This place is the real deal. Owner-chefs straight from Naples, white tablecloths, Mediterranean tiled walls, low-lit, vibrant art, bread with seasoned oil for the table, sturdy wine glasses....Angelina's might very well have been plucked straight from the Southern Italian coast and plopped in South Philly, and might very well be our new regular BYOB spot.
I would be remiss if I didn't first mention that this dinner was personally special in more ways than one, and that the staff here made us feel so extra welcome.
On a Saturday night, I was afraid there wouldn't be spots left, but I called at 4:30 (they actually don't open until 5) and was able to get a table for two at 6:30 that very night. Definitely call ahead, though, as the place is very small!
We toted a bottle each of red and white to pair with our meal. The menu is short and sweet, but still seasonally inspired, plus there's daily specials to boot. I opted for one of those specials as my appetizer (the mussels in a tomato broth, made to order how you like, so I of course sheepishly had to request no spiciness), then gnocchi with burrata, tomato & basil for my entree, and ricotta cheesecake as my dessert. Boyfriend got the burrata appetizer, Angelina's Veal Milanese, and chocolate hazelnut cake.
Everything from start to finish was fantastic. The mussels were plump and uber fresh, like we were dining on the Mediterranean, and the broth was so good it took everything in my power to not slurp it clean like soup. My gnocchi were pillowy, heavenly, in a not too heavy blush sauce, stick to your ribs, and in the perfect portion: everything an entree should be. That Veal Milanese, though, was the thing of dreams. The owner even told us "you're gonna love that, it's our best seller." And I can see why. A massive cut of beautifully breaded veal, pounded into thin, crispy, unctuous bites, topped with arugula and a sizeable wedge of lemon for squeezing. We boxed 1/4 of it for lunch the next day.
I'm already planning to knock out more items from the menu, and excited to see what seasonal summer foods are on the horizon!
Price is on par for the quality of food and service you receive here, plus that adorable ambiance where staff and patrons alike converse in Italian (kicking myself for quitting my Duolingo lessons.)
(Pro tip for wheelchair users: I would consider the flat doorway/entrance to be wheelchair accessible, but that may not be the case for wider chairs. If you're concerned, just call ahead and book an earlier reservation when there won't be crowds (the woman was very nice on the phone!) We did not personally see the bathroom to attest to the accessibility of that. The place is small, but mighty.) read more