I'm honestly surprised this place only has around 3-4 stars because this was easily a 5-star experience for us. It's about a 15-minute walk from Center City, and after seeing a few TikToks about it, we finally decided to give it a try. Safe to say it completely lived up to the hype. Background: Ralph's Italian Restaurant is a true piece of Philly history and is known as America's oldest Italian restaurant. It was originally opened by Francesco Rubino in 1900 after he relocated to South Philly, starting as a small neighborhood restaurant before growing into the iconic family-run institution it is today. Over four generations, Ralph's has survived the Great Depression, Prohibition, two World Wars, and more than a century of change while remaining a staple in the South Philadelphia community. Appetizers: I LOVE a good bruschetta, so of course I had to order it here. It was so good... the tomatoes tasted super fresh, the balsamic glaze reminded me of my favorite one from Trader Joe's, and the bread had the perfect crunch. We also got the Caesar salad, which was decent, but I do think it could've used a bit more dressing. Food: I ordered the shrimp scampi and it was absolutely delicious. The shrimp were huge and the pasta was coated in this buttery lemon wine sauce that was rich, creamy, and super flavorful without feeling too heavy. I HIGHLY recommend ordering this dish. The portion was massive too -- I only finished about half and happily saved the rest for lunch the next day. Dessert: You HAVE to try the tiramisu. I'm genuinely not exaggerating when I say it might be the best tiramisu I've ever had. It was light, creamy, rich, and balanced perfectly without being overly sweet. Honestly one of those desserts where everyone at the table immediately goes quiet after the first bite. Ambiance: I'd definitely recommend making a reservation online before coming. We went on a Tuesday evening and while it wasn't packed, the restaurant itself is pretty small and I can easily see it filling up fast on weekends. The space feels cozy, intimate, and very old-school Italian in the best way, which makes it perfect for a date night or celebration dinner. read more

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I rarely leave reviews, but felt compelled to share our experience--especially because this place seems to have an unfairly low overall rating. I was honestly a bit skeptical when my husband suggested coming here for his birthday dinner before a 76ers game, given the recent reviews. But I'm so glad we did. We had a fantastic experience from start to finish. The service was warm and attentive, and the food was exactly what you'd hope for from a historic Italian restaurant--classic, comforting, and full of flavor. We ordered the homemade mozzarella with roasted red peppers, ravioli in marinara, spinach, gnocchi, and sausage and peppers in marinara. Every single dish was delicious. For context, I'm a bit of a food snob (in the best way)--constantly thinking about my next meal while I'm still eating the current one. Some people eat to live; I live to eat. And this is absolutely a place I'll be coming back to. read more

Service and ambiance were amazing here! Very cozy vibes and staff was super nice. Would recommend the eggplant parm. read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Went to Ralph's with a long time internet friend that I saw for the first time. I had chicken parmesan and it was excellent. The atmosphere and everything else about this old restaurant was nearly perfect. The waiter was warm and helpful. We appreciated everything about this dinner. read more

If you are looking for a true old school hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant, look no further because "Ralph's Italian Restaurant" is the place to go. And when I say old school, I literally mean it. As of 2025, this is currently the OLDEST operating Italian restaurant in the United States as they have been dishing out amazing Italian comfort food out of this building since 1900. Located directly in the Italian Market neighborhood of south Philadelphia, this historic place lies directly on S. 9th St and in between Fitzwater St & Catharine St. Reservations are highly recommended but not required. I also wanted to say that parking in this area of Philly is a real challenge. Your best bet would be to take public transit, rideshare, taxi, or the most convenient way, valet parking. That was a $15 charge as I had to notify a staff member (which was a painless process). As for the exterior of the building, this place has all the charm complete with the business name and even a sign that symbolizes the history that this place carries since the turn of the 20th century. Once inside, you will enter through a small booth before making your way to the actual inside dining area. I told the hostess that I made reservations for 2 (through the RESY app) and that was a breeze. Within just a couple minutes, my lady and I were seated as our server brought out a carafe of ice water. Or how the Italians say it in Philly, "wooter". I will say, this place is as classic as can be. From the floor tiles to the wallpaper right down to the pictures depicting the history of this place, I was in awe during the entire visit. As for the menu, you have your classic Italian favorites that include spaghetti, penne, linguini as well as ravioli, lasagna, fettuccini, and manicotti. In addition to the classic dishes, they offer salads, soups, and appetizers as well as veal, chicken, and seafood. We started off our dinner with delicious sliced Italian bread and butter. We each had a serving of the "Spaghetti w/red sauce". This is Ralph's specialty sauce that has been passed down through generations as it has been their trademark sauce. Finally, we both enjoy a glass of red merlot to complete our dinner. Our plates arrived just a few minutes later and everything is presented beautifully. The red sauce with the pasta reminded me of when my late mother (who was full blooded Italian) did her homemade recipes. It had the right amount of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes while the pasta was tender and delightful. After dinner, we decided on sharing a slice of their "New York Cheesecake". And since we were celebrating my ladies birthday, the entire staff AND customers all sang Happy Birthday to her! This was an experience that both of us will never forget! All in all, "Ralph's Italian Restaurant" in South Philly is amazing for that true taste of nostalgia. But their food is also definitely a win-win as well. Several notable people including Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift, and Joe Biden have all eaten here. When you factor in the prime location in a historic Italian neighborhood of Philly combined with decent prices, amazing customer service, classic ambiance, and delicious homemade Italian food, I am giving Ralph's a unanimous five-star rating. read more

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We found this restaurant searching on Yelp! We arrived without a reservation, but they found us a table upstairs. The waiter and staff were very attentive and the food was amazing. It is a very old restaurant with tons of history as the placemats attest. We enjoyed our meal and dessert and bottle of wine. Our only comment was the noise from a boisterous party behind us. We did not mind it too much since they were having such a good time. read more

The food was great for old school Italian dishes. The service was excellent and the restaurant had two stories of old Italian history it really showed how things were for the Italians back then because they left it the same way today. Nice little spot and highly recommend by the locals. read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A short distance away from the office, this Italian restaurant was just the perfect choice for a team dinner. The restaurant has a 125 year history and has serviced some of the very well known celebrities of the country including Tylor Swift and Frank Sinatra. The recipes are handed down over years and the fourth generation heirs of the founder still run the place ! Being an Italian place there are decent vegetarian options to choose from. Got the eggplant parmigiana and it was super delicious. Also got some soup of the day and the Arugula salad. The salad was simple but refreshing. The interior is so tasteful and retains the old time charm. Pictures on the walls speak volumes. Considering it is 125 years old, that means, this restaurant has survived through the great depression, World War 1 and II and is still thriving. Need I say more. They have their merchandise corner and its pretty popular. A "definitely do not miss" spot on my Philly Visit. Can't wait ! read more

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Great service. Good food. Brought me back in time which was a wonderful thing. Hope to be back soon

Ralph's is the oldest Italian restaurant in the United States, and it absolutely lives up to its legacy. I went with my family--there were over 15 of us--and the experience was fantastic from start to finish. Our waiter was incredibly patient and attentive, which isn't easy with a party that large. The space can get a little tight and loud, but honestly, it just adds to the old-school charm. I have been here over 20 times! The food? Classic, homemade, and to die for. From the tender chicken francese and rich gnocchi in pink sauce to the fresh linguine with clams and flavorful mussels marinara--everything was delicious and exactly what you'd hope for from a traditional Italian meal. Ralph's continues to be a go-to for truly authentic Italian food done right. read more

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Really enjoyed the vibe and neighborhood. i recommend the pastina soup and calamari appetizers. House made gnocchi in blush sauce was great. Sausage & peppers and chicken parm were also pretty good. read more

This is nestled right in the heart of the Italian market area. It's your typical old school, red sauce, Italian joint. I walked in and was overcome by the smell of Fabulosa, it was overwhelming to say the least. The restaurant in inside has three floors, old wooden tables and chairs. It has a sterile kind of cafeteria vibe. It's not very warm. I sat on the second floor, which was an adventure going up these very steep narrow stairs at the top of the second floor is where the bar is located cute little bar. The food was OK very casual joint. Their red sauce was very good. The veal Parmesan was very tasty, for my appetizers I had the long hots and roasted peppers with Barata cheese was very good, the bread was cold, though I couldn't get past that. again if you're just looking for a quick Italian average nice dish of pasta this would be your place. The waitress we had was very nice young lady, accommodating, very outgoing and very attentive. read more

At a friend's suggestion, we ate at Ralph's before a show. I was hoping for a knockout meal, but was sadly disappointed. I think it started off on the wrong foot when they brought out a basket of grocery store Italian bread (jeez... with all the hype, you think they'd have at least a good bread supplier...) The food was nothing special, the staff had a 'meh' attitude, and the place smelled of Lysol. (I was glad they had apparently cleaned before we got there, but I was hoping for a 'yum'-inducing aroma, but alas, no.) It wasn't terribly expensive, but I've had better elsewhere. Much better. read more

I've lived a few blocks from Ralph's for a few years now, and despite hearing only good things about it, have only just now made it in! We made reservations over the summer for our group of 5 without issue. Typical South Philly, Ralph's is hosted inside an old row home right in the Italian Market so the vibes are impeccable. It's the oldest Italian restaurant in the country, which is a fun fun fact and an attraction for many visiting the area; many celebs have dined here, and Ralph's loves to share those facts! We were seated in their upstairs room, which was spacious enough to house a few different parties without us feeling like we were on top of each other. The decor definitely leans more "old school Italian," and it does feel like you're in a spot right in Italy! Service was good, nothing too incredibly outstanding but also not memorable for poor reasons. Our group opted for a few glasses of wine to start; their beverage menu is robust enough that everyone could find something to please them. We split the calamari and the roasted red pepper / burrata apps. The calamari was particularly memorable - I appreciated it's preparation in red sauce vs the traditional heavy frying. It was a crowd pleaser! The burrata was standard fare but still quite delicious. For my main, after much deliberation, I went for the chicken capricciosa, which featured eggplant and prosciutto in a red sauce with a touch of white wine and topped with moz. I loved the blending of flavors, each adding a unique perspective to the dish. It was quite large, so I wound up taking a good bit home but it was so delicious! My dining partners all enjoyed their meals as well, also taking a good bit home with us to enjoy another time. We did not try desserts, but I would particularly be interested in trying their tiramisu! Italian food in Philly is hard - there are SO many good spots. While I haven't tried Ralph's direct "competitors," I would say that they fit the "old school Italian" bill pretty well and would recommend to anyone looking for solid Italian food in the heart of South Philly! read more

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This place is nice Italian restaurant that does good job making home style Italian food. Touristy but also not bad read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Good food and great staff in the old neighborhood. Had a good time last night. We did an early Mothersa day dinner to get us all together everyone loved the deserts too read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This place definitely relies on their history. The calamari was fishy and overcooked. Small portion for $22! Meatballs were bland and kids pasta $27! Way overpriced and food was mediocre. I had high hopes. Also sitting next to cleaning supplies and rags didn't help. I'd recommend sitting up stairs away from staff prep areas. read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ralph's Italian Restaurant proudly claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in America, and while the building itself certainly carries that legacy--with its charming architecture and historic ambiance--the food doesn't quite live up to the same standard. Unfortunately, the meal felt more like an afterthought than care to making good Italian cuisine. The dishes were bland and uninspired, lacked seasoning you'd expect from a place with such a storied past, and made without real care or passion. The food didn't seem fresh, the calamari was my goodness so rubbery. It's the kind of food that feels like it's going through the motions--safe, plain, and forgettable. Service was fine and unremarkable. Staff were polite but distant, offering little more than the basics. I expected a bit more warmth or engagement given the story. It's a shame, because the location itself is lovely. The building is a beautiful slice of Philadelphia history. But unless the kitchen puts more heart into the food, Ralph's risks relying too heavily on nostalgia rather than delivering an experience that truly satisfies. read more

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If you are looking for real traditional Italian food this is the place to go Understand one thing true Italian food like made in Italy is not the same as most of the United States because of taste. But if you want the flavor of real Italy, this is The Place to go and if you come in with the expectation of eating true Italian food you will walk away extremely happy and pleased. read more

I haven't been here in a while but I've never had an issue with the food. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures. We had a party of six including a toddler. The staff were amazing. They seem to have more staff helping with clearing dishes, etc. everything moved smoothly. I had the veal parmigiana. It was a large, thin, crispy piece. The sauce was thick and delicious but maybe a little too much considering the entree doesn't come with a side. For $35, a side would be nice. You can get spaghetti or vegetables for $4 extra which isn't terrible. The broccoli was delicious. The veal crispiness held up to the sauce. I didn't get the pasta side but for $4 it's a nice little bowl. The antipasto and tossed salad appetizers were good. My only comment on the antipasto is that it's less meat and cheese and more roasted peppers. They don't have a kids menu so that's a little tricky. The server offered selections and solutions. The meatballs were a hit! It seems pricey but I thought the portions were decent. The quality of the food was good. I enjoy the history of the building and the Italian Market area. While we aren't tourists, I feel it's a place to go to every so often. read more

food was very good and fresh with generous portions. The service was great Danny our server answered all my questions. The restaurant was super cute and old school Italian. The only complain would be that the chicken / veal meals didn't come with any pasta you had to order it separately. read more

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From beginning to end this Restaurant did not disappoint one bit. My fiancé and i were greeted upon arrival. got seated upstairs which was absolutely beautiful architecture and ambiance. Our server was phenomenal, attentive, friendly and helpful! Our drinks were delicious. We ordered their Blueberry lemon drop. My Fiancé ordered the Cavatelli pasta, It was absolutely exquisite. I ordered the linguine with sausage and red sauce. Again absolutely delicious. Dessert was outstanding. If you're thinking of coming here do so. This place deserves 5 stars! read more

I've been coming to Ralph's infrequently for the past 40 or more years. It's been a minute since I've been there, but in the past couple years I have been involved in the Big Brother Big Sisters mentorship program and when my 2 year anniversary came up with my little brother I wanted to take him someplace cool and befitting of a specialty occasion. So I chose Ralph's as a Philly classic. I wish I chose differently. The folks that work there wear hoodies like it's a takeout pizza joint, and even with reservations we had a terribly cramped table on the first floor that was packed in so tight it was impossible to get up and go to the restroom without disturbing someone. When the host brought out the water, the glasses were not clean, having dried food debris and lipstick on them. The food was corner-pizza-shop level quality. Edible but utterly unremarkable, and matched the "could care less" vibe of the staff. That will be the last time I go to Ralph's. RIP Ralph's Is Passed its prime. read more

Went here early on NYE, reservations were for 5:00 PM. It was fairly busy. Service was excellent. Prompt, friendly, attentive. The meals were disappointing. The bread was basic supermarket stuff. No olive oil for dipping. Little butter packets. Veal parmigiana the veal was overcooked. Dry and way overdone. The chicken piccata was as well. The wine, two different glasses (we asked for first to be replaced) legitimately tasted like Sutter Home. This was a step up from a diner experience, not at all worth $125.00 before tip. One shared salad, two entrees, no coffee or desert, 2 drinks. 1st and last for Ralph's. read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Veal Parm and linguini - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Delicious food. We bring family - daughters, grandchildren and mother for an excellent Italian dinner.

Cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. I recommend making a reservation because it is slammed every night. Awesome wine list! We started with the meatballs - they were a bit dry and too dense for our liking but the sauce they come in is phenomenal. We tried an array of items but our favorite was the chicken parm and the Gorgonzola pasta! The service is a bit slow but we didn't mind! The servers were very friendly. It is a little pricey but it's to be expected in the city. Would absolutely recommend! read more

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To be the oldest Italian restaurant in America, you must be doing something right. Excellent food and service. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

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Wowza! Go! Loved sitting upstairs enjoying the food and wine. We tasted a lot of- mussels, peppers, meatballs, bruschetta, pastas and desserts. It was all delish. read more

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Excellent dinner at one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Philadelphia!! Ralph's served up INCREDIBLE dishes a few weeks ago and I'm already ready to go back! 1. Spinach Gnocchi in a creamy garlic sauce with crumbled Italian sausage and sundried tomatoes/peppers. Definitely not for the faint of heart as this had a pretty robust flavor/if you don't like a lot of garlic! 2. Cavatelli allá vodka 3. The biggest chicken parm ever with a side of gnocchi vodka?!? You could actually make a meal out of their "sides" menu lol 4. Veal chop w mushrooms 5. Caesar salad that i actually could've had as my meal and been happy 6. Their "best of Philly" meatballs w ricotta- WOWOOW I loved the ambiance and the restaurant vibes, exactly what u want for a big Italian dinner w friends. Extremely reasonably priced for the portions/wine. read more

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I had heard about Ralph's for a few years now, about how good it is, and it was established in 1900, and after all of these years, I finally got the chance to visit. It's a quaint restaurant that has seating both upstairs and downstairs, a very nice family restaurant not too fancy, but it gives a nice relaxed feeling. We were seated upstairs and luckily towards the back which didn't have a crowded feeling, though it was almost fully packed for a Saturday 5:30pm reservation. We had the Burrata with Roasted Red Peppers and Calabrian Chilis in a Sun Dried Tomato Pesto, topped with a Balsamic Glaze and some bread for an amazing appetizer. For the main course I ordered a Black Lobster Ravioli,I believe this was a special and not on the regular menu, but the sauce was amazing,I could have licked the plate it was that good. We also had a drink, and they definitely had a proper pour. Will absolutely go back, looking forward to trying the rest of the menu. read more

Ralphs Italian Restaurant - Burrato with Roasted Peppers and Calabrian Chilis - Italian Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Ralph's South Philly, oldest Italian restaurant in the United States. Located in the heart of the city, this Italian restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Italy. From traditional pasta dishes to mouth-watering desserts, every bite is filled with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff add to the overall charm of the place. Whether you're craving a classic spaghetti carbonara or a decadent tiramisu for dessert, this restaurant is sure to satisfy your Italian food cravings. This Philadelphia restaurant is a must-visit for all Italian cuisine enthusiasts! Service: 5 stars our waiter was Jimmy and he was excellent. He provided great recommendations and was very attentive. Chef came out to check on us which was so sweet. Ambiance: 4/5 stars. we sat on the first floor it was a little tight. We should have requested 2nd floor. Love the old pictures throughout the restaurant. Food: Overall 4/5 stars. Mussels in red - very fresh and nice portion. These were sneaky good the mussel sauce had a mild spicy kick. Rating: 5/5 stars. Meatballs: Dollop of ricotta "Best Of Philly" these meatballs were seriously the best. The fresh ricotta was a nice touch. Rating: 5/5 stars. Bruschetta - Chopped tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Rating: 4/5 stars Tomatoes And Mozzarella Salad: the balsamic glaze was to die for. This salad was extremely salty. Rating 3/5 stars. Mediterranean Salad: Shrimp, crabmeat, tomatoes, black olives, romaine. Rating 5/5 stars. Gnocchi Alla Vodka: Blush sauce with pancetta. Rating: 4/5 stars Eggplant Parmigiana: Egg battered and baked with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Rating: 4/5 stars. Linguini Pescatore: Shrimp, clams, mussels, and crabmeat in a white garlic wine sauce. Seafood was very fresh, sauce was very light. Delicious. Rating: 4/5 stars Veal Saltimbocca: Mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, spinach, mushrooms, marsala wine. This was my least favorite. It didn't taste right with the Marsala sauce it should have been a white wine garlic sauce. Rating: 2/5 stars. Lobster Ravioli (special) very fresh sauce was light and airy. Rating: 5/5 stars Highly recommend the espresso martini I added cream to mine it was a little strong. For desserts tiramisu and cannoli cake were to die for. The cake was dense yet airy if that makes any sense. Dessert rating: 5/5 stars seriously the best. read more

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LOVED this spot!!! The oldest italian restaurant in America is a must visit location. The friendliest people ever! Place was busy which is always a good sign. Great vintage feel. Mark was great, very knowledgeable and made some great recommendations. I ordered the clams casino as an appetizer, it was super delicious and hearty. The Gnocchi blush were pillows of goodness with a perfect sauce. I ordered the cannoli cake was decadent and fluffy and delicious. However...the tiramisu was a 10 out of 10! Best tiramisu i have ever had in my life. We met the manager and the chef at the end of our meal and they were also warm and friendly! This was one of the greatest italian meals I have had! Definately on my list to revisit! read more

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Ralph's is our staple Italian restaurant in Philly. This is a classic red sauce joint. The food tastes like it was cooked by your Italian nonna. The portions are HUGE including the antipasti. The space is tight and you NEED a reservation for Fridays and weekends. We travel from VA to Philly just to go to Ralph's (and visit the fam after that ;) Highly recommend if you know what real Italian American food is. read more

This was an experience I have waited for. Took the family and this is now our favorite restaurant. Service was amazing and it felt like I was eating and my friend's house as a kid! Everything was incredibly fresh. The charm of this place we talked about the history and many icons who have eaten there. By the way I am now a chicken Francese guy. Wow! If you like Italian food and want authentic with a homemade kick, go here. And they have valet parking!!! read more

Always a great meal America's oldest Italian restaurant! Order the meatballs, and the veal Parm!! read more

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Absolutely wasn't impressed with this place. It was way too loud and packed and the one thing that horrified me was when the waitress brought the food her thumb was literally in the sauce- to where it spread onto the other entrees. Just gagged me. Food was below average, bread was so basic omg. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unfortunately. Also my dessert was still frozen when it arrived at the table. Couldn't even eat it read more

Great service even though the restaurant was busy. Food was fabulous, authentic, like home cooked. Ambiance was nice on a cold night, warm, smelled like tomatoes and bread. Nice drinks, and I can't wait to go back. I highly recommend a visit there. read more

Located in the Philly Italian market, the restaurant is nestled between stores that look like row houses. We arrived a lot earlier than our normal reservation but the staff was kind enough to seat us early. We were told to go up the stairs to upstairs dining area. We ordered mussels appetizer and meatballs. We also ordered lasagna, veal parmigiana, fettuccine Alfredo (both chicken and shrimp) and linguine pescatore. All the dishes were very delicious and the portion size was generous. We also ordered some desserts, tiramisu, cannoli and ice cream dessert that I can't remember the name of and Italian coffee. I don't know what they put in the coffee but it was one of most delicious coffee I've ever tasted. This place is definitely worth a visit if you're craving good Italian food. read more

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Barman doesn't know how to make an Old Fashioned. Food is underwhelming - average at best - and overpriced. Staff are rushed. Try to be nice but they're too busy! Really thought this place was going to be special. It wasn't. read more

Tbh i went in underwhelmed with what to expect given the yelp review and pictures. But let me tell You everything was absolutely phenomenal. There truly wasn't anything bad that we had. read more

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