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Braised Veal Ossobuco - Bistro Romano, Philadelphia, PA

Bistro Romano

4.8
4.8
5047 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Make a booking

2 people
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
7:00 pm
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
This Historic Landmark in Society Hill, just off Headhouse Square, nestled in an 18th century granary, will stimulate your senses with an ambiance of candlelight and casual elegance while creating an unforgettable dining experience. Voted a “Best of Philly” Restaurant, guests enjoy Bistro Romano’s acclaimed Regional Italian Cuisine with an innovative twist and rave of the award-winning Caesar Salad and house-made pastas. Don't miss the Wine Cellar Experience, a secluded table for two or four guests, rose petal topped table, 5 course Chef Tasting Menu, with limoncellos to finish. Our Wine List has received the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (Two Glasses). Over 700 wine selections, including 20 by the glass. Celebrating 37 years on Lombard, we look forward to your arrival.

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 925-8880
  • Website
    http://www.bistroromano.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Catering
    Bistro Romano provides off-site catering & theme parties for 25 to 2500.
  • Private party facilities
    Bistro Romano can accommodate private parties of up to 125 people for a sit-down meal or 200 for a cocktail party in the 120 Room. Other rooms are available for smaller groups. Bistro Romano specializes in Business Meetings, Wedding Receptions, and Rehearsal Dinners.
  • Private party contact
    Michael or Joette Granato: (877) 925-1170
  • Location
    120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
  • Area
    Society Hill
  • Cross Street
    Between Front and 2nd
  • Parking details
    Parking at 215 Lombard Garage at 215 Lombard Street: Sunday-Thursday $15, Friday and Saturday $25.
  • Public transit
    Septa: 40 Bus, 57 Bus
  • Entertainment
    Piano Bar Friday & Saturday; Mystery Dinner Theater Friday & Saturday - Must call 215-238-1313 for Mystery Theatre tickets.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
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Experiences

  • Wine Cellar Experience

    USD 125.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    The Bistro Romano Wine Cellar Experience is available Wednesday to Sunday at 5PM or 8PM for parties of two or four guests and includes: 5-Course Tasting Menu in our private cellar with candlelight, a rose petal-topped table, and limoncello after dinner drinks. $125 per guest + tax is prepaid when reserved. 20% gratuity is added to your guest check when you dine. Additional charges include beverages, taxes. The Wine Cellar Experience is reserved for three hours. Any questions kindly call 215.925.8880 before reserving. The Wine Cellar Experience is nonrefundable.

Private dining

Menu

Bistro Romano's menu was last updated 2024-09-29.

Antipasti

  • Caesar SaladUSD 16.00

    house-made caesar dressing, pecorino romano, croutons

    • Mixed Greens SaladUSD 17.00

      gorgonzola, chickpea, white balsamic

      • SalumeriaUSD 21.00

        cured meats, cornichons, olives

        • MusselsUSD 17.00

          'nduja, calabrian chili, fennel, tomato broth

          • CalamariUSD 18.00

            cherry peppers, lemon aioli, marinara

            • BurrataUSD 18.00

              peperonata, crispy prosciutto, vin cotto, basil

              • Whipped Sheep's Milk RicottaUSD 15.00

                aged balsamic, rosemary, thyme, focaccia

                • Brussels Sprouts Cacio e PepeUSD 17.00

                  prosciutto, pecorino, lemon-black pepper vinaigrette

                  Primi

                  house-made pastas

                  • GnocchiUSD 29.00

                    truffle cream, prosciutto cotto

                    • Lobster RavioliUSD 39.00

                      maine lobster, confit cherry tomato, sherry cream

                      • TortelliniUSD 31.00

                        spinach, goat cheese and ricotta, artichoke, red pepper, cherry tomato, roasted garlic brodo

                        • Fettucine BologneseUSD 29.00

                          smoked bacon, beef, veal, pork, tomato

                          • Black Pepper MacaroniUSD 28.00

                            pancetta, sausage, pecorino cream, onion crumble

                            • Mafaldine PestoUSD 33.00

                              blue crab, walnut basil pesto, lemon zest

                              • Linguine alle VongoleUSD 28.00

                                littleneck clams, old bay breadcrumbs

                                • Seafood RisottoUSD 42.00

                                  scallop, shrimp, blue crab, lemon oil, aleppo

                                  Secondi

                                  • Duck BreastUSD 42.00

                                    fennel puree, rhubarb, pernod

                                    • Pan Roasted Pork ChopUSD 39.00

                                      mashed sweet potato, broccoli, bacon, maple fig jus

                                      • Veal SaltimboccaUSD 37.00

                                        fontina, prosciutto, plum tomatoes, sage, trebbiano wine, whipped potatoes

                                        • Braised Veal OssobucoUSD 49.00

                                          polenta, broccoli rabe, wild rice gremolata

                                          • Roasted Lamb ChopsUSD 42.00

                                            root vegetables, brussels sprouts, herb butter, bordelaise

                                            • BranzinoUSD 38.00

                                              charred cucumber, haricot vert, radish, black garlic

                                              • New York Steak Pepe VerdeUSD 45.00

                                                broccolini, brown butter mash, crispy onions, green peppercorn sauce

                                                • Rare
                                                • Medium Rare
                                                • Medium
                                                • Medium Well
                                                • Well Done

                                              • BrodettoUSD 48.00

                                                lobster, shrimp, mussels, herb fregola, lobster saffron broth

                                                Contorni

                                                • Crispy PotatoesUSD 13.00

                                                  italian feta, garlic aioli, tomato spice

                                                  • Butter Braised MushroomsUSD 13.00

                                                    parmesan brodo, thyme

                                                    • Charred BroccoliUSD 13.00

                                                      sunflower seed gremolata

                                                      • Whipped PotatoUSD 13.00

                                                        roasted garlic, chives, sage

                                                        • Broccoli RabeUSD 13.00

                                                          roasted garlic, chili flake

                                                          Chef's Tasting

                                                          Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the special instructions.

                                                          • 5 Course Tasting MenuUSD 85.00

                                                            Chef's selection of five signature dishes. Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the special instructions.

                                                            Vegetarian

                                                            Vegan options available. Please inquire when placing order.

                                                            • Mixed Greens Salad (V)USD 17.00

                                                              gorgonzola, chickpea, white balsamic

                                                              • Burrata (V)USD 18.00

                                                                peperonata, vin cotto, basil

                                                                • Whipped Sheep's Milk Ricotta (V)USD 15.00

                                                                  aged balsamic, rosemary, thyme, focaccia

                                                                  • Goat Cheese Dip (V)USD 19.00

                                                                    spinach, toasted hazelnut, spiced honey, crostini

                                                                    • Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe (V)USD 17.00

                                                                      pecorino, lemon-black pepper vinaigrette

                                                                      • Gnocchi (V)USD 29.00

                                                                        black truffle cream

                                                                        • Mafaldine Pesto (V)USD 33.00

                                                                          walnut basil pesto, toasted garlic, lemon zest

                                                                          • Wild Mushroom Risotto (V)USD 27.00

                                                                            shiitake, baby portobello, reggiano, thyme

                                                                            • Whipped Potato (V)USD 13.00

                                                                              roasted garlic, chive, sage

                                                                              • Broccoli Rabe (V)USD 13.00

                                                                                roasted garlic, chili flake

                                                                                • Crispy Potatoes (V)USD 13.00

                                                                                  italian feta, garlic aioli, tomato spice

                                                                                  • Roasted Cauliflower (V)USD 13.00

                                                                                    caramelized onions, pistachio gremolata

                                                                                    Desserts

                                                                                    • TiramisuUSD 13.00

                                                                                      espresso, coffee liqueur, mascarpone, cocoa

                                                                                      • Nutella Cannoli TrifleUSD 13.00

                                                                                        sweet ricotta, chocolate chip, nutella

                                                                                        • Carrot CakeUSD 13.00

                                                                                          walnut, cream cheese frosting

                                                                                          • Chocolate TorteUSD 13.00

                                                                                            strawberry, chocolate crumble

                                                                                            • Chocolate Olive Oil CakeUSD 13.00

                                                                                              whipped cream, strawberry

                                                                                              Kids Menu

                                                                                              • Kids' PastaUSD 12.00

                                                                                                red sauce or buttered noodles

                                                                                                • Chicken FingersUSD 8.00

                                                                                                  • French FriesUSD 5.00

                                                                                                    Last updated: 29 September 2024

                                                                                                    What 5,047 people are saying

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                                                                    4.8
                                                                                                    4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                    • 4.8Food
                                                                                                    • 4.8Service
                                                                                                    • 4.9Ambience
                                                                                                    • 4.5Value

                                                                                                    Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                    Loved For

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Best Ambience

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Great for fine wines

                                                                                                    • Philadelphia

                                                                                                      Romantic

                                                                                                    Review summary

                                                                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                    Bistro Romano offers a "beautiful and a little mysterious" ambiance with an old ship's bar and paintings. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "excellent service" with standout dishes like lobster ravioli and gnocchi. The live piano music complements the "romantic" setting, making it a perfect spot for special occasions.
                                                                                                    5,047 Reviews

                                                                                                    1. Emma

                                                                                                      Philadelphia2 reviews

                                                                                                      3.0

                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 3
                                                                                                      2. Food 2
                                                                                                      3. Service 3
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 2
                                                                                                      This used to be our favorite spot for date night a few years ago. Unfortunately the past two years or so, the quality of food and drink have decreased and the prices have increased. The steaks used to be outstanding but now are subpar and not worth the price. The sangria used to be an amazing house made recipe and now tastes like the cheap premade bottled kind. Front of house and servers were very friendly in the past but we have had a string of poor experiences with them recently. Unfortunately crossing this one off the date night list officially. Won’t be back.

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                                                                                                    2. Stephen

                                                                                                      Philadelphia392 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      The Pan Roasted Pork Chop was delicious and cooked perfectly. It has spring time flavors and a light weight texture to it. Everything was excellent.

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                                                                                                    3. Steven

                                                                                                      Washington DC9 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      The waitstaff were pleasant and helpful. My friends were pleased by the waitress’s recommendation for wine selection.  The food was excellent and plentiful. The ambience is curated in such a way that your experience feels very private. If you’re looking for great food/great service, I would recommend the Bistro Romano 

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                                                                                                    4. Roberts

                                                                                                      Philadelphia4 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      We had not been back to Bistro Romano for many years, and our experience last night will keep it at the top of our list! Absolutely delicious! We were celebrating an 80th birthday, so the 3 of us shared a few plates which were both delicious and plentiful, including the caesar salad, risotto with seafood and pesto pasta with crab. They made a perfect trio, topped off by the best affogato that all of us have ever tasted. The service was top notch AND we could hear one another, a rarity in dining out!

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                                                                                                    5. KarenJ

                                                                                                      Philadelphia10 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      I've lived near this restaurant for 20 years and never had dinner. Everything was delicious from our $20 special with a glass of wine, to the Caesar salad, carrot cake and espresso. And the ambiance with the old ship's bar and paintings was beautiful and a little mysterious. A fine experience.

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                                                                                                    6. Iryna

                                                                                                      Philadelphia8 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined on 30 March 2025

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Above our expectations. Will be bringing our friends and family over. Service, food and atmosphere 5+

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                                                                                                    7. Brian VIP

                                                                                                      Raleigh12 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined on 29 March 2025

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Amazing food (calamari & sea salt focacia + bolognese & lobster ravioli), service (Jose') and piano playing!

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                                                                                                    8. Bryan

                                                                                                      Seattle1 review

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined on 29 March 2025

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Went for our anniversary, had a great night! Got a card from the restaurant saying “happy anniversary” which was very thoughtful. Free champagne as well after dessert for the anniversary.

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                                                                                                    9. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                                      Orlando2 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined on 29 March 2025

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Food was amazing. Our service was spot-on. Our server made great recommendations and was helpful with selections. Food was authentic, well-prepared, and priced appropriately. The dining room was intimate and well-suited for the cuisine. Would ABSOLUTELY return.

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                                                                                                    10. Neil VIP

                                                                                                      Philadelphia13 reviews

                                                                                                      5.0

                                                                                                      Dined on 29 March 2025

                                                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano has been one of our go to places for more than 30 years. I wish they still had table side Caesar salad - that was a show! - but the salad from the kitchen is still excellent.

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                                                                                                    FAQs

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Bistro Romano also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 925-8880.

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano is rated 4.8 stars by 5047 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                    Bistro Romano does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

                                                                                                    1. Home
                                                                                                    2. United States
                                                                                                    3. Philadelphia County
                                                                                                    4. Philadelphia
                                                                                                    5. Society Hill

                                                                                                    Make a booking

                                                                                                    Booked 21 times today
                                                                                                    Experiences are available.
                                                                                                    Google Map for Bistro Romano

                                                                                                    120 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

                                                                                                    Dining areas

                                                                                                    Additional information

                                                                                                    • Cross Street
                                                                                                      Between Front and 2nd
                                                                                                    • Area
                                                                                                      Society Hill
                                                                                                    • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                      Dinner Wed–Sun 4:45 pm–9:00 pm
                                                                                                    • Price
                                                                                                      $30 and under
                                                                                                    • Cuisines
                                                                                                      Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
                                                                                                    • Dining style
                                                                                                      Casual Elegant
                                                                                                    • Dress code
                                                                                                      Business Casual
                                                                                                    • Parking details
                                                                                                      Parking at 215 Lombard Garage at 215 Lombard Street: Sunday-Thursday $15, Friday and Saturday $25.
                                                                                                    • Public transit
                                                                                                      Septa: 40 Bus, 57 Bus
                                                                                                    • Payment Options
                                                                                                      AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                    • Entertainment
                                                                                                      Piano Bar Friday & Saturday; Mystery Dinner Theater Friday & Saturday - Must call 215-238-1313 for Mystery Theatre tickets.
                                                                                                    • Additional
                                                                                                      Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine
                                                                                                    • Website
                                                                                                      http://www.bistroromano.com/
                                                                                                    • Phone number
                                                                                                      (215) 925-8880
                                                                                                    • Catering
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano provides off-site catering & theme parties for 25 to 2500.
                                                                                                    • Private party facilities
                                                                                                      Bistro Romano can accommodate private parties of up to 125 people for a sit-down meal or 200 for a cocktail party in the 120 Room. Other rooms are available for smaller groups. Bistro Romano specializes in Business Meetings, Wedding Receptions, and Rehearsal Dinners.
                                                                                                    • Private party contact
                                                                                                      Michael or Joette Granato: (877) 925-1170
                                                                                                    Gift card

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