Sfizzio is more than a restaurant, it's family.
The Old City Italian eatery is a favorite of those who live in the adjacent Society Hill Towers, whose residents dine at the Neapolitan restaurant frequently.
And Sfizzio -- which loosely translates to "for the pure enjoyment of it" -- treats customers like family.
Their regulars, which make up roughly 80 percent of their clientele, receive a complementary appetizer platter with fresh cheese, bruschetta, olives, peppers and mushrooms.
The eatery also treats its customers to one of the longest happy hours in the city -- lasting from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a free buffet.
Indeed, it is easy to enjoy the atmosphere at this restaurant, with its modern architecture featuring blue icicle lights dangling from the ceiling.
The best parts of a Sfizzio meal are the beginning and end.
All guests receive delicious homemade bread, along with a tasty sauteed eggplant drizzled with garlic-infused olive oil. It will make you forget you are eating vegetables.
The Tiramisu dessert is also very good.
But on the middle courses of the meal, Sfizzio misses the boat. The Caesar Salad($6.95), while large, failed to blend the flavors of romaine, parmesan and dressing.
The Chicken Parmigiana ($13.95), was not crispy enough, while the Veal Marsala ($14.95) was too thick. "I think I need a sharper knife," said my companion about the veal.
So if you are looking for a restaurant that takes care of its patrons, try Sfizzio. It may not be the best meal in town, but it makes you feel like family.
