06/09/09

Great experience, excellent meal

by countrygirlkate

I'd never been to this restaurant and was invited to attend a surprise birthday for a friend. A party bus picked us all up in Maryland where we live and took us for the hour drive to Bistro Romano.

I have some photos posted here on my blog but Citysearch does not permit me to post the URL. You can see them perhaps by googling Chronicles of a Country Girl super fun happy (it's what I named the post).

A section had been reserved for our party of 22, downstairs near the intimate wine cellar room. We were given a set menu to order from and I chose the Chicken Putanesca. My only complaint is that the caesar salad, so widely touted, was very much on the wilted side with too much dressing. The flavor was still incredible but it was just a tad disappointing. The Putanesca was divine, as were the roasted vegetables. We enjoyed a layered birthday cake and the coffee was excellent. One of the best cups of coffee I've been served in a restaurant, quite frankly. The atmosphere was unique. Superior service.

• Pros: Ambiance, service, meal

01/27/09

Great Restaurant, Food & Service Outstanding, Best Caesar Ever

by sansom68

I always enjoy taking family and friends to Bistro Romano for dinner. The food and service are always outstanding. I am partial to the Caesar which is prepared at your table. I think its the only place left in the tri-state area that prepares the traditional Caesar, it's the best i've ever had anywhere. That is the beginning to a perfect meal. The filet is an excellent cut than I've had at the local steak houses. My wife enjoys the homemade ravioli, particularly the Lobster. Desserts are equally superb, definitely try the Tira Misu or the Pumpkin Bread Pudding, two of our favorites. Service is very attentive, the server we had last night was Donna. She was extemely pleasant and anticipated our every need. It's clearly one of the best in Philadelphia.

• Pros: Caesar Salad, Filet, Pastas, Tira Misu, Service

01/24/09

Great Romantic Atmosphere, Lousy Food, Slow Service, overall overpriced

by artdesignnj

The atmosphere was great, not so good food and not so speedy staff. You walk downstairs into a stone cellar, very romantic with low lighting. We were impressed. We were served water immediately, but then waited and waited to be asked what we would like to drink. Finally our waiter came over we put in our drink orders along with our apps. Our bread and apps came out about 10 minutes later, drinks came a few minutes later. We order one meal off the menu and the other was a special. Both meals were bland, and parts of both were just so bad we did not eat them. Paying took about another 15 minutes. Great atmosphere but overall disappointed with food and service. Especially for the price. We would not go back again.

• Pros: Great Atmosphere
• Cons: Bland Food, Slow Service