The intersection of 47th and Baltimore streets may not be the most likely location for fine dining. But tucked between quiet row homes and small African restaurants lies Abbraccio -- West Philadelphia's own great Italian restaurant.
Upon entering the restaurant, patrons are greeted by a large bar stocked full of brews and liquors leading into two grand dining rooms.
The second dining room, which sports light orange walls and a massive fireplace, offers diners a relaxing ambiance with subtle hints of formality -- perfect for a restaurant frequented by Penn students.
The owners of Abbraccio used to operate The Palladium, a bar and restaurant, at 36th and Locust streets until its closing in 2003.
But more important than the atmosphere and setting, of course, is the food.
Abbraccio offers a wide range of appetizers, from a simple calamari dish with remoulade sauce ($8.50) to their SOBO -- South of Boston -- antipasti ($12), with seared tuna, prosciutto, mushrooms and various cheeses and vegetables.
For a simpler starter, try the Caponata Tricolore Trio ($8). It's a simple mix of focaccia and vegetables, with three dips: red pepper mousse, white bean dip and green artichoke spread.
Or for another appetizer with remoulade sauce, the crabcake ($8.50) is a wonderful choice. The taste -- with a soft, sweet flavor from the sauce permeating the fresh crab meat -- is fantastic.
But don't take too long on the appetizers or you risk finding yourself satiated before the main courses arrive.
The Lasanga con Spinaci ($11.95) makes a great entree. The homemade spinach lasagna, tastes both fresh and authentic with its rich marinara sauce. The fresh vegetables and mozzarella, with polenta on the side, add a perfect mix to the dish.
One of the most popular and economical offerings at the restaurant, however, is the mix-and-match pasta selections. For $9.95, patrons can choose from fettuccine, fusilii, penne, spaghetti, spinach papardelle, whole wheat linguini and tricolor cheese tortellini. With a choice of six different sauces, there are dozens of possible combinations. For $1, diners can also add pesto to their pasta dish. Every plate of pasta comes with a small side salad.
And be sure to watch the specials menu; the stuffed pork chops ($12.95) are a must. Though the portions are small, the sweet stuffing forms a great combination with the rest of the dish.
Abbraccio offers a wide range of desserts, from tradition Italian fare to contemporary American cuisine. For those on a budget, give the milkshakes ($3.50) -- available in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry -- a try; they're great for sharing.
And although it may be a long walk back to campus along Baltimore Avenue, the great food and modestly priced drinks at Abbraccio make the trip more than worthwhile.
