Bistro Romano
Italian · Philadelphia · $$
Italian · Philadelphia, PA · $$$$
Entering the Saloon, a family owned restaurant since it opened in 1967 is a bit like stepping into Philadelphia's past. Dark oak paneling, shiny brass and authentic local antiques create a warm congenial and casual atmosphere. The choice of two comfortable dining rooms each with its own vintage bars make dining and conversation a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Both bars feature a delicious and moderately priced food menu. The menu is Italian with seafood specials such as grilled octopus and dover sole. Saloon steaks and veal chops are legendary. Many prefer a plate of fried long hot peppers to compliment the steaks. All desserts and gelatos are made on the premises daily. The Saloon is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar and restaurant with a national reputation. And the parking is FREE!
“I haven’t eaten everywhere in Philly so I can’t say for sure this is the best restaurant in Philly but I can’t imagine anywhere being better. The atmosphere is vintage neighborhood which was awesome. Staff was all top notch from the door to our server. The hot appetizer special has a little of everything and was all amazing. The standouts were the clams casino and langostinos (phenomenal). For entree I had the lobster francese with a side of linguine Aglio e Olio. I typically don’t order lobster but this was outstanding. The light batter with the lemon butter sauce and and crabmeat is something special. Wife got rigatoni bolonese and it was executed perfectly. You can’t get a much better meal than this.”
“Excellent experience for a double date night. Food exceeded expectations. Service was excellent. Only warning for any handicap groups, is that there are 2 steep/angeled stairs to get into the restaurant, and restrooms are downstairs (steep about 12 steps) and upstairs.”
“This place is great! Ambience =excellent! Food immaculate! Service= Exceptional! If you like veal this restaurant is a must try. I have tried 2 of their veal specials, veal osobuco & the bone in veal chop both were out of this world. This place is not Cheap though and you can tell once you walk in and see all the old school rustic decor. Feels like you walked into Al Capones house/ family tavern. And the service was very timely and smooth for the setting. All the servers are dressed to the nines and made me feel underdressed . But the whole experience from beginning to end was awesome! And I definitely will be going back continuously!”
“Dining at Saloon Restaurant is always a special experience—but when you’re fortunate enough to be seated with Sam, it becomes something truly unforgettable. Sam brings a level of elegance to service that perfectly mirrors the sophistication of the restaurant itself. From the moment we sat down, her presence elevated the evening—graceful without ever being intrusive, attentive without feeling overbearing. She has a remarkable ability to read the table, anticipating needs before they’re spoken and guiding the experience with effortless confidence. Under her care, the meal itself became extraordinary. The seafood dishes were nothing short of spectacular—fresh, delicate, and perfectly prepared, with each bite highlighting the quality and precision that defines Saloon’s kitchen. From the richness of the sauces to the flawless execution, every seafood course felt luxurious and thoughtfully composed. The steak was equally outstanding—cooked to perfection with a beautiful sear and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that made it a true centerpiece of the evening. It was bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the city. What truly set the night apart was how Sam magnified every moment. Her thoughtful recommendations, seamless pacing, and polished demeanor transformed an already exceptional dinner into a refined, memorable experience. She doesn’t just serve food—she elevates the entire evening. In a city known for great dining, Sam represents hospitality at its highest level. Her unparalleled service is not just impressive—it’s the kind that keeps you coming back.”
“We were so excited to finally try The Saloon after hearing so much about it. Everyone seems to rave about it so our expectations were high. Unfortunately, we left feeling disappointed. The standout dish of the night were the diver scallops, which were excellent……. but at $85??? The Clams Pavarotti were also very good and one of the better items we tried. For our entrées, we all ordered the lobster franchise. While the flavor was good, the portion was underwhelming…..just a small piece of lobster with no sides……For that price point we expected at least a side of pasta, potatoes, or vegetables. The lack of anything on the plate made it feel incomplete and not reflective of the premium pricing. The service was mediocre at best. For a restaurant charging these kinds of prices, exceptional service and attention to detail should be. We repeatedly had to look for our waitress to ask for more water or bread. Also, our coffee came out 15 minutes after our dessert. We would not consider this the best Italian food in Philadelphia, and it did not live up to the hype. Sorry not sorry.”
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