jan 3 - Feb 15, 2023
VALENTINE'S CHEF'S TASTING MENU February 14, 2023 | $99 per guest Reservations 5p - 10:30p; allow 2.5 hours for dining https://www.bistroromano.com/menus/
Valentine's Wine Cellar Experience
$150.00 per person
Prepaid
Jan 4 - Feb 15, 2023
Experience the Private Wine Cellar Table on Valentine's Day. Chef's 5 Course Tasting Menu. www.bistroromano.com/menus
Wine Cellar Experience
$100.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Description

Salumeria$19.00
cured meats, cornichons, olives
Focaccia e Formaggi$17.00
house made rosemary and olive focaccia, burrata di latte, whipped gorgonzola, sun dried tomato pesto, evoo
Caesar Salad$15.00
award-winning, romaine, pecorino, house-made caesar dressing, croutons
Shaved Apple and Baby Kale Salad$16.00
watermelon radish, aged pecorino, toasted almonds, preserved lemon vinaigrette
Baked Goat Cheese$16.00
toasted hazelnuts, hot honey, crostini
Mussels$15.00
'nduja, calabrian chili, fennel, tomato broth
Grilled Octopus$19.00
warm fingerling potatoes, nduja vinaigrette, shaved celery salad, salmoriglio
Calamari$15.00
semolina dusted, cherry peppers, lemon aioli, marinara
Crispy Shrimp$20.00
peroni batter, marinated butter bean salad, lemon and herbs

Primi

Black Pepper Macaroni$25.00
pancetta, sausage, pecorino cream, onion crumble
Honeynut Squash Agnolotti$29.00
pancetta, brown butter, sage, pecorino
Goat Cheese Caramelle$28.00
baby kale, sunchokes, lemon butter, basil
Gnocchi$27.00
white, black truffle cream, prosciutto cotto
Garganelli$29.00
short rib, garlic, mushroom, sharp provolone, basil, crispy bread crumb
Lobster Ravioli$36.00
maine lobster, confit cherry tomato, tomato sherry cream
Fettucine Bolognese$26.00
smoked bacon, beef, veal, pork, tomato, parmesan
Seafood Risotto$39.00
scallops, rock shrimp, crab meat, lemon oil

Secondi

Braised Veal Ossobuco$37.00
soft polenta, broccoli rabe, wild rice gremolata
Rack of Lamb$39.00
herb fregola, roasted parsnip, toasted pine nuts
Chicken alla Mattone$29.00
boneless crispy-skin half chicken, fingerling potatoes, braised kale, calabrian chile agrodolce
Veal Saltimbocca$34.00
fontina cheese, prosciutto di parma, plum tomatoes sage, trebbiano wine, whipped potatoes
Caramelized Pork Chop$32.00
bacon, brussels sprouts, parsnip, maple-bourbon fig sauce
Grilled Swordfish$42.00
jumbo lump crab meat, rock shrimp, spinach, radish, lemon butter, chili oil
Sliced Grilled NY Strip$39.00
broccolini, fingerling potatoes, bacon, onion puree, beef jus
Brodetto$39.00
lobster, mussels, calamari, shrimp, fish, herb fregola, lobster saffron broth

Contorni

Duck Fat Potatoes$11.00
taleggio cream, sage
Roasted Carrots$11.00
ricotta, honey, mixed spiced nuts
Brussels Sprouts$11.00
fried, spicy salami calabrese vinaigrette
Roasted Cauliflower$11.00
bagna cauda, lemon, parmesan
Whipped Potato$11.00
roasted garlic, chive, sage

Chef's Tasting

Chef's Tasting | 5 Courses
Chef's selection of 5 signature dishes
- Entire Table Participation$75.00

What 4,328 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
4.8Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
Best Ambiance
Philadelphia
Best Overall
Philadelphia
Best Food
Philadelphia
Best Ambiance
Philadelphia
Best Value
Philadelphia
Romantic
Philadelphia
Italian

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Filters

FS
FrontStreet
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
Haven’t been here in over 10 years. The food was good and the service was fantastic. Our servers name was Hannah and she did a great job. Checked on us enough but not too much and was very knowledgeable about the menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent and the restaurant week was great value!
PM
PatrickM
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great experience for my family and extended family at Bistro Romano. Sean is an outstanding bartender and makes the best Old Fashioned in the city. The Carrot Cake is the best I’ve ever had. My niece raved about the Gnocchi and my nephews can’t wait to go back with their wives. I’m looking forward to my next visit.
RK
RyanK
Phoenix
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall excellence!
JP
JandP
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant week menu was amazing as was the superb service. Will definitely come back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
You must try the wine cellar experience. Worth every penny and so romantic 🥰.
FB
FeliciaB
Cincinnati
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our food was delicious but our server made the evening special. She recommended several dishes and was so accommodating to our needs. Such a gem.
KF
KyleF
Louisville
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome experience as always. Restaurant week menu was incredible.
SG
SeanG
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service! Great food and a lovely atmosphere!
EM
EmiliaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We sat at the bar before our reservation. The bartender was great & drinks were amazing! Then we went downstairs to our table. Little tight there but great atmosphere & food was delicious. Management very professional & helpful.
MD
MaeDee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurant with a thoughtfully crafted vegan/vegetarian menu. Unfortunately, it is not included during restaurant week if you were interested in visiting. I highly recommend the brussels sprouts.
YA
YotamA
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience in a “cellar” like atmosphere. Food was delicious and beautifully presented. Would go again
L
Lizzy
Philadelphia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely ambiance, excellent food, stellar service
d
drbreen
Philadelphia
59 reviews
vip
4.0
59 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
First time back after 3 years. Seated at the bar waiting for our table. Sean was an excellent host and our cocktails were perfect. Finally, we were escorted down stairs to a very private table for 2. After pondering the menu for restaurant week, we decided to experience the chef tasting. We were not disappointed. 5 courses. We were stuffed. The only suggestion would be to have another protein, perhaps a fish dish instead of back to back pastas. Also, the sauce with the gnocchi was a little too much. Lighter would have been better. The pairings on Michael's list were superb and Marisa added a special touch. We will be back. Do you validate?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the restaurant, the food , the service , everything was perfect, or server was amazing, very attentive, food delicious from appetizers to dessert, will recommend n defetnely will go back !!
SP
SahilP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, excellent service as always. Been going here every year for an anniversary
JK
JeffKathy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of coolest places in the entire city. Secret little gem.
G
Girlfriends
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious, server attentive and nice atmosphere
EL
ELArce
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food here was absolutely delicious, everything we chose tasted so good! Our server was also amazing and you can't beat the ambiance. It is expensive, so not an everyday place for me but I will be coming back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love love love this place!!! Never disappoints.
JY
JamesY
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
1.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience2
I have dined at Bistro Romano many times. It was always a pleasant experience, and I like the content. Things are different there today. The food was fair at best. That’s the best thing I can report. Don’t know what happened there but it’s not pleasant anymore. Regrets
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great from the staff to the meal. Thank you!
TV
TiffanyV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner/service was great & will definitely be back!
DB
DougB
Philadelphia
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant overall. Excellent food, super service. Will be back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
10/10. Some of the best bites of food you’ll ever have. I dream about the gnocchi. Service is impeccable. Wine selection is next to none. If you’ve never been here your missing out on some of the best food you’ll ever have.
T
Tatar
Philadelphia
276 reviews
vip
5.0
276 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I had both of the chef's weekly specials the RIBOLLITA SOUP and SEARED DAYBOAT SCALLOPS. The soup was delicious and perfect for the cold day when I was there. Very hardy and rich broth with a nice blend of winter vegetables. The scallops were sweet and cooked perfectly, with a nice seer on the outside. The butternut squash was a delicious touch, and the staff chose the perfect wine to pair with both dishes.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was exceptional. Service was even better! Our waitress was amazing fun and attentive. The space was cozy, crowded but intimate still. Great experience all around!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
I have been a diner at Bistro Romano for years and while I still love going for the romantic ambience and the great food, I hate to say but I miss the table side ceaser salad. Desert sizes appeared smaller and our server was not as in the ball as usual. Also… no bread basket at the table? Kind of a bummer since it used to be so good. Hoping chef will bring back some of the hits from the old menu!
L
Leebo
Atlanta
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was excellent. Atmosphere is interesting. I like the location. Easy to get in and out. Reasonably priced
R
Reny
New York Area
372 reviews
vip
5.0
372 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our first time here! The Caesar Salad was wonderful. We found the mussels succulent, but a little too spicy for us- so be ware. The Swordfish was Spectacular- moist and marvelous! The veal was delicious!!! The carrot cake was the perfect ending to our experience!!!
BW
BlairW
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An experience at Bistro Romano is incredible in every aspect. the staff, food and environment are there to make you feel special.
AW
AWFoodie
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered the chef special. Absolutely amazing. Ate until we couldn't anymore. I will certainly be back.
J
Jerry
New York Area
42 reviews
vip
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had not been there in 20 years because of moving out of the area. Well tonight we returned and had a great meal. The halibut was delicious and my husband had the veal and he raved about it. I think the sauces were great on each dish. Large wine list. Service was over the top from the time we arrive and throughout the evening. Will definitely come back.
JR
JohnR
Philadelphia
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Long standing old Italiano spot in old city. Ambience in the cellar second to none. Food was perfecto, gnocchi and ny strip second to none. Service was outstanding and overall atmosphere is a must dine. One of my favorite spots in philly. 4.5 easily
CR
ChristineR
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Took a chance with the Chef’s five course menu. Each dish was delicious! It was a great way to try things we would t necessarily have ordered. Also opted for the Michael’s wine flight. Again, did not disappoint. Service was great and the pace of dishes perfect. Will definitely go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service and food. Can’t wait to go again!
DB
DianneB
Philadelphia
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely restaurant! We sat in the lounge so we could enjoy the piano player. We shared a few appetizers and everything was delicious, especially the mussels! We would definitely return!
SB
SteveB
Ottawa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Wish their was some bread served with the meal - other than that is was delicious
T
Tatar
Philadelphia
276 reviews
vip
5.0
276 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I had the RACK OF LAMB with herb fregola, roasted parsnips, and toasted pine nuts. The chef cooked it to the perfect temperature and the bar staff picked me out the perfect wine to pair with the lamb. Excellent. Thank you all for the great experience.
S
Speedy
Washington DC
56 reviews
vip
4.0
56 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Quaint, warm establishment with a wonderful ambiance. Excellent pasta and veal dishes. Tasty sauces and a splendid, impressive Italian wine list. Our only complaint and oddity was the lack of bread. No bread available. Our waiter told us so, emphasizing that there was only a focaccia appetizer with cheese that could be ordered. But no table bread. No white bread. No normal bread. Hard to understand. Never been to an Italian restaurant in the USA or Italy that did not have bread. The waiter did bring us 3 pieces of focaccia under a napkin, saying that he was sneaking this for us and told us not to say anything. More than a bit odd.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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 4328 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.