Just a lovely atmosphere, food was great, and they were very generous with us while we celebrated a special graduation. read more

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This restaurant is a true Italian jewel in Philadelphia. If you want to enjoy really good, authentic Italian food, this is the place to go. Every time we dine here, we thoroughly enjoy the experience. Today was especially memorable because we had the pleasure of meeting Kaitlyn Harrah and Greg Dinisio. It was wonderful to see how much they genuinely care about their customers and their satisfaction. Everything we have tried has been delicious, and I can highly recommend the dishes they serve. The quality of the food, the atmosphere, and the attention to their guests make this restaurant very special. It is wonderful to have such an authentic and excellent Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. Highly recommended! Thank you to the entire team for another wonderful experience. read more

Such an amazing restaurant and the food was so good, didn't have one bad thing! The staff were friendly and very attentive! Would go back again. read more

My boyfriend surprised me with a last minute invite to brunch in rittenhouse, but he hadn't actually made a reservation. He directed our uber to Parc. So we got to Parc with no reservation on a Sunday around 10:30 and well duh, there's a 40 minute wait. I've never been to Parc for the same reason I've never been to Paris, or London. Not because I haven't traveled, I have. I just haven't been to those places because no one has invited me and I wouldn't go somewhere so obvious on my own time and dime-- there are so many more unique and lesser-known destinations to explore in the world. So we gave our name and number and decided to to take a walk and maybe the table would open up or maybe we'd find another place to go. We walked past the other place right next door and my boyfriend said oh they look pretty empty right now, wanna go there instead? And I said "hmm, maybe...but what about that place across the street? [gesturing catty-corner to Botromini] I've been wanting to try it." So we did. And we couldn't have had a better experience. The vibe and ambiance were wonderful. The host was able to seat us without a reservation right away- huge dining room with booths, tables, bar seating- didn't matter that it was peak brunch hour on a Sunday they had space and no one felt crammed. The GM came up after our meal to check on us and seemed to be earnestly grateful for our choosing to dine with them. I ordered a pistachio latte which was delightful, and my boyfriend ordered a Harvey Wallbanger. The server knew on the spot what goes in that classic but under-requested cocktail, and even asked for his choice of vodka. Now the food: I spotted a bambolini on the menu- little fried brioche donut holes served with blackberry sauce and I ordered us a plate of those as a starter. This was the right move!! For our mains my partner got a ham and cheese omelette which they served with the confidence that it was everything you could possibly need for breakfast- and it didn't disappoint. No sides of potatoes or toast, just a perfectly fluffy, perfectly rolled omelette, kissed with béchamel sauce on top and gentle capers on the inside to complement the ham and cheese. I ordered a chicken Milanese panini which was served with a salad. I don't usually order a chicken cutlet sandwich but something about it was calling to me. The bread was tall and served seeded, not pressed. The chicken was delicately breaded (not too thick and also not falling off when you'd take a bite of it!) and the herbed greens on the salad were in a different dressing than the side salad which was a thoughtful choice. The side salad was full of the fun curly and bitter greens (my favorite!) and dressed in a bright vinaigrette that allowed the natural flavors of those greens to shine. I can't wait to come back here for a happy hour or pasta dinner- there were so many delicious looking things coming out to tables around us. The spritzes were served in especially large glasses, I will need to go back before it gets too much colder to enjoy my last aperol spritz of the summer. I can't remember if the space Borromini built out used to be the Barnes & Noble or the Barney's Co-Op, but while we waited for our food, I watched an elderly couple seated at a booth enjoying their meal. When they finished, the wife clutched a takeout bag that looked like it could have come from a high end department store (amazing design!) and the smile on their faces as they walked out looked like it might as well have! read more

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The atmosphere is warm, elegant, and lively--the kind of place that feels suited to both a special occasion and a long, indulgent dinner. Our waiter, Lucca, gave us an excellent Barolo recommendation that was a perfect match for the meal. We started with the arancini, which were solid and nicely crisp, but the real highlight was the polpette: easily some of the best meatballs I've had anywhere. The texture was perfect--tender and flavorful without being heavy--and the sauce and grated cheese brought everything together beautifully. The pastas were equally strong. The pappardelle was terrific: wide ribbons, a rich savory sauce, and exactly the kind of comforting dish you hope for at an Italian restaurant. The orecchiette with lamb ragù was also excellent, with hearty, deeply seasoned sauce clinging to every piece of pasta. We finished with tiramisu, which was very good--creamy, balanced, and a satisfying end to an excellent meal. Great food, a beautiful room, and thoughtful service. I'd happily return. read more

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Staff is very attentive, service is great and we loved the atmosphere. We arrived about 10 minutes early, staff promptly brought us to our table. Drink orders were taken, we had time to look over the menu before we orders. We did not feel rushed. Everything arrived properly prepared. I personally love the Starr Restaurants. My family and I were at Parc this past Saturday. Again, staff was professional and food was great. We will definitely be back. read more

While the food was very good, I have major issues at the bar. I sat at the bar waiting for my friend. There no clean spots available, so I just stood by some stools waiting for it to be cleaned. There were four staff members... none of them acknowledged I was there. Not even a, "I'll be with you," so after a few minutes it got awkward for me as I felt like I was just loitering between two other couples. I get it, it's busy, but I had thoughr that some form of acknowledgement was considered pretty standard and decent. The worst part was when he took the empty glasses, he did not wipe the counter and started setting up for me and asking what I would like.. so I was low-key repulsed. Realistically I am sure it is fine, but as someone who was part of a food service industry for greater part of my adolescent to young adult life... this is a gigantic no no. This isn't some fast-food joint... I found this to be so unprofessional and to be a reflection of their food hygiene. I was about to say something, but I didn't want them diluting the drink and/or spitting in my carpaccio. There was also a blatantly drunk Penn State fan there harassing every patron that had sat directly next to him on both sides, but these bartenders still kept serving him. He was so loud with his unsufferable mindless prattling and burrowing himself into other guests' personal conversations. There are people there clearly on dates sitting at the bar waiting for their table. Unfortunately this set the tone for the rest of my evening here. I am not going to waste my time with boring details about the food, but that bar experience with not sanitizing was a big enough turn-off for me to not go back. I thought Borromini advertised themselves as an upscale establishment, not some glorified pub. Good food is a dime a dozen in Philly. The rest of the team was great. read more

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I feel like everyone has been bagging on Borromini. Is the price vs. portion ratio a little higher than I would want? Yes, but you're dining at a place that is well thought out and decorated. It is also located on the square - so yea, it's in a pretty prime spot. Borromini is a large restaurant with two floors and two bars! Service was stupendous. We received a warm welcome from the hostesses & our waitress was tentative, prompt, and super kind. Ordered a few things to try for our first time: 1. Yellowfin Tuna Crudo - amazing, I love a tuna crudo and this one hit the spot with the citrus. 2. Caprese - Presentation was kind of lacking in my opinion. Its burrata in the middle of the plate with a few slides cut of tomato that just kind of feel poorly thought out/random. Flavors are there though! 3. Charred Octopus - Octopus were a perfectly cooked texture and the chickpea puree was a nice touch of additional flavor. 4. Carbonara - I love guanciale and they provide a decent amount with the pasta. Flavoring is perfect. 5. Veal Parmigiana alla Vodka - This is a large dish that I think is shareable. I love a good Vodka sauce and Borromini chef's did an excellent job with this one. 6. Bread Service - honestly don't even bother wasting your appetite and calories on this. It just felt like a bland piece of bread that serves no purpose. I did not have enough room for dessert, but will definitely want to try something next time and order less! read more

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Stopped by Borromini for a lovely Sunday brunch! We LOVED the pistachio latte (really yummy hot) and the omelet was a really nice and light way to start the day. We also had the chance to taste the cinnamon roll -- definitely worth grabbing one to share with the table, it was HUGE! :) Was nice to stop by when the restaurant wasn't super busy, there were tons of free tables inside and outside. read more

Borromini - Spring omelet - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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To begin, the lighting is reddish yellow.. I understand that the impression is to transport you out of Philly but all that did on a sunny day was confuse my perception of colors. Came here for a work lunch, the food was good. I don't know if I'd come back here for a dinner with just two people. Many of the dishes were just okay, making the overall experience positive but not so great that I'm enthusiastic to return. Fun one time experience. Waitresses were attentive and aware, water was never empty. read more

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Food, ambiance and service were all 5 star. The mezzaluna pasta with corn and chanterelles was over the top as was the cavatappi. Salads (both Caesar and garden) were delicious. The cannoli was very small but tasty. Service was excellent, including getting my cell phone charged! We will be back again! read more

We made last minute reservations here and I was a little disappointed. The good: the bread and the service were great. Our server was so knowledgeable and kind. She knew everything about the menu and suggested things specifically for our gluten free friend. Alana made us feel comfortable and was very attentive. She even gave us champagne for our friend who got engaged which was top notch service. My dinner was unfortunately not my favorite. The pasta was lacking in flavor and guanciale was burnt and too crispy to eat. I was disappointed because the entrees are a little pricey as well so I expected more from the food. Maybe it was just my pick but I don't know if I'll be returning anytime soon read more

Borromini - Amatriciana - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

On my first visit, I was impressed. I hate dining alone but on a recent work trip to Philly, it could not be avoided. I was staying in the area of Rittenhouse Square and tired of Uber eats takeout alone in a hotel room. Something Italianesque sounded good and this was close by. They were willing to take a reservation for a single party on a prime time weeknight. It fronts the north end of the park and has an outdoor sitting area in nice weather that would be awesome for an alfresco people watching experience. The outdoor area is first come first serve. They were spot on time with my reservation and accommodated me nicely at a two top in an area where I was able to check out the entire dining room and not feel like I was the center of attention while pathetically, dining alone. There is a well stocked, full service bar, and a reasonable, but interesting wine list leaning towards Italian varietals. There were several selections on there that did not break the bank, but also a few if you are wearing your highroller pants. I started with a perfectly executed and ice cold Negroni. This is one of my favorite nice weather cocktails, and you would be hard pressed to find one that is more solid than the one that was made for me here. This is an easy drink to make, but I am surprised at how often people screw this one up around the world. Not here. My beef tartare starter was outstanding. All beef dressed with a well seasoned garlicky aïoli. I initially did not like the amount of aïoli on the top when I saw it delivered, but it actually turned out to be perfect and worked. Absolutely no regrets from ordering that dish. I followed this with a simple main of Cacio e Pepe and a side of Piselli (roasted peas with mint) and a glass of their house Nebbiolo. The Cacio was perhaps not quite as good as what I've had in Rome (but nothing in the US ever is) but it was damn close. So much so that I would be happy to eat that over and over again and for a confirmed carnivore, that is saying something! The Piselli were absolutely fantastic and a perfect refresh on the palate from the richness of the nicely chewy pasta. The meal was simply outstanding. I was well taken care of by my server and the manager who stopped by to chat with me a little bit about their wine program and restaurant concept. (FYI corkage is $35 per bottle, limit 2) The people that work there clearly know what they are about and are happy to talk about it. The conversations I had with them were interesting, witty and informative. It made me forget that I was dining alone. Overall, I had a great experience at Borromini. I'm actually looking forward to my next visit and have already booked a reservation. If it tells you anything, I already know what I'm going to have, which is exactly the same thing I had before. It was that good. read more

At Rittenhouse Square Spring festival I tried their cannolo and tiramisu. The connolo has thin, crisp, and fresh shell with sweet ricotta filling with mini chocolate chips. It was excellent, at par with the one from authentic Italian bakery. I also enjoyed the tiramisu, as it has sweet espresso and mascarpone. This experience prompted me to try their brunch. I arrived there without reservation and got seated right away. Beautiful interior with Italian music at background. It's not too loud but enough to lighten up the atmosphere. The entire staff look very professional. Zachary is very welcoming and friendly. He came over to make sure the orders are ok. My water is refilled without being requested. Daniel, one of the managers is very down to earth and engaging. He took my empty cup away and prepared the check when I was looking for my waiter for the check. Five stars for customer service. My decaf cappuccino is excellent. Strong coffee taste. Primavera omelette is beautifully served. It comes with small salad with light dressing. Perfectly executed and folded with small green peas and melted cheese inside, sprinkled with fresh parsley. I can see this place as my regular spot for morning cappuccino on weekends. read more

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I had brunch at Borromini yesterday and am now a fan. On Rittenhouse Square, the location couldn't be better. Being a Stephen Starr restaurant, I was expecting class, and I got it. The restaurant is beautiful: marble and beautiful lighting - great ambiance for a lovely Italian restaurant. For my meal, I chose their soft scrambled eggs carbonara, which was a great brunch dish. The crispy guanciale was almost impossibly thin and crispy; you could crack it with a fork like the top of a creme brulee. The dish had great flavor (with the pecorino and the guanciale, the nod to carbonara was clear and delicious. I prefer my potatoes more on the crispy side, but they were tasty, too. I enjoyed the dish with an aperitivo - their Garibaldi (campari and fluffy tangerine juice), which was also delicious. The service was also great, so I thoroughly enjoyed my brunch. I'd be happy to return for another meal - hopefully hungry enough for their 100 Layer Lasagna or their lamb ragu orecchiette or their blue crab gnocchetti or their oxtail mafaldine... Yeah, I'd head back right now for a dinner. read more

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My companion and I stopped in for drinks during a recent Philly visit. Nice atmosphere, friendly and attentive bar staff, and nice selection of wines. We'll definitely be back for a future dinner visit. read more

Borromini - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My family had dinner last night and were pleasantly surprised. Stephen Starr's latest edition to his massive restaurant empire landed here in Philly right off of Rittenhouse Square and what a beautiful location and restaurant. We came down from NYC and it felt like a NYC restaurant ( I believe Keith McNally consulted on the look and feel of it and it was apparent) in a good way! Although it was louder than I liked we sat at a table in the back and it was packed and energetic in a fun way! Our waiter was attentive and quick. Our food came out hot and delicious and the wine was excellent! We ordered Spaghetto Pomodoro, Black Spaghetti and Ricotta and toast and side of Escarole. We did order the Foccacia as a starter but would pass on it - it was salty and didn't taste like much - at a restaurant of this caliber should offer complimentary bread basket - I do recommend this Italian restaurant and the next time I'm here I would love to eat outside in the Summer grabbing a cocktail and people watching all the passerby's - that's a very NY thing to do! read more

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I came here with a large group and we shared the arancini, eggplant parmigiana, chicken Milanese, meatballs in polenta, and spaghetti al pomodoro. Dishes were good. The dishes did not wow me, but I appreciated a decent meal. We had a variety of gelatos and sorbets for dessert; the flavors were all alcohol-infused and were creative and interesting. Overall, I would say my favorites were actually the simpler spaghetti al pomodoro and meatballs in polenta. Borromini is a decent Italian restaurant, but with several Italian options in downtown, it is not one that I would go out of my way for. read more

i've been asking my husband to take me here since he tried this place out for a work dinner and it did not disappoint! We made a same day 6:30 PM weekday reservation and the restaurant was not too busy at all. The service was perfectly paced and the food was delicious. Had the best lemon drop martinis I've ever had, the largest and crispiest chicken cutlet that was part of the chicken milanese, and super fresh gnocchi. overall 10/10 read more

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Had a reservation for 2:30pm for lunch and the restaurant was pretty empty outside a few at the bar and several other tables. Loved the theming of this restaurant. I was sat immediately which was great, but it took over 10 minutes for me to be greeted by my server. The only reason this bothered me is I viewed them menu prior to arriving and was on limited time for lunch so was hoping to throw in my order sooner than later also trying to be mindful of their 3pm close time. I ordered the blue crab pasta which was tasty. I wanted black pepper but my server didn't come back until I was halfway done with my meal. The Hugo spritz was light and refreshing. I got a hot chocolate to go and it was so rich and delicious. Overall the meal was delicious. I think my only concern was once my server came she was kind and took my order but I only saw her 4 times in total after large gaps of time elapsed. She asked me how I enjoyed my meal after it was practically done. The only thing she was efficient on was brining my check back after paying. She was very kind but the lack of service was more surprising than anything. That is the only reason why I took a star away. read more

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I celebrated my best friend's birthday at Borromini on February 17th. We had a dinner reservation at 6 PM. I'm not trying to be funny, but I felt like the world stopped when I walked in and approached the hostess stand. The ladies at the front were so kind and accommodating. I mentioned I was waiting for my friend to arrive and they asked me to notify them once she made her way inside. For about 10 minutes, I stood there gazing at this absolutely stunning building and the charm it had. I was amazed. From what I've read, it used to be the former Barnes and Noble. I couldn't believe how beautiful the revamp turned out and how lively it was for a Tuesday night. A gentleman came by and said he could escort me to the table before my friend got there so I took him up on the offer. He chatted with me as we headed upstairs and kept his smile and eye contact game on point. Truly the best service I've had in a long time! I ordered the eggplant parmigiana as my entree. Not the biggest portion, but also not that small where it didn't fill me up. It was the perfect amount and therefore didn't require a box for leftovers. Very sweet sauce and fresh vegetables. I enjoyed it very much. A cannoli is my preferred dessert after eating Italian cuisine, and I got to enjoy TWO cannolis at the end of my dinner here. The mini chocolate chips were crunchy and the ricotta cheese was creamy and rich. We left Borromini feeling great about our decision to dine there. I can't wait to visit again! read more

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We were staying around the corner at a friend's and I must say this restaurant was very good. It was an old Barnes & Noble, which is interesting how they remodeled it. It's has a limited menu. We had a Caesar salad, which was very good and we had the squash blossom, which is something I've never had before. It was very tasty. Little bit too creamy for me. The eggplant Parmesan was delicious, but did not serve any pasta with it. I had the shrimp scampi. It was an appetizer four pieces of shrimp good my favorite thing believe it or not with the peas. They were well done just the way I like them and usually the only place I can get peas in London. The complementary bread was good. The ricotta cheesecake was a little bit too rich and it didn't have any crust so I would just give that ok indoor outdoor seating this was high, moderate too expensive the waitress Katie CALLIGAN was excellent she was enthusiastic. She was informative and she was everything a waitress should be to make your experience in a restaurant. read more

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Given the overall low rating on Yelp, I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm so glad I gave it a try because I just had a fantastic dinner here with my husband recently. We had the grilled octopus, chicken liver crostini, pappardelle, oxtail mafaldine, osso buco and grilled branzino. We ended dinner with the chocolate olive oil cake. We had no idea how large the secondi portions were and definitely over ordered (a single dish could easily be shared between two people if you're also getting pasta). I was absolutely blown away by the oxtail mafaldine and have been thinking about it ever since!! Only the pappardelle fell short of expectation - the bolognese sauce was average. I would also skip the chicken liver costini next time since it was too rich for my preference. Everything else was absolutely delicious and the leftovers tasted just as good the following day! read more

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I have been trying to come here since they opened just for their chocolate olive oil cake. Stopped by a few times before but each time they were packed! Today I was in the neighborhood quite early, around 6 in the evening, and wandered inside to take a chance yet again - lo and behold their bar had 2 seats available!! I immediately ordered the chocolate olive olive cake and a couple of drinks. Trust me the hype is real! Even if you are skeptical about the food, just come for the cake and pair it with a nice glass of red! Not only is it one of the best chocolate cakes I have had but my husband and I also loved the olive oil gelato that came with it. The cake itself was not too sweet, the sponge was moist and soft and the chocolate ganache was so decadent. The addition of sea salt and candied orange on top was chef's kiss. In short, it was phenomenal! The bartenders were very friendly and chatty! This place looks exactly like Parc - same layout, same vibe. read more

Borromini - Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Olive oil gelato (front), Pomodoro Martini (left) and Vespa (right) - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Initially, I was going to go to Rouge for dinner after checking in to the hotel. However, I decided to look for a new restaurant to try near where I was staying, and this looked like a promising place. Weather was rather chilly out, so hot pasta sounded most ideal. Unfortunately, the experience was less than stellar. Arriving within five minutes after opening, the bar was already semi-crowded with couples, but I was able to find a stool pretty much dead center of the bar area. Looking around, there were actually more stools available but I decided to stay put. There are purse hooks underneath, but these are the stools that don't want you to stay long; as there is no back so you can't hang your coat (I know there is most likely coat check at the front). There were three bartenders at the time tending to the patrons that were already there, however, it took a while for me to be greeted and get a menu (I should have just said what I wanted then) so the wait was even longer for anyone to return to place my order. The Spaghetti al Limone was really, really good. They bring this out with a lid similar to what some room service establishments use which keeps everything nice and warm. Cheese wasn't offered, but there was a nice amount already on. Smaller portion which initially I would think won't be enough, but it was perfect. The lemon zest was pleasant and not overwhelming as it can be at other restaurants (Mother Wolf). There is minimal pepper and what appeared to be chili flakes at the bottom so this will give a little kick when you get towards the end of your dish. I almost considered ordering the arancini but figured that would take just as long, considering it took a while for everything else. As others here have pointed out, house bread would be a nice option to this Italian restaurant in addition to the choices that come at a cost (Pane Focaccia $9, Focaccia di Recco $26). I certainly could have used it while waiting! Overall, the service was lacking yet polite when you were able to have someone tend to you, the food that I had was enjoyable, and the energy in the place was upbeat, most likely since it was the holidays even on a Sunday. Have to say the hostesses (when I walked in and when I left) were the best example of good service, pleasant and helpful. I don't want to give low ratings to places, especially in my hometown, but from this evenings overall experience, two-stars round out the time spent. read more

Borromini - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Book the reservation and in the comments ask for Luca! Such a wonderful evening experiencing amazing food and new treats. read more

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Borromini in Rittenhouse, Philadelphia is an absolute gem. From the moment you walk in, the space is stunning and instantly transports you to Italy. The ambiance is elegant, warm, and romantic without feeling pretentious, making it perfect for date night or a special dinner out. We started off with cocktails and they set the tone right away. The Hugo Spritz was crisp and refreshing, and the Sculaccione, which felt similar to a Paloma, was also very tasty and easy to sip. For appetizers, we ordered the Sicilian chopped salad, which was sooo good and full of flavor. We also tried the shaved Brussels sprouts, which personally weren't for me, but I could see others enjoying them depending on taste. Our server was incredibly kind and inviting, making us feel welcome from start to finish. They were attentive, helpful with recommendations, and added to the overall warmth of the experience. For our main dishes, I ordered the lamb chops, which were incredibly tender and packed with flavor. We also had the oxtail mafaldine, and wow--absolutely amazing. I honestly wish I had ordered two. Before leaving, we grabbed the lobster spaghetti to go, and that dish was a true standout of the restaurant. To end the night, I also ordered the tiramisu, and it was the perfect ending to dinner--light, creamy, and just sweet enough. Overall, Borromini is easily a 1000/10 for me. Incredible food, beautiful atmosphere, and genuinely lovely service made this a memorable experience. I can't wait to go back and highly recommend this spot. read more

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Food was excellent. Focaccia di Recco and Zucchini flowers were outstanding. Great homemade pasta: Paccheri and Fusilli were perfectly cooked. NIcola, our server from Rome was very friendly and professional. Beautiful restaurant. read more

I was anxious to try Borromini, as I've enjoyed all of Starr's restaurants, and my favorite dishes are Italian. I had a preset idea of what I was going to order, meatballs and pasta. The two basics. I saw there was Tortelloni with ricotta in a sage brown butter sauce. That struck a nerve, as one of my favorite dishes was the Tortelloni in butter sauce at Babbo in NYC (before it was recently reopened by Stephen Starr). I had to order the dish, even knowing there was a high bar to meet after Babbo. Now for the meatballs; I didn't have my reading glasses with me, so I wasn't focused on the 'sections', one of which was Panini. Under this section, I was quickly scanning the dishes, and the only one which had meatballs, was the Meatball Parmigiana. I imagined this dish had several meatballs in a cast iron skillet, baked in sauce and cheese. Imagine my surprise when they delivered a meatball sub!! . I can't remember the last time I had a meatball sub. It's not that I have anything against meatball subs, but it's not something I would typically order at a restaurant like Borromini's. I took a bite and was pleasantly surprised, the flavor of the meatballs, sauce and cheese kind of exploded in my mouth, and it was so nicely complimented with a delicious tasting soft sesame roll, very crunchy texture outside and soft inside. This was a good sub - a little difficult to keep the meatballs in the sandwich, but I held on tight! I found out they make the rolls there-you can really taste the difference! The Tortelloni was not to be upstaged. The pasta had a delicate texture and melted in my mouth, just as I like it. There was a robust amount of delicious ricotta stuffed inside and with the butter sauce, it was excellent. I couldn't finish the sub, and took 1/2 of it home. I still can't believe I ordered a sub sandwich, but the meal was satisfying and delicious. I need to return to try a few more 'regular' dishes! read more

Borromini - Meatball Parmagiana - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Overall, it was OK. The food was good, no real issues but also not mind blowing. I will say that the tiramisu was the standout for me; felt authentic in a way that few places manage to pull off. The shape of the ladyfingers was preserved, which I've never seen done before. We were seated upstairs and there was real character to this venue. There was a lively buzz yet we didn't feel packed in like sardines as we so often do in our hometown of NYC. I don't know how long Borromini has been operational but it felt like they were aiming for fine dining yet missing small things around execution (drinks showing up after appetizers, no napkins that we had to request separately, also repeatedly having to request our water to be topped up). Super friendly staff that seemed eager to please, so no big deal but when you're paying these prices you don't expect small details like this to be missed. read more

Borromini - Outside - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I'll be honest, was a little nervous to try Borromini after seeing some mixed reviews, but I'm so glad we went because it was actually so good. We went on a Monday night and the place was packed, which immediately felt like a good sign. We sat at the upstairs bar, and the vibes were great--lively but still cozy and service was great. The food really impressed us. The lobster pasta was the standout. We also loved the chicken, which was done really well, and the fried cheese balls were such a pleasant surprise. They're different than any I've had before, crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and filled with peas and rice, which gave them a unique texture and flavor. Overall, Borromini completely exceeded our expectations. Great atmosphere, great service, and genuinely delicious food. We'll definitely be back. read more

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We've been wanting to try out this restaurant for quite some time and finally got the chance to have lunch there. We arrived at 11:30am, were greeted pleasantly by the maitre'd at the check-in podium and immediately shown to our table next to the front window. After a quick scan of the drinks menu I ordered an Aperol spritz, which was amply sized and was incredibly refreshing. I'm a big fan of Starr restaurant's signature cocktails. We started off with the Arugula, Artichoke and Parmesan salad and the Prosciutto di Parma appetizer, both of which were impeccably prepared and presented. The prosciutto was incredible, a stark reminder that much of what we're normally served elsewhere is inferior. Incidentally, the prosciutto and pecorino Toscana appetizer is now served with bread sticks instead of melon. Eggplant Parmesan and Cacio e Pepe were our main courses and both were excellent. I'd normally never order a veal or eggplant parmesan dish because they're rarely excellent but this one is exquisite in its complexity of flavors; like an extraordinarily fine wine. The eggplant is sliced very thinly, with each slice lightly breaded and fried. I'd ordered the Cacio e Pepe but my 100% Italian wife was so enthralled with its very al-dente bucatini that we switched plates. We finished off our repast with two vastly different desserts: Apple Crostata, and Chocolate Olive Oil cake. The crostata's light and delicate pastry crust enveloping thinly-sliced al-dente apples was a sublime delight. On the other hand, the Olive Oil cake and gelato was a chocoholic's paradise. Both the cake and generous ganache topping contained a considerable amount of top-shelf cacao and were thankfully not sweet at all, letting all the wonderful flavors come through. It was truly amazing. Notes: 1.The portion sizes of everything were perfect for us but are definitely not the mega-portioned (three meal) versions common at quotidian Italian restaurants. And we're totally OK with that; the quality more than makes up for it many times over. 2. The staff was incredibly professional, courteous and personable, and seem well versed in taking pictures of guests. 3. When we arrived the restaurant was quite quiet but it progressively got louder as it filled up, however the volume was very reasonable in front where we were sitting. It was considerably louder in the back room area. read more

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Small portion sizes. Food was mediocre. Was so excited to go there and disappointed. Only the Peas dish was innovative. The carbonara was a different type of pasta than expecting. The fish looked the best of the entrees. Bummed they removed the lasagna from the menu wanted to try that. Lobster ravioli was fine. Ambiance was the best part. Good service. Won't be going back which is a shame read more

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It's one of our very favorite restaurants in the city (we come from NJ and Ambler, PA). Everyone was wonderful - the receptionist, the manager, our waitress ! They were so very pleasant and eager to make our dining experience one to remember. Needless to say that the food is so very delicious - makes it difficult to choose ! We will be back next time we come to Philly - for sure !!! read more

Do not serve me a half-full cocktail at $17 a pop! We scored a Monday evening reservation for 4. Apparently, this place is very difficult to get into. My love and I arrived earlier than our friends, so we stopped at the bar for a pre-dinner drink. Chianti for him, Hugo Spritz for me. I love all things lemon, so the Hugo was a no-brainer for me. The glasses they serve their spritz's in are beautiful. Very Waterford Crystal like. But please fill it up a little bit, huh? My photo is the serving size prior to being sampled. Our table was very tight, but we made it work. We ordered what I thought would be too much food for four people, but the serving sizes were quite small. We probably should have ordered more! - Squash blossoms - not overly battered, which was nice. Three to an order - Pane Focaccia - nicely salted with bursts of rosemary. Small portion - Artichokes all Giudea - fried, very good - Spaghetti al Limon - again, I love all things lemon, so this was a must. My favorite of the night - Amatriciana - this dish had an odd flavor to me. I wasn't digging the guanciale, which is pork jowl. Yup. - Chicken Milanese - good and large portion. Our friend had leftovers for which she was thrilled - Osso Buco - cooked perfectly but our friend said it was lacking flavor - 100 Layer Lasagna - I call BS on those layers! It was a small portion - Patate - crispy rosemary potatoes. Good - Olive oil cake and cannoli for dessert This sounds like a lot of food for 4 people, but we were barely full upon leaving. The bill was around $500 with tip. Our dining companions didn't drink (she's pregnant and he is dry out of solidarity). The acoustics are a bit tough, as the restaurant is mostly marble and tile. We're glad we tried it, but this may be a one-and-done for us. read more

Borromini - Hugo Spritz before sampling. Where is the rest of it? - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Our server and host were so positive and upbeat. Their energy and kindness shined even though they were really busy. The fettuccine with asparagus and peas was divine, I absolutely loved the sauce. Not pictured, but my fiancé and I also got drinks - I tired the rose spritz and the presentation of it and quality/taste were fantastic! read more

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I had an excellent brunch at Borromini. We were sat promptly for our reservation. The space is so beautiful and grand. Our server was attentive and personable. We tried a spritz (a very generously sized cocktail)! The carbonara was very authentic which was a massive win. Not many places use guanciale, but they do here. It could have been crispier but not complaining. I tried the lasagna which was so delicate and tasty. I loved the bechamel. Finished the meal with cannolis which were the perfect ending! Don't let the negative reviews sway you! read more

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The hype is real! From what I understand, this place is a love letter to good ole' Italian home cooking. The place is HUGE - two floors of dining space and the night we came, it was packed. The attendant in the front was very accommodating. My wife ran in to check in for our reservation while I circled for parking. They were patient with us since parking around that area can be brutal. It's definitely fits the aesthetic it's going for - dim lighting, homey but upscale, striking but still comfortable - feels like you're home. We got their focaccia and artichoke salad for our appetizers and then had to get the famous 100 layered lasagna since it's vegetarian (!!) plus their cacio pepe for our mains. Everything came out timely and the servers were on top of having our waters filled and checking in for any questions. We really enjoyed the food and thought it was very well executed. Overall - solid experience and happy to return! read more

Borromini - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Food is much improved with each visit getting better. Tonight's dinner for our party of four was close to perfect. Service was for the most part fine with the exception of a pasta ordered for the table which was forgotten. The GM apologized, brought out and comped the dish. It was excellent. The place is always beautiful and well maintained. We requested and were seated in our first floor booth after a brief wait. I look forward to sharing our experience and returning again. read more

So excited to have finally got into Borromini! Reservation highly recommended, it filled up the second it hit 5pm for weekday dinner. The space is absolutely stunning and shows every penny of the very extensive renovation- it is wild to think this is the former Barnes & Noble space! It was incredibly loud as others mentioned, but I didn't mind. I also didn't notice any pop music so not sure music was even noticeable. Service was attentive and prompt, maybe a little too attentive. We did feel a tad rushed but in the most polite way, and we understand the hype is still very real. Waters were filled frequently and they are clearly putting a lot of effort and attention into service - someone was always close by and available to make sure we were taken care of. Our food was ready very quickly however, we did not even have time to finish our salad and foccacia. Speaking of - the food was delicious. We started with the very hyped foccacia which was tasty, but not sure it was worth $30. As other reviews stated, bread service would be so great and would really round out the vibe. I really hope Starr reads this and adds bread! The salad was unique but nothing special. The lasagna was quite tasty but not sure I'd highlight it as THE Borromini signature dish, especially given the very small portion. The carbonara was also very tasty and portion was smaller. Drinks and dessert may have been my favorite part of the meal - I had the tequila cocktail which was fantastic, as was the seasonal panna cotta. My friend had the tiramisu which was tasty and a bigger portion than the pasta! I am so excited to see what this place looks like in a few months, but they still need to get their feet under them. The menu has already adjusted a few times since opening (not only seasonally) so I'm curious to see where it lands. It's not quite as "old school" Italian as I expected and I'd say it's more American-Italian but delicious nonetheless. Really hoping to see that bread service next time! read more

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