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da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana Reviews List

da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana

The idea of master chef Filippo Russo is to bring the Italian culture of gastronomy to Somerville, New Jersey. Through his philosophy, Da Filippo's Ristorante is recognized by European patrons spanning as far east as Japan and Singapore. With his profound knowledge in the culinary field Filippo Russo is able to present a level of authenticity through his dishes, replicating his mother's recipes as...well as the environment Filippo was exposed to in Sicily.

Over the years Da Filippo's Ristorante received numerous reviews from the New York Times, New Jersey Monthly Magazine and Zagat survey, The Star-Ledger and The American Academy of Restaurant and Hospitality Sciences. The most honorable recognition presentated to Filippo Russo is the Luigi Veronelli Award of Northern American fine Italian dining and Ignazio Miceli from Regaleali Winery Sicily. When guests arrive at Da Filippo Ristorante they are welcomed with European hospitality while finding themselves in a rustic ambiance
See more da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana details
37 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
(37 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 37 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(10)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.4 / 5
Noise Level
1.8 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(24)
  • romantic(19)
  • fit for foodies(18)
  • special occasion(16)
  • good for groups(9)
  • great for lunch(2)
da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana Reviews List
Review 1 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Italian Food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/07/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We've been to da Filippo a number of times and have never been disappointed. The food is always delicious and the staff is friendly and knowledgable. The owners always take the time to come say hello which, to me, means they care about their customers. And its BYO which makes it even more reasonable."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delicious!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/14/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The food is authentic Italian and the best I have tasted in NJ. Every meal was absolutely delicious. The owner Filippo and his wife are such king people. I recommend to everyone and will definitely go back again and again."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The essence of great Italian Dining

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Fresh, quality ingredients, prepared simply are the hallmark of authentic Italian cuisine. Chef Russo is a master, offering wonderful preparations from Antipasti to Dolce. As always our meals Saturday evening were fantastic. Great food however is just one part of an authentic Italian dinning experience. The Italian meal is also about , fun, laughter, sharing with family and friends.
At da Filippo patrons are Friends not Guest. The warmth of a family gathering is felt when you walk through the door, and shines on the faces at each table. Enjoying each other as much as the incredible dishes being served. When you have taken the last bite, the last sip, you'll realize that you did not just have a great meal, you've had a great time.
Grazie!
"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

real northern Italian

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Authentic northern Italian with quality ingredients. BYOB. Small. owners on site who really care about customers. Two couples at our table - had a lovely evening with good food and ambience. Not too loud so we could actually talk at normal levels all evening - Great wine store (Discover Wine) about 4 blocks west on Main Street to visit beforehand."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Lovely evening

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"at our first visit with NJ people who knew of the restaurant. The setting was perfect, intimate and low noise level. The menu options were all appealing, and everything we had (turned out to be all fish dishes) was superb. Good size portions for a very reasonable price. BYO helped make us feel this was a real "bargain." The service was outstanding. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable without being intrusive The family really does make you feel welcome. The ease of free parking in back made the evening start off on a good note. Wish we lived closer!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

authentic italian food and ambiance

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Filippo and his wife make you feel at home, and their dishes leave you with a sense that it was made "with love"."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 7 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

treated like family!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/29/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I very much enjoyed our experience here for our anniversary. We were greeted warmly and even though there only appeared to be one server that night we still felt attended to. The food was delicious!"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Have been a fan since they

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Have been a fan since they opened. Food is outstanding."
Dined on 04/08/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Bring your own wine!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Can't tell from the outside how very nice it is inside, spacy parking at the back of building also unknown to most people. I found it by Open Table, would not have noticed it. Great food and warm service, bring your own wine makes it even better!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food but terrible service.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Good food but terrible service. The hostess/owner was very pleasant and we were seated promptly. The waitress didn't come over to us for at least 10 minutes and when she finally came over asked if we wanted to order bruschetta while we were deciding even though we already had plenty of time to look at the menu. I told her no and she said, "OK are you ready to order?". She obviously had no intentions of telling us about the specials so I had to ask her about them. Other than that, it took a while to get the entrées, didn't see the waitress until we were done eating and it took at least 15 minutes to get the bill after we asked for it. I know these are little things but it just turns your night into a bad experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2008
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Review 11 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Wonderful... As always we

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Wonderful... As always we were greeted at da Flippo like old friends, our service was attentive but not fussy and the meal was exceptional. Having a beautiful meal topped off by Chef Russo's marvelous piano and vocal selections made the evening memorable. We can't wait to return."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

treated like family

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The owner and wife treat their guests like family. The owner sang some contemporary and italian songs at the piano. Enjoyed it very much."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2012
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Review 13 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Rather disappointing. I was

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Rather disappointing. I was looking forward to a great dining experience, but the food was over salted and the Risotto was undercooked and crunchy. I can't say I will return."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2012
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Review 14 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Unhurried lunch gem!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I came here for lunch with two of my friends and what I love the most was that we were not rushed to give up our table and leave. We arrived at noon and left at 2:30 p.m. We were able to catch up with all of our news since we had not seen each other since Christmastime. The lunch was lovely - my friends had a pasta dish and the beef stew and I had a cod dish with sides of potatoes and cabbage. I don't know what the kitchen does to the cabbage, but even if you aren't a cabbage fan, you will love it! Super find for a casual, relaxed, unhurried lunch. I highly recommend Filippos!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 15 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Special Birthday Celebration

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My neighbor and I came to da Filippo's for her birthday celebration and it was such a special evening. The food was magnificent - we had the cabbage with shrimps, risotto, then a special cod entree, we split all of the dishes and it was the perfect amount of food. They brought my friend yummy lemon sorbet and Filippo himself sang Happy Birthday to her. You are treated like family here. If you are looking to dine, not just eat, this is the place for you. You will spend an evening here, each dish is prepared to order, so you must be patient, but the wait is worth it."
Dined on 03/04/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a very nice time and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had a very nice time and were not rushed out even though we had a saturday 5pm rez. The owner and staff we very friendly and accommodating."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 17 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The place is nice, it's byo,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The place is nice, it's byo, but the menu is very limited. They don't offer swordfish, tuna, salmon, only one chicken dish. The only beef was stew. If that's what your looking for I'd still advise looking at the menu in advance. What I did order by default was so-so. The service was possibly the poorest I've seen in years. The servers were very young, most places I know of wouldn't consider this type of staff. I won't list all the mix-ups, no silverware, spills, etc. I'd never go back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2009
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Review 18 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

BYOB. The food was delicious

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"BYOB. The food was delicious but a bit overpriced given that they didn't include bread or salad with the meal. The menu is not extensive."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 19 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

When you arrive at the restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"When you arrive at the restaurant you are greeted by the owner who is very friendly and accommodating. The food is delicious. I have been to the restaurant four times now and have never been disappointed."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2010
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Review 20 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

EXCELLENT THE HUSBAND AND

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"EXCELLENT THE HUSBAND AND WIFE OWNER ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!! GO HERE NOW!!!!!!!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

As I said in an earlier review,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"As I said in an earlier review, this is the best Italian restaurant around. Actually, make that the best of any cuisine."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

da Filippo's is a warm and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"da Filippo's is a warm and welcoming place, thanks to the friendliness of this married couple (chef and hostess), with *very* good food. Don't be put off by the exterior of the space/(strip mall) - It does NOT match what is happening inside in the slightest - Go in! You'll love it too."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Out of This World Goodness!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana is our GoTo restaurant for all our special occasions!
The owners are exceedingly friendly. The staff makes you feel welcome and treat you like family! And the food? ...out of this world! Delicious fresh ingredients, just the right amount, and always served piping hot to the table!
To top it off the live entertainment is such a delight and truly adds to the romantic atmosphere."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Delicious Sicilian food with personalized service. Owner greated us at the door upon our arrival and made sure we were taken care of throughout the evening. Very attentive service and they don't rush you. Valentine's Day dinner featured a live piano player, but they may have that all the time. Highly recommended."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for da Filippo Autentica Cucina Italiana
Based on the average of (13) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Service 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.8 / 3
Moderate