Tre Scalini

Set on South Philadelphia’s famed East Passyunk Avenue, Tre Scalini is an old school Italian BYOB with an authentic menu of family recipes and traditional fare from Chef Franca DiRenzo’s hometown of Moise in the Apennine Mountains.

I recently visited the longtime South Philadelphia favorite for a special occasion. The restaurant was packed with families, couples and friends both downstairs and upstairs, creating for a loud atmosphere not conducive for conversation. My group sat next to a loud group of several family members and friends celebrating a birthday party, and we were disappointed we were not able to enjoy a more peaceful dining experience with each other.

While the atmosphere was disappointing and the temperature was stuffy and uncomfortable, my dining experience was slightly better. From the menu of antipasti, pasta and meat dishes, I chose the vitello alla Napolitana, featuring thinly pounded veal medallions sautéed with a delicate tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese. The veal was fresh and the tomato sauce was tasty, but the dish was tiny.

The lobster ravioli was a hit with my table, as was the spaghetti with fresh clams, but the scallop dish was a huge letdown, with only three scallops and no vegetables or pasta included. We wished our waiter told us the dish was this bare, as more food would have been ordered to supplement.

With so many incredible restaurants on the East Passyunk Avenue, Tre Scalini won’t be on my radar anytime soon next time I want to dine in the neighborhood.

Tre Scalini

1915 E Passyunk Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19148

215 551 3870