Melograno

02/19/2008 Posted by smtermini

I went here with my boyfriend on Valentine's Day and was blown away. For a prix-fixe menu, there was a great selection for the four-course meal. The atmosphere was incredible and romantic, we were seated promptly, and had excellent service. The lobster ravioli was great, the quail was INCREDIBLE with a pomegranate-balsamic reduction, and the tiramisu was the best I've ever had (and big!). We sat right against the window and had a beautiful view and a wonderful meal. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic evening at a BYO!

Pros: EVERYTHING - ambience, service, menu

Cons: parking - but where isn't it hard to park in Philly

01/24/2008 Posted by soccermom121

We waited about 30 minutes for a table. There were only two of us. And if I recall, they don't take reservations. The food was good. It came out in a timely manner. The service was nice but we had a different person checking in on us every time. We weren't sure who our server really was. It was so incredibly noisy that I could barely hear myself think much less hear what the other person was saying. When the food arrived, we just started eating. I ordered the red snapper. It was served over mashed potatos. Good, but not very imaginative. You can get that sort of thing at just about at any little italian BYO. Nevertheless, it was a nice night out.

Pros: good food, friendly service

Cons: they don't take reservations, very noisy in dining area

12/23/2007 Posted by phillymusicgrl22

After reading some glowing reviews on Citysearch, my friends and I decided to give Melograno a try. We arrived at 8pm on a Saturday night, hoping the dinner rush would be slowing down, but still expecting to wait for a table. The restaurant was busy, with a small group (6-7 people) waiting for a table. I asked the hostess if I could put my name in for a party of 3. She looked around the small dining room and said, "Sorry..I can't accommodate a party of 3." To which I replied, "Oh..we're fine with waiting for a table." She said..."No...I can't accommodate you at all. I have a few 2 top tables opening...but, we can't push tables together...and our larger tables seat parties of 4 or more." Huh? I have never been turned away at a restaurant. We hopped in a cab and went to Mercato, where we were seated right away. The food and service were outstanding. Skip Melograno and head straight to Mercato. You won't be disappointed.

Pros: the food looked good?

Cons: rude hostess, poor management

12/13/2007 Posted by stronzo5

I have been to a lot of restaurants since I've been in Philly. I grew up in an Italian household, and I've been to Italy many times so I know good Italian food. I went to Melograno and I must say it took me back to the restaurants in Italy. I got the Pappardelle Tartufate and it was unbelievable. The only difference was they added nuts to the dish, but it just added to the flavor. I am planning on going back to this place many more times, and highly recommend it for anybody looking for a good Italian dish especially the pasta.

Pros: Great Food

12/03/2007 Posted by padthai202

My girlfriend raved about this little BYOB that she goes to with her friends, so she took me there for our 3 yr anniversary. WOW!!!! The food was amazing. The were quite a few people waiting which attest to the food/atmosphere/service at this one of a kind restaurant. Our wait was about 30 minutes, but the staff was very attentative, coming over on several occasions to take drink orders, and even gave us a sampler appetizer. We love the staff here, and everything about MELOGRANO. Cant wait to come back, everyone deserves to experience fine dining at a very affordable price. For all those who has complained about being rushed out, how bout some understanding for the rest of us waiting to eat at this awesome restaurant. Go somewhere else and nurse your drink. Seating is at a premium and so what if you spent $200; doesnt mean you own the seat. Simply ridiculous.

Pros: friendly staff, excellent food, amazing city vibe

Cons: not open on mondays

12/02/2007 Posted by restauranteur77

I was taken to Melograno on a Saturday night by some lady friends. Being in the fine foods and restaurant business in DC, I was looking forward to the experience after reading some good reviews. Was I ever disappointed.... We were served in a timely fashion, and the food was good though nothing special (fyi...Mercato is a better choice) Worst of all, after being seated for only 1 hr 20 minutes, and after having paid the bill and tip, the waitress informed us that the owner wanted us to get up and leave in order to seat one last party! We were still eating dessert and drinking coffee...how RUDE and OBNOXIOUS! Never in my travels to the finest places in DC, NYC, and internationally have I been treated so disrespectfully. The Asian hostess/owner even reiterated that we needed to leave. They took away our plates and glasses and we were given the cold shoulder. Horrific ending--- never going back.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/12/2007 Posted by timeisfilled

I was taken to Melograno a week before my birthday. I went back a week later for my birthday. This was probably the best 2 meals I've had all year. Get there early, or make a reservation. They are packed 15 minutes after they open. If you like mushrooms, you MUST have the pappardelle with mushrooms. It's amazing. The wait staff is very nice, and you can see the chefs cooking over the counter. I gave them a thumbs up from my table and they all smiled and waved back to me. This is a great place for a date, or a special occasion.

Pros: Food, service, atmosphere, wait staff.

Cons: Parking is VERY difficult to find in this area, but ther'e's a lot at 20th and Walnut.

08/07/2007 Posted by ferped

I have never felt compelled to write one of these before but I saw a semi bad review for this restaurant and had to say something.No matter how long a wait it is - do it - it is worth it. If the food isn't enough to bring you back the atmosphere is. The food is amazing, every dish I have tried has been so good that each time I come back I am tempted to get the same thing but just know I can't pass up the opportunity to try something different and equally good. The service is great about timing your dishes so you are never sitting around waiting and wondering where your next course is - a HUGE pet peeve of mine. I would highly recommend this place for both couples and large groups - not sure about kids but i have seen a few in there before and they seem to blend right in!

Pros: Food, service, ambience

Cons: the wait, parking

01/14/2007 Posted by eido

I am very surprised to read the number of negative reviews on this site. I've eaten at Melograno five or six times in the past six months, and every time, without fail, I have had excellent service and excellent food. When friends visit, this is where I take them. The fried chicken livers are rich and complexly flavorful, and wonderful with the warm rolls they serve at the start of the meal. The first meal I ever had there was the parpadelle pasta with truffled mushrooms, which is the best version of that dish I have had. I also recommend the stuffed quail-- a perfect autumnal meal-- and their pork tenderloin. The most decadent meal you can have is surely the bistecca fiorentina, which is served on a bed of warm white bean salad. The lovely mix of the olive oil and sea salt, with the juices from the steak and the flavors from the bean salad are sublime. The few times I have had room for dessert, it has always been spot on. The portions are generous without being over done, and I've never been made to feel that I had to leave. Best of all, the place has a real neighborhood feel-- go there more than once, and the owner and staff are likely to remember you and welcome you back.

01/01/2007 Posted by suze331

The food was very basic, expensive and with very small portions. I went there with high expectations after all the wonderful things I had read and I have no I idea how this restaurant achieved such wonderful reviews. There are many other italian center city eateries that are much better than this. Also while we were waiting in line (almost 20 minutes) for a table along with about ten other people, the owner was taking phone calls telling people that there would only be a 15 minute wait for a table. Very deceptive. Don't wait your time and money.

Pros: nice decor

Cons: food, value, service