Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

Name: Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant
Address: 1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19103-5132
Telephone: (215) 568-5600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

2244 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 50 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for fine wines
Charming

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.
2nd Floor Reservations are for Lunch & Dinner service only.
Dessert service may be provided on our first level anytime.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
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
Neighbourhood
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

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Experiences

Week 8 - Venezia, Veneto -CARNEVALE-Feb 24-Mar 1
Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 2, 2025
This week join culinary director Riccardo Longo on his travels as we celebrate CARNEVALE in the beautiful & famous Venezia, Veneto. Let your senses travel with us & join us on the canal enjoying authentic favorites such as Filet Carpaccio & the Venetian tapas specialty Cicchetti! We will also be offering La Gran Lasagna de Carnevale and the incredible Figa alla Venexiana. Try our amazing red wine special while you stop by named "Raboso" which translates to angry, a bold & beautiful red wine grown nearby.
Week 9- Trieste, Friuli - March 3-9, 2025
Mar 3, 2025 - Mar 9, 2025
Join Culinary Director Riccardo Longo in his travels as we visit 52 cities & feature their local bar, wine, & cuisine. Allow your senses to travel with us & enjoy local specialties such as Prosciutto San Daniele, Brodetto, & the local wines of the region. You won't want to miss this Northern Italian cuisine!
Week 10- Antica Roma, Lazio 44BC (3/10-16, 2025)
Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
This week, Riccardo Longo invites you on his travels through the Italian Peninsula to the time of Julius Caesar. Enjoy a Mulsum Granita as he would after climbing the mountains, or try Caesar's version of duck breast this week, or the original Puntarelle imported from Lazio! This plus the local wines of the region including the indigenous Cesanese del Piglio. Reserve now while space remains!

Popular dishes

AranciniUS$14.50
Three Sicilian rice balls, veal & pork ragu peas, mozzarella, tomato
Carciofi FrittiUS$14.50
Flash fried artichokes, fresh squeezed lemon
ScamorzaUS$13.90
Fire roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto
Melanzana ParmigianaUS$15.50
Eggplant, ricotta, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato sauce
Cozze TarantinaUS$17.90
Mussels, tomato, garlic, pepperoncino
Fritto MistoUS$18.90
Semolina crusted calamari, shrimp, zucchini
PolipoUS$18.90
Citrus Grilled Puglian octopus
Torta GranchioUS$19.90
Italian crab cake infused with fresh herbs & mascarpone served with a small cucumber fresco & finished with a gastronomic roasted red pepper

Insalata e Zuppa

Virtù AbruzzeseUS$11.90
Iconic soup of Abruzzo featuring 7 vegetables, 7 legumes, & 7 pastas with accents of pancetta & aromatic herbs
CasaUS$11.90
Endive, arugula, radicchio, lemon vinaigrette
Panzanella TropeanaUS$13.90
Greens, tomato, cucumber Tropea onion, red onion, fresh basil, crostini
CesarinaUS$14.50
Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing
PeraUS$15.90
Baby greens, pear, grapes, dried cherries, pine nuts, goat cheese, shallot vinaigrette
Insalata di MareUS$18.90
Chilled seafood salad, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops

Pasta

ChitarraUS$19.90
Guitar pasta, tomato, Guanciale (Italian bacon), onion, pecorino
Paccheri Datterini GialliUS$20.90
Jumbo rigatoni, yellow tomato, garlic, parmigiano
Gnocchi alla BavaUS$21.90
Hand rolled potato & ricotta, fontina cream, wild mushrooms
Tagliatelle alla PannaUS$22.50
Northern Italian cream sauce, speck, peas, parmigiano
CarbonaraUS$24.50
Spaghetti tossed with pecorino romano, cheese egg, Guanciale & cracked black pepper topped with a gastronomic Italian bacon gelato
AgnolottiUS$25.50
Torino style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, & vegetables. Butter sage sauce topped with our gastronomic black and white truffle gelato
Pappardelle al RaguUS$26.90
Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb & chicken ragu
Sugo Della DomenicaUS$27.90
Longo family Sunday sauce, slow cooked tomato sauce, wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage & lamb. Served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta

Carne

CinghialeUS$15.90
Wild boar & long hot pepper meatballs, tomato sugo
Salsiccia BolzaneseUS$17.90
Grilled sweet & spicy Italian sausage served with homemade sauerkraut & a spicy grain mustard gastronomic gelato
Arrosticini BiasiniUS$21.90
Lamb-bacon skewers, gastronomic Italian long hot pepper gelato
Pollo MattoneUS$23.90
Free range 1/2 chicken, roasted under a terracotta brick, asparagus, potato
BracioleUS$29.90
Veal braciola, tagliatelle, tomato sugo
Vitello SaltimboccaUS$30.90
Veal, prosciutto, sage, white wine sauce, potato, asparagus

Pesce

Spaghetti VongoleUS$25.90
Fresh wild clams, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, parsley
Pescatrice PuttanescaUS$25.90
Fresh monk fish, tomato, garlic, olive, anchovy, capers, chitarra pasta
Cannelloni di PesceUS$25.90
Homemade pasta tubes filled w/ fresh shrimp, crab, baranzino, scallops, ricotta, tomato-besciamella
Salmone in PlaccaUS$29.90
Fire grilled salmon, herb crust,on a cedar plank with asparagus & rosemary potatoes
Zuppa di PesceUS$28.90
Clams, mussels, calamari, salmon monkfish, broth tomato, tagliolini
BranzinoUS$33.90
Fire roasted, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, herbs, lemon, fennel

Panini

CapriUS$10.90
Focaccia, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, pesto
ParmaUS$10.90
Italian baguette, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano, arugula
BolognaUS$10.90
Italian baguette, Mortadella, roast pepper
AbruzzoUS$10.90
Ventricina spicy salami, shaved pecorino on toasted casereccio bread

Verdura

Cauliflower CaponataUS$8.90
Rosemary Roasted PotatoesUS$8.90
FunghiUS$8.90
garlic sautéed cremini & portobello mushrooms
Fire Grilled AsparagusUS$8.90
Roasted Sweet PeppersUS$8.90
Truffled Patatine FritteUS$8.90
Thin cut fries tossed with parmigiano & truffle
Sauteed Broccoli RabeUS$12.50
TamboUS$10.90
Garlic & oil sauteed spicy longhots

Gelato

SmallUS$6.60
MediumUS$7.90
LargeUS$9.90
PintUS$12.90

Desserts

Cannolo con Ricotta di PecoraUS$7.50
Sicilian sheep ricotta, candied fruit
Gran Gala Creme BruleeUS$8.90
Gran Panna CottaUS$8.90
Espresso, Italian chocolate, sambuca hint
Strawberry ZabaglioneUS$8.90
Fresh strawberries, homemade zabaglione crema
Crostata di FruttaUS$8.90
Baked tart, homemade custard, seasonal berries
Tiramisu ai Frutti di BoscoUS$9.70
Lady fingers, wild berries, mascarpone
Tiramisu ClassicoUS$9.70
Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone
Budino di PaneUS$9.70
Brioche bread pudding, nutella, dark chocolate, banana, with fior di latte gelato
Ricotta Cheese CakeUS$9.70
infused with amarena cherries & served warm with fior di latte gelato
Mousse al CioccolatoUS$9.50
infused with Italian Fragolino (wild strawberry)
MacedoniaUS$9.50
Seasonal fruit salad

Caffe

EspressoUS$3.35
Espresso DoppioUS$4.60
Espresso SambucaUS$6.90
Espresso AnisetteUS$6.90
CappuccinoUS$4.29
Iced CappuccinoUS$4.59
LatteUS$4.79
CortadoUS$3.99
Drip CoffeeUS$3.35
Iced CoffeeUS$3.79
Artisanal TeasUS$3.99
Artisanal Italian Hot ChocolateUS$6.99
Cornetto PlainUS$3.75
Cornetto AlmondUS$4.39
Cornetto CremaUS$4.39
Cornetto NutellaUS$4.39
Cornetto SalatoUS$6.79
GirelleUS$3.99
BomboloniUS$3.50

Bevande

Phony NegroniUS$7.50
LimonataUS$3.99
AranciataUS$3.99
ChinottoUS$3.99
Aranciata RossaUS$3.99
BergottoUS$3.99
Fresh Squeezed OJUS$5.90

What 2,244 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.6Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Philadelphia County
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Philadelphia
Great for fine wines
Philadelphia
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Gran Caffe L'Aquila in Philadelphia offers "excellent food and great service," presenting authentic Italian cuisine that leaves patrons "feeling at home." With standout dishes like carbonara and seafood cannelloni, the restaurant also boasts a "fantastic gelato selection." While some note a bustling atmosphere, the "wonderful experience" keeps diners returning.

2,244 Reviews

l
luana
VIP
Atlantic City
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I have a wonderful time with Thomas the manager the busser everyone was wonderful see again soon
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E
Edna
VIP
New York City
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Excellent restaurant and a favorite for a casual meal with a good wine.
Is this helpful?
A
Annie
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful birthday dinner! Great service and amazing food as always!
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A truly wonderful experience for Valentines day. It's the little things like a roasted red pepper gelato included with crabcakes. You have no idea you needed it until you have it and you wonder why it took so long to come into your life. The wine selection was excellent. As an added bonus we are learning Italian and the waiter was very patient with us as we ordered. You can always order in English of course but it was nice to practice without any pressure. My carbonara was done perfect and my wife's seafood cannelloni was just amazing. And of course in honor of the greatest team in the world we ordered the Go Birds gelato (pistacchio, cannoli creme and white chocolate pretzels).
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M
Michael
Dallas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Food and service top notch. But downstairs seating at high tops in the market is a little crowded and noisy.
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T
Tenley
Philadelphia
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
As always the food was delicious—but it was incredibly loud, and one server in particular had a booming voice that was actually kind of painful. The atmosphere was definitely vibrant! Would have loved to be able to hear my companions though.
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D
Donna
Philadelphia
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
the food is traditional Italian recipes and so fresh it is incredible. The service is so helpful - I forgot to ask for downstairs table because of my mobility so I called them the same day. They made is seem like it would be their honor to reserve a table downstairs. They really respect their customers.
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G
Gina
VIP
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great time, as always, but the soccer fans downstairs were very loud, still a wonderful time
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C
Chris
VIP
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place never disappoints. Most authentic Italian food you’ll get in the states. 10/10 highly recommend.
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A
Alexis
New York City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful experience, my wife is from vicenza italy and she felt at home. Definitely going back. Food is simple but delicious.
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FAQs

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant 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 4.8 stars by 2244 OpenTable diners.