Ristorante Pesto in Philadelphia - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Best Italian Restaurant I have ever been to for a night out or dinner it is a perfect sport Not too far from the Airport. Best place

Great Italian restaurant, good food the Cavatappi is one of their best dishes

Pestos the best. You have to try it when you are in South Philadelphia

Simply the best appetizers, the calamari was to die for, the eggplant rollatini was a table favorite and the bonus balsamic carrots amazing! As for entrees the pasta dishes were prepared perfectly, as was the steak and chicken! My favorite was the grilled lamb chops bono! Service was top shelf with attention to detail, Gianna and Fortino catered to our needs graciously! My family from Australia was totally impressed with the quality,service and hospitality especially the attention given by the owner, Concetta🙏🏻🤓😁🤙🏼🥰

This dining experience was one of kind! It started with Connie taking our reservation and continued to her recommending her restaurant’s most popular dishes before we were sat. Both my friend and I ordered everything she recommended from the Eggplant Rollitini (sauce is absolutely superb btw) to split and her the Cavatappi which was very flavorful and rich. For me I had the Veal medallions with shrimp and prosciutto! I loved how light it was since the veal was thin and when I eat Italian, I tend not to like to be over stuffed. We finished with our own individual desserts (her the Oreo ice cream cake and for me the crème brûlée) that were made by Giovanni the owner himself! However for me the highlight of dinner was Connie stopping by to give me a hug and ask me how dinner was! Despite never meeting us before tonight, she and her staff showed the hospitality you don’t find too often in a world flooded by chain restaurants. Connie even offered to show us the kitchen, which for me as a former restaurant worker was a treat. Since being out of the game for 5 years I love to still see what’s under the hood and she willingly offered a peek. All in all, it makes sense why they are number #1 in Philly and may they continue to be for another 30 years!

I have lived in Philly for 7 years now and this is the best place I have been. Great service and great food always. Gianna was the best waitress, great recommendations! If you are in Philly I highly recommend to come here for dinner, lunch, or just a good chat!

Connie was an absolute gem! She was very friendly, and the atmosphere was gorgeous. It truly felt like home! The food was amazing. The eggplant appetizer was my favorite! Thanks for making my friend and I feel like we were part of the family.

Hands down, the best Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. Giana and her family are absolutely amazing. It's always a treat when we eat here. Thank you for your amazing hospitality

Maybe not suitable for Asian foodie? Gelato was good

Visited for the first time in September 2023 based on the recommendation of a friend that lives in Phildelphia, and then again last night with the same friend. I have to say that both times the experience was mesmerizing. The first time I called to make a reservation, there was no answer. A few minutes later they called me back even though I had called from an international number. That right there told me that the Pesto family puts its customers as their first priority. Aside from the friendliness and great atmosphere, the quality of the food is superb!! As a Levantine from Jordan, we appreciate flavors involving tomatoes, oil, oregano. Will definitely be coming here every time I visit Philadelphia. Went again last night with my family upon arrival from Jordan and we definitely were NOT disappointed!!

Truly hospitable environment. Warmly greeted by general manager and welcomed. What a nice gesture. Old school charming South Philly Italian vibe. Loved it. The food was fabulous. Enjoyed their specialty signature pasta dish (pictured below) which was superb, followed by delicious lamb chops. BYOB which helps bring down costs. Definitely recommended. Will be back

Go to restaurant when in Phila. Great food, great service equal great time. The crab and avocado appetizer is to die for. Do not take it off menu please.

Awesome service, friendly waitresses, and most of all delicious Italian salmon! Loved it! Highly recommend!

Pesto is more than a restaurant it’s a culinary delight- it’s an experience of dining excellence. Service, menu selection, desserts, wine - food so flavorful it brings me back to Italy.

A great place to get a meal. Very family friendly also BYOB!!

Went here for an authentic Italian dinner based on the stellar reviews. This place did not disappoint! The carrots in the balsamic vinegar dressing paired with the bread were unique and delicious! We ordered the Cavatelli which was excellent. Drinks and tiramisu for dessert were also very tasty! Would highly recommend this restaurant!!

This is the first time I have ever wished I could give a restaurant more than 5 stars!! I went with a group of 25 (!) people (all travelling from out of state) for dinner at Ristorante Pesto and *everything* was perfect from start to finish. This is a family run restaurant, and their commitment to providing an amazing dining experience was evident in every aspect of the evening. The service was incredible - friendly, attentive, and incredibly efficient, given the size of our group. The menu selection was fantastic, and with a group that size, there was an array of diverse food on the tables, and everything looked so appetizing. The appetizers were generous portions, the bread was freshly made, and the main course dishes were plated perfectly. While everyone was commenting on how much they enjoyed their selections, I can only speak to mine personally, of course, and it was incredible. I wanted a classic dish done well, and my choice of Fettuccine Alfredo and chicken did not disappoint. The pasta was homemade, and the cream sauce had the perfect balance of taste and texture; the creamy sauce complemented the pasta and chicken without being heavy or overpowering It was honestly perfection. Dessert was a tough choice, but I went with the ricotta cheesecake - the server said it was her grandmother's recipe - and it was delicious. The whole evening was wonderful and felt more like a family dinner than a restaurant meal.

It was so good!!!!!! The staff was so friendly and the food delicious. I loved the carrots. I truly recommend this place - go for it!!!!!!

From the second we walked in we were family! We were seated quickly and drink orders were taken with speed. Our waitress, Jeñn, was amazing and answered all 5 million questions the table had! We did have one person with us who had dietary needs and they were met with grace and accommodates with kindness! Food was absolutely incredible. The service was impeccable. We have spent 4 days eating our way through Philly and this was the best spot we landed at!!

Food and staff were incredible!! Had an amazing time with our family and would definitely recommend

Great service, great food. Fantastic date spot! Myself and my partner throughly enjoyed our meal from start to finish.

Reservation made. Welcomed and greeted by hostesses and seated right away. Servers and Wait Staff were very nice and accommodating. Started with Puffed Shrimp, while waiting for Calamari a plate of roasted peppers and mozzarella balls was presented. For dinner: Vitello Mari e Monte was a wonderful dish, Sauteed and Baked Lamb Chops were done perfectly with a heavenly gravy and served with fried potatoes and spinach. Very glad to be introduced to Ristorante Pesto. Easy to get to but not so easy to park. One hour to Philly or Atlantic City. I'm going to South Philly. (Sorry V)

Owners are extremely friendly, the food and service are excellent.

Truly a family-owned gem of a place! Great people and even better food!!

Wonderful family no frill spot :)) huge space

We were celebrating our daughter's graduation from Temple. The staff, from the wonderful owner, Connie, to our waiter and waitress, went above and beyond to make sure our celebration was a memorable one. My husband had the clams for the appetizer in which the broth was just bursting with flavor. I had the lamb chops for dinner which were so juicy and tender. Everyone expressed how their meals were just simply deliciouss. The martinis were great. Our daughter said that her dinner at Pesto's just topped off her very special day.

The atmosphere was awesome. The food was fantastic authentic Italian food. The tiramisu to die for. . The owners made you feel like family. A+ 100% will go back next time we are in Philly

Everyone was super friendly and they were very prompt with attention. We had the eggplant appetizer and it was excellent. My wife had chicken piccata and that was very good except no capers. I had veal parm and it was one of the best veal parm I have had. Go here if you can

My favorite spot in philly. One of the only reasons I even go to Philly. Great food...people and atmosphere. Thank you Connie and John and staff for making my nieces graduation dinner remeamberable..

Our Uber driver driver told us this was the best Italian restaurant isn’t the Philadelphia area and it did not disappoint! They start you off with vegetables and bread. The vegetables were so flavorful with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic. Truly a delight. The vegetable of the evening was carrots. We had portobello stuffed mushrooms. They were so tasty with the sauce that you couldn’t help yourself to drench your bread in the cheese sauce. We also had brochetta which was also tasty. The main course was chicken Marsala. There were plenty of mushrooms and the flavor of the Marsala wine came through. All in all a wonderful evening. The staff was great - constantly checking on how we were doing. The owner came by to check as well. An awesome meal!

From the lovely welcome to awesome service we had a delicious dinner from bruschetta, lobster ravioli, salmon, veal, crème brûlée and ice cream. Absolutely scrumptious! Make a reservation when in town!

Love the rosé sauce so much. And the best cheesecake I’ve ever had. We always BYOB a few bottles of wine and finish off with dessert cocktails from the bar. Always bringing our out of town guests here!!

Just came from Pesto. The service was surprisingly awful. A waitress named Gianna acted like she was slinging pizza slices while we were paying $30 an entree. Shockingly terrible.

Everything is really good, service and food are 🫶

We were visiting Philadelphia from Chicago. So glad we discovered this place. The food is outstanding. The service was fantastic. 10/10 We will definitely come back if ever in Philadelphia again.

Delicious food! We loved all the appetizers : shrimp, eggplant and burrata . Two people enjoyed the veal parm. I had the linguine with shrimp and lobster. We hope to return soon

Visiting from Texas. This was authentic homemade amazing Italian food! The staff was very friendly. The owner was always walking around talking to all the tables. If we are ever in Philadelphia again we will definitely go back.

Everything is amazing!!! Great place! You need to come here and try the famous homemade seafood cavatelli pasta made famous by Rachel Ray.

My sister and I stopped in for dinner and it was amazing! Get the Cavitelli! You will not be disappointed. So much shrimp, crab and lobster. And the clams in the oil and garlic sauce appetizer so good! Everyone was very nice there, so friendly.

Greeted with smile by the owner at the door and it only got better… excellent service and food! If we lived in Philly we’d go back!

The service is like no other. You are treated like family the minute you walk in the door. Food is beyond amazing! The Best Gnocchi in Gorgonzola I have ever eaten! Yes, better than Italy!

First time, but won’t be our last! Greeted and welcomed as we were with friends. Food was amazing, service was wonderful by Eric. You can tell Connie is passionate about her business and the quality of customer service. Thank you for a wonderful experience!!!

Amazing food, everything was consistent. Not a single complaint

Absolutely my favorite restaurant. Consistently great food and service! My go to for every special occasion or just a night out!

Amazing!!! Truly one of my favorite dining experiences in south Philly! We had so many great meals and deserts. Can’t wait to go back.

Food was good, not great. There was no bread or salad offered. Additionally, my chicken parm did not come with a side of pasta, which is fine, but I didn’t know that and I wasn’t even asked if I’d like to add it for an additional fee. I feel like that should have been communicated a little more clearly.

From the moment we walked in and were greeted by Concetta, I knew this was going to be a wonderful dinner. We didn’t have reservations, but it was obvious why we would need one. Everything was 5 star from the service by multiple staff and in particular our server Eric to the fantastic meal. We came the day before Easter and were served house bread with a special Easter bread as well and a marinated carrot dish to start. From there we had a surprise bruschetta, fettuccine alfredo, a veal penne dish, and a veal medallion dish with prosciutto, mozzarella, and shrimp with a mushroom cream sauce, side of rosè pasta and house veggies (spinach and roasted potatoes). We were constantly being attended to and made to feel like the most special guests, but looking around that was the standard for the service here. We started with a glass of the house Pinot noir but decided to grab a bottle from there. We finished with an apple tart and a banana crème dessert and a couple of cappuccinos. Never have I been to a restaurant so welcoming and happy to provide an exceptional experience. This was best part of our trip to Philadelphia. Thank you Concetta, Eric, the chef, and the rest of the staff who made this our now go to place in Philadelphia. We will always remember our meal and how special you made our night. Thank you!

Excellent food and great service. We were with a large group of friends and it was a wonderful meal and the staff were outstanding! Highly accommodating!

We had a reservation for 20 people - the food and service were off the charts!! A must go to restaurant in south Philly! The BYOB option is a plus too!

Just an amazing evening! Everything was superb- the service, the food, the ambiance- I cannot wait to go back. We were a large party, and the servers were endlessly accommodating, and really organized. And the food was incredible! The rose sauce…..the shrimp, the peppers, and...

We had a large party of 23 come in from all over the country and Ristorante Pesto accommodated us with no problem! We started with apps served family style that were incredible. Dinner was beyond delicious. We had everything from pasta dishes, chicken dishes, braciole,...

From the moment we walked in and were greeted by Concetta, I knew this was going to be a wonderful dinner. We didn’t have reservations, but it was obvious why we would need one. Everything was 5 star from the service by multiple staff and...

Best service ever, amazing food. They served us hot dishes that were amazing. I would recommend this to everyone the food was so hot:

The meals and drinks were fantastic. I loved the family atmosphere. Everyone was so friendly and the service was great!

An awesome So. Philly spot for a long time running. Been going to them since they were @ 9th Street called Io e Tu now Pesto....always consistent, always friendly atmosphere, accommodating and to say the least...the best food bar none. John, Concetta, Gianna, family and...

The BEST of the best!!! Excellent food and even better staff!!! 10/10 recommend you will NOT be disappointed!!!! You don’t want to miss out!

We came here for my family members birthday and there was quite a bit of us (13), the owner Connie was an absolute gem and hooked us up with a private room. She came in numerous times to check in and make sure everything was okay and staff was so nice and quick. I have to say it was worth every penny, everyone was so nice and the food was AMAZING. We had a wonderful time, I would definitely recommend coming here.

10/10 experience started when I spoke with Concetta to make reservations. It continued when we arrived at the restaurant and were welcomed like we were family. Food was amazing and i especially love the pistachio martini. Concetta and her staff really elevated the whole dining...

Wonderful experience, food service, and atmosphere great

We went here to celebrate a 65th birthday and the whole team made the experience so special. Big shout out to Connie, Lori, and Michelle for being the best in the business. The service was impeccable. Things that we love, mushrooms with rose sauce, and...

Everything was great but the food was incredible

Our first time! We loved it! The owner treats you like family! The gnocchi were absolutely delicious and reminded me of my Grandmother’s growing up! The desserts were also so fresh and homemade! We will definitely recommend and come back again! Thank you!

As usual, the best restaurant in the area. Great service, great food, friendly owner, and wait staff. Can’t say enough for this wonderful restaurant.

I've written about pestos many times. It is without a doubt my favorite restaurant in philly. It's friendly atmosphere..great service..hospitality and food is better than any 5 star restaurant I've been too...its like sitting at your family table. Great job connie, John, Gianna and staff....

Thank you so much for making room for us on my birthday. Everyone loved the food.

Great spot, delicious food. The staff were so friendly and kept stopping by to see if we needed anything else. Besides the great meal my husband and I split a piece of the ricotta cheesecake which was awesome. I had to take a piece home...

Excellent dinner this evening! Highly Recommend the pesto gnocchi, award winning cavatelli, veal parm, buratta, bricole, pear salad, chianti, tiramisu, lemoncello gelato, cannolis. I was so busy eating, I forgot to take pictures💕 Can't wait to return for another incredible and cozy dining experience!!!

This place is as good as it gets. Service, food, atmosphere are all top notch. If we lived in the area we would become regulars here but will definitely make it a must stop whenever we visit philly in the future.

OUTSTANDING PLACE! Went with a group of 12 for my birthday and we had a nice private room. The martinis were Delicious and the staff made you feel like you were the only people there. The food was as good as it gets!!! Can’t wait...

The food is fantastic, everything was perfect. The staff is too, we feel more like friends than customers when we're there. We're from out of town but try to get to Pesto every time we get to Philly.

We have lived a block away for the past five years and always were curious with how busy it was. We went for a large family dinner and we realized why it's always busy. The vibe is amazing. Lots of big parties celebrating birthdays. Great spot to bring the youngest and oldest. The food is great, service is fantastic. And just a really nice spot

Fantastic dinner for a large table of ten. Wonderful delicious apps and entrees. The prices for the wine by the bottle are very reasonable. The food is like having my Italian grandmother cook for my friends. Highly recommended.

Fantastic!! Great food! Elbow room only as it fills up fast. Make reservations before you go. The salads are great. Linguine Pescatore was good. Creme Brulee too was good. Pricey but worth every penny. We took Septa as there is no parking. Street parking only. Looking forward to going back. The staff's care was exceptional. They made sure every glass was full and repeatedly asked if there was anything more they could do. Hospitality here is personal with them, and they strive to exceed. Thank you Ristorante Pesto!!

Another incredible meal at Pesto. Our favorite place for a special meal. Tonight my birthday. Tried the lobster and shrimp ravioli for the first time. Yum!!!

First time here. Food was fantastic and the service was outstanding. Would highly recommend and will definitely be back.

Never heard of Pesto before this month, had a list of places near by The Met to see a comedy show for double date with friends narrowed it down to Pesto thanks to my dad for recommending them. Conchetta was right at the stand as...

This is the best Italian restaurant in Philly hands down. We loved the service and the fact that it was a BYOB. You feel like you’re at home here. Cannot wait to come back!

This is the best Italian restaurant in the city. Would recommend this 10/10 times and this place was highly recommended but many people. The staff made you feel like family, service was hospitable, and the food!!!!….was top notch’s if you haven’t been here yet, then...

This is one of our new favorite places in the city! The food and service were exceptional, and we will absolutely be back again!

Had the opportunity to eat at Pesto for first time last night and I will be back. Traveled from Boston to meet a local friend who put this on my radar. From start to finish this place hit every high mark. The welcome, the starters...

We loved this place! It was recommended by a friend who used to go to their old location when he was growing up. The food was delicious, service amazing and the owners were so warm. They gave us a Pesto T-shirt to share with our...

The moment you walk in you feel like you’ve arrived at your big Italian family’s home for dinner. While you wait for your food to arrive, they bring you a gigantic family style plate of balsamic marinated carrots and delicious bread that are amazing together....

Warm and friendly staff- treat you like family . Do not miss this gem of a place when in Philadelphia. Was here with group of friends in Feb 2024.

Pesto is hands down our favorite restaurant, and always will be!! We have been going for years. Not only is the food rich in authenticity and love, but so are the owners and staff. They are sincere and like family. Going there is like walking...

First time - amazing food from start to finish. The Cavatelli dish is something that everybody needs to try.

Great place to dine 🍽 👌 our server Gianni is absolutely amazing. She and the crew took care of our table for 10 in a private room setting. The food was incredible and the people treat you like family. Highly recommend.

I have been to the Ristorante Pesto a few times and again it never disappoints. This visit was no exception. Everyone enjoyed their meal. I myself has the fried fettuccine, and it was excellent. Gianna and Concetta are amazing and sociable and make you feel...

Holy cow! What an amazing restaurant! My husband had the veal monti! Amazing. The eggplant appetizer should not be missed. I think that could be my entree. The staff was so incredibly friendly! We got hugs on the way out. Definitely worth the 40 minute...

Ristorante Pesto is our go-to restaurant when we're celebrating something, or just want an excellent meal. Concetta welcomes both "regulars" and first-timers as family, so it's always a pleasure to eat there. Start your meal with the complimentary carrots marinated in aged and garlicky balsamic,...

Incredible food, experience, and service. Ristorante Pesto is a must go in Philly. From the atmosphere to the friendly staff and can’t forget about the delicious food.

Our family’s absolute favorite restaurant in South Philly! Food is always phenomenal and they make you feel like you are right at home! The service is excellent and the carrots they bring out are to die for!

Fantastic meal. It was an amazing experience. Visiting from Tennessee. Would highly recommend as a must visit restaurant if in Philly.

I can not say enough good things about this restaurant. We live about 45 minutes to an hour away and don't get there as much as we like. But when we go a few times a year Connie always remembers us and gives us a...

What a great dinner experience. The service was amazing with everyone welcoming us with open arms. The food was even better! The veal parm, the cavateli, the bruschetta, and the cheesecake. Everything seemed to be better than the next. Will definitely be back.

First time eating here and was blown away with everything ! The food was awesome and I thought I died and went to heaven , I highly recommend this place ! The service was so friendly and kind I felt like I knew them all...

Great spot! Good food and amazing service! The owner was the sweetest woman with amazing hospitality. Save room for desserts!

Pesto has great ambience, a wonderful family-feel staff and excellent, authentic, creative Italian food. You’ll love the carrots (marinated, braised Italian style) that are complimentary with dinner. The Cavatelli special is Al dente and perfect. My wife loved the Salmon special- great sauce!! We’ll be...

The absolute best Italian meal we’ve had since we last visited Italy!! Wonderful service!! Owner visited our table and made us feel like family. It was such a great dining experience that we had planned to dine there the following night but had to leave...

Amazing experience, fun atmosphere & great food. Loved the pollo alla Gianna & the tiramisu. I can’t wait to go back soon

Best quality Italian food !!! Best service and great people. Was lucky enough to be seated in Gianna’s room! Great experience