Italian eatery just right for families and friends

Amidst the grit and grime of West Philadelphia lies the culinary gem that is Abbraccio Italian restaurant.

Recently opened by the former Palladium owners, Abbraccio is airy, with lots of space separating the classic wood tables.

We were greeted by a large vase of sunflowers and a welcoming fireplace in the entryway. The walls are painted a pale yellow and are decorated with plates and local artwork, providing a cheerful and friendly atmosphere to enjoy a classic Italian meal.

Abbraccio even boasts a balcony for outdoor seating, complete with tables, chairs and even space heaters for chilly evenings. Choosing to sit inside, we quickly forgot about the restaurant's surroundings.

Abbraccio has a surprisingly suburban feel -- and with parking available for its clientele of couples and families, it seems like a place your family and friends would enjoy for a relaxing Sunday evening.

But don't worry about being disturbed by whining children -- the "family room," complete with coloring paper, stroller space and crayons, is safely secluded from the main dining room and full bar.

The service was excellent; our host was warm and friendly and our waitress was extremely attentive, answering all of our questions and making sure we were satisfied.

Dishes are moderately priced, standard Italian fare, with a wide variety of options, including pasta, sandwiches, personal pizzas and a variety of entrees.

The food was great, and the portions were generous. The zucchini frittata appetizer was a unique treat, and the grilled shrimp appetizer was a classic favorite.

All entrees are accompanied by a salad and two side dishes -- a vegetable and a starch of your choice -- so that halfway through the meal, we were already stuffed. The pollo limone was a surefire hit, while the grilled salmon, a special that evening, was better than anywhere else in the neighborhood.

While the entrees were enjoyable, the desserts were clearly the high point of the meal.

With a wide selection of desserts ranging from Italian classics such as tiramisu to chocolate mousse, apple crisp and do-it-yourself s'mores, Abbraccio is sure to satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth.

Although the walk to 47th and Baltimore may be a bit too long to catch a quick bite, Abbraccio provides a welcoming and calm atmosphere for a relaxing evening without having to go downtown.

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