Gran Caffe L'Aquila
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Went for lunch with my daughter and had a wonderful experience! It's located downtown, so be prepared to pay for parking or take a rideshare app to save yourself the hassle. The restaurant has a great two-level layout: a bustling coffee bar and small Italian market on the lower level, and a wine bar restaurant upstairs. It was a beautiful day, so outdoor seating was available, but after the hostess explained that the full menu is served on both levels, we opted to sit upstairs in the wine bar. Our server was fantastic--friendly, immediate, and quick to offer sparkling or tap water while handing us all the options. They offer a main lunch menu, a specials menu, and a great lunchtime deal with a limited $20 per person fixed menu. We started by sharing the mussels in a white garlic sauce. They were delicious, and the table bread dipped into the leftover garlic juices was absolutely delightful! For our main courses, my daughter got the spaghetti carbonara, and I ordered the chitarra pasta with red chili. Both pastas were cooked perfectly al dente and came in very satisfying portion sizes. My daughter's carbonara was even served with a savory bacon-flavored gelato on top! My only minor critique of my dish was that the pork was a bit fattier than I prefer and wasn't cooked as crisp as I'd like, but the flavor was still great. We couldn't leave without dessert, so we both got gelato. I had the amaretto and salted caramel, while my daughter went with dark chocolate and salted caramel. Both were insanely good--super creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Overall, the bill was surprisingly reasonable given how much quality food we enjoyed. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu, but especially for that unbelievable gelato!
I haven't seen my Cuzn since we dined at Louis Vuitton Cafe in NYC. Called her up and asked her to join me for a late dinner. She obliged me. I made reservations (day of) for 8:30 pm. We were a little late due to traffic, but our reservation was still honored. Our seating was inside and upstairs (which we appreciated b|c it rained while we were dining) Ambiance was lovely, dimly lit and romantic if you're on a date. Restaurant is family friendly!! We were quickly sat, our waiter introduced himself to us -- lovely gentleman by the name of Vincenzo?!? He was effortlessly efficient and friendly. Made our night exceptional. My cousin said it was late and she didn't want to really order anything. I talked her into ordering and then at least she could eat the leftovers for "midnight snacking" or lunch the next day. We ordered: -- Bellini: Prosecco infused peach purée -- Bread -- Scamorza -- Fire-roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto -- Torta Granchio -- Italian crab cake infused with crab, shrimp, and mascarpone served with cucumber fresco and gastronomic roasted red pepper gelato -- Cesarina -- Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing -- Agnolotti -- Torino-style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, and vegetables. Butter sage sauce topped with gastronomic black and white truttle gelato -- Pappardelle al Ragu -- Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb and chicken ragu (my cuzn's meal) -- Tiramisu Classico -- Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone Everything was delicious, especially the Torta Granchio. Gran Caffè L'Aquila needs to lead with this appetizer. It was delicious. My cousin and I ordered two more to go!! Our pasta meals were decadent and delicious. We shared the tiramisu and we both agreed it was fantastic. Classic is the way to go. We left with full bellies after having wonderful conversation. We both agreed we'd be back!! BTW: I booked our reservation OpenTable and got 1000 points for it!!!
The food was super authentic. The Ragu is amazing. The gelato is probably some of the best flavor I've ever eaten. Velvety and sweet. The service was excellent. The place is also very romantic. I'd definitely comeback again.
Ambiance was excellent, service is great! They sat us upstairs by the railing and overlooking the bar.. excellent location..
A definite 5 star restaurant. Unique with is take on Italian cuisine. Many pasta dishes are served with gelato that is actually herbs that is to be stirred into your pasta. The dessert gelato is delish. The interior is inviting and offers privacy dining in most of it. Great staff!
Dined here during my work trip. Ordered a Bellini, the Carbonara, and the crème brûlée. Honestly everything was 10/10 - including the service!
Their bread is everything. So is their gelato! Needed to add that to my review!! So was the pastas
Came here while traveling back East as I know L'Aquila really well and have many relatives there. This place offers authentic Italian regional fare with emphasis on quality imported ingredients and artisanal gelato. We had an excellent tagliere di salumi with the unique Parmesan gelato (can only compare it to a cheese flavoured cold butter!), panzanella salad, Cesarina (Caesar salad) pappardelle al ragù and GF penne alla carbonara. I would have preferred my pappardelle a bit more 'al dente' and for my taste it was a tad overcooked but maybe that's how they like it here in Philly or the guy at the stove overcooked it. (Hence the 4 stars instead of 5) Gelato afterwards was excellent. Really fabulous store selling all kinds of unique high end Italian gastronomical goods, making it also an excellent destination for gift shopping.
This was the experience I was waiting to have the entire time I was in Philly!!! I can see why it have managed to last the rest of time. It is truly a classy experience. From the moment I walked in I felt as if I was VIP. The hostess, the manager, maitre dee (?), server, gelato server all the most please t and so willing to explain and re explain- whew and no ..... I did not have a reservation- and I went for lunch. Now on to the food!!! Dare I say it - dare I say it .... Freshly prepared- expertly delivered.... Impeccable taste!!! THE PASTA !!! I wish I could have ordered more- but I'm also on a fitness journey and literally can't - but I ordered the RAGU!!!! Baby !!! The flavors paired so well, not heavy, the meat so juicy not fatty. My partner got the Gnocchi- the creamy factor.... Just so delicious.... We chatted on the balcony just before the joint got busy on a Sunday and completed it all with their Caffee Aquila Espresso ..... it's my namesake and it's essential! Enjoy yelpers
I've lived in Philly for way to long to have never tried Gran Caffe L'Aquila. A group of friends and I went on a Saturday night for their restaurant week offerings. We made a reservation for 6:15pm, but we'rent seated until close to 7. There's not much of a place to hang out while you wait, so that was a bit complicated. For 45 dollars you got a huge spread, totally worth the price. We each got two apps, an entree and a desert. Seperate from restaurent week, we each got a drink. They we're delicious, but a bit pricy, around 15 dollars each. The half chicken was delicious, perfectly cooked and flavorful. The espresso martini was ok, a little bitter for my liking, but my lemoncello spritz was perfect! Our server was friendly and attentive while serving multiple tables. The space is massive! There has to be over 100 tables and a bar with a few tables downstairs. It feels a bit cramped upstairs, but not too bad. Will definitely be back soon!
Dined here on 1/5/2026. Came with with my then current boyfriend and loved it. We sat at the Romoe and Juliet table and the ambiance was great for a romantic date. The waitress and all staff were very welcoming and accommodating. Would come back in a heartbeat if I was still close to Philly to have this amazing food again!
I came here with a group of people. The service was great and made sure we were all satisfied. I was super excited for their gelato and they didn't disappoint! They were pretty accommodating to the parties dietary restrictions and allergies. Their Hugo spritz was delicious and it paired well with the pasta I got.
2 months ago
Another trip to Philly and another delicious lunch at Gran Caffe L'Aquila! Appetizers, entrees, gelato, coffee- all delicious! Prompt, friendly, courteous service, as usual. The place was busy, but that didn't delay our orders. We could hold a conversation without having to speak loudly. We bought some dark roast beans, ground there for espresso, to take home. read more
The food here was fresh and delicious. Starting with tomato and basil bruschetta and Mozzarella, both the tomato and Mozzarella tasted like they were harvested that day. Even the grilled bread used for the bruschetta tasted fresh. Arancini with pork and veal ragu peas was great; the peas added a new texture to the traditional arancini. We also got fried artichokes as an appetizer. It was crispy and salty -- I could munch on that alone. For the entree, I got the veal braciole with tagliatelle and tomato sugo. The whole dish tasted homey, like what you would get at an Italian family's house. The veal braciocle was small, and I wished there was more protein and less pasta to be more balanced. For dessert, everyone raved about their gelato. Their pistachio flavor was clearly a favorite, as it had intense fresh pistachio flavor. It was also tan in color, as you would expect a pistachio nut to be, not the artificial green color added to other pistachio gelatos. I had the amaretto cherry flavor. It was good too, although I wished it had more cherries. A few people got their espresso, and really enjoyed it. They roast their own coffee on-site, so I am not surprised again how fresh it tasted. Tip: Pour a little of their fantastic coffee over your gelato to make your own fresh affogato. I came here with a large group and despite the tight space, we felt cozy. Service was spectacular. We had multiple food allergies in the group, and the waitstaff took each one very seriously, asking down to the detail if the allergy was by consumption or cross-contamination. Thank you to the staff for being so conscientious! read more
2 months ago
Went for lunch with my daughter and had a wonderful experience! It's located downtown, so be prepared to pay for parking or take a rideshare app to save yourself the hassle. The restaurant has a great two-level layout: a bustling coffee bar and small Italian market on the lower level, and a wine bar restaurant upstairs. It was a beautiful day, so outdoor seating was available, but after the hostess explained that the full menu is served on both levels, we opted to sit upstairs in the wine bar. Our server was fantastic--friendly, immediate, and quick to offer sparkling or tap water while handing us all the options. They offer a main lunch menu, a specials menu, and a great lunchtime deal with a limited $20 per person fixed menu. We started by sharing the mussels in a white garlic sauce. They were delicious, and the table bread dipped into the leftover garlic juices was absolutely delightful! For our main courses, my daughter got the spaghetti carbonara, and I ordered the chitarra pasta with red chili. Both pastas were cooked perfectly al dente and came in very satisfying portion sizes. My daughter's carbonara was even served with a savory bacon-flavored gelato on top! My only minor critique of my dish was that the pork was a bit fattier than I prefer and wasn't cooked as crisp as I'd like, but the flavor was still great. We couldn't leave without dessert, so we both got gelato. I had the amaretto and salted caramel, while my daughter went with dark chocolate and salted caramel. Both were insanely good--super creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Overall, the bill was surprisingly reasonable given how much quality food we enjoyed. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu, but especially for that unbelievable gelato! read more
I haven't seen my Cuzn since we dined at Louis Vuitton Cafe in NYC. Called her up and asked her to join me for a late dinner. She obliged me. I made reservations (day of) for 8:30 pm. We were a little late due to traffic, but our reservation was still honored. Our seating was inside and upstairs (which we appreciated b|c it rained while we were dining) Ambiance was lovely, dimly lit and romantic if you're on a date. Restaurant is family friendly!! We were quickly sat, our waiter introduced himself to us -- lovely gentleman by the name of Vincenzo?!? He was effortlessly efficient and friendly. Made our night exceptional. My cousin said it was late and she didn't want to really order anything. I talked her into ordering and then at least she could eat the leftovers for "midnight snacking" or lunch the next day. We ordered: -- Bellini: Prosecco infused peach purée -- Bread -- Scamorza -- Fire-roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto -- Torta Granchio -- Italian crab cake infused with crab, shrimp, and mascarpone served with cucumber fresco and gastronomic roasted red pepper gelato -- Cesarina -- Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing -- Agnolotti -- Torino-style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, and vegetables. Butter sage sauce topped with gastronomic black and white truttle gelato -- Pappardelle al Ragu -- Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb and chicken ragu (my cuzn's meal) -- Tiramisu Classico -- Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone Everything was delicious, especially the Torta Granchio. Gran Caffè L'Aquila needs to lead with this appetizer. It was delicious. My cousin and I ordered two more to go!! Our pasta meals were decadent and delicious. We shared the tiramisu and we both agreed it was fantastic. Classic is the way to go. We left with full bellies after having wonderful conversation. We both agreed we'd be back!! BTW: I booked our reservation OpenTable and got 1000 points for it!!! read more
The food was super authentic. The Ragu is amazing. The gelato is probably some of the best flavor I've ever eaten. Velvety and sweet. The service was excellent. The place is also very romantic. I'd definitely comeback again. read more
15 days ago
Ambiance was excellent, service is great! They sat us upstairs by the railing and overlooking the bar.. excellent location.. read more
A definite 5 star restaurant. Unique with is take on Italian cuisine. Many pasta dishes are served with gelato that is actually herbs that is to be stirred into your pasta. The dessert gelato is delish. The interior is inviting and offers privacy dining in most of it. Great staff! read more
16 days ago
Dined here during my work trip. Ordered a Bellini, the Carbonara, and the crème brûlée. Honestly everything was 10/10 - including the service! read more
3 months ago
Their bread is everything. So is their gelato! Needed to add that to my review!! So was the pastas read more
6 months ago
Came here while traveling back East as I know L'Aquila really well and have many relatives there. This place offers authentic Italian regional fare with emphasis on quality imported ingredients and artisanal gelato. We had an excellent tagliere di salumi with the unique Parmesan gelato (can only compare it to a cheese flavoured cold butter!), panzanella salad, Cesarina (Caesar salad) pappardelle al ragù and GF penne alla carbonara. I would have preferred my pappardelle a bit more 'al dente' and for my taste it was a tad overcooked but maybe that's how they like it here in Philly or the guy at the stove overcooked it. (Hence the 4 stars instead of 5) Gelato afterwards was excellent. Really fabulous store selling all kinds of unique high end Italian gastronomical goods, making it also an excellent destination for gift shopping. read more
8 months ago
This was the experience I was waiting to have the entire time I was in Philly!!! I can see why it have managed to last the rest of time. It is truly a classy experience. From the moment I walked in I felt as if I was VIP. The hostess, the manager, maitre dee (?), server, gelato server all the most please t and so willing to explain and re explain- whew and no ..... I did not have a reservation- and I went for lunch. Now on to the food!!! Dare I say it - dare I say it .... Freshly prepared- expertly delivered.... Impeccable taste!!! THE PASTA !!! I wish I could have ordered more- but I'm also on a fitness journey and literally can't - but I ordered the RAGU!!!! Baby !!! The flavors paired so well, not heavy, the meat so juicy not fatty. My partner got the Gnocchi- the creamy factor.... Just so delicious.... We chatted on the balcony just before the joint got busy on a Sunday and completed it all with their Caffee Aquila Espresso ..... it's my namesake and it's essential! Enjoy yelpers read more
I've lived in Philly for way to long to have never tried Gran Caffe L'Aquila. A group of friends and I went on a Saturday night for their restaurant week offerings. We made a reservation for 6:15pm, but we'rent seated until close to 7. There's not much of a place to hang out while you wait, so that was a bit complicated. For 45 dollars you got a huge spread, totally worth the price. We each got two apps, an entree and a desert. Seperate from restaurent week, we each got a drink. They we're delicious, but a bit pricy, around 15 dollars each. The half chicken was delicious, perfectly cooked and flavorful. The espresso martini was ok, a little bitter for my liking, but my lemoncello spritz was perfect! Our server was friendly and attentive while serving multiple tables. The space is massive! There has to be over 100 tables and a bar with a few tables downstairs. It feels a bit cramped upstairs, but not too bad. Will definitely be back soon! read more
13 days ago
1 month ago
Dined here on 1/5/2026. Came with with my then current boyfriend and loved it. We sat at the Romoe and Juliet table and the ambiance was great for a romantic date. The waitress and all staff were very welcoming and accommodating. Would come back in a heartbeat if I was still close to Philly to have this amazing food again! read more
I came here with a group of people. The service was great and made sure we were all satisfied. I was super excited for their gelato and they didn't disappoint! They were pretty accommodating to the parties dietary restrictions and allergies. Their Hugo spritz was delicious and it paired well with the pasta I got. read more
I really enjoyed my dinning experience here. We were in the city for Christmas Village and I was in the mood for Italian for dinner. My fiancé recommended this place as she had visited it previously a few years ago through work. The ambiance was certainly unique, in that it has a store/cafe/bar style dining area. There is an upstairs that is a more traditional dining room if you would prefer that. However, I actually enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the downstairs area. My appetizer and drink were very good, but what set this place apart was the very unique entree. I ordered the Agnolotti which came with a black truffle gelato. Yes as in the ice cream like gelato. This "savory" gelato was extremely interesting. My taste buds really didn't know what to make of it at first. It was sweet like ice cream but had that savory black truffle flavor. As the gelato melted into the pasta it gave this creamy, cold and delicious flavor that it is unlike anything I had before. My fiancé's dish had a guanciale gelato that again was super interesting and delicious once mixed into her carbonara. Our server was very attentive and kind. I will definitely be back here again to try some more interesting offerings. read more
2 months ago
This place is an amazing Italian restaurant, the food is authentic with flavors that reminds me of Italy so much. The service was outstanding, I visited here for a quick lunch & they were quick and understanding making lunch quick and delicious. The ambiance is clean and casual Italian style, they even have a market with Italian products. It's a must try if you are around read more
This is a charming restaurant above the Gelato shop on the street level in Rittenhouse. Food (4.25/5) - menu has a good mix of appetizers, antipasto, pastas, mains and salads... and of course gelato! - Cesarina - a fresh traditional caesar salad with an authentic flavourful fresh-made dressing - Sugo Della Dominica - veal, sausage, lamb and wild boar meatballs served with a traditional tomato sugo served with fusilli pasta. Sauce was great and meats were not bad... meatballs were my favourite. - Gelato - was very tasty - creamy and vibrant fruit flavours Service (4.5/5) - sat at the bar and service was solid - knowledgeable and attentive with regular check-ins on water, drinks, etc. Atmosphere (4.25/5) - interesting set up with the gelato shop downstairs and some outdoor patio tables, with the bar and restaurant up top in a dimmer more intimate feel. Overall (4.25/5) - it's a good choice for casual italian dining or late night gelato in Rittenhouse. read more
Went to dinner here after years of wanting to go and finally made it! Got the gnocchi alla bava and it was absolutely amazing. Finished dinner with salted caramel gelato which was so creamy and smooth. Will definitely return! read more
6 days ago
I really enjoyed this restaurant! TBH, I wasn't expecting the food to be as good as it was and the vibe seemed pretty authentic and italian for a restaurant near Rittenhouse. I ordered this seafood pasta which was so tasty. My friend and I also ordered bruschetta and only 3 pieces came out. I thought that was interesting considering there was 2 of us and i've had other restaurants ask if we want to add another piece for a small charge so we could have even amounts. Bruschetta also isn't something that's easy to split up. the gelato at the end was the best! i always stop by to pick up gelato and this was my first time sitting inside and eating it. will come here again! read more
Had an excellent time at Gran Cafe! Have tried their gelato many times, but the restaurant has been on my list for years, and it certainly did not disappoint! The servers were so attentive and made all patrons feel welcome. The ambiance was upscale yet approachable. The upstairs is much larger than expected, great for bigger groups. Eggplant caponata bruschetta appetizer was the highlight of the night!! Will be back to try their other delicious appetizers. read more
Stopped in for dinner tonight while in town. Ordered the salmone in placca and peach mango gelato. The salmon was delicious! Luca was our server. The restaurant has a down stairs and up stairs area. We ate down stairs and the place only had one or two tables open. Nice simple decor. Definitely a place to check out! read more
9 months ago
The experience has been consistent for all the years I've been coming here! Seating opinion life the downstairs bar area with tables, the upstairs dining room and outdoor seating. The upstairs has a relaxing trattoria vibe. The downstairs is more pub vibe with TVs showing mostly soccer games. The staff is professional and knowledgeable about the menu. The lunch menu was extensive. Every month has a special menu highlighting one of Italy's regions. We had the beef brisket over polenta with fresh grilled veggies. The brisket was huge. The meat melted in your mouth. The light sauce was delicious so was the polenta and veg. Spaghetti Vongole (clams) was also delicious. It had lots of clams and a sauce that was flavorful without being overpowering. We also had a sausage dish that was very tasty. It had both sweet and spicy sausage with the lightest fried onions I e ever had! It also had a gastronomic mustard gelato that really added to the flavor. The cappuccinos were very good. You can choose what roast you like. The gelato is the best in Philly! My favorite is the desire-a light cream with Amorena cherries and the dark chocolate. The entrance has a little boutique with authentic Italian products. Many of the same items I lugged home from Italy can be found here! read more
7 months ago
The food, service, and ambiance was exceptional! I had the butter salmon scampi with white wine. My night ended with a caramel Gelato. read more
Another review: Food: didn't let down, amazing food details of spices, food combo and luv how some of the meals have gelato (bold adding icecream as part of the spice&flavoring contrast) service: amazing and aware of what Italian specialty is being done. Ambiance: i went with family of 4, but good for 2, lunch, dinner, hangin out, fancy dinner, regular dinner... read more
10 months ago
I've only had the gelato, but it was so good I will definitely be coming here more often. Ordering was really easy, and the portion size was good. The front store area had a ton of Italian dry goods that I definitely want to try next time I'm there. read more
The gelato was very good. Smooth and sweet. The kinderino was delicious. I loved the hazelnut wafer chunks. The Limoncello drink was extremely strong with gin flavor. The espresso martini is good, but strong bitter espresso flavor. read more
5 months ago
3 months ago
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More info about Gran Caffe L'Aquila
1716 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Penn Center, Rittenhouse Square
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(215) 568-5600
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http://grancaffelaquila.com/
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Ask the Community - Gran Caffe L'Aquila
Is vehicle parking available?
No this is in the city so you would need to find street parking or use a parking garage
Are there any gluten free pasta options? We have a member of our party that has celiac disease.
I was there in May and they did have gluten-free options available.
Can I bring my own wine? If so is there a corkage fee?
No they are not BYOB they have a wine list.
Is Italian also spoken here or it is an all-English establishment? 👀 I would like to practice my Italian haha
Yes many of the staff actually speak Italian! Feel free to practice.
Can I come here and just order something at the counter, or do I have to sit down and order? This is in general, all foods!
You can order at the counter/bar
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