Gran Caffe L'Aquila

I think this might be my new favorite Italian restaurant in the city! I’ve always heard great things about this place but never got around to trying it until yesterday. I got the tomato & basil bruschetta (best bruschetta I’ve had in my life), the Gnocchi alla Bava (I didn’t want it to ever end!!), and the cherry and salted caramel gelato for dessert (SO GOOD). We sat outside on the sidewalk and it was a bit cramped. The tables outside are all really close to each other and it kind of felt like we were on top of each other where it was uncomfortable how close the guests at the table next to us were. And our server was good, but I think he must have been pretty busy with other tables because it took a good bit of time in between each time he came around to check on us. Regardless, I will definitely be back for the delicious food but will probably opt in for the indoor seating next time! Can’t wait to try the other items on the menu because it all sounded so great.

Listen, there’s Italian-American food, and there’s ITALIAN food. Gran Caffe L’Aquila is a legit Italian restaurant and bar. One of my all-time absolute favorite spots! The experienced baristas are legit Calabrian and Roman. They know their stuff. The coffees are superb. The gelatos are award-winning out of this f**** world. The wines and cocktails are no less impressive. This appetizers are wonderful, the olive oil is high quality, the pasta dishes are delicate and not too heavy. It’s like nothing on the menu sucks. Everything just tastes amazing. I don’t even know what to recommend because everything tastes great. 5/5 stars without skipping a beat. I come here with my gf regularly and we’re coming again soon. For best experience, request high top table. You get a great vibe with a good view of the bar. Highly highly recommend!

We visited for the Fall restaurant week and our overall experience with this place was happy. Since I'm not a big fan of pasta or Italian food person, I choose this place because of its vibe and gelato!! I really loved their "Valentino" (chocolate covered strawberry) the most and it's perfectly sweeten but not too sweet! I will definitely go back to try their other gelato. Their pasta and meatball were just okay but I was surprised by their lamb skewer (juicy & tender)! The people serve in the restaurant and gelato were all super nice (unlike other typical European restaurants in Philly haha). Always reserve a table before you go because this place is ALWAYS BUSY! If you're an Italian food lover or gelato lover, highly recommend to try this place as your treat to yourself or as brunch/dinner date.

2024. Absolutely phenomenal experience overall! My first impression was when I spoke with Cara, one of the managers on the phone. She was so positive and kind. My server Riley was outstanding! Kind, knowledgeable, respectful, and downright awesome! The selection of wines and Amaros was excellent. The food was so delicious! 2025. I recently enjoyed yet another exceptional dining experience at this restaurant! My server, Riley, truly stood out as a star. Her recommendations for both food and beverages were perfect, showcasing her impressive knowledge and professionalism. The menu features a fantastic selection of fresh and delicious dishes, making it hard to choose just one! I highly recommend this place, and I suggest making a reservation to ensure you don't miss out on this culinary gem.

Great food, Great service. A little expensive. Not outside what I expected though and you get what you pay for. Great food presentation and attentive staff. 11 out of 10 stars

One of my favorite restaurants so far. The ingredients were so fresh, so plump, and so juicy. From the freshly baked bread with olive oil and vinegar, appetizers, main courses, and scrumptious desserts, dinner was an absolute treat. I will definitely be visiting again and I highly recommend this as someone who’s traveled all over Italy… the flavors are very authentic! 12/10

Lovely place to grab coffee, would return! The baristas who served us were kind and gave us water with our coffee and croissants.

I made my reservation on Open Table. It said that there was valet at a hotel. The hotel was actually around the corner so it is not as close as you would expect for valet. You also have to pay inside the hotel at the front desk. Tommaso was my server. He was great. The Old Fashioned Abuzzo was good. The table bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside but I just wished it was warm, it was refrigerator cool. I enjoyed my main entreé and my gelato was really good. I did add a shot of Bailey’s as a recommendation from a visit in Europe. After my meal, I paid and sat to finish my old fashioned and sparkling water. As soon as I finished my old fashioned Tommaso asked me if I could leave the table because they needed to sit a party of 6. In all my years, states, and countries of visiting restaurants I have never experienced that before. Made me wish I didn’t tip over 20%. He offered for me to sit at the bar and maybe have a drink. I told him no thanks and grabbed my bag to leave. As I walked by the bar on my way out I saw that there were no available seats. Extremely disappointed.

Excellent customer service, Michael and delicious food best coffee I’ve ever had!

Spirited servers provided excellent service at this establishment. There is very limited seating but it's worth it to experience an authentic Italian meal. To cap off our meal, our friendly waiter gave us a complimentary taste of their gelato. Great cappuccinos, delicious food, and an extensive wine list, make this place a winner.