Ristorante Pesto

You know it is quite the dining experience when I cannot wait more than 12 hours to write the 5 star review! Ristorante Pesto is so special. It isn't a "hidden gem" per se, but I wouldn't have known about this family-owned and operated spot on Broad near Passyunk had my Aunt not sent me a gift certificate for a recent celebration. I am forever grateful she did her research as my boyfriend and I's Valentine's Day experience here was perfect start to finish.To start, making a reservation couldn't have been easier and they were lovingly able to squeeze us in at 8:30pm with not much notice. Reservations are recommended as this is a hot spot, but that they were able to accomodate us on Valentine's Day at ALL was a total surprise and delight. Speaking of surprise and delight? Host with the most (and co-owner Concetta) had heart shaped chocolate boxes for all of the couples upon arrival. An act of hospitality like that doesn't take much, but really sends the message that you love and care about your customers. That message is weaved into the fabric of this restaurant from the staff that feels like a family to the food to the ambiance and beyond.But the FOOD? WOW. Bruschetta, burrata, the famous seafood cavatelli, and chicken parm were all ordered and there was not one miss. I especially loved the bruschetta which was super simple but refreshing and reminded me of my time in Florence. The Cavatelli is the can't miss dish and my chicken parm was served with potatoes and beans which I appreciated as a departure from the usual pasta.You just HAVE to make a reservation and go. If you were raised in an Italian family and miss the experience of the more classic or dare I say "old school" dining experience (me!), you can find it here. We brought a bottle of red wine, though they do have cocktails and a full bar for your enjoyment as well. Choose your own adventure imbibing! Thank you SO much to the team at Pesto for making this night so memorable. I can't wait to return, bring my parents and other out of town guests, and share the Pesto magic far and wide.

Fabulous customer service....family owned and operated.... Highly recommend the Balsamic Glazed Carrots!

This is a real institution on broad that prefers cash and makes for a great dinner. The portions are nice and servers treat you like fanily

Enjoyed our experience dining at Pesto! I had been wanting to try this resturant for a while and I finally got a chance to dine here with friends. The service was phenomenal a local family owned joint with the friendliest people! Cute little spot, nothing too fancy but very homey and warm at the same time. We started out with the burrata with prosciutto and the pear salad. Both were fresh, large portion and extremely tasty. For my entree I ordered the seafood cavatelli which is what they are know for! (According to the menu) it was very tasty and heavy as it was in a vodka sauce. Looking forward to dining here again in the near future!

When in Philly we new we had to get Italian at least once and the friends we were staying with told us we had to go to Ristorante Pesto and we were so glad we did. We made a reservation for 6:30PM on a Saturday. Our friends also told us that you can bring your own wine and that they don't have a corking fee which is unheard of now a days. When we arrived we were greeted upon walking in and taken to our table. Our server was extremely friendly and so was the whole staff that we interacted with. I will say when we were hear we really felt like family. Hmmmmm why does that sound familiar. They started us off with free bread and Balsamic Carrots which were very good and a first for me.We of course got started with apps and we went with a couple. First the Puffed Shrimp which are wrapped in bacon, puff pastry served with a honey dijon mustard sauce. Clearly this was my pick. As Ron Swanson would say ""my No. 1 favorite food, wrapped around my No. 3 favorite food". You gotta love it. They were cooked perfectly and the Honey Mustard Sauce we great. Could see this being an entrée at another restaurantNext was the Eggplant Rollatini which is Stuffed with spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella in a rose sauce. I know this doesn't sound like something I would go for but it was pretty good. The only issue was had with it was it was just lukewarm and for sure could have been hotter but still good. Last was the Burrata with smoked prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Did you really get Italian if you didn't get Burrata? I also love that it comes with prosciutto which I love. I made sure to put it all on some of the bread. Really made it for me. As soon as I looked at the menu I knew was I was going to get and it had to be the Cavatelli. I love homemade Cavatelli and this comes with all my seafood loves, lobster, shrimp, and crabmeat in a rose sauce. Yeah that had my name all over it. Once it came out it looked great and I got into it. It was loaded with seafood and the pasta was clearly homemade. I will say it was very rich but I did my best to eat as much of it as I could. This was also a very big serving for the price of $29. This is for sure worth it! I also got to try Ashley's Gnocchi in a gorgonzola sauce. My favorite way to have Gnocchi. The gnocchi was for sure homemade and the gorgonzola sauce was nice and thick. I will say you can't go wrong going to Ristorante Pesto. No corking fee, great fresh and homemade pasta, plus some of the best staff I have even seen in a restaurant. This would for sure be a place I would come back too and I am very jealous you Philly locals can enjoy Ristorante Pesto anytime.

Food was delicious and the owners who run the restaurant were so accommodating for our large group of 16. Staff was friendly! Highly recommend for great Italian food in South Philly!

Always great food and excellent service! And, a couple of doors down is Pesto Pizza, which is among the best pizza in Philadelphia!

In town for my girlfriend's college graduation, we needed a place that would make this momentous occasion even more special. She chose Ristorante Pesto, and we could not have been happier with her decision. From the moment we walked in, we were embraced by a warm and inviting atmosphere that felt like home. It's clear that this is more than just a restaurant; it's a place where memories are made and cherished. The staff welcomed us as if we were old friends, and their genuine hospitality set the tone for the entire evening.The menu at Ristorante Pesto is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, crafted with love and attention to detail. Each dish feels like a heartfelt gift, nourishing not just your body but also your soul. I can confidently say it was the best meal I've ever had. The flavors were exquisite, each bite a delightful experience that left us yearning for more.What truly set this experience apart was how they honored my girlfriend's accomplishment. They made sure every aspect of our meal was perfect, from the impeccable service to the celebratory atmosphere. The staff went out of their way to make her feel special, adding thoughtful touches that turned our dinner into a memorable celebration.Ristorante Pesto is more than a restaurant; it's a place where milestones are celebrated, and every guest is treated like family. If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience that combines exceptional food with heartfelt hospitality, look no further. This was a night we will never forget, and we owe it all to the wonderful team at Ristorante Pesto

Wonderful place. Felt like I just landed in Italy. Service was impeccable!! Food was superb nothing like it. Have to go here. Bucket list restaurant

Great food Great hospitalityFriendly family owned and genuinely wants customers to enjoy themselves / have a great time!Planned dinner for 28 persons. Connie considered everything to ensure all had an enjoyable time.Veal Parm was a great choice and not to disappoint.I will he back for small and big parties.