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Hours
Sun
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Mon
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tue
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wed
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thu
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Italian, Cafe
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
features
Menu
Salumi
Served with olives, greens, & crostini
Prosciutto di Parma
$13.70
Mortadella Bologna
$13.70
Ventricina Abruzzese Spicy Salami
$13.70
Speck Alto Adige
$13.70
Bresaola
$13.70
Salumi Misti
Tasting of Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella, Ventricina & Bresaola with Parmigiano Reggiano gastronomic gelato
$16.90
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
The first U.S. Caffè from an award winning cast of Gelato artisans and coffee artisans Stefano Biasini & Michele Morelli. Come early mornings for espresso & gelato made in house. Come back for lunch to explore an extensive food and wine menu in Rittenhouse Square.
CUISINES
Italian, Cafe
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.5
825 reviews
Excellent
603
Very good
151
Average
50
Poor
13
Terrible
8
Ian14_11
Welwyn Garden City195 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I chose here after reading several reviews, and I was not disappointed. My server was Levan, and he was fantastic. He helped me with the menu, portion sizes and so on, and then suggested wine. I wanted mussels to start, but in white wine sauce rather than the tomato sauce on the menu, and he made it happen. Even before eating I was pleased!
The mussels were fantastic, beautifully cleaned, plump and sweet. They brought a small fork, which I pointed out to Levan was was not really necessary, but a spoon for the sauce would be better! He took it in good spirit and duly brought a spoon. I followed the mussels with a salmon fillet served on a slice of wood which I have not had before but is apparently an Italian classic (who knew). Washed down with a couple of glasses of a delicious Frascate.
The food is good, and the service was excellent. It is not cheap, but not outrageous either;fairly priced for the quality, and I will surely return on my next trip to Philly. I strongly suggest you try it.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob M
New York City18 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We had a really lovely experience at the Gran Caffe L'Aquila. We enjoyed the great menu and the helpful and informative staff and service. The food maintained the Italian traditions of the Seven Fishes and was topped off with some of their sublime gelato and washed down with some good wine. What more could one ask for. The place was very busy as it would be expected on an occasion like this so the service was probably more leisurely than it might be on another day but that gave us more time to enjoy the meal. We would definitely return.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David-Kevin B
Washington DC408 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
The City Center's Chestnut Street, like the downtown areas of many other cities, experiences constant change and re-invention. One of the most welcomed additions is Gran Caffe L'Aquila, a stunning cafe with delicious pastries, coffee and flawless customer service. What lured us in were the beautiful holiday decorations outside; what held our attentions and kept us returning was the exquisite attention to details, ranging from the interior to the taste and presentation of the food, to the superior coffee and most importantly, the service.
We ordered the iced vanilla cappuccino, a beverage so delicate it was like drinking silk; for dessert, the panna cotta infused with lavender and topped with fresh berries. The couple next to us, clearly over the moon with their pasta, looked over, admired our contentment and ordered the panna cotta for their dessert, too.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunnyDays
Paris153 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Got off to a bad start. Had a reservation. Showed up on time only to see hostess escort people without reservation first. Reserved for dining room but got put in upstairs cafe area. The place is a cafe not a restaurant. It is okay for a sandwich and gelato but I was looking forward to an ice birthday dinner with attentive service. The service was horrid. Person kept disappearing only to confront us to order while we were still looking at menu. For was okay. Gelato excellent but the rest just okay.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadyArcher
Croydon82 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I was in town for an event and wanted to plan a late dinner with local family members. This was not our first choice but because we could not get reservations at the other establishments, we decided to try this place (first clue). We ate upstairs in their dining area instead of the cafe downstairs. A long flight of steps, if you have walking issues you may want to remain on the lower level (street level). We were quickly seated and our server was prompt to bring our drinks. We ordered two appetizers. The Fritto Misto was cooked perfectly and consisted of calamari, shrimp, and zucchini but mainly calamari. The other appetizer was the Arancini. I was a little disappointed with the portion size. The taste was average but I should caveat that by saying I make them myself at home. Our group's main meals were again average. There was not one main meal in the group that we would come back for. The highlight of the evening was definitely the gelato. Overall, I would say the service was good, the food was average, portion size on the small side and the gelato a must to try.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joeF_10
Media337 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
Finally, restaurant week was restarted in Philadelphia and we decided to give this restaurant a try....we were very glad we made this decision. We ordered off the fixed price restaurant week menu and there were plenty of good selections to chose....from appetizer, to first course, second course and dessert. I will list some of our favorites....carcioffi, buffalo mozzarella, arancini, gnocchi and monk fish. The restaurant has a large gelato menu and we both ordered from it and were delighted with the quality.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casey W
Seattle20 contributions
May 2023 • business
If you want great Italian food, service and gelato, you need to come here. We had a larger group dinner and the service was spectacular. Our server took the time to tell the history of the restaurant and make food and drink recommendations. All of our dishes arrived at the same time and were lovely. Many people ordered off their special menu and were not disappointed. The appetizers are not to be missed, including burrata and parmesan gelato on the charcuterie board. Save room for their excellent gelato. One scoop or two, you won’t be sad. The coffee is also great. There is an Italian market on the first floor with pasta and other Italian foods at good prices. Make a stop here for sure.
Written May 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shootingstarbeauty
Lancaster306 contributions
May 2022 • family
We took our gelato to go since there wasn’t any outdoor seating. (Tip: Nice park across the street!) My kids had excellent salted caramel and milk chocolate gelato. I ordered the Desire gelato, which tasted like cherry flavored Tylenol. This is a flavor I regularly get when I eat gelato, so I was disappointed. How we, I’d go back again and order what my kids had!
Written May 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lmk1126
276 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
our kids went to college in Philly so we have been going there for over 10 years to visit and dine with them for over 10 years. This place is in the heart of Center City and gets 4 stars on every level.. service, menu variety, fabulous food.. and an extensive wine list with the most affordable wine ever! There are just not enough superlatives to say about this gem!
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa D
Covington86 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Awesome and Authentic Italian!
Loved visiting this cafe. We enjoyed some fantastically brewed Italian coffee and then ordered bruschetta and a cheese plate for lunch. I especially enjoyed being able to converse with the staff in Italian.
The cafe also sells wine by the bottle and lots of imported items from various regions of Italy.
If you want an authentic Italian experience in downtown Philadelphia this is the place!
Written April 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo-Ann C
Philadelphia5 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
I've lived in Philly for over 10 years and never heard of or noticed Gran Caffe L'Aquilo on Chestnut St.
Just had lunch there and it was absolutely perfect in every way: authentic cuisine: wonderful varied menu; smart, kind and helpful servers and fantastic food. Upstairs intimate, cool and comfortable. I will return, best secret in Philadelphia. Don't tell anyone!
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dbenton2018
Newtown Square7 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
The burrata was the best i have ever tasted, while the calamari was cooked perfectly with the shrimp and zucchini. The gnocchi was excellent and all portion sizes were more than sufficient. The dessert of five sample spoons of gelato was a wonderful end of the meal. Each gelato had superb flavors. The servers were also excellent, friendly, courteous and timed the meal perfectly. We were not rushed at any point of the meal. Truly a very memorable experience and would recommend to all, to dine at this outstanding restaurant.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew T
290 contributions
Sep 2023 • family
Went for dinner. Very good service. Nice inside decor. If the weather was nice, would’ve sat outside, which would’ve been enjoyable. The only offputting part was the fact that the servers kept correcting you on the correct pronunciation of words. Understandable but after a while, it gets a little annoying when you’re not doing it intentionally. My food ratings below.
Nduja bruchetta (7.5)
Tagliatelle alla panna (9.2)
Parpadella al Ragu (8.5), good noodles and red sauce
Carbonara (4.2), very dry and not a ton of flavor
Gelatos we sampled
Bacio (8.1)
Salted carmel (9.6)
Desire (7.1)
Kindiero (6.4)
Vanilla (9.0)
Amaretto (9.3)
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emilyfbug
Wilmington8 contributions
May 2024 • family
wow wow wow. 5 stars. 10 out of 10. 100% delicious. after months of deliberation i chose this restaurant for my mother’s day dinner/one nice meal while on vacation. in the end it was between here and the dandelion and i couldn’t be happier with my choice. before i get to the food i want to start by saying how amazing the service was. tina was our server and she was one of the best parts of the whole experience! very attentive but not bothersome. she was kind, helpful, quick and very easy to talk to! i’m so glad we were sat in her section!! thank you tina for being the best waitress we’ve had in a very long time! she even put my gelato (INCREDIBLE BTW) in a cup of ice so i could bring it back to the hotel as i was so stuffed from dinner i couldn’t take another bite at the restaurant. the food was absolutely phenomenal. i had the gnocchi and i made my husband get the half chicken cooked under a brick so i could try that, too! i say this jokingly because after nearly memorizing the menu, i knew exactly what my husband would have chosen if i had given him a chance to peruse the menu. which i didn’t hehe i was too excited to wait any longer! they also accommodated my daughter who is almost 2 by making her a plate of spaghetti with butter. we all loved our meals! best gnocchi i’ve ever had. my husband’s chicken and vegetables (and even the bread) was just as good the next morning when we ate it cold out of the hotel mini fridge before heading to the airport. next time i’m in philly i will absolutely be back!!
Written May 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer E
Philadelphia20 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
During the summer, my girls and I always stop by Gran Caffe L’Aquila for their gelato. Their gelato is so delicious, to say the least. I love their lemon and berry gelato, as a mix … it’s just so refreshing on a hot summer day!
This time my girls and I visited Gran Caffe L’Aquila for lunch to celebrate my youngest graduating from high school.
Whenever my girls and I dine, the goal is to have a nice experience by sampling from each other’s plates.
For our drinks, the girls each ordered a latte - one hot and the other iced. And, I ordered their Margarita Calabrese.
For our appetizers, we ordered their burrata mozzarella with the tomato basil caprese and we also ordered the bruschetta with the roast pepper capanata.
For our entrees, we ordered their gnocchi allá bava, salmone in placca, and canneloni di pesce.
The bread came complimentary with our meal.
Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection and not to mention, satisfied our appetites. We loved the bruschetta, the olives and the toast, chef’s kiss! My youngest daughter enjoyed her salmon and my oldest daughter enjoyed the gnocchi so much that she wanted to save some for later … The canneloni was a favorite of our server and instantly became mine after the first bite, it was just too yummy!
For dessert, we ordered a couple of gelatos, which never disappoints.
The ambiance of the restaurant is nice on the 2nd level - I would say the noise level is mid, you can hear each other talking. Very nice vibe!
My girls and I would definitely dine here again and I would also dine here solo, if I ever find myself in search of a nice Italian restaurant.
Written June 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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