Gran Caffe L'Aquila: Authentic Italian Coffee and Gelato Experience in Philadelphia

The atmosphere and decorations here are very interesting, giving the restaurant a unique vibe. But the tables are very close to each other. We ordered the Polipo (grilled octopus leg), Salsiccia Boizanee, Tagliatelle alla Panna (with guitar string noodles), Cinghiale (meatball), and their well-known gelato (pistachio and vanilla). The Polipo was excellent—tender, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked. Unfortunately, the meatball was the biggest disappointment, served cold and tasting like it might have been frozen. The pasta was just okay; the noodles were undercooked and too firm to enjoy. The highlight was definitely the gelato. The pistachio flavor had a strong, authentic pistachio taste, though both flavors leaned on the sweeter side. Still, it’s worth stopping by for the gelato alone. For a full meal, though, there are probably better options elsewhere.

Came here to carb load for the Philidephia marathon and was recommended by family to go here. I had the Sugo Della Domenica and the meat choices were amazing that pair with the Pasta. The sauce is hard for me to describe but was different from most places but works well with the meal. I would definitely come back for this meal.

First time here. Italian food was delicious. Drinks very good. The service phenomenal. They have a Cafe first floor and restaurant upstairs, very busy place.

Another beautiful event at Gran Café L’Aquila for our annual department dinner. For the second year in a row, their team made the planning process incredibly easy, assisting with the delicious menu, wine selections, setup, and flawless service. Everything was handled with care and professionalism. There’s nothing better than hosting an event and being able to truly enjoy it alongside everyone else.

I found this place on a whim through Postmates ..saved it bc I had just placed another order and came back to it .....I can't express the amount of appreciation I have for that decision I intended to only order desert bc like the previous night I had already placed a separate order...I ended up getting an appetizer and two desserts and cannot wait to eat my way through the whole menu! Whoever is making the food is putting their heart and soul into every plate (and that's saying something for delivery) each dish is a masterpiece by itself ...put together it's a meal like no other ....the menu is extensive and I am envisioning myself on a balmy spring day dining on their patio watching the people pass by .....I am very excited

Stopped in for lunch and it was delicious. Adding to my Philly go to's. The lunch scene for pre happy hour was as expected, a city rush with an exciting vibe. Our waiter added a special touch with helping us correct our pronunciations since we made the efforts. The food was delicious and gelato was delectable.

The food really is excellent: fonduta, mozzarella e caponata, salad, pasta, and the gelato, to die for. Super wine list. We were in Philly for the weekend, visited twice.

We stopped here for an early lunch on a whim and glad we did! They were able to easily accommodate us since it was a weekday. The hostess and the waiter were warm, welcoming and attentive. The dining space is upstairs and quite cozy. We had pasta - seafood wrapped in pasta which was delicious and different, and gnocchi which was tender with a lovely cream sauce. We had wine, coffee and dessert as well. The cost was quite reasonable for all we had. We hope to visit again!