Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant

Name: Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant
Address: 1716 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 19103-5132
Telephone: (215) 568-5600
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

787 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

For parties of 5 or larger, please contact the restaurant directly by visiting www.grancaffelaquila.com or calling 215.568.5600

Authentic Italian Restaurant, Caffe, Bar, Luxury Italian Market, & Italian Culture School. The culinary and wine program is based on all 20 regions of Italy including wine, cocktail, and beer selections crafted by award winning culinary and wine director Riccardo Longo. The experience also featuring Gelato from the Italian Gelato Champion Maestro Stefano Biasini as well as award winning coffee roasted in house. Private events including Lunch, Dinner, Apertivo, and Tasting Menus designed to each groups desires. Best of Philly Readers Choice Best Italian Restaurant Winner and Gambero Rosso rated Top Italian Restaurants in the world; Featuring an expertly trained staff and authentic environment.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 17, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 74 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(215) 568-5600

Delivery

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian
Hours of operation
Breakfast
Daily 8:00 am–11:00 am
Lunch
Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm
Dinner
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 568-5600
Website
http://www.grancaffelaquila.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Half Tray Platters available for our entire menu. Each half tray serves 4-6 guests. <br /> <br />Specialty catering orders may be requested! Visit grancaffelaquila.com or call the restaurant and ask to speak to a manager.
Private party facilities
Allow us to host your next event. Our expertly trained staff will provide a dynamic dining experience for you and your guests - Birthdays, Anniversary, Rehearsal Dinner, Family Reunion, Office Gatherings, you name it and we host it!

Private sit down events available from 8-85 guests,
Private stand up events available from 40 to 150 guests.

Location
1716 Chestnut St Philadelphia, PA 19103-5132
Neighborhood
Center City
Cross street
In between 17th and 18th Street on Chestnut
Parking details
Parking garages located on 17th street after Market before Chestnut,On Sansom Street between 17th & 18th.Valet Available through Sofitel Hotel.Limited metered street parking available.
Public transit
Stop for the #42, #21, and #9 located at 18th street, and 17th street. Stop for the #2 bus at 17th and Chestnut
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Popular dishes

Arancini$9.90
Sicilian rice ball, veal and pork ragu, peas, mozzarella, tomato
Carcioffi Fritti$9.90
Flash fried artichokes, fresh squeezed lemon
Melenzana Parmigiana$9.90
Eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce
Scamorza$10.90
Fire roasted aged mozzarella, prosciutto
Cozze Tarantina$14.90
Mussels, tomato, garlic, pepperoncino
Fritto Misto$15.90
Semolina crusted calamari, shrimp, zucchini
Polipo$16.90
Citrus Grilled octopus
Torta Granchio$16.90
Italian crab cake infused with fresh herbs & mascarpone

Insalata e Zuppa

Pasta E Fasoi$7.90
Mal tagliate pasta, Italian bean vegetable soup
Casa$8.50
Endive, arugula, radicchio, lemon vinaigrette
Panzanella$9.50
Greens, tomato, cucumber, red onion, fresh basil, crostini
Cesarina$9.90
Kale, romaine, creamy Parmigiano dressing
Pera$12.90
Baby greens, pear, grapes, dried cherries, pine nuts, goat cheese, shallot vinaigrette
Insalata di Mare$14.50
Chilled seafood salad, shrimp, calamari, scungilli, scallops

Panini

Caprese$9.90
Foccacia, fior di latte mozzarella, tomato, pesto
Parma$9.90
Italian baguette, Prosciutto di parma, Parmigiano, arugula
Bologna$9.90
Italian baguette, mortadella, roast pepper
Cacciocavallo$9.90
Cave aged caciocavalo & speck

Verdura

Truffled Patatine Fritte$6.50
Thin cut fries tossed with parmigiano & truffle
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes$6.50
Roasted Sweet Peppers$6.90
Funghi$6.90
garlic sautéed cremini & portobello mushrooms
Fire Grilled Asparagus$6.90
Sauteed Broccoli Rabe$8.90
Cauliflower Caponata$6.90
Tambo$10.90
Garlic & oil sauteed spicy longhots

Pasta

Chitarra$16.50
Guitar pasta, tomato, Guanciale (Italian bacon), onion, pecorino
Gnocchi alla Bava$16.50
Hand rolled potato & ricotta, fontina cream, wild mushrooms
Paccheri Datterini Gialli$16.90
Jumbo rigatoni, yellow tomato, garlic, parmigiano
Tagliatelle alla Panna$16.90
Northern Italian cream sauce, speck, peas, parmigiano
Agnolotti$21.90
Torino style Ravioli filled with veal, pork, vegetables, butter/sage sauce with gastronomic black & white truffle gelato
Carbonara$18.50
Spaghetti tossed with pecorino romano, cheese egg, Guanciale & cracked black pepper topped with a gastronomic Italian bacon gelato
Pappardelle al Ragu$19.90
Ribbon pasta, slow cooked pork, veal, lamb & chicken ragu
Sugo della Domenica$23.90
Longo family Sunday sauce, slow cooked tomato sauce, wild boar meatballs, veal braciola, sausage & lamb. Served with homemade flour & water fusilli pasta

Carne

Cinghiale$11.50
Wild boar & long hot pepper meatballs, tomato sugo
Salsiccia all' Uva$13.90
Sweet & spicy sausage pan seared with extra virgin olive oil, Orvieto white wine, fresh grapes, & aromatic herbs. Served with a fennel salad
Arrosticini Biasini$17.90
Lamb-bacon skewers, side of peperoncino dip & gastronomic spicy mustard gelato
Pollo Mattone$18.90
Free range 1/2 chicken, roasted under a terracotta brick, asparagus, potato
Braciole$21.90
Veal braciole, tagliatelle, tomato sugo
Vitello Saltimbocca$23.90
Veal, prosciutto, sa ge, white wine sauce, potato, asparagus

Pesce

Spaghetti Vongole$19.90
Fresh wild clams, EV olive oil, garlic, parsley
Pescatrice Puttanesca$19.90
Fresh monk fish, tomato, garlic, olive, capers, chitarra pasta
Canneloni di Pesce$19.90
Homemade pasta tubes filled w/ fresh shrimp, calamari, monkfish, scallops, ricotta, tomato-besciamella
Salmone in Placca$23.90
Fire grilled salmon, herb crust, asparagus, potato
Zuppa di Pesce$24.90
Clams, mussels, calamari, salmon monkfish, brothy tomato, tagliolini
Branzino$28.90
Fire roasted, EVOO, garlic, herbs, lemon, fennel & potato

Gelato

Gelato
Check daily flavors produced by Italian gelato champion Stefano Biasini
- Small$4.90
- Medium$6.90
- Large$8.90
- Pint$12.00

Desserts

Gran Panna Cotta$7.90
Espresso, Italian chocolate, sambuca hint
Tiramisu Classico$8.50
Lady fingers, espresso, mascarpone
Tiramisu ai Frutti di Bosco$8.50
Lady fingers, wild berries, mascarpone
Cannolo con Ricotta di Pecora$5.90
Sicilian sheep ricotta, candied fruit
Crostata di Frutta$7.90
Baked tart, homemade custard, seasonal berries
Strawberry Zabaglione$8.50
Fresh strawberries, homemade zabaglalione crema
Gran Gala Creme Brulee$7.90
Budino di Pane$8.90
Brioche bread pudding, nutella, dark chocolate, banana
Ricotta Cheese Cake$8.50
Mousse al cioccolato$7.90
Macedonia$7.90
Seasonal fruit salad

Caffe

Select one of 4 award winning artisanal blends. Each is selected and sortred in Italy and expertly roasted daily on premises

Napoli
A robust high caffeine southern Italian dark roast
L'Aquila
Our signature medium dark roast blend
Torino
Elegant Northern Italian medium roast blend
Roma Decaf
Sensual & complex medium dark roast blend
Espresso$2.73
Cappuccino$3.70
Espresso Doppio$3.33
Ice Cappuccino$3.98
Espresso Sambuca$5.90
Latte$3.70
Espresso Anisette$5.90
Cortado$3.30
Drip Coffee$2.31
Shakerato$4.59
Ice Coffee$2.92
Cold Brew$2.92
Artisanal Teas$2.78
Ice Tea$2.78
Gran Box of Caffe!$25.90
96 fl. oz insulated box of any Gran Caffe L'Aquila coffee blend. Includes 8 to-go cups, cream, stirrers, assorted sugar packets
Cornetto Plain$2.90
Cornetto Almond$3.95
Cornetto Crema$3.95
Cornetto Nutella$3.95
Cornetto Salato$5.95
Girelle$3.95
Brioche$3.25
Bomboloni$3.25

Cocktails, Wine & Beer To Go

Here are some highlights, Ask For our full cocktail, wine & beer list for extensive to-go menu

Italian Cocktails

Aperol Spritz$11.90
Negroni$12.90
Hugo$11.90
Americano$11.90
Pompelmo Spritz$11.90
Bellini$11.90
Gran Caffe Martini$12.90
Gran Gin Tonica$12.90
Aperol Granita$12.99

Vino Italiano

Bianco

Pinot Grigio$10.90
Frascati$10.90
Gravina$11.90

Rose

Ciro Rosato$11.90

Rosso

Cabernet$12.90
Pinot Noir$10.90
Chianti Riserva$11.90
Aglianico$13.90
Barolo$19.90

Birra Alla Spina (Draft)

Peroni$5.70
Lil Heaven IPA$6.50
Menebrea$5.90
Gran Gian Stout$6.90

What 787 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

ES
ElaineS
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall1food4service1ambience1
It was an utter disaster
CA
CarolineA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice and quality food! A bit pricy though! Lovely ambiance! The upper floor is wonderful!
o
outandabout
Philadelphia
263 reviews
vip
4.0
263 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall4food2service4ambience3
Having just returned from a trattoria in Rome I'm afraid my review is somewhat jaded. I found the meal the other night not to be as good as from a previous experience I had the Sunday supper and I would say it was mediocre. There were a few pieces of pasta a tiny meatball which is dried out likewise the other piece of meat. I was hoping for the artichoke as done in Europe which is roasted with olive oil but this was fried and not up to par and in my opinion not as good. I was seated in that private little area as you first come to the top of the steps but if you sat in that back area it's like eating in one boisterous barracks!
MG
MargieG
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was excellent. It was a great place to celebrate a birthday.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Noise level very high. Food and service outstanding
g
gobirds
Philadelphia
36 reviews
vip
3.0
36 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
Never been upstairs for dinner… was pretty nice but noisy and crowded cafeteria like. Booth was nice but seats kept separating and uncomfortable. Service was over the top with numerous extra plates and silver wear that weren’t needed but friendly and quick. Food was interesting but everything just seemed like it was sitting under heat lamp before we got it and was congealed. Food was Still ok and pasta was fresh made but would not go back again. Gelato was awesome.
b
butchershop22
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall1food1service1ambience2
terrible food. over priced. server kept calling us “my ladies”. my pronouns are they/them. won’t go back.
j
jebbers
Philadelphia
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food3service3ambience2
Bruschetta with sausage very disappointing. Just a mash. Bread and olive oil and the salad were the best parts of the dinner. Eggplant (Pasta Norma) was nothing special. Very small pieces of eggplant. Salad with pear was very tasty and presentation was pretty. All the pasta dishes lacked luster even though the pasta is homemade. Place has it down to a science, but all the dishes could show more attention and care and some pizzazz. Eggplant should have been big round pieces, and sauce more interesting. Too tomato pasty-ish.
D
Dolemite
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food4service4ambience2
When I made my reservation I requested Standard Seating (Outdoor and Hi Top were the other choices) but when we arrived they said they had no record of any choice. While it is a possibility that I didn't make a choice it is highly unlikely that I didn't as I don't like Hi Top seating and I always am very, very careful to choose the type of seating that I want. So maybe you should call the restaurant to verify if you are as picky as I am with the type of seating you want. I did talk to the manager about it and I was not satisfied with his explanation or level of concern to my happiness as a customer.
b
barb
Philadelphia
43 reviews
5.0
43 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place. Never a bad meal. Last night exceptional! From our wonderful server, Anastasia, to great pear salad, caponata with fresh mozzarella, perfect bronzino, and mussels. Topped off with gelato, of course. Can’t wait to come back.
M
Maria
Philadelphia
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
Food was pretty good last night at L'Aquila. Service was very good also. We sat outside and the space outside for 2 people is rather tiny, so it was a bit uncomfortable to move. Overall, very good experience
AM
AndrewM
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is good and the staff is helpful if you need help in deciding your choices.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely perfect. Food Atmosphere and service.
LP
LisaP
Atlantic City
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The two hostess were very polite, lovely and ensured we were happy with our seating arrangements. Domenick our waiter was incredible! He made sure our dinning experience for Mother's Day was exceptional! Lisa & Robert Petrie
EE
EnnElle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
An original, Italian taste that you have to discover in Philly Centre. Great experience!
JP
JaimeP
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and great atmosphere! I will definitely be going back!
BC
BrianC
New York Area
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a great dinner. Our server Luca was absolutely perfect. Recommending the wine and meals. Very personable and authentic. A real reason to return soon and we will!! Thank you!!
P
Phillyfish
Philadelphia
39 reviews
vip
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience2
Excellent pasta. Would appreciate it if they expanded their non-pasta menu
MG
MichaelG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible flavors await the foodie with a dicernible palate. It was not a meal but an experience. Go hungry and enjoy!
PV
PaulV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
You won't be disappointed with anything on the menu. Save room for Gelato, it is the best I've had since being in Italy.
M
Mando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
I was unsure of what i was looking at on the menu or unsure of the order in general and the server didnt really seem like the knew how to easily guide me through the menu items. made me awkward or stupid. I kind of wish they were a bit more graceful about it. but i still enjoyed the staff and service regardless. this is just the only issue with my experience.
m
missys
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
The carbonara was fabulous. Piping hot, Al dente, creamy with a gastronomic bacon gelato. The dessert gelato was delicious as usual. Very good quality tea which is rare in Italian restaurants. My only complaint is the the wine pour is really stingy for the price. Looked like 4 ounces for almost 14$ and that was a less expensive glass. Not well chilled either. Filled maybe a fifth of a standard red wine glass. Waitress was very pleasant. It was a little chilly and she offered to move us if we were cold.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were celebrating my husband’s birthday today, May 1, 2022. We decided to go to The Gran Caffe A’quila in Philadelphia at 1716 Chestnut Street. A wonderful authentic Italian restaurant. We were seated on time by a pleasant hostess. I requested a special table for two called the Romeo and Juliet table as it looks over a balcony. The table was prepared and ready for us. We were greeted by Our waitperson who was a lovely young woman whose name was Yvonne. She was smiling, happy and greeted us with perfect Italian!! She was warm, friendly , knowledgeable and very attentive. She took care of us like we were family. A real gem to be sure. We wanted for nothing. The food was paced nicely. Never felt rushed. The chef there really knows what he’s doing. Dish after dish served was superb both in taste and eye appeal with ample serving size. We ordered dessert, and when it was brought to the table, there were three lit candles and a beautiful hand written birthday wish on the plate. As if that wasn’t enough, Yvonne smiled with her eyes sparkling, and went on to sing happy birthday to my husband in Italian!! As if that wasn’t enough, at the very end she gave us each a complimentary glass of Limoncello. Swoon ! My husband was thrilled, and talked about it all the way home. It was a perfect day from start to finish, and I cannot thank the entire staff for making such a nice memory for us both.
AL
AmyL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The decor, service, food, and drink were all outstanding. We will be returning - often!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food never ceased to surpass our expectations. Pasta is great, pistachio gelato is creamy soft and wonderfully flavored.
SB
SteveB
Baltimore
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food. I would come back!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Montana
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Food was good ! We felt very crowded which made for a less special feeling
AD
AndreDawson
Philadelphia
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Bobby and staff where excellent. I have dietary restrictions and he made sure they cater to my needs. Food and the gelato was amazing. A place to go back to.
TO
TimO
Los Angeles
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Casual dining. Great service. Wonderful food. Excellent cocktails. Authentic Italian cuisine. Very reasonable prices. Excellent value.
JV
JayVicki
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
GreT service, thanks to Luca, our waiter. Food was delicious. The accommodated my cegN diet nicely and gave my wife a resounding rendition oh "Happy Birthday" in Italian.
CB
CBell45
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great!
AP
AmyPhilly
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This gem looks deceptively small but beyond the Chestnut Street facing little market and gelateria is a wonderful restaurant and bar. The food is authentic Italian and every bite is delicious. Go, for lunch, dinner, coffee or a drink.
F
Foodfor46
San Diego
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Eat out doors in one of the booths it’s amazing. Fantastic food and service! Really fun!
b
birthdaygirl1234
Philadelphia
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Celebrating a friend’s upcoming graduation from med school. Reserved the covered outdoor seating (heated!) and had a wonderful time. Service for water refills was very spotty and some other tables were really loud. But the food was excellent and we had a great time.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall1food1service2ambience3
Food was awful and service was slow. The server was great but I think they were short staffed.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I asked for a quite table I didn’t get exactly what I needed.
E
Ettorestyle
Philadelphia
156 reviews
vip
5.0
156 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Easter dinner was spectacular, and consider the mess I made with the reservation they where able to seat us. We had many appetizers and entrees delicious it felt like home for the holidays 🐰❤️
NK
NicoleK
Philadelphia
11 reviews
vip
2.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall2food5service1ambience5
Food was very good. Service was poor though, I had to ask for a fork 3 times while everyone else started eating. The way the server held the dishes as they came out of the kitchen contaminated all of the food by touching the bottom of the other dishes where his hands were. It grossed me out so I only ate the parts that hopefully didn’t touch the other dish and his hands. After the pandemic, they should know much better than to not notice this, especially at a nicer restaurant like this.
GC
GildaC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food, makes me feel like I am in Italy every time!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience and wonderful service!!!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant using the Order Online button. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 568-5600.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 787 OpenTable diners.

Gran Caffe L'Aquila Philadelphia Italian Restaurant does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.