In discussing places to go to dinner for my birthday, a friend suggested La Famiglia Ristorante in Philadelphia (He knows I have in-laws near the city) He couldn't say what it was like since his descirption was "way out of my price range".

Has anyone been? From looking at their menu and wine list on the net, it is definitely expensive. The wine list is huge, mostly Italian, but well represented in French and California wines too (thought no prices) but the menu prices range from $10-20 for antipasti, secondi $24-50, so I would imagine the wine prices are similarly high.

Truth is, I'm not going there for my birthday, but might try it sometime when I am in the city. I's be interested in anyone's reactions to having eaten there.

Where's Petey when you need him???

Been there one time, about 5 years ago. But given the "tradition" of this place, I doubt much has changed in 5 years.

An "Old School" Italian restaurant with professioanal staff and very formal decor.

Food was very good, very expensive, and not terribly creative. You would never call it "New Italian", or "New" anything. They serve the standards, and they do them very, very well. I had a wonderful meal. Very careful attention to detail. Only the highest quality ingredients. They had proscuitto with melon on the menu. I asked if I could have it with figs instead. They replied that the chef didn't like the look of the figs that morning, so he didn't purchase any. But if I insisted, they would find some for me. I guess you get what you pay for.
The pricing does seem a little aggressive. A $5 price cut across the board would be appreciated. I get the feeling that the pricing is designed to keep the riff raff out, because it is not terribly big. They want to attract expense account and special occassion customers, and they succeed.

If you have never been, it is worth a trip. It could become one of those "once every few years" places for you. But if someone else will be picking up the tab, and you would be embarrassed sticking them with one of the higher price tags in the city, I'd look elsewhere. It's not like Philly lacks for good Italian food. But if the person/people paying won't be put off by $30 entrees, by all means go.

Thanks Jimmy

I would be the one picking up the tab, but it would be a special occasion type meal. However, if I am going to dine in Philly I will probably look for somewhere that permits BYO as I am sure the wine list prices are commenserate with the menu prices. I agree there are lots of great places to eat Italian food in the city, but since I am usually visiting the in-laws when there, I normally eat my mother-in-law's cooking.

dinwiddie, here are my best of Philly BYO picks...

1) Django -this restaurant is the best in terms of food and value. On 4th St. between South and Lombard. Excellent French/American nouveau food and mucho detail, like bread served hot baked in a flower pot, owner came to our table to describe the cheese plate in detail, etc. *Must call six weeks to the day to get a reservation on the weekend, tough to get in, but worth the effort.

2) Pif - More classic French bistro. Fantastic escargot in Pernod app. Make reservations early. Another very good value. Small place.

3) Chloe -If you strike out at the others, Chloe doesn't except reservations. Get there early (open at 5) on weekends or expect to wait. Fantastic grilled pizza app. Asparagus wrapped in bacon is excellent. Venison is great. Even smaller restaurant. Neighborhood joint kinda feel, but excellent food. I know the owners. Offer up some of the great wine you bring, to the chefs (husband and wife owners, Mary Ann and Dan) and you might be rewarded.

4) Dmitri's -This is a Philly icon. Classic simply prepared Greek food done by what seems to be an all Asian cooking staff. No reservations here, but expect to wait in the bar across the street and they will come get you when your table is available.

At all of these places, if you are bringing special wines, bring stems. They all have your standard coke bottles thick, cheapo wine glasses.

Have a great time and let us know where you go.

jb