Established in 1899, “Dante & Luigi’s, corona di ferro” is one of the oldest existing Italian restaurants in the United States.
Situated in the heart of the Italian Market district, it was once the destination of Italian immigrants arriving in Philadelphia. Unable to speak English, they arrived on the docks with the name of the restaurant written on a scrap of paper and pinned to their lapels. They were given lodging in the upstairs rooms and work in the restaurant.
Dante & Luigi’s retains much of the same atmosphere as it had in the past. Housed in two converted town houses, the charm of yesterday still exists. The cuisine is a well-balanced mix of homemade, “Old World” specialties, along with delicious fresh seafood and exceptional daily specials.
Like something out of the Godfather! This place looks like a south Philly Italian restaurant should look. Old world charm and friendly wait staff. The food is excellent and the service on point.
This “old-world”, circa-1899 Italian in Bella Vista “does things the right way”, offering “outstanding” “classic” fare (including “veal that’ll melt in your mouth”) and “spot-on” service in a “lovely environment”.
The atmosphere of the 119-year-old townhouse is warm, inviting and loud in a wonderfully friendly way. Their commitment to tradition is what consistently delights generations of customers.
For me, the test of an Italian restaurant is how its chefs prepare lasagna. I go on the record and proclaim Dante & Luigi’s to be the finest in town.
When your cousins visiting from out West ask to see the real Italian joints in the city, dress them up and bring them to the corner of 10th and Catharine, order anything with “gravy Corona di Ferro”.
What a great find! We went to the Philadelphia Flower Show today and found this gem. The food was magnificent, the decor quaint and the staff were wonderful! The signature dish is to die for. We cannot wait to go again!
This “old-world”, circa-1899 Italian in Bella Vista “does things the right way”, offering “outstanding” “classic” fare (including “veal that’ll melt in your mouth”) and “spot-on” service in a “lovely environment” that's a popular “special-occasion” venue; pay with cash and you get a 5% discount.