La Viola Bistro

4.7

438 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Good for special occasions

For PARTIES OF 10+, please call 215 735 8630 to make a reservation. To place an order, call us at 215-735-8630.

To have your table reserved please call us at 215 735 8630. Walk-ins are welcome!

La Viola Bistro is open for both lunch and dinner during the week and dinner on weekends. A fine-dining establishment, it specializes in Italian fare. Some items on the menu at La Viola - East include pasta such as bowtie pasta with shrimp, along with a linguini pasta dish with veal. In addition to pasta, La Viola serves a variety of seafood and grilled steak entrées.

No alcohol is served at La Viola - East, but you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine or champagne to accompany your meal. Offering a casual but chic dining space, its décor includes wood furnishings and chandelier lighting.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(215) 735-8630
Website
http://laviolaphiladelphia.com/
Payment options
Cash Only
Dress code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Interested in celebrating your special event at La Viola? Call us at 215 735 8630

Location
253 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Neighborhood
Rittenhouse Square
Parking details
Latimer St & S 15th St is the closest parking lot, 2 min walk.
Additional
BYO Wine, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout

Popular dishes

Insalata Caesar$9.00
classic caesar dressing with homemade croutons
Insalata Trecolore$11.00
radicchio, arugula and belgian endive topped with shaved parmigiana in a rich lemon dressing
Insalata Bistro$8.00
seasonal mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Zuppa Del Giorno$9.00
chef's soup selection of the day
Antipasta Mista$12.00
please ask your server for the chef's daily selection of traditional italian delicacies
Zuppetta di Cozze$11.00
farm raised mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce or traditional spicy plum tomato sauce
Pepperoni Arrosti$11.00
homemade sweet roasted peppers, gaeto olives and anchovies marinated with extra virgin olive oil
Funghi Trentino$11.00
porcini, shiitake and portobello mushrooms in a garlic, basil and olive oil sauce
Grigliata di Calamari$12.00
grilled calamari marinated in lemon juice, garlic and peppered extra virgin olive oil

Bistecca

Bistecca del Giorno$0.00
chef's special beef of the day
- Market Price$0.00

Pesce

Salmone Mantecato$22.00
oven roasted salmon in a white wine, lemon & pearl onion sauce
Pesce del Giorno$0.00
chef's special fish of the day
- Market Price$0.00

Pasta

Penne Alla Caruso$22.00
pencil point pasta in a vodka and tomato sauce lightly creamed with peas & pancetta
Farfalle Marinara$23.00
bow tie pasta with shrimp in a pesto or pomodoro sauce
Fettuccine Al Salmone$24.00
fettuccine pasta with salmon in a pink cognac sauce
Orecchiette Alla Romana$22.00
shell shaped pasta tossed with chicken, sausage & mushrooms in a white wine garlic sauce with fresh plum tomatoes
Linguini Pizzaiola$23.00
linguini pasta with veal, olives and capers in a spicy marinara sauce
Gnocchi Al Filetto di Pomodoro$21.00
homemade gnocchi with spinach and ricotta cheese in a fresh tomato basil sauce
Risotto al Frutti di Mare$25.00
arborio rice with seafood in light marinara sauce
Ravioli Alla Viola$23.00
homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster in a pink cognac sauce

Vitello

Vitello Alla Viola$24.00
veal medallions with fresh mushrooms, garlic and prosciutto in a rich veal sauce
Vitello Pomodoro$25.00
breaded veal cutlet with fresh mozzarella and plum tomatoes in a rich tomato sauce
Vitello Carciofi$24.00
veal medallions with artichokes, sundried tomatoes in a white wine sauce

Pollami

Pollo Rollatini$23.00
chicken breast stuffed with smoked ham, fontina cheese & spinach in a rose sauce with mushrooms & chopped roma tomatoes
Pollo Gamberi Alla Marsala$23.00
chicken breast and shrimp in a sweet marsala wine sauce with mushrooms & chopped roma tomatoes
Pollo Marco Polo$23.00
chicken breast topped with escarole, prosciutto & mozzarella cheese in a white wine sauce

Bevandi

Dessert$7.00
chef's selection of delectable desserts
Espresso$4.00
Coffee or Tea$4.00
Soda$4.00
Mineral Water$7.00

Dolci

Dessert$7.00
chef's selection of delectable desserts

What 438 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.9Service
4.3Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

La Viola Bistro offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing" food and attentive service. The BYOB policy enhances its charm, making it a neighborhood favorite. While the décor might feel "a tad outdated," the flavors and welcoming atmosphere more than compensate. Don't miss the "unbelievable" lamb and delicious pasta dishes.

438 Reviews

B
Bill
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We have been regulars for over 12 years. Great food. Great staff. The rotational seasonal menus keep things new. Never disappoints!
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J
Jennifer
VIP
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This has been a favorite of mine for MANY years. Never disappoints
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C
Caroline
VIP
New York City
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food was very tasty, but it lacked vegetables which is a sign of a balanced meal and a good restaurant. The service was fine ( they refused to replace one of the sides though that contained gluten). The whole cash only was very antiquated, but thankfully there was an ATM machine inside the restaurant (super weird). Also, we noticed this requirement completely by accident by reading a very fine print at the bottom of the menu. Luckily we had a debit card available. The place is pretty old and could use a renovation, but this is subjective and some people may like it. In Summary great tasting food in an outdated setting.
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v
victoria
VIP
Philadelphia
122 reviews
5.0
122 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love LaViola Bistro and La Viola Ovest. The food is consistently wonderful as are the servers. True neighborhood gems. BYOB makes the value incredible.
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k
kenny
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent and very friendly staff! Great service and great food. We went for dinner before a show at the Kimmel Center and we were served promptly. It was our first time at La Viola and look forward to returning!
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T
Tobi
VIP
Philadelphia
29 reviews
5.0
29 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was delicious! Hostess & wait staff were lovely & the restaurant was a perfect choice prior to show tickets.
Is this helpful?
K
Karen
VIP
Philadelphia
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Very nice place; seating was in very close quarters, though.
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R
Robert
Philadelphia
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was fantastic … cash only policy was weird and unexpected, especially since sister store takes credit card. Inconvenience is an understatement due to high cost ATM at the host stand to “help” those without cash.
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A
Amy
Philadelphia
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food is amazing. I will try Ovest next, which is the restaurant across the street.
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L
Lucy
VIP
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I highly recommend. The seafood risotto was excellent. The management and staff were welcoming and attentive. I have been to many bistros. La Viola is the first in which i felt such a warm, upbeat vibe. i look forward to coming back
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FAQs

La Viola Bistro offers delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. La Viola Bistro also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 735-8630.

La Viola Bistro is rated 4.7 stars by 438 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 18, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

253 S 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Additional information

Neighborhood
Rittenhouse Square
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Latimer St & S 15th St is the closest parking lot, 2 min walk.
Payment options
Cash Only
Additional
BYO Wine, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout

Website
http://laviolaphiladelphia.com/
Phone number
(215) 735-8630
Private party facilities
Interested in celebrating your special event at La Viola? Call us at 215 735 8630

La Viola Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Spinach Ravioli

Penne Alfredo

Gnocchi Alfredo

Prima

Insalata Caesar$9.00

Insalata Trecolore$11.00

Insalata Bistro$8.00

Zuppa Del Giorno$9.00

Antipasta Mista$12.00

Zuppetta di Cozze$11.00

Pepperoni Arrosti$11.00

Funghi Trentino$11.00

Grigliata di Calamari$12.00

Bistecca

Bistecca del Giorno$0.00

Pesce

Salmone Mantecato$22.00

Pesce del Giorno$0.00

Pasta

Penne Alla Caruso$22.00

Farfalle Marinara$23.00

Fettuccine Al Salmone$24.00

Orecchiette Alla Romana$22.00

Linguini Pizzaiola$23.00

Gnocchi Al Filetto di Pomodoro$21.00

Risotto al Frutti di Mare$25.00

Ravioli Alla Viola$23.00

Vitello

Vitello Alla Viola$24.00

Vitello Pomodoro$25.00

Vitello Carciofi$24.00

Pollami

Pollo Rollatini$23.00

Pollo Gamberi Alla Marsala$23.00

Pollo Marco Polo$23.00

Bevandi

Dessert$7.00

Espresso$4.00

Coffee or Tea$4.00

Soda$4.00

Mineral Water$7.00

Dolci

Dessert$7.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does La Viola Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is La Viola Bistro restaurant rated?

Is La Viola Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information