Got a date you want to impress, but not, you know, impress too much? This classy Italian chain is a perfect choice for semi-important dates, birthdays, and apparently, large gatherings of men in khaki pants. Make sure to get there early, there's always a wait, but it is well worth it for the enormous portions and heavenly tastes. You can have a seat at the large bar area and have some cheap appetizers while you wait. Dark wood dominates the restaurant. Lighting is provided by dropped bundles of glowing globes from the ceiling. Their D.C. location has a mini-shrine to Old Blue Eyes, we can't recall seeing one in the Philadelphia location.
They give out enough bread to feed a small nation and the entrees are absolutely delectable. Be careful not to stuff yourself with the enormous portions, you want to save room for dessert (we recommend the tiramisu). But before dessert, you'll have to go through a set of large entrees. Picky's favorite is their gnocchi in vodka sauce. He loves mushing individual pieces on the roof of his mouth with his tongue. So squishy, so yummy. Messy favors the four cheese ravioli in pesto alfredo sauce. Order from the regular menu or go family style for some supersized portions.
All in all, this is a great place to go when you want a classy evening out without having to get dressed up or break the bank. But if you'd rather eat at home, you can always carryout your food and dine in privacy.
Messy ****1/2
Picky ****
The final word: Unlike most chains, this one doesn't feel manufactured.
Maggiano's Little Italy
1201 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-567-2020
Mon.-Thu. 11:30AM-10PM; Fri.-Sat. 11:30AM-11PM; Sun. noon-9PM
I phoned and made a reservation for Saturday, January 6, 2007 and will follow-up with the results tomorrow. I have eaten here for Dinner but tomorrow I will adventure their lunch specials. Dinner was just great and I took my whole family and extended family for Dinner for my daughter's birthday and everyone was quite pleased. We had the family style dinner and from appetizer to Dessert all was perfect. I even thanked the chef!
This is one of my favorite resturants. The food is absolutly delicious, the service is great, and at the end of the meal, you really feel like you got your money's worth!!!! Great for a date, and the family style as well. Just make sure you have your appetite ready!!!!
The King of Prussia Location is nice b/c the parking is a bit easier than the CC location!!!!
This restaurant is impressive, especially the food! By far one of the best Italian establishments I have eaten at in a long time. I, too, fell in love with the gnocchi and have attempted to re-create this dish at home with little success! (If you can find a close recipe please send it my way!) The stuffed mushroom appetizer was also superb! Great value for the money (HUGE portions) and the "Family Meal" is more food than I have seen in a long time! I will definitely go back, and back, and back….