JULY 2012 DINERS CHOICE AWARD.Located in the Rittenhouse Square area of center city Philadelphia,Established in 1996,Porcini is Zagat rated as a top 1, 000 Italian restaurant in America with a food score of 23 an has been recognized as the original and premier authentic, BYOB-style Italian restaurant in center city, as well as in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The restaurant is owned & operated by brothers, executive chef Steven & mater'd David Sansone. With more than two decades of experience, quality, & attention to detail are what distinguishes Porcini from the typical evening out.
Located at 2048 Sansom Street. In a circa 1840's coach home, enjoy classic, imaginative Italian cuisine & fresh made pasta .
Historical Sansom Street.Entertainment at Helium Comedy Club, the Adrien Theater & Roxy Movie Theater are just doors away.Enjoy your visit to historical Sansom Street & Porcini Restaurant.
"These two Italian brother make dinning a joy and the food brings you back to home, if you are from Italy TRUE ITLAIAN FLARE ! ! A Pallets delight ! BRAVO !!!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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"My family and friends have been going to Porcini's since its inception, and never have we been disappointed. The food is fresh and delicious, the owner and servers most friendly and helpful, and the prices comparable to other quality Philly restaurants. The lovely thing about Porcini's is its intimate environment. Anyone who goes here will fall in love with it, too! One of the best kept secrets of the quieter side of the city."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Lovely old style small Italian restaurant. Very good food, service and atmosphere. We had a great time and the the price is good for what you get. Would definitely go back."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Yes, it is small and tables are close together but reminded us so much of the little gems we found in Italy! The food was fantastic, small menu but enough of a choice for everyone. Our "neighbors" didn't know it was a byob so we shared our wine and they bought us dessert. How is that for brotherly love? Portions are not huge but we like it that way! Nothing worse than feeling like you need a walk around the block. Loved it so much that we tried to go back the next day but there weren't any available tables, so we made a reservation for the following week! By the way, we heard about this place from a couple we met at the a capital Grille the week prior. They were right on!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Food and service were extraordinary both for me and for guests I brought from Washington D. C. While part of Porcini's charm is its small space, seating is very cramped, though, and thus comfort was a bit compromised."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
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"very small location with tight seating (elbows of other patrons almost touched our wine glasses - from TWO sides of our table). Service was polite but a bit disorganized. They did chill the wine nicely for us. Food was indeed tasty, but the environment kept us from enjoying it as much as we would have liked."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
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"Was pleased to find it nestled between other businesses and homes.. a little yellow break in a long wall of brick. Menu simple and fantastic. Food wonderful. We all ate more than we thought we would have. Service very good. Glad it was byob. Look forward to returning."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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"Never disappoints - straightforward Italian dishes, perfectly prepared with portions just right. Fettucine Bolognese was well-seasoned and not too heavy, and the veal medallions were tender, lightly sauced, and satisfying. Great decaf cappucino. Crowded intimate space works remarkably well and friendly, efficient service sets the standard. Bring your own wine, and they happily open and pour. Just go."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Food was very good, but the service was spectacular. Place was wildly busy, but waitress and owner gave us very personal service.......one person couldn't eat cheese and it wasn't an ingredient on the menu, when it came she mentioned it, the waitress took it back immediately without any negative comment and the chef quickly made her a replacement without the cheese. The chef came out many times to make sure everything was fine. They couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. This place was terrific, really fine Italian food with a very caring staff. But the place is tiny, so on weekends you must make a reservation and be prepared to get very friendly with your neighbors."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"I'd go back only if wearing really good ear plugs. At 8 p.m. on a Friday, noise level was eardrum-splitting. I had to shout in order for my partner to hear what I was saying and visa versa. This destroyed our pleasure in the good food. There are other fine Italian restaurants in the immediate vicinity where the noise level is less unbearable -- so we will not be going back to Porcini."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2011
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"We had mushroom and salad appetizers and 3 pasta entrees - all excellent. This is a tiny place and the staff is not quiet - but we were delighted by the food. We ate early - hard to know how the noise might be by the end of the evening. Highly recommended."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"The food was good, but the service was really bad. They didn't have enough staff serving people. And staffs took good care of their old customers. Very disappointed."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"First time I've been to Porcini and I was not that impressed. The food was ok, nothing that will blow your socks off and a tad overpriced. I had the veal which was cooked well, but two of the people that were with me had pasta dishes that were just covered in sauce, zero points for presentation. The biggest issue that I had was the size of the restaurant, it's so tiny. If you're not sitting against the wall, you're constantly getting brushed or bumped by other patrons or the wait staff. I didn't have a horrible experience, but I probably won't ever return to Porcini."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
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"The service was extraordinarily slow. We waited and then had to flag down a server to request our water, bread, order taking, appetizers, and entrées. Their was no apology or explanation provided for the slow service. There is no entry way in this restaurant and it is tiny. The tables are literally one or two inches apart. We were there on a Saturday night and it was full house. The noise level was beyond "energetic". It required screaming, which many of the young patrons seemed happy to do. The food was decent but some dishes required additional seasoning. So we sat in a very tight space with people constantly pushing their way past our table to enter or exit, waiting for extended periods of time for service, unable to hear or talk."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
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"We had not been to Porcini in a while, and we were happy we returned. The service was friendly and attentive but not overbearing. Even though the restaurant was packed, the food was expertly prepared and quite delicious. We very much enjoyed the dinner and we hope to return soon. Try the pasta with mushroom: you won't be disappointed!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Great food and I like the owner operators but unfortunately the thought I was left with mostly was one that I'm sure many have experienced with this restaurant; the portions are TOO SMALL!! Yes, the food is good but they definitely have to bump up the portion size. The prices aren't cheap so they're going to have to swallow a bit of cake ( pun intended )and serve bigger portions without raising prices. There is only so much bread I want to eat to make up for the puny portion size. This issue is keeping this good restaurant from becoming a great restaurant."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We had a 6:00 p.m. for two and when we arrived found the restaurant nearly empty, which was a treat because it enabled my wife and I, who had never visited this restaurant before, to meet with the owner-chefs and learn a bit about this outstandingly pretty and intimate restaurant. The food was outstanding, from the wonderfully prepared artichoke appetizer through the Caesar salad to the two entrees and dessert. My wife and I each ordered one of the two daily specials and special they were, one a St. Peter's fish in parchment and the other an unusually tender and savory stuffed cabbage. By the time we finished our tiramisu, the restaurant was filled to capacity with what were obviously repeat customers, which we will soon be as well."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"This place is really small...and awfully noisey when full as it was on Sat night. Food was not good enough to make the crowded conditions and noise worth the visit."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
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"We love this restaurant and have come here for years. The staff and the food are outstanding and lovely. We will continue to come back again and again!!"
Dined on 02/27/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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"This is my second time at Porcini and I completely forgot how chaotic and noisy this place can be. The food is definitely worth it, if you're willing to forgive the distracted and aloof wait staff and the deafening noise! There are too many excellent BYOBs in Philly so I will be going elsewhere next time I'm visiting Philly."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"This small, quaint BYOB presents a wonderful menu of fresh pasta dishes,fish, and select traditional meat dishes such as osso buco. My husband and i shared a mushroom ravioli for an appetizer that was lovely and light and a Caesar salad that was good but not extraordinary. We ordered the fettuccini bolognese which was so flavorful but not too heavy and the gnocchi with sausage which was fantastic. The gnocchi was some of the best I have ever had. Service was very accommodating and the owners are so friendly and treat you like family. It is a little pricey for Italian food but being a BYOB helps the pocketbook. Noise level is a little high due to size so not best for a romantic, intimate evening. Most patrons there seem like regulars."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"Romantic atmosphere, with great service and AMAZING food. BYOB! Chef Sansone will blow you away with super fresh pesto and perfectly cooked gnocchi. Great for a romantic night! This is not a quiet restaurant and that's part of the appeal-- just the right size and energy to to have an intimate meal for two, while still making it feel like a party. If you have a larger party, or are slightly claustrophobic, this may not be place for you-- being so cozy as to be called a little tight. I was close enough to my neighbors to hold THEIR hands as easily as my date's. Overall, I felt very catered to and taken care of throughout the evening, as well as well-fed and extremely happy. Would recommend over and over!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We have been going here for years, but I think we might have to find a new spot. I found the food to be good, but way over-priced and not as good as prior visits."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Best Gnocchi- Period! The new Sicilian artichoke dish is phenomenal. Service terrific. On a trip back to Philly, this was te one restaurant tst I HAD to eat at!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"This is a BYOB. Very small. The next table is having dinner with you. Very local. Food was outstanding and my wife and I had a blast. Owner handles the door and knows everyone. Maybe 10 tables and you wait in a hall with no bar. If you can get over that the food is fantastic and atmosphere fun. Buy a great bottle of wine to take with you and enjoy something different."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I went to Porcini with a group of four for restaurant week. It offered 4 courses as opposed to the typical 3, which was a plus. The restaurant is very small and congested, so if that will bother you, you may not enjoy this restaurant. Our table wasn't ready, but the host/owner was very attentive letting us know how long it would be and very friendly. The porcini spring rolls - porcini mushroom-filled with a duck sauce - were awesome. Salads were fresh and for the main course we had shrimp risotto, spaghetti rustica (cream sauce and panchetta) and pork tenderloin. Everything was fresh, extremely tasty and put together thoughtfully. Service was excellent. It is basically the owner and wife with a two-oven kitchen. A refreshing find in CC!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Growing up in an Italian family, We never eat italian food outside of the family. This is one of the only Italian restaurants I have ever been to that was just flat out amazing. The food was wonderfully prepared and the service was great, very attentive staff. As others have said it is very small and crowded, but I did not feel cramped while seated. We booked a later dinner at 9pm, I might suggest others go later than earlier. The place begins to clear out during your dinner and quiet down a little. None of these things get in the way of the experience. The owners are very friendly and funny! How many restaurants do you go to where the chef comes out sits down and has a conversation with you. Tells you about his families heritage. GREAT!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Went here for Restaurant Week and very glad that I did. Wonderful food. Really great and delicious. The restaurant was a little crowded and loud when we first arrived, but it was well worth it. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Great food, great service. Owner remembered my name and kept checking on me to make sure my food was great. Overall place is very noisy because it is so small, but that didn't bothe me. This is the 3rd time I have been here."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"Very close quarters, we didn't mind but.... it was a bit of a struggle at the front door to get new folks seated while people went out. Just fyi for people coming for the first time.
The portions were small, even for restaurant week. I'm not a fan of heaping portions in general but we left a little hungry. Next time maybe don't cut back quite so much for restaurant week, just a suggestion. Very delicious though! The pork dish I had was excellent, and the dessert also. Good bread and olive oil too!!
Friendly, prompt service. Atmosphere was lovely. Thanks Porcini!"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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"I was very disappointed with our meal. I know it was restaurant week but I thought the food had very little flavor and poorly prepared. The risotto was dry and tasteless. Portions were very small and unimaginative. I would think that the restaurant would want go showcase some of there better fare so that patrons would want to return. All in all a disappointing experience."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2013
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"Good things come in small packages! Porcini is a small space that serves food with big flavor. Everything was delicious from the bread to dessert. Look forward to returning again!"
Dined on 01/21/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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