L'Angolo Ristorante
(215) 389-4252
1415 W Porter St
Philadelphia,
PA
19145
39.9196
-75.1714
Neighborhoods: South Philadelphia, South Philadelphia West
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In Short
This cozy spot's entrance is next to the kitchen, allowing for inspection of chefs whipping sauces. The back dining room, painted a sunny yellow, is slightly cramped but charming. Italian fare is homey like the decor. Grilled Portobello is topped with Fontina and roasted tomatoes. Seafood stew features calamari. Chicken and veal entrees come with homemade mashed potatoes. Don't skimp on dessert: L'angolo's sweets, including mascarpone cheesecake and fluffy tiramisu, are worth a taste.
User Reviews
jeffallegretti
January 24, 2009
I have been going to L'Angolo off and on since it opened (I was a weekly regular for lunch, which, sadly, is no more). Over that time there have been a number of changes in the kitchen, and I think the current chef, a young and talented Gallipolian (Puglia) may just be the best. The trick with getting the most out of the L'Angolo experience is the same one I advise for all true Italian restaurants: look for the simplest dishes and you will find the best. The baked funghi infused with the rich flavors of olive oil and rosemary, the grilled calamari drizzled with olive oil and your own squirt of lemon, the insalate served with olive oil and salt - just as is in Italy - all simple, all exquisite. Likewise with the pasta, stay away from the over-sauced, the over-creamed, the over-piled with ubiquitous lump crab meat. Choose instead the simple papardelle with Ox tail braised until it falls apart, a real "slow food" celebration for the palate. Or the orrecchiette with shredded duck cooked simply in wine and herbs. Or, my favorite, still made but no longer listed on the menu, delicate and flavorful gnocchi in a 'molte semplice' olive oil and rosemary condiment. (to call it a sauce would be to mislead). But superb simple food is only part of the allure of L'Angolo. The energetic, eager, and uncannily anticipatory young wait staff perfectly compliment the food with their own balance of simple artistry. To the reviewers who fault this part of the L'Angolo experience, I say, eat at Babbo or Vetri if formal pampered service is your Idea of Italian dining. For me, the uniqueness of L'Angolo is inseparable from Nino's familiar but always professional doting, and especially his vicarious participation in the festive celebration of il cibo italiano.
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Anonymous
December 02, 2008
This small BYOB in South Philly has really notable food and is not your typical South Philly restuarant. Try the specials - every dish is good. The only complaint I could image anyone having is that overall, the dishes can be a little salty.
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ljallen
November 30, 2008
Small but comfortable. Fantastic meal. There were 6 of us. We all had 3 courses & coffee. We all raved throughout the 3 courses, and insisted on everyone else tasting how delicious it was. It was about $55 per with tip, byob. Probably better with a small group, it's a little close and bright for romance. Make reservations. Parking can be tough on the small South Philly streets. Truly superb old school italian food. I highly recommend the aspargus wrapped in prosciutto as an appetizer. Two of us raved about the lobster ravioli.
read full reviewThe Details on L'Angolo Ristorante
Know Before You Go:
Call ahead before showing up on a weekend night--reservations are recommended.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, B.Y.O.B., Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
