With its modest exterior and the Continental and Bleu Martini nearby, it’s easy to overlook La Locanda del Ghiottone, roughly translating to “The Place of the Gluttons,” in Old City.
The next time you crave authentic Italian and a trip to Italy is not in your budget, check out the corner of 3rd and Cherry streets to find this cozy, family-owned BYOB. The small capacity of La Locanda may seem claustrophobic at first, but once you sit down you won’t want to leave. The orange walls radiate in the candlelight as the server uncorks your bottle and welcomes you in his thick Italian accent.
Images of the lady Madonna and family photos fill the room of this quaint, cafe-sized restaurant.
You’ll feel right at home in its noisy environment.
From where you sit, you can watch the chefs cook in the open kitchen. If the friendly service doesn’t win you over, the food certainly will. The Crepini con Funghi (mushroom crepes with a nutmeg cream sauce) is worth the trip. Other customer
favorites are the Cozze del Ghiottone (mussels in a tomato base) and Ravioli del Giorno (homemade ravioli which change daily). In true Italian tradition, the restaurant refuses to add cheese to any seafood dish.
“In Italy, they consider it an insult. The cheese hides the freshness,” said Joey Giangiulio, one of the restaurant’s waiters.
If you plan to drink – and most customers
do – be sure to pick up a bottle for this BYOB. Since many menu options contain seafood, you can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio (a bottle of Ecco Domani only costs $11 at any Wine & Spirits Shop). Stop by 32 S. 2nd St. to pick your poison of choice.
The only catch is that this restaurant has a cash-only policy, so make sure to stop at an ATM beforehand.
La Locanda del Ghiottone
Italian
130 N. 3rd St.
(215) 829-1465
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