Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

4.7

1231 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 83 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 568-5600

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 8:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
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
Neighborhood
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, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

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Popular dishes

Arancini$11.90
Three Sicilian rice balls, veal & pork ragu peas, mozzarella, tomato
Carcioffi Fritti$11.90
Flash fried artichokes, fresh squeezed lemon
Melanzana Parmigiana$12.50
Eggplant, ricotta, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato sauce
Scamorza$12.50
Fire roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto
Cozze Tarantina$16.50
Mussels, tomato, garlic, pepperoncino
Fritto Misto$16.90
Semolina crusted calamari, shrimp, zucchini
Polipo$16.90
Citrus Grilled octopus
Torta Granchio$16.90
Italian crab cake infused with fresh herbs & mascarpone served with a small cucumber fresco & finished with a gastronomic roasted red pepper gelato

Insalata e Zuppa

Pasta e Fasoi$9.90
Tagliatelle pasta, borlotti bean vegetable soup
Casa$10.90
Endive, arugula, radicchio, lemon vinaigrette
Panzanella Verde$12.50
Greens, tomato, cucumber red onion fresh basil, crostini
Cesarina$12.50
Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing
Pera$14.90
Baby greens, pear, grapes, dried cherries, pine nuts, goat cheese, shallot vinaigrette
Insalata di Mare$16.90
Chilled seafood salad, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops

Pasta

Chitarra$17.90
Guitar pasta, tomato, Guanciale (Italian bacon), onion, pecorino
Paccheri Datterini Gialli$17.90
Jumbo rigatoni, yellow tomato, garlic, parmigiano
Gnocchi alla Bava$18.90
Hand rolled potato & ricotta, fontina cream, wild mushrooms
Tagliatelle alla Panna$18.90
Northern Italian cream sauce, speck, peas, parmigiano
Agnolotti$21.90
Torino style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, vegetables, butter/sage sauce gastronomic black and white truffle gelato
Carbonara$19.90
Spaghetti tossed with pecorino romano, cheese egg, Guanciale & cracked black pepper topped with a gastronomic Italian bacon gelato
Pappardelle al Ragu$22.90
Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb & chicken ragu
Sugo Della Domenica$24.90
Longo family Sunday sauce, slow cooked tomato sauce, wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage & lamb. Served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta

Carne

Cinghiale$12.90
Wild boar & long hot pepper meatballs, tomato sugo
Salsiccia Bolzanese$16.90
Grilled sweet & spicy Italian sausage served with homemade saurkraut & a spicy grain mustard gastronomic gelato
Arrosticini Biasini$19.90
Lamb-bacon skewers, gastronomic Italian long hot pepper gelato
Pollo Mattone$20.90
Free range 1/2 chicken, roasted under a terracotta brick, asparagus, potato
Braciole$24.90
Veal braciole, tagliatelle, tomato sugo
Vitello Saltimbocca$26.90
Veal, prosciutto, sage, white wine sauce, potato, asparagus

Pesce

Pescatrice Puttanesca$20.90
Fresh monk fish, tomato, garlic, olive, anchovy, capers, chittara pasta
Spaghetti Vongole$22.90
Fresh wild clams, EV olive oil, garlic, parsley
Canneloni di Pesce$23.90
Homemade pasta tubes filled w/ fresh shrimp, crab, branzino, scallops, ricotta, tomato-besciamella
Salmone in Placca$25.90
Fire grilled salmon, herb crust, on a cedar plank with asparagus & rosemary potato
Zuppa di Pesce$25.90
Clams, mussels, calamari, salmon monkfish, brothy tomato, tagliolini
Branzino$29.90
Fire roasted, EVOO, garlic, herbs, lemon, fennel & potato

Panini

Capri$10.90
Foccacia, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, pesto
Parma$10.90
Italian baguette, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano, arugula
Bologna$10.90
Italian baguette, mortadella, roast pepper
Abruzzo$10.90
Ventricina spicy salami, shaved pecorino on toasted casereccio bread

Verdura

Truffled Patatine Fritte$7.90
Thin cut fries tossed with parmigiano & truffle
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes$7.90
Funghi$7.90
garlic sautéed cremini & portobello mushrooms
Fire Grilled Asparagus$7.90
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe$9.90
Cauliflower Caponata$7.90
Tambo$10.90
Garlic & oil sauteed spicy longhots

Gelato

Gelato
Check daily flavors produced by Italian gelato champion Stefano Biasini
- Small$5.50
- Medium$6.90
- Large$8.90
- Pint$12.00

Desserts

Gran Panna Cotta$8.90
Espresso, Italian chocolate, sambuca hint
Tiramisu Classico$8.90
Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone
Tiramisu ai Frutti di Bosco$8.90
Lady fingers, wild berries, mascarpone
Cannolo con Ricotta di Pecora$6.90
Sicilian sheep ricotta, candied fruit
Crostata di Frutta$8.90
Baked tart, homemade custard, seasonal berries
Strawberry Zabaglione$8.90
Fresh strawberries, homemade zabaglalione crema
Gran Gala Creme Brulee$8.90
Budino di Pane$8.90
Brioche bread pudding, nutella, dark chocolate, banana, with fior di latte gelato
Ricotta Cheese Cake$8.90
served warm with fior di latte gelato
Mousse al Cioccolato$8.90
infused with Italian Fragolino (Italian wild strawberry)
Macedonia$8.90
Seasonal fruit salad

Caffe

Select one of 4 award winning artisanal blends. Each is selected and sortred in Italy and expertly roasted daily on premises

Napoli
A robust high caffeine southern Italian dark roast
L'Aquila
Our signature medium dark roast blend
Torino
Elegant Northern Italian medium roast blend
Roma Decaf
Sensual & complex medium dark roast blend
Espresso$2.99
Cappuccino$3.99
Espresso Doppio$3.99
Ice Cappuccino$3.99
Espresso Sambuca$6.90
Latte$4.25
Espresso Anisette$6.90
Cortado$3.60
Drip Coffee$2.89
Shakerato$5.50
Ice coffee$2.99
Cold Brew$3.60
Artisanal Teas$3.25
Ice Tea$3.25
Gran Box of Caffe!$26.90
96 fl. oz insulated box of any Gran Caffe L'Aquila coffee blend. Includes 8 to-go cups, cream, stirrers, assorted sugar packets
Cornetto Plain$3.75
Cornetto Almond$4.39
Cornetto Crema$4.39
Cornetto Nutella$4.39
Cornetto Salato$6.79
Girelle$3.99
Brioche$3.25
Bomboloni$3.50

Cocktails, Wine & Beer

Here are some highlights, Ask For our full cocktail, wine & beer list for extensive options!

Italian Cocktails

Aperol Spritz$11.90
Bellini$11.90
Negroni$12.90
Pompelmo Spritz$11.90
Americano$11.90
Gran Caffe Martini$12.90
Gran Gin Tonica$12.90
Hugo$11.90
Aperol Granita$12.99
Caffe Granita$12.99

Vino Italiano

Bianco

Pinot Grigio$10.90
Frascati$11.90
Gravina$13.90

Rose

Chiaretto$11.90

Rosso

Super Tuscan$14.50
Pinot Noir$11.50
Chianti Riserva$13.90
Aglianico$13.90
Barolo$19.90

Birra alla Spina (Draft)

Peroni$5.90
Menebrea$6.90
Lil Heaven IPA$6.90
Gran Gian Stout$6.90

What 1,231 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Philadelphia
Great for fine wines

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QL
Q8LBR8R
Philadelphia
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We continue to be amazed and spoiled at Gran Cafe! Once again on the private balcony known as the Romeo and Juliet table (201). Extra privacy, service and just a relaxing, joyful dining experience!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was outstanding. The food was great. Will go again.
J
Junito
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exquisite food and ambiance- 10 out of 10 would come again!
GO
GarethO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food,attentive service and not over the top noisy. Oh and good value for money
PW
PaulW
Philadelphia
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent service and delicious food. Quick lunch
A
Annie
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We felt like we were in Italy! Our afternoon event git canceled so we arrived late afternoon for a coffee and drink downstairs. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Loved the vibe. Then upstairs for a delightful dinner. Our waiter Marco was charming and helpful with wine choice suggestions. The fish soup was outstanding! Our first visit, but not our last.
SQ
SilverQueen
Philadelphia
674 reviews
vip
5.0
674 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite lunch is the pera salad. Server and hosts were very pleasant and helpful.
MF
2MeFamily
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Service was attentive and friendly.
JG
JeffreyG
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Buffalo Mozzarella Monkfish puttanesca Gelato Perfecto!
KF
KarenF
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
This Caffe is a hidden gem! Went here after the NFC Championship game on Sunday. A welcome dining experience after a long day at the game. We were seated upstairs which was a warm & charming area. Nice cozy bar, comfortable seating. Our server Marco was very accommodating! Cocktails/Wine/Appetizers/Entrees were delicious! The Gelato is outstanding! Will definitely go back again!
C
Catnmouse
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service are always top notch! Gentry, the bartender, is full of interesting Prohibition stories. It’s always a pleasant experience dining here!
L
Lakb
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience3
EXCELLENT! It was awesome to go for a dinner menu !
R
Raimundo
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best options in Philly for those who enjoy Italian food. I had a great experience with my friends during the restaurant week. I highly recommend this place.
JC
JustinC
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and service!
P
Persons
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience4
Small food proportions for the price. The food was also cold.
AM
AnnmarieM
Philadelphia
38 reviews
vip
4.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
First time there with plans to return. Lunch was delicious. Accommodated my Celiac disease with gluten free penne. Dario was our server. Attentive and knowledgeable. Made suggestions for our wine to pair with meal selections. A smoke alarm was being tested in the building so that was a little loud! Otherwise a perfect afternoon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Restaurant week. Service, food and wine were excellent.
K
Keepitreal
Philadelphia
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went there for restaurant week. Have been there before and will definitely go again. The food was fresh, delicious and served at the appropriate temperatures. Service was outstanding. Great place to eat.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for restaurant week and everything was delicious!
CW
CWest
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service.
P
Peggyd
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very authentic restaurants with roots in Italy. They know when to cook pasta al dente, as they do in Italy. They have a varied menu, with something to please everyone’s taste. And, be sure to taste their gelato - better than I’ve had anywhere else, including Italy!
RC
RedsCoverly
Philadelphia
37 reviews
vip
3.0
37 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
It was Restaurant Week and it was very busy. Service was poor and food was OK. This is not a reflection on the restaurant, normally the service is excellent as well as the food.
PC
PamelaC
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I keep returning to this unique Italian eatery! It is such a treat and a bargain for restaurant week. I feel as though I am Italy, and I enjoy introducing friends to this spot. Each course is wonderful, and the wines have always been just right. This lunch I started with the arancini, which are the best I have ever had. The order comes with 2, so don't fill up on the amazing crusty bread that comes out first. We also shared a light and crisp Pinot Grigio that was perfect with all courses. My entree was again the carbonara with the bacon gelato to melt into it. Such a delight! When you first hear the concept, you can't imagine, until you taste it and savor the creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness that is saved from a food coma by a snap awakening from sharp, coarse-ground pepper. I finished with the Gran Panna Cotta which was like a light coffee-flavored mousse and the perfect finish to my meal.
MT
M8ryT
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
The Food was delicious service was also good, however 2nd floor got cold by the bar when downstairs door is open.
KB
KayB
Philadelphia
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience2
It was our 1st time there. The place is very small and tight every corner from seating to walking down the narrow hallway to the rest rooms. The wait staffs and kitchen is along the narrow hallway so you have to wait for staff to get food out or dishes back in the kitchen area. The food was okay. I order monk fish which the fish itself no flavor not even a bit of salt seasoned into the monk fish. The monk fish purely rely in the flavor of think tomatoes sauce. I think they have additional seating upstairs. We were got seated across from the bar and they have shelves of wines which you can purchase and in front of the narrow restaurant where the hostess stand they have Gelato counter. Just lots going on for such a small space. Feel suffocated and stuffy. Our dinner seating was at 445pm. Don't know if we were to go during normal dinner rush would be like. Not going to go back there to find out for sure.
OK
OKTayTay
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time there! I loved the service and food. I went for Restaurant Week and do not regret a thing. I had the aracini, tagliatelle alla panna, and gelato. The second course was new to me, but reminded me of an alfredo with bacon bits, but it was speck (type of prosciutto). My favorite gelato flavors are coffee and stracciatella. As for the service, I felt welcomed and catered to the whole time. My glass was never empty, recommendations were given, and the pace of providing the dishes were perfect! I will be coming back again!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Delicious lunch all around. Didn’t realize it was restaurant week so lunch was 3 courses for $25. I had burrata, tagliatelli with cream sauce which was simple but scrumptious, and cannoli. Loved every bite. Yes, it was quite nippy outside in the heated tiny cabana on Chestnut St. More chill than heat, but wearing 3 layers of sweater/fleece/jacket made it ok.
DC
DavidaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere busy which was good for me!!
K
Krista
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food and service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Atlantic City
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Flawless. 🇮🇹
p
pastalover
Philadelphia
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great food and service, and a wonderful wine. The ambiance isn't "energetic", it's deafening. You can't hear the person across the table from you. It's the only bad quality of the evening.
KO
KathyO
Philadelphia
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, excellent wine, excellent service!
SA
SusanA
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistently exceptional quality food, extensive menu, great service!
P
Paul
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, service and overall everything. Highly recommend, never disappointed. Great value.
JP
JeannieP
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always , the food , atmosphere and quality of service is fabulous ! I’m a regular and it’s my favorite restaurant in Philly .
L
Lulu2304
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
DELICIOSO - Our first visit to Gran Caffe L' Aquilla was a Monday lunch during restaurant week. Arancini was tasty as was the buffalo & burrata mozzarella. We ordered a "baby Amarone" which I'd never heard of, and was perfect for our meal. The pollo al mattone was crisp and had a nice brown gravy with asapargus spears and 2 steak fries. The chittara was cooked to perfection and very satisfying. Homemade gelato (the origin of this Italian gem) was the best we've had since our visit to Italy. Special thanks to our waiter "Bobby" who was very attentive despite the crowd and provided a brief history of the restaurant origin. Extensive wine menu was impressive. A "must" for foodies with takeaway option and supplies to cook at home. Grazie mille!
T
Teachmath
Philadelphia
28 reviews
4.0
28 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Good tasting Italian food and coffee. Served fresh. Best gelato
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never a bad experience here. Food was amazing and they were able to make the restaurant week options vegetarian for me. Loved!
g
gemini2
Philadelphia
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Food not up to past experiences. Pasta cold, even after sending back. Noise level unbearable. Service by Marco outstanding.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing date night. Staff and restaurant were top notch.

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
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant using the Order Online button. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 568-5600.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 1231 OpenTable diners.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.