For my birthday in August, my boyfriend surprised me with reservations at Little Nonna’s, a fairly new restaurant in Center City, Philadelphia, where old school Italian meets new school. Nestled in a small brick building, the intimate 40-seat eatery exudes classic Italian charm, with vintage tableware and rustic wood tables, but serves a menu with a modern take on grandma-style comfort.
Though the restaurant has a beautiful outdoor seating area, decorated with string lights and vintage aprons dangling from laundry lines, we opted to sit comfortably inside the cozy dining room due to high humidity and the threat of rain.
From the extensive list of unique antipasti options, we started with and quickly devoured the wild mushroom arancini, featuring melty buffalo mozzarella and truffle aioli, and bruschetta served with delicious roasted figs, warm Gorgonzola dolce, crunchy hazelnuts and celery hearts. Along with pan-seared potato gnocchi, served with wild mushrooms, English peas, tarragon, leeks and baby tomatoes, we shared the restaurant’s signature Sunday gravy dish, a platter of slowly braised beef short ribs, a huge fontina-stuffed meatball, hot fennel sausage and broccoli rabe with a huge portion of “gravy” (marinara made with San Marzano tomatoes) and the macaroni of the day. The meatball, oozing with cheese, and short ribs were deliciously tender and the gnocchi melted in my mouth.
We lingered in the cozy room long after the meal ended, finishing a well-paired bottle of red and savoring a delectable cannoli stuffed with hazelnut ricotta, fudge and caramelized cacao nibs. Delicious food and great company made for a birthday dinner I won’t soon forget!
1234 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
tel 215 546 2100
Read This Next
Johnny V
Restaurant
Sep 12, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Dec 19, 20244 Hotels to Stay at for 2025 Sporting Events
Diehard sports fans often travel near and far to watch their favorite teams. With plenty of exciting sporting events taking place in 2025, these hotels offer a respite for sports fanatics after the events.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Hotel
Dec 19, 2024Postcard Cabins Brand Now Part of Marriott
More than 1,200 glamping cabins recently joined Marriott in an acquisition set to bring more travelers closer to nature. Postcard Cabins, formerly Getaway, was founded in 2015 with the mission to bring free time in nature to more people.
Destinations / Europe
Dec 18, 2024Why You Should Visit Florence in January
Ready to book your first 2025 getaway? Consider Florence, Italy, for two can’t-miss events in January.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Hotel
Dec 18, 2024Brookmere Debuts Today in Saratoga Springs, New York
Brookmere debuts today in Saratoga Springs, New York, for its soft opening. Situated on 10 acres near many of Saratoga Springs’ iconic attractions, this property boasts 88 guestrooms and suites alongside a host of well-appointed amenities.
ShareThis