Ristorante Pesto - Italian restaurant in Philadelphia - 1915 S Broad St, USA

Wow, wow, wow! What a terrific restaurant. So glad we ventured out there. The staff and service are great. The food - amazing! No bland olive oil/butter here. They start the meal with warm bread served with cold roasted veggies drenched in balsamic. We couldn't decide on whether or not to get the eggplant appetizer - stuffed with spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella in a rose sauce - and we did not. A little while later, the server shows up with the appetizer and says it's on them because it was our first time there. What?! And it was delish! We got the bruschetta which is very good but heavy on the onion - not a criticism, just be aware - as well as a Caesar salad and a poached pear salad. All very good - but our eyes definitely overloaded our stomachs. Next were the entrees - also delicious. We had the Chicken Parm with a side of spaghetti, Salmone alla Veneziana, Zuppa di Pesce, and Pollo Picatta. Three desserts to share - the Apple Tart w/ Vanilla Gelato (warm and amazing!), Multi flavored gelato (like being back in Italy), and Banana Cream Pie (the only miss of the night - a weird texture and flavor but we still ate it). LOL Authentic Italian - Do yourself a favor and go!

10/10 definitely recommend! I love the authentic Italian atmosphere, as well as hospitality. Food was phenomenal! Highly recommend the Alfredo & chicken parm!

I visited Phili with some of my best friends and this restaurant was the highlight of our trip there. The food is absolutely incredible! The Cavatelli was my favorite from what I tried and next time I'm back in Phili, this is a must stop for me.

Went here tonight and coincidentally it's their 30th anniversary as well. The owner came over and she was very friendly and gave out food suggestions. Jenna the waitress also was very friendly and helpful as she helped my party to choose the food. Everything was scrumptious from the bread right up till dessert. They even comp our desserts which is very sweet of them definitely would come again

Excellent food. Great ambiance. Service is top notch. Spoke with owners fir 15 minutes about Italy. Great people. Parking is dicey in the area but it's south Philly so you have to expect that and leave earlier to grab a spot. Well worth it!

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.

I had high hopes due to all the high ratings. Food was mediocre. Calamari was ok. Entrees were disappointing. My ravioli came out room temperature while my husband's fettuccine was boiling hot. Chicken served with the fettuccine had no seasoning at all and was very dry. The server was nice, but I have never experienced a server who physically points to the things on the menu that they like and reach over me like that, it felt kinda weird. Food wasn't bad, but was bland and not hot. Also everyone is seated pretty close together in the small room upstairs. Be prepared to feel squished and not be able to talk without yelling a bit. Most likely won't be returning.

They were so attentive and so accommodating with our last minute reservation. The food was spectacular especially the Salmon, burrata & the Chicken Francese.