Welcome to Ristorante Pesto
At Ristorante Pesto, located in the heart of South Philadelphia, a vibrant culinary journey awaits you. This family-owned Italian gem captures the essence of authentic flavors inspired by cherished family recipes. Patrons rave about standout dishes like the homemade cavatelli, bursting with fresh seafood, and the heavenly gnocchi in perfectly balanced sauces. With a commitment to exceptional service, Concetta, the restaurant's heart, ensures every guest feels like family. Whether it’s the robust Marsala chicken or exquisite lobster ravioli, every bite transports you to Italy. Experience warmth and passion in every dish, making Ristorante Pesto a true South Philly institution.
Ristorante Pesto: Reviews & Ratings
Great small and quaint family owned Italian place! Both my friend and I got the homemade cavatelli with lobster, shrimp, and crab. We thought it was out of this world, so delicious!
I enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. I went for a graduation celebration dinner with 5 other people. The servers, at every point during the dinner, were very polite, attentive, and understanding. The owner was also very kind and accommodating. On top of it, every meal was delicious!! I would for sure come back here in the future. Thank you Ristorante Pesto!
Gnocchi in pesto sauce is one of my favorite dishes I’ve ever had. The sauce is incredibly well balanced. The cavatelli is amazing also and has a great texture. I really enjoyed our meal and the service was great. This place is a south philly institution. Concetta is a delight! You can tell she takes a great pride in the restaurant and is an excellent host. They have a full bar but it is nice that you can still bring your own wine. The burrata was good too. Next time I’d like to try to mussels as an app. The calamari was fine, but it didn’t come out very hot unfortunately. They were very busy though. Every table was full on a Saturday an hour after opening. I had a great experience.
We did our research and everything led us to Ristorante Pesto. We're in town for the Philly zoo wine fest, and some hearty Italian was on deck. Julian, our waiter, was spot on with his recommendations and suggested things that he personally loved, not just the best-sellers or instagram dishes. Concetta, the heart and soul of the front of the house, orchestrated a busy dinner rush and welcomed us like family. The on-point extra, extra dirty martinis were a great start, and the carafe of chianti lasted the whole meal. We fired off two amazing apps - Bracciolatini and puffed shrimp - before sharing their award-winning cavatelli and the gnocchi flight...yep, you read that correctly, gnocchi flight... with rose, gorgonzola cream, and pesto sauces. The cavatelli was enough for two, and the gnocchi were like pillowy nuggets of heaven. The gorgonzola cream was perfectly balanced, not too rich, and the pesto wasn't overpowering; it was fresh and herbaceous as hell. We finished with an espresso and two Italian staples...pistachio gelato and ricotta cheesecake. This was a great way to start our weekend, and we'll be back... with family, friends, and big appetites.
All dishes were good. l like the bread and carrot.
First came here several years ago so while we were back in Philly we had to go again. It did not disappoint!! Delicious goodness with every bite.
We spontaneously walked into Pesto last night and were greeted by the wonderfully helpful and friendly Sabrina. Then well taken care of by the entire “family” that owns and runs this South Philly gem. Everything was delicious and we know Italian food!!! Pastas perfectly al dente and the veal fork tender. Thank you Pesto!!! Michael and Renee
Absolute compliments to the chef! Our server Gianna was an angel, and went above and beyond for our service. Made sure we were taken care of and ensured an amazing dining experience. A friend and I had the Cavatelli which was absolutely delicious and a must try, with my party ordering the stuffed 12 oz. steak(which I eyed the whole time), and gnocchi, along with assorted appetizers. Would recommend this place to any and all, friends and family, and am definitely going back to try out the rest of their menu!
Location
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1915 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, United States Hotline: +1 215-336-8380
Welcome to Ristorante Pesto, where the heart of Italy blossoms in the vibrant streets of South Philadelphia. This charming, family-owned restaurant is a culinary gem nestled at 1915 S Broad St, offering diners an authentic taste of Italy infused with warm hospitality.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a cozy ambiance that reflects the passion and pride of owner Concetta and her dedicated team. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, making it a perfect venue for both casual outings and special celebrations, as highlighted by satisfied patrons who rave about their experiences.
The menu is a delightful exploration of Italian flavors, with fresh, homemade pasta taking center stage. Indulge in the Linguine Pescatora, adorned with plump shrimp, mussels, and clams swimming in your choice of red or white sauce. Or perhaps the Linguine Alla Scogliera, featuring succulent shrimp and lobster in a rich, robust sauce, will tantalize your taste buds. For something richer, the Fettuccine Alfredo prepared with cream and Parmesan cheese melts the heart, offering comfort in every bite.
- Shrimp Scampi: Jumbo shrimp laid atop tender linguine, available in various sauces, providing a taste of the sea with every forkful.
- Cavatelli with Lobster, Shrimp, and Crab: A crowd favorite, this dish is often described as "out of this world" by satisfied diners like Sarah C., who appreciated its mouthwatering flavors.
- Gnocchi Flight: Experience a delightful trio of gnocchi served with distinct and exquisite sauces, a true testament to the chef's skill and creativity.
Not to be missed, Ristorante Pesto also allows guests the unique opportunity to bring their favorite wines to complement their meals, enhancing the dining experience without the pressure of overpriced selections. Pair this with their delectable side options like Penne, Linguine, or Spaghetti for a truly satisfying meal.
Patrons have shared glowing reviews, from the attentiveness of the friendly servers to the genuine warmth radiating from Concetta herself, making each visit feel like a reunion with family. As Holly Huo noted, "All dishes were good," reaffirming the kitchen's dedication to quality and taste.
For a sweet conclusion, don't forget to try the pistachio gelato and ricotta cheesecake, both of which have become local staples, leaving diners with a lasting memory of their meal.
Ristorante Pesto isn’t just a place to dine; it’s a heartfelt experience. Whether you're a South Philly local or just passing through, make sure to drop by for a taste of Italy that will linger long after the last bite.