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La Viola Bistro, Philadelphia, PA

La Viola Bistro

4.6
4.6
456 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
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

Menu

Prima

  • 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

                                                              Last updated: February 16, 2025

                                                              What 456 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                              4.6
                                                              4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.6Food
                                                              • 4.7Service
                                                              • 4.3Ambience
                                                              • 4.6Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              La Viola Bistro offers a "consistently wonderful" dining experience with "great food and great service." Known for its "true neighborhood gem" status, this BYOB spot boasts "large portions" and a "warm, upbeat vibe." Friendly staff enhance the "fantastic" meals, making it a favorite for both regulars and newcomers.

                                                              456 Reviews

                                                              1. Tricia

                                                                Atlantic City

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined 3 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Amazing dinner at LaViola Bistro! Great service and delicious food! Can’t wait to return! So wonderful to find this special treasure in the heart of Center City! Love the BYOB option too!

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                                                              2. Michael

                                                                VIP

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                76 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                76 reviews

                                                                Dined on February 8, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Always a great dinner at La Viola Bistro. BYOB and Amazing Pasta Specials!

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                                                              3. Steven

                                                                VIP

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                162 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                162 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 29, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                This was the SECOND time in two weeks we went with friends. This Albanian run restaurant is one of our FAVs. It's BYOB so your $$ go into the food not alcohol. I've been recommending them for DECADES. Great professional friendly service and wonderful Pork Chop for lunch

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              4. Aron

                                                                VIP

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                51 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                51 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 27, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Great food and great service. The Restaurant Week menu had many good choices at a very reasonable place. We go to La Viola often for pre-theater dinner and are never disappointed.

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                                                              5. Loretta

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                3.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 24, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 3
                                                                4. Ambience 2
                                                                I typically love this restaurant, but this time, it was disappointing. It was restaurant week, so there was a fixed menu. My reservation was for a table against the wall to celebrate a birthday. There was no acknowledgment of a birthday wish. We got the worst table in the center of the room with the cold air blowing on us every three minutes.

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                                                              6. Steven

                                                                VIP

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                162 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                162 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 24, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                We go art least twice (sometimes3 times) to La Viola during restaurant week. The bestfood and great price and the staff is wonderful

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                                                              7. Ronald

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                1 review

                                                                2.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on January 23, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 2
                                                                2. Food 1
                                                                3. Service 3
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                We went during restaraunt week. The waistaff was pleasant. Appetizers were very good. However my guest ordered the pork chop which was overcooked to the point of being inedible. Will not be going back.

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                                                              8. Stephen

                                                                VIP

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 22, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Food and atmosphere were excellent. Service was excellent and friendly.

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                                                              9. Michael

                                                                VIP

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                13 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                13 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 18, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Food was excellent. Service was prompt and courteous. Great value with large portions.

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                                                              10. Cassidy

                                                                Philadelphia

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                5.0

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                Dined on January 9, 2025

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Friendly service from all members and the food was amazing. Just remember to bring cash (cash only) and BYOB if interested in that.

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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 4.6 stars by 456 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                              Make a reservation

                                                              2 people
                                                              7:00 PM
                                                              Booked 6 times today

                                                              Order delivery or takeout

                                                              Google Map for La Viola Bistro

                                                              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
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