Caffe Casta Diva

03/18/10

Best Italian Food outside of Italy

by loveitalianfood at Citysearch

As an individual who travels to Italy often, hands down this is the best Italian food I've ever had in the States. The overall feel of Caffe Casta Diva is warm and inviting while modern and chic.

Having dined here several times I find the food to be consistently fabulous. You won't find a better selection of homemade pastas presented with delicately flavored sauces, both the scallops and the veal chop are to die for while the sautéed artichokes are heavenly. Oops, I almost forgot to mention the gnocchi, which are so light they melt in your mouth. As you read the menu your mouth will begin to water and soon you'll be struggling to make a decision, you'll want one of everything. Once your meal is complete be sure to treat yourself to a serving of delightful gelato, yes it's homemade also.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday check out the "recession menu" three courses for $30 what a deal, if you miss it don't worry their regular prices are completely reasonable. And it's a BYOB, no corking fee, all the more reason to experience Caffe Casta Diva, not that the superb food, delightful service, inviting atmosphere aren't enough

Wish I could dine there every evening, what a treat to finally have found a place which can truly compare to authentic Italian cuisine usually only found in italy.

• Pros: everything is homemade
• Cons: cant think of any

10/26/09

Great food/bad service

by Robert Ellis at Citysearch

The food was above average but the gentleman who took our order was beyond rude. I would have to say closer to ignorant, but more exactly obnoxious. We live in Center City and it is very convenient for us to get to this restaurant, but we won't be going back. There are too many other choices that are equally convenient.

• Pros: Interesting menu
• Cons: A bit pricy for BYOB, waitstaff attitude

10/15/09

Good Food Served With an Attitude

by CenterCityGirl at Citysearch

I had dinner there a couple of weeks ago with 4 other people. This was not my first time as I had eaten at Casta Diva 3-4 times before but had not been there in 6 mths. We had appetizers and pasta entrees, and we all enjoyed our meals. However, the service there is efficient but not friendly or welcoming. We had 3 different people attending to us but it was not clear if we had a primary server or not. The initial waiter was irritated when he was asked to repeat the specials of the day. Then once our orders arrived no one came over to see how we were doing or if everything was alright. And then when the check arrived they had already added in the gratuity (18%) which we didn't really mind. We ended up putting in an extra $4 because of the way it came out in paying cash. The waiter came over and picked up the folder and asked if we needed change and we said no. That was it - no thank you from her which we all noticed - she just walked away. It will be a long time before I go back there, if ever again. A restaurant that does not seem appreciative or seem to care that their patrons are happy or want to return doesn't need my business. I live in the City and, believe me, there are many excellent restaurants that do go out of their way to make sure their customers are happy!

• Pros: Pasta is excellent
• Cons: Servers are not friendly or welcoming

09/10/09

Delicious & Cute little Place

by MRS19129 at Citysearch

I went to this great little place on a double date. I called ahead to say we'd be 15 mins late which they was fine, but any later would have to wait. They were courteous when we arrived. I was horrified by how rude our friend's wife was, but the server took it all in stride & took her crazy personality nicely. Our salads were prompt & the food was excellent! Stayed long enough for dessert & really just enjoyed the atmosphere of the place. My one complaint was that they didn't have any change for a dollar for the parking meters. They tried though!

• Pros: Great food, Nice Atmosphere, Friendly Staff
• Cons: Would it hurt them to offer bread?

03/28/09

Good food, Slow service

by Kaleb at Citysearch

I love the small place, but we were sitting at the most wobbly table that was making me sea sick. It was really horrible. Great food, but it took 20 minutes to pay the bill and then they only accept CASH. What kind of a resturant only accepts cash???? Maybe they should have put up a sign or something. It was very hot in there too because the kitchen was so close to the tables.