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Core de Roma Reviews List
Core de Roma
*2012 ZAGAT Rated: Food(25) Service(23)*
*2011 ZAGAT Rated: Food(25) Service(23)*
*2010 ZAGAT Rated: Food(23) Service(24)*
*2009 ZAGAT Rated: Food(23) Service(24)*
Core de Roma Trattoria is a casual, intimate, family owned Trattoria, offering authentic Roman cuisine while upholding the best of Roman tradition. Some examples of our mouth watering Roman delicacies include our signature Artichokes alla Romana, Abbacchio(Lamb chops) scotta dito, and Bucatini all'amatriciana.
Contrary to what some people say, we spelled our name as "Core de Roma" intentionally, meaning "The Heart of Rome" in our family's dialect. Our ultimate goal is to make all of our customers feel like family through our cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and home-made dishes. At Core De Roma you can expect the true heart of Rome in the heart of Philly.
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64 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 64 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(23)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(41)
- fit for foodies(24)
- special occasion(20)
- romantic(18)
- good for groups(13)
- kid-friendly(5)
Core de Roma Reviews List
Review 1 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great spot for a group!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My boyfriend and I went to Core with 2 other couples, and the noisy bustling atmosphere really met our taste! The wait staff was very attentive without being overbearing- our water glasses were always full, and, although the food probably took a little while, we didnt notice amidst the energy of the restaurant. We loved our server, Joe, and the pasta was homemade and delicious! We definitely recommend it to groups looking for an affordable tasty meal. Great byo"
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is our favorite little Italian place! ya know the kind that you only see in Romantic Comedies? well this is that! Family owned, they know you, they make everything made to order so if you have special requests or dietary needs, they take care of you. You can BYO or order from their bar. It's small, but warm. Love it, love it, and love it. Their Bolognese is my absolute favorite and i have never been a meat sauce kind of girl. And the best thing on their menu is their artichokes! I have never tasted anything so delicious in my life. Even if you don't like artichokes, you will love these! I have never seen or achieved any form of replication... perfecto!"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wow
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Small local feel with great food. Decor is nice service was great."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Authentic Italian food on South St
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my second time at Core and the food was, once again, fantastic. Joe, one of the owners and head server, is personable and attentive. The prices are reasonable and while they have a full service bar you can still BYO your own wine. This is now my go to spot for a good, authentic Italian meal."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and setting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were a large party that was well attended to and were quite comfortable at our table. Food was excellent, fresh tasting and well presented. It was a great food experience!"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 6 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A friend and I went for dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A friend and I went for dinner and everything was delicious. The signature artichoke appetizer is terrifice, as were the nightly specials the peanut ice cream desert was just perfect to split."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, good service.......noise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good food, good service.......noise level leaves something to be desired."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is always excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is always excellent as is the service. We always enjoy our dining experience at Core de Roma. From the time we walk in and are greeted like old friends to the end of a most delicious meal, we always leave quite saisfied."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Me & Nine other women of all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Me & Nine other women of all ages had an early dinner after attending an afternoon show to celebrate my sisters 50th. I selected Core de Roma because of location to the playhouse. But the main reason was they offer bring your own wine on Sundays and also have a full service bar for those in our party who prefer something else. We all felt comfortable at once due to the quaint atmosphere. The restaurant is small but it was early and not crowded. Everyone liked their entrees'. The service was good.
I look forward to visiting again in the near future."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food at Core de Roma is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at Core de Roma is outstanding! It reminds us of the first meal we had in Rome at Piazza Navona..... It's that good!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our first time dining at Core
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first time dining at Core de Roma, and probably won't go back. First of all, we requested to be seated at a table for 4 (we were 3) off to the side, but were told that they were holding that table to combine for a large party. This I understand, but the large party wasn't even there and seated by the time we finished our meal! Secondly, the room was freezing. Ceiling fans were on and the front window wide open. They did, however, turn off the fans and close the window when more people complained. The wait staff was good, so no real complaints there. My husband ordered a tilapia dish which tasted like frozen fish. He didn't even finish his meal. Bread was terrible which I don't understand with all the good bakeries in S. Phila."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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Review 12 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Took a chance and was pleasantly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Took a chance and was pleasantly surprised at how excellent the food and service were. Joseph was awesome and took very good care of our requests. Thank you!!! Will be going back soon."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I come for the food, not really
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I come for the food, not really the decor, and the neighborhood feel from having the owner always remember you and shake your hand when you come back."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 14 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great italian restaurant.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great italian restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was wonderful. I had requested via Open Table for a child seat and sure enough they were ready and waiting once we got there. They have a full bar, but we brought our own wine. The place is relatively small, but the decor really makes it an enjoyable atmosphere. It was slightly loud because of its size, but I will definitely be going back."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A nice little place on South Street
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good Ossobucco!
The staff is really nice & very attentive. Small restaurant so not a lot of waiting. A nice little place on South Street!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2009
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Review 16 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was excellent. I
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was excellent. I will put this on our list of favs."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never let's us down.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We are regulars here. It is always great, especially when they slip in unexpected specials. We come ready to eat one thing then end with a great special."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our first time dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first time dining here even though we have passed this restaurant many times.As other reviews stated the artichokes are absolutely amazing ,we all tried different dishes from a fish dish,homemade pasta,veal and chicken each one as good as the next.The service was friendly and timely,overall great experience.Will definitely be dining at Core De Roma again!!!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Scrumptious!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love Core De Roma! It is a neighborhood treasure. Joey is amazing simultaneously running the bar, waiting on tables, and greeting and seating walk in patrons. He does it all with panache and makes sure our entrees are hot and delicious too! Core De Roma also makes a phenomenal Osso Buco! Keep up the great work guys!!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 20 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Still one of the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Core de Roma is our weekly list of restaurants, we've always had a totally great experience."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
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Review 21 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really love this little restaurant.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really love this little restaurant. Authentic and absolutely delicious! I had chicken piccata, and it was the best i have ever had. Great for a date or with a group."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
solid restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Foccacia snd while beans brought to table were wonderful! Spaghetti cacio and pepe was s bit to peppery for me but if you love pepper, try it! Service professional a nd friendly. Wine list ok but not great."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best veal in the city. Everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best veal in the city. Everything was delicious"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 24 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Extremely poor service. Waiter
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Extremely poor service. Waiter was very rushed and did not take the correct order. It also took a very long time to receive the bill (at least 20-30 minutes)."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
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Review 25 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went their for Valentine's
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went their for Valentine's Day and they had a select menu available. The chef was still able to prepare my favorite dish from their everyday menu. ."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 26 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was really good.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was really good. They were extremely accomodating when we had to change our reservation time at the last minute. The service was great!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 27 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Cora de Roma quickly became my favorite restaurant. Before I felt it was a hidden gem, but is quickly becoming more popular. The food is to die for. I have never been unsatisfied with my meal. The penne vodka sauce is the best I've ever had. The staff is always friendly and laid back. Prices are reasonable as well. Cora de Roma will have my service for a long time."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Core de Roma
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Somehow, we ended up making
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Somehow, we ended up making a reservation for the Philly location when we thought we were booking West Chester. When we showed up...no reservation. The owner, Papa GiGi, still seated us and treated us very well. It was Valentine's Day and the menu had been limited, but there were many great choices. We were very pleased! Food is great. Service was good and personal. We will definitely return."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Core de Roma
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
6 out of 7 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic