La Viola
(215) 735-8630
253 S 16th St
Philadelphia,
PA
19102
39.9479
-75.1678
Neighborhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Center City
What People Are Saying About La Viola
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
If only Center City had more little bistros like this uptown gem. The setup is simple enough; one room, crammed with cozy tables for two, and one menu of inexpensive Italian dishes. But La Viola is a low-brow exception in this high-rent district, with all the ambiance--and attitude--of a South Philly B.Y.O.B. The clientele, however, is strictly uptown. Prepare to be pleasantly suprised with the kitchen's deft execution of difficult dishes.
User Reviews
curlyq222
May 10, 2009
La Viola has been my favorite BYO for years. The food is consistently outstanding and is a great value for the price. The fetuccine al salmone and the daily special soups and salads are always outstanding. For someone who truly values a restaurant for authenticity and quality of the food, you will not be disappointed. That being said, some of my friends dislike it because the restaurant is so small and therefore limited in seating. It is true that sometimes you may have to wait even if you have a reservation, but that's a consequence of going to a restaurant with so few seats (you can also try La Viola West across the street-- the menu is slightly varied but there is much more seating). The table service is excellent, and the fact that you may have to wait to be seated isnt the fault of the staff-- they can't control how long their guests stay. Anyway, I'm always willing to wait for the overall great food and dining experience at La Viola!
read full review
Laura72180
February 06, 2009
The service at La Viola was absolutely terrible! We showed up at 8:15 for 8:30 reservations and by 9:30 we were told it would be another 45 minutes until we would be sat. They were very rude and made no effort to move along people who had been sitting at tables for over 2 hours sipping their WINE that they BROUGHT! (this place is BYOB) So we left and found another restaurant I really don't care how good their food might have been I would never go back. By the way I hear the food is just average anyway.
read full review
CBAER
December 28, 2008
When I read the reviews I was concerned . However, those concerns were unwarranted in that our party of eight all gave La Viola an outstanding rating. From the moment our lovely hostess greeted us and showed us to our table to the time we were met by our waiter to say good bye, we had a most enjoyable evening. Our waiter, Dominic, was friendly and helped uswith the menu. Our wine was opened immediately and we were not rushed to order, in that all of our party wasn't there yet. All of us raved about the food and the prices are very reasonable. Yes, it is a bit crowded and noisy but it was lots of fun and just what we wanted...not to stiff and stuffy. WE all had a wonderful time and will return.
read full reviewThe Details on La Viola
What To Drink:
The closest wine shop is at 1318 Walnut Street.
Know Before You Go:
Be sure to hit the ATM before you arrive.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are highly recommended for weekend evenings and pre-theater nights.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Date Spot, B.Y.O.B.
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
