Gran Caffe L'Aquila

Excellent service and atmosphere. The food was good not spectacular but the prices are not crazy either. I had the Abruzzo soup and the Cotechino. The soup lacked flavor. Having had Cotechino in Friuli & Veneto in Italy, I was disappointed in the meal, mostly lentils. The lentils and sauce with it was delicious but the Cotechino lack the fat I enjoy and the amount served was sub par. Thin slices of 5 small pieces of Cotechino. We also had the pasta dish chittera, it was ok. Gelato was excellent. Again the prices are very affordable but the food lacked punch. I may return to try something else.

Although I'm Italian native speaker, I never had any experience eating in this place, thus, I wanted to give it a try just in occasion of these ongoing holidays. So, a week ago I called the restaurant to ask if they were planning a NYE party, and I was told that yes, there's a NYE party on 12/31, but when I asked for more details she told me I could email the owner and he would have replied to me asap. As result, a week has passed and I never heard back from anyone! Thus, since I organized a nice group of people, I decided to make a reservation elsewhere! At least, the staff of the other restaurant is truly NICE AND RESPECTFUL and responded to any of my questions in just minutes! Also, after reading other "one star reviews" for this place, I don't think I'll consider Gran Caffè L'Aquila a choice for any of my events in the future.

Cool little place on Chesnut St in Philadelphia. The downstairs is an Italian market but has tables in the back. The upstairs is just dining and has a small bar. We sat downstairs and its a little noisy but that’s expected with the market component. But its just that piece that gives you the feel of being in a market in Italy. People buzzing in and out. Food and service were great. Took a trip upstairs to snap pics and its a very warm and comfortable environment with the busy noises in the background as they float up from down below. Love it! ❤️

Yes it is true. This is the best Italian food experience in Philly. Get the carbonara!!

The food that I’ve eaten here is always incredible. The menu offers a nice variety of genuine Italian dishes. The gelato is some of the best I’ve ever had. Service is fine. Efficient and perfunctory.

This was my first time here and I got the Parma Panini. It was extremely delicious, and fresh. I’m not a big fan of the $12 for a 3 ingredient sandwich, but I understand the location and the prices in the neighborhood. And hey, it was a really good little treat for myself. All of the staff I interacted with were super friendly, and that alone made me want to come back. The market was super cute and I’m excited to come back and peruse it, and try more food!

First off, the place is beautiful and the staff were very friendly. Great service. Went here for a work event so was fortunate to try most of the menu. Every appetizer was great; the Parmesan gelato on the charcuterie board was a unique addition. All the pastas and meat dishes blew everyone away. And can’t leave without trying the gelato. It’s the best in town.

Came here to carb load for the Philidephia marathon and was recommended by family to go here. I had the Sugo Della Domenica and the meat choices were amazing that pair with the Pasta. The sauce is hard for me to describe but was different from most places but works well with the meal. I would definitely come back for this meal.

Cute little Italian spot that honestly feels like you’re somewhere in Italy for an hour. Definitely recommend making a reservation because the place is pretty small. The food was really good and everything tasted fresh. Loved the handmade mushroom pasta — the kind that looks rustic and homemade. The pistachio gelato was probably my favorite dessert there, and the coffee was great too. The staff was fast, friendly, and had that fun Italian energy that makes the atmosphere feel warm and lively. If you’re in Center City and want a cozy Italian café with good food and a nice atmosphere, this place is worth visiting.

Stellar, authentic Italian experience across the board. Super friendly personnel, super authentic atmosphere, delicious ice cream and other desserts, great coffee. I had a first lunch there with a vegetable soup, which was wonderful and I decided to go back the next day again for lunch because I had enjoyed my time there so much. This time I started with a mozzarella di buffalo with tomato caprese and it was pure perfection. I decided then to follow it with the agnolloti, an innovative sounding ravioli dish with truffle gelato! Unfortunately, it wasn’t all that given that the ravioli were a bit undercooked, and the whole dish was overly smothered in shaved cheese and the truffle gelato sounded more appealing than it actually tasted. Luckily the original and divine tasting gelato (two scoops: 1)olio ai fichi and 2) pistachio) afterwards and coffee saved the day.