I actually took time to read all of the reviews on this place before I decided to write my own Grew up in the area, but this was my first time to Casselli's honestly ive never heard a bad thing about the place, relatives rave about it, and I have to second that Other than the bartender seeming to ignore me while he chatted with regulars, while I was standing there for 15 minutes, I have nothing but praise for the restauraunt He did make up for it though by setting me up with one of the strongest Vodka, sprites, Ive ever had.. wife had a glass of wine Ok the place is crowded.. good sign, we were given the complimentary pickled eggplant and oil cured olives, served with a pretty damn hot fried long hot pepper, which went well with the complimentary rolls... im hot pepper pepper junkie Dinner, I had, the tri color tortelinni, with hot sausage, broccoli rabe, sundried tomatoes, in oil and garlic... Wife had the Chicken Marsala Escarole soup, started it off, and was delicious, I actually wanted more of it , but it was perfect, not too much Salad was an iceburg salad, carrot and onion, pretty standard, but the house balsamic dressing was delicious... Entrees were really good, i just ate the rest for lunch actually.. the bitterness of the rabe plays well wht the sausage and the cheese of the tortellini.. serving size was pretty big, enough that I couldnt squeeze in desert My Wifes Chicken Marsals was even better, .. but they have quite a few of them and the ones i saw didnt have anyone standing up next to them bitching! All toal for dinner $33.00. not including tip, not bad at all All in all a fantastic little place, everyone should try when manayunk is a little too jumpin
(4)
Dave H.
The previous owner, Don (may he rest in peace), poured a lot of love into Casselli's. The ground floor is comfortable, not too casual, and is completed by a fully-stocked bar. Upstairs, the walls are painted with colorful images. If you have a cocktail party or private event, call and reserve the upstairs area. Their private lot in the front is a bit of a pain to navigate, but if you spring for street parking, you should be fine. I've had dinner here several times with friends, and service has never been an issue. Our dishes have been good-to-excellent. In particular, their antipasto is a light treat, and the penne is one of my favorite homemade pasta there. Recommended for delicious Italian in Roxborough.
(4)
Alix P.
Went here on Tuesday night. They didn't take reservations for parties under 10, but when we got there, they had a table waiting for us anyway. They staff was super nice and on top of their game - never had an empty glass or a request that wasn't filled. Me & my friends all got the 5 course meal special for $20. AMAZING! You get soup, salad, app, entree, dessert from a price fixed menu. We tried every appetizer; mussels (the best, hands down) clams casino (eh, not so great), pepperoni roll, and this eggplant, pepperoni & mozz cheese roll in marinara sauce. Really, you can't go wrong with anything! Entrees; again, everything was delicious. I got the baked manicotti with meat sauce and loved it, but was so stuff already that i could barely finish it. The mussels were good, the lasagne, the ravioli. just really good all around, especially for the price. Dessert - the white chocolate mousse was all the rage at my table. Skip the canollis and the creme caramel (it's just flan - if you like flan, you'll like this ... but does anyone like flan?) Wine was okay, pretty reasonably priced. I got the house red which was a Montepulciano and good. All in all, wonderful italian dinner. Thumbs up to Casselli's!
(4)
Rick T.
Very kitschy and a real throw-back to the 1950s. I love old-fashioned Italian comfort foods, but the food here was absolutely unimpressive in every way - nothing terrible, but nothing great either. Upon arrival, I felt like I needed to know the secret handshake in order to get a table. The waiter was aloof and terribly inattentive. Nevertheless, the restaurant was full, so someone must like it.
(2)
Chris M.
I really wanted to like Casselli's, but it wasn't in the cards. Maybe I just caught them on a bad night, but I didn't really enjoy much about my visit. The waiter was very unpleasant - was banging down the plates and glasses on the table when he delivered them. Maybe he was having a bad day, but I still would have expected better. We had mixed experiences with the food. Mine and our friends' was OK, but my wife's baked ravioli would have been more use to a hockey team for use as pucks. They were really overdone - woefully overdone. The worst part was that our table was next to the opera singer guy. He was singing extremely loudly and it was nigh impossible to maintain a conversation - especially coupled with how close we were to the table next to us and their attempts to speak over Opera Guy. Part of me wants to give them another chance (since I hate writing bad reviews) and the other part is annoyed over the waiter's attitude. I probably will not go back. There are so many good Italian restaurants worth visiting that the opportunity cost of returning to Casselli's seems too high. On the upside, they have somewhat convenient parking in the lot behind the restaurant (near the Shawmont School). Note: cash-only.
(1)
A B.
This place must have access to a time machine. They transported the restaurant and atmosphere from 1970 and the prices from 2040. Go there once for a good laugh.
(2)
Joe B.
I just came back from dinner at Casselli's for my 30th anniversary, my wife and I would go there often when we lived in the neighborhood. I had stuffed mushroom for appetizer and the seafood combo for dinner with a strawberry and chocolate dessert everything I had was perfect. My wife had veal and crab Florentine with cheese cake for dessert hers was perfect as well. It was nice being back after so many years, very comfortable and the hostess and our server were both extremely pleasant and very efficient. We will definitely go back again and won't wait for 30 years this time.
(5)
David N.
I go to Casselli's, it seems, at least once a week! - and I can't get enough of their scrumptious food. The soup and salad that's included with the meal is fresh and delicious, and their main courses are awesome. The prices might seem a little bit high, but, really, it's not bad considering the amount of food you get, the entertainment, and the great service. It is a little bit small inside, but it gives you the feeling of a nice, comfortable, friendly old fashioned restaurant. Casselli's has different special meals every several days, including special appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts, from the most exotic, homemade spring rolls to the most intricate fish in the sea to fig desserts. You'll never know what amazing specials will be served until you go and find out yourself! Also, if you are looking for quick, personal service, try going during the less crowded times of the week (the early hours, especially Sundays from 3:30 to 5 pm). The peak hours are between 6:30 and 8:30 pm. And, finally, the parking lot is a little small, but there is nearly endless parking in the Shawmont parking lot about 100 feet down Shawmont Ave.
(5)
Kaki C.
Select from reasonable bottles of Pinot Grigio or San Genovese, the amazing (and free) eggplant, olives and hot peppers with bread, house made chicken escarole soup, house salad with the best blue cheese dressing in the city, followed by any seafood on the menu (do not ignore the nightly specials). Other family favorites: the perfectly cooked steak, scalloped potatoes when offered, steamed clam appetizer (add the perfect garlic bread), panzanella salad when available, and a goblet of tiramisu for dessert. This place is a treasure.
(3)
Joseph B.
Absolutely fantastic. Small, but charming Italian restaurant with live singer. Staff was polite and helpful when ordering and the food was incredible. Appetizers: 3 Cheese Spinach Ravioli and Baked Oysters stuffed with Imperial Crab were out of this world delicious. Entree's: Chicken Tuscany was an absolute delight with generous amounts of Shrimp and Chicken, Two Lump Crab Cakes, which I believe was the special that evening, was excellent as well. One thing I learned eating at this restaurant is that you will not leave hungry. I would absolutely, without a doubt, recommend Casselli's to anyone who enjoys a good Italian meal.
(5)
Frannie C.
A nice old fashion neighborhood restr. Great food, great service moderate food prices and cheap yet excellent drinks, fun bartenders and entertainment. The opera singer I can do without but the piano player on Tues and Sun. nights is great. I recommend anything on the menu except the filet and the specials are to die for. There is also free soup salad and bread with Hot peppers, eggplant and italian olives that accompany the meal. A bit small but sooo worth the try. The second floor will hold about 50 people for parties
(5)
Amanda V.
This is my boyfriend and my favorite restaurant. It is the one place we can go where we are guaranteed good service and great food. Recently we went there for my birthday and they were very accommodating to our party. It was my family's first time there but it won't be their last. Everyone (including my grandfather who never likes anything) loved it. Be prepared, this place was established in like 1951 and I don't think anything has been updated since, but it's all part of the experience.
(5)
Jim M.
Just ate my second meal at this restauant. There were four of us and one other customer, therefore the service was above average. The meal was very good.. We all had a pasta entree which came with soup and salad(one special salad). There was a wide selection of desserts. Wine was average. The price was what we expected and we will go back again. Bon Appetit
(4)
Linda M.
I hate to do this to a family run place, but the food here is not good. I came here for dinner on a weekday night. The restaurant looks old school inside - very dark with even darker lighting. When my friend and I went, there was a large group of seniors in the corner and a couple at a two-seater. Otherwise, the restaurant was pretty empty. Our waiter was nice enough, although he seemed to be rushing back to the kitchen in order to watch a baseball game. We ordered a crab cake special (two crabcakes over angel hair pasta) and the Tri-Color Cheese Tortellini. The meal also came with soup and a salad. When the soup came out - I had no idea what it was. It taste like chicken broth with a few pieces of veggies and the smallest pieces of cut up chicken thrown in that I had ever seen. It felt entirely like the soup was an after thought, and after two spoonfuls, I was done. The salad that came with the entree was ok - it was a typical mix of iceburg and some red cabbage, carrots, tomatos, etc. The house vinaigrette was lacking in seasoning - bland and in dire need of a pinch of salt! We got the crab cake special on special recommendation of the waiter. It was two typical crab cakes a tiny bit on the small side, but they were good. The angel hair pasta tasted like pasta with nothing on it. I was shocked when I got the bill because this dish was way to expensive for what came out. The tortellini was super oily (way, way too much olive oil had been used on it) and the dish was also very bland. The most awesome part is that when we got the bill, we weren't even told that this place was CASH ONLY. There is an ATM or something in the back, but I would have like to been notified sometime before we were seated... like a sign on the front door. I would probably not return to this place again because it was pricey and the food was bland.
(2)
Mark O.
This is the kind of Italian restaurant that grandmothers would love. Probably because they don't have much left in the way of taste buds, or memory of what good food is supposed to be like. The 'entertainment' was creepy and embarrassing, consisting of an older man 'singing' over what sounded like a casio keyboard. And the dinner was one disappointment after another. What's called 'home made pasta' seemed to be suspiciously pre-frozen. The tomato sauce that came on the ravioli's had an overpowering taste of tomato paste. And they use canned mushrooms in their dishes. That should tell you all you need to know. Avoid this place.
(2)
Kaitlyn P.
My boyfriend and I came here on a whim last night. I must have driven by this place hundreds of times and never noticed it. We walked in to a room and found what you would expect at an old school Italian restaurant. It felt authentic. The man singing Italian opera was a nice touch as well. The staff was nice and super helpful with choosing our entrees from the laundry list of specials for the night. The bread was hot when it got to our table and the antipasto was a nice touch. My boyfriend loved the steak (a very generous portion) and I would highly recommend the crab cakes. The only downfall is that it is cash only. For people complaining about the price, I don't think an entree, soup, salad & bread is pricey at $25 per person.. do you want them to give the food away?? We will most likely be back.
(4)
Rod G.
I will never eat here again. I ate here a couple months ago and it was average (maybe three stars) but after this last experience they have been demoted to a one star in my eyes. We ordered the chicken saltimbocca ($23) and the chicken picante ($15) each with a side of linguine w/ the garlic butter sauce and each came with a side of escarole soup and side salad. We ordered this for pickup so they then told us that we had to bring them containers to put the soup in because they didn't have any. And I dint think this was just because they ran out bc my gf remembered this happening in the past. So we picked it up after we took out money at the Wawa because they don't take cards. Um its 2011, everyone uses cards. Get with the times son. We finally got the food back to my place and when we opened it up we found out that they gave us marinara sauce instead of the garlic butter and I'd usually let it slide but I was really in the mood for it and I'm tired of not getting what i ordered. So I called them up and the lady that answered the phone gave me to the guy that took the order and I explained that we didn't get the right sauces and he said in a very rude tone "well I didn't hear your wife or your girlfriend or whoever that was say that you wanted that sauce. Its an extra 2 dollars for that sauce. I can make it for you and you can come back up and it will be 4 bucks". I was so caught off guard and didn't know what to say I just said "no I wont be doing that" and hung up. After I hung up all the great comebacks that I missed out on. I felt like George Castanza in the one episode where he thinks of a bunch of witty comments after the fact. Unfortunately I wont have another chance to hit him with my comebacks because I'll never go back. Also the food tasted like tin foil. Sounds awesome I know..
(1)
Chelsea K.
First of all, you have to be kidding me: expensive?! I don't know where you live, but it's 2011, and there aren't many places where you can get a filling, delicious meal with salad, soup, an appetizer and dessert for $19.95. EVERYTHING at Casselli's is reasonably priced, especially for a Philadelphia (yes, Roxborough is technically Philadelphia) establishment, and the quantity of food and quality of ingredients. I write about Philadelphia for a living--food included--and I have to say, thank GOD this place isn't located on Main Street, Manayunk, because it would be packed every day and lose its "hidden gem" status in about a week. And now that I am finished ranting...to the food! It's delicious--rivals any Italian food I've eaten anywhere, and at any price. The paradiso sauce is amazing, and the homemade special raviolis and specials salads have always impressed me. My boyfriend is a huge fan of the seafood pasta and the stuffed steak. We probably go to Caselli's at least once a week, often twice. Did I mention that neither me nor my boyfriend is a big fan of Italian food? I normally find it on the bland side, and very traditional. Casselli's shattered all of my stereotypes. The only reason I can't give this place 5 stars is because I ordered the stuffed chicken once, and I was not a fan. It was the only "not good" meal I've ever had at the place, but I like my meat on the dry side, and the chicken was a little undercooked for me. The people I was with enjoyed it just fine. Also, I have heard the veal with the cream sauce was just okay as well. Stick to the pasta and delish appetizers, and you'll be just fine. Finally, while the cash-only policy can be a little annoying, it's part of the family-owned charm, and I'll put up with it for the yummy food, inexpensive prices, proximity and comfy atmosphere. In fact, I'll be heading there after work tonight.
(4)
Chrisna S.
Casselli's Ristorante is one of the few restaurants available in the Roxborough community. However, out of all Italian restaurants I went to - this place makes a bold crown for Italian food. The environment of this place is a bit cramped, however the atmosphere is just right! The lights are dim to create a soothing mood for couples and such. Not only that, they have their own personal Italian Opera Singer. Although he can be loud at times, he creates a good background entertainment for couples and families to joy to. To get to the point, food! I once ordered the Clams Casino. The appetizer was small but it wasn't about the quantity, it was the quality that counted. The clams were juicy and hot! This made my taste-buds crave for more surprises, which I ordered the Crab Cakes next. Before I was served for the Crab Cakes, I was served with a Chicken Escarole Soup and later, House Salad with blue cheese. The soup was fine, but the salad was fresh :] .When served with the Crab Cakes, Angel Hair pasta steamed - I smelled heaven. I took a small bite from the Crab Cake. It was a bit creamy, soft - and delicious. In fact, it was the first ever crab cake I've ever ate in my life. The crab cake was light, so I managed to force my stomach to take in the whole thing. I didn't want to take it home, I was craving for more. The angel hair pasta was also creamy, heavy too haha. I forgot what sauce they put on the pasta, but it tasted better than Paradiso and Alfredo. After finishing, I asked for desert. I was expecting a menu, but instead they presented me with a tray full of deserts. Every single desert looked tasty, I wanted all of them. The server recommended me with their new desert, White Moose. I took his advise and received my desert in seconds. I took a small bite, and there I already made my conclusion for the restaurant - excellent Italian experience! With great service and friendly servers, this restaurant deserves to be renown to other neighborhoods as well!
I could have lived without the opera singer. The food is expensive and they don't take credit or debit cards (BE WARNED). The food is good but the room is cramped.
(2)
Linda M.
Dining here is like entering a time warp. Food is okay but it's the service that keeps me coming back for more. I wish though they would pause in between courses and allow some time to rest and digest. Other than that it's a stop worth trying.
(3)
Rick T.
Red Clam Chowder soup was thick and delicious. If I ate bread, I would have dipped it in the soup and skipped dinner. Enjoyed the slightly large chunks of potatoes. We shared the tender and tasty steamed mussels appetizer. One order with garlic sauce, one with red sauce. Broke down and dipped some bread in the sauces. So did everyone else. The five of us ordered our dinners differently and were completely impressed. Loved the piano player who plays only on Sunday. Claude sings opera the other nights. Been there for years. Credit cards not taken. Have an ATM unit near the rest rooms.
(4)
Denise H.
I don't have an Italian grandmother that makes great food so this was a treat for a no-cook Friday night. I had the tastiest eggplant parm, house chianti, salad, calamari, olives and bread. I left satisfied. Everything else on the menu looked and sounded marvelous and was a nice but not overwhelming selection. Variable option for complimentary sides - linguini or winter veggies n taters. Boyfriend loved the veal. For all that you get, it was quite the bargain, too. I also saw that they had a deal for five courses for $20 a head. The piano player kept a nice ambiance and the service was great. The decor could be deemed dated but all the old-world classic places in South Philly are, too (think Triangle Tavern back in da day). Low-lit and cozy. Apparently, there's an upstairs banquet room for intimate events, too. They even threw a candle on some cheesecake for the boyfriend's birthday. Small parking lot but street parking is available. Cash only.
(5)
Kathryn S.
I've been wanting to try this place for a few months, but I was nervous bc of the varying reviews.. Well, my review is good and bad: Good: Cute decor House dressing Veal parm Mashed potatoes Bad: Calamari was okay, but tasted like it had been frozen Crab cakes- tasted very fishy and gritty, several bones Service- all of the people were very nice, but things got very very slow after the salads came out, and it took about 20 minutes for the waitress to the check to us after we asked for it My take away is: try Maria's down the street..
(2)
Mike M.
Have to say this is one of my favorite places to eat. The chicken parm or veal parm is my usual meal when I'm here but the specials sometimes change my mind. The red sauce is amazing. The atmosphere here is def old school. Something about it is very comforting. It's cash only...that can be annoying but what ever. The entertainment is very entertaining.... That's all I can say. A must see! Great place to relax and eat. Never feel rushed. Get a couple friends and enjoy the evening.
(5)
Mark S.
The Godfather meets my Nana. This is the neighborhood spot for Italian and to reminisce.
(5)
Hassan S.
Food was ok. Not the worst but nowhere near as good as what I was expecting. The waiter was not polite or approachable. When the check came...he shorted me $20 and said 'oh that wasn't my fault' and went to yell at someone else about it in front of everyone else at the restaurant. The best part about this place is the live entertainment which isn't good...but it is comical so he makes it entertaining. Sorry but would not come back not would I recommend this place to anyone.
(2)
Beth A.
Food was good. Waitress was attentive - probably too attentive. She brought us the wrong check - of course, ours was higher! Figures! The main peeve was the opera singer - from his bad toupee to the volume, it was almost comical. When he did "Sweet Caroline" in an operatic style, all we could do was laugh!
(2)
Philly B.
Looking for a small Italian restaurant in Philly- this is a must visit. The food is always great and the prices are more than reasonable. The wait staff can be a little slow but it's always worth it. However, they did not renew their liquor license.
(3)
Theresa C.
I so wish I could have something better to say. This is my neighborhood restaurant and, I'm sorry, but it is just horrendous. I'm not exactly sure what they do to the crab cakes, but my guess is that they use flour to bind them and then don't cook the flour. Tasted like crab and Elmer's glue. Hideous. Pasta with simple olive oil and garlic was ruined by over cooking the garlic. Over cooked garlic gets bitter. . Everything just had a slight, "ew" factor. Waitress was terrific. Food sucked.
(1)
Nicole H.
The food is excellent and prices are reasonable. They recently added new drink specials. The service has improved tremendously since last year. Highly recommend for an authentic Italian meal and experience!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Rich K.
I actually took time to read all of the reviews on this place before I decided to write my own Grew up in the area, but this was my first time to Casselli's honestly ive never heard a bad thing about the place, relatives rave about it, and I have to second that Other than the bartender seeming to ignore me while he chatted with regulars, while I was standing there for 15 minutes, I have nothing but praise for the restauraunt He did make up for it though by setting me up with one of the strongest Vodka, sprites, Ive ever had.. wife had a glass of wine Ok the place is crowded.. good sign, we were given the complimentary pickled eggplant and oil cured olives, served with a pretty damn hot fried long hot pepper, which went well with the complimentary rolls... im hot pepper pepper junkie Dinner, I had, the tri color tortelinni, with hot sausage, broccoli rabe, sundried tomatoes, in oil and garlic... Wife had the Chicken Marsala Escarole soup, started it off, and was delicious, I actually wanted more of it , but it was perfect, not too much Salad was an iceburg salad, carrot and onion, pretty standard, but the house balsamic dressing was delicious... Entrees were really good, i just ate the rest for lunch actually.. the bitterness of the rabe plays well wht the sausage and the cheese of the tortellini.. serving size was pretty big, enough that I couldnt squeeze in desert My Wifes Chicken Marsals was even better, .. but they have quite a few of them and the ones i saw didnt have anyone standing up next to them bitching! All toal for dinner $33.00. not including tip, not bad at all All in all a fantastic little place, everyone should try when manayunk is a little too jumpin
(4)Dave H.
The previous owner, Don (may he rest in peace), poured a lot of love into Casselli's. The ground floor is comfortable, not too casual, and is completed by a fully-stocked bar. Upstairs, the walls are painted with colorful images. If you have a cocktail party or private event, call and reserve the upstairs area. Their private lot in the front is a bit of a pain to navigate, but if you spring for street parking, you should be fine. I've had dinner here several times with friends, and service has never been an issue. Our dishes have been good-to-excellent. In particular, their antipasto is a light treat, and the penne is one of my favorite homemade pasta there. Recommended for delicious Italian in Roxborough.
(4)Alix P.
Went here on Tuesday night. They didn't take reservations for parties under 10, but when we got there, they had a table waiting for us anyway. They staff was super nice and on top of their game - never had an empty glass or a request that wasn't filled. Me & my friends all got the 5 course meal special for $20. AMAZING! You get soup, salad, app, entree, dessert from a price fixed menu. We tried every appetizer; mussels (the best, hands down) clams casino (eh, not so great), pepperoni roll, and this eggplant, pepperoni & mozz cheese roll in marinara sauce. Really, you can't go wrong with anything! Entrees; again, everything was delicious. I got the baked manicotti with meat sauce and loved it, but was so stuff already that i could barely finish it. The mussels were good, the lasagne, the ravioli. just really good all around, especially for the price. Dessert - the white chocolate mousse was all the rage at my table. Skip the canollis and the creme caramel (it's just flan - if you like flan, you'll like this ... but does anyone like flan?) Wine was okay, pretty reasonably priced. I got the house red which was a Montepulciano and good. All in all, wonderful italian dinner. Thumbs up to Casselli's!
(4)Rick T.
Very kitschy and a real throw-back to the 1950s. I love old-fashioned Italian comfort foods, but the food here was absolutely unimpressive in every way - nothing terrible, but nothing great either. Upon arrival, I felt like I needed to know the secret handshake in order to get a table. The waiter was aloof and terribly inattentive. Nevertheless, the restaurant was full, so someone must like it.
(2)Chris M.
I really wanted to like Casselli's, but it wasn't in the cards. Maybe I just caught them on a bad night, but I didn't really enjoy much about my visit. The waiter was very unpleasant - was banging down the plates and glasses on the table when he delivered them. Maybe he was having a bad day, but I still would have expected better. We had mixed experiences with the food. Mine and our friends' was OK, but my wife's baked ravioli would have been more use to a hockey team for use as pucks. They were really overdone - woefully overdone. The worst part was that our table was next to the opera singer guy. He was singing extremely loudly and it was nigh impossible to maintain a conversation - especially coupled with how close we were to the table next to us and their attempts to speak over Opera Guy. Part of me wants to give them another chance (since I hate writing bad reviews) and the other part is annoyed over the waiter's attitude. I probably will not go back. There are so many good Italian restaurants worth visiting that the opportunity cost of returning to Casselli's seems too high. On the upside, they have somewhat convenient parking in the lot behind the restaurant (near the Shawmont School). Note: cash-only.
(1)A B.
This place must have access to a time machine. They transported the restaurant and atmosphere from 1970 and the prices from 2040. Go there once for a good laugh.
(2)Joe B.
I just came back from dinner at Casselli's for my 30th anniversary, my wife and I would go there often when we lived in the neighborhood. I had stuffed mushroom for appetizer and the seafood combo for dinner with a strawberry and chocolate dessert everything I had was perfect. My wife had veal and crab Florentine with cheese cake for dessert hers was perfect as well. It was nice being back after so many years, very comfortable and the hostess and our server were both extremely pleasant and very efficient. We will definitely go back again and won't wait for 30 years this time.
(5)David N.
I go to Casselli's, it seems, at least once a week! - and I can't get enough of their scrumptious food. The soup and salad that's included with the meal is fresh and delicious, and their main courses are awesome. The prices might seem a little bit high, but, really, it's not bad considering the amount of food you get, the entertainment, and the great service. It is a little bit small inside, but it gives you the feeling of a nice, comfortable, friendly old fashioned restaurant. Casselli's has different special meals every several days, including special appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, and desserts, from the most exotic, homemade spring rolls to the most intricate fish in the sea to fig desserts. You'll never know what amazing specials will be served until you go and find out yourself! Also, if you are looking for quick, personal service, try going during the less crowded times of the week (the early hours, especially Sundays from 3:30 to 5 pm). The peak hours are between 6:30 and 8:30 pm. And, finally, the parking lot is a little small, but there is nearly endless parking in the Shawmont parking lot about 100 feet down Shawmont Ave.
(5)Kaki C.
Select from reasonable bottles of Pinot Grigio or San Genovese, the amazing (and free) eggplant, olives and hot peppers with bread, house made chicken escarole soup, house salad with the best blue cheese dressing in the city, followed by any seafood on the menu (do not ignore the nightly specials). Other family favorites: the perfectly cooked steak, scalloped potatoes when offered, steamed clam appetizer (add the perfect garlic bread), panzanella salad when available, and a goblet of tiramisu for dessert. This place is a treasure.
(3)Joseph B.
Absolutely fantastic. Small, but charming Italian restaurant with live singer. Staff was polite and helpful when ordering and the food was incredible. Appetizers: 3 Cheese Spinach Ravioli and Baked Oysters stuffed with Imperial Crab were out of this world delicious. Entree's: Chicken Tuscany was an absolute delight with generous amounts of Shrimp and Chicken, Two Lump Crab Cakes, which I believe was the special that evening, was excellent as well. One thing I learned eating at this restaurant is that you will not leave hungry. I would absolutely, without a doubt, recommend Casselli's to anyone who enjoys a good Italian meal.
(5)Frannie C.
A nice old fashion neighborhood restr. Great food, great service moderate food prices and cheap yet excellent drinks, fun bartenders and entertainment. The opera singer I can do without but the piano player on Tues and Sun. nights is great. I recommend anything on the menu except the filet and the specials are to die for. There is also free soup salad and bread with Hot peppers, eggplant and italian olives that accompany the meal. A bit small but sooo worth the try. The second floor will hold about 50 people for parties
(5)Amanda V.
This is my boyfriend and my favorite restaurant. It is the one place we can go where we are guaranteed good service and great food. Recently we went there for my birthday and they were very accommodating to our party. It was my family's first time there but it won't be their last. Everyone (including my grandfather who never likes anything) loved it. Be prepared, this place was established in like 1951 and I don't think anything has been updated since, but it's all part of the experience.
(5)Jim M.
Just ate my second meal at this restauant. There were four of us and one other customer, therefore the service was above average. The meal was very good.. We all had a pasta entree which came with soup and salad(one special salad). There was a wide selection of desserts. Wine was average. The price was what we expected and we will go back again. Bon Appetit
(4)Linda M.
I hate to do this to a family run place, but the food here is not good. I came here for dinner on a weekday night. The restaurant looks old school inside - very dark with even darker lighting. When my friend and I went, there was a large group of seniors in the corner and a couple at a two-seater. Otherwise, the restaurant was pretty empty. Our waiter was nice enough, although he seemed to be rushing back to the kitchen in order to watch a baseball game. We ordered a crab cake special (two crabcakes over angel hair pasta) and the Tri-Color Cheese Tortellini. The meal also came with soup and a salad. When the soup came out - I had no idea what it was. It taste like chicken broth with a few pieces of veggies and the smallest pieces of cut up chicken thrown in that I had ever seen. It felt entirely like the soup was an after thought, and after two spoonfuls, I was done. The salad that came with the entree was ok - it was a typical mix of iceburg and some red cabbage, carrots, tomatos, etc. The house vinaigrette was lacking in seasoning - bland and in dire need of a pinch of salt! We got the crab cake special on special recommendation of the waiter. It was two typical crab cakes a tiny bit on the small side, but they were good. The angel hair pasta tasted like pasta with nothing on it. I was shocked when I got the bill because this dish was way to expensive for what came out. The tortellini was super oily (way, way too much olive oil had been used on it) and the dish was also very bland. The most awesome part is that when we got the bill, we weren't even told that this place was CASH ONLY. There is an ATM or something in the back, but I would have like to been notified sometime before we were seated... like a sign on the front door. I would probably not return to this place again because it was pricey and the food was bland.
(2)Mark O.
This is the kind of Italian restaurant that grandmothers would love. Probably because they don't have much left in the way of taste buds, or memory of what good food is supposed to be like. The 'entertainment' was creepy and embarrassing, consisting of an older man 'singing' over what sounded like a casio keyboard. And the dinner was one disappointment after another. What's called 'home made pasta' seemed to be suspiciously pre-frozen. The tomato sauce that came on the ravioli's had an overpowering taste of tomato paste. And they use canned mushrooms in their dishes. That should tell you all you need to know. Avoid this place.
(2)Kaitlyn P.
My boyfriend and I came here on a whim last night. I must have driven by this place hundreds of times and never noticed it. We walked in to a room and found what you would expect at an old school Italian restaurant. It felt authentic. The man singing Italian opera was a nice touch as well. The staff was nice and super helpful with choosing our entrees from the laundry list of specials for the night. The bread was hot when it got to our table and the antipasto was a nice touch. My boyfriend loved the steak (a very generous portion) and I would highly recommend the crab cakes. The only downfall is that it is cash only. For people complaining about the price, I don't think an entree, soup, salad & bread is pricey at $25 per person.. do you want them to give the food away?? We will most likely be back.
(4)Rod G.
I will never eat here again. I ate here a couple months ago and it was average (maybe three stars) but after this last experience they have been demoted to a one star in my eyes. We ordered the chicken saltimbocca ($23) and the chicken picante ($15) each with a side of linguine w/ the garlic butter sauce and each came with a side of escarole soup and side salad. We ordered this for pickup so they then told us that we had to bring them containers to put the soup in because they didn't have any. And I dint think this was just because they ran out bc my gf remembered this happening in the past. So we picked it up after we took out money at the Wawa because they don't take cards. Um its 2011, everyone uses cards. Get with the times son. We finally got the food back to my place and when we opened it up we found out that they gave us marinara sauce instead of the garlic butter and I'd usually let it slide but I was really in the mood for it and I'm tired of not getting what i ordered. So I called them up and the lady that answered the phone gave me to the guy that took the order and I explained that we didn't get the right sauces and he said in a very rude tone "well I didn't hear your wife or your girlfriend or whoever that was say that you wanted that sauce. Its an extra 2 dollars for that sauce. I can make it for you and you can come back up and it will be 4 bucks". I was so caught off guard and didn't know what to say I just said "no I wont be doing that" and hung up. After I hung up all the great comebacks that I missed out on. I felt like George Castanza in the one episode where he thinks of a bunch of witty comments after the fact. Unfortunately I wont have another chance to hit him with my comebacks because I'll never go back. Also the food tasted like tin foil. Sounds awesome I know..
(1)Chelsea K.
First of all, you have to be kidding me: expensive?! I don't know where you live, but it's 2011, and there aren't many places where you can get a filling, delicious meal with salad, soup, an appetizer and dessert for $19.95. EVERYTHING at Casselli's is reasonably priced, especially for a Philadelphia (yes, Roxborough is technically Philadelphia) establishment, and the quantity of food and quality of ingredients. I write about Philadelphia for a living--food included--and I have to say, thank GOD this place isn't located on Main Street, Manayunk, because it would be packed every day and lose its "hidden gem" status in about a week. And now that I am finished ranting...to the food! It's delicious--rivals any Italian food I've eaten anywhere, and at any price. The paradiso sauce is amazing, and the homemade special raviolis and specials salads have always impressed me. My boyfriend is a huge fan of the seafood pasta and the stuffed steak. We probably go to Caselli's at least once a week, often twice. Did I mention that neither me nor my boyfriend is a big fan of Italian food? I normally find it on the bland side, and very traditional. Casselli's shattered all of my stereotypes. The only reason I can't give this place 5 stars is because I ordered the stuffed chicken once, and I was not a fan. It was the only "not good" meal I've ever had at the place, but I like my meat on the dry side, and the chicken was a little undercooked for me. The people I was with enjoyed it just fine. Also, I have heard the veal with the cream sauce was just okay as well. Stick to the pasta and delish appetizers, and you'll be just fine. Finally, while the cash-only policy can be a little annoying, it's part of the family-owned charm, and I'll put up with it for the yummy food, inexpensive prices, proximity and comfy atmosphere. In fact, I'll be heading there after work tonight.
(4)Chrisna S.
Casselli's Ristorante is one of the few restaurants available in the Roxborough community. However, out of all Italian restaurants I went to - this place makes a bold crown for Italian food. The environment of this place is a bit cramped, however the atmosphere is just right! The lights are dim to create a soothing mood for couples and such. Not only that, they have their own personal Italian Opera Singer. Although he can be loud at times, he creates a good background entertainment for couples and families to joy to. To get to the point, food! I once ordered the Clams Casino. The appetizer was small but it wasn't about the quantity, it was the quality that counted. The clams were juicy and hot! This made my taste-buds crave for more surprises, which I ordered the Crab Cakes next. Before I was served for the Crab Cakes, I was served with a Chicken Escarole Soup and later, House Salad with blue cheese. The soup was fine, but the salad was fresh :] .When served with the Crab Cakes, Angel Hair pasta steamed - I smelled heaven. I took a small bite from the Crab Cake. It was a bit creamy, soft - and delicious. In fact, it was the first ever crab cake I've ever ate in my life. The crab cake was light, so I managed to force my stomach to take in the whole thing. I didn't want to take it home, I was craving for more. The angel hair pasta was also creamy, heavy too haha. I forgot what sauce they put on the pasta, but it tasted better than Paradiso and Alfredo. After finishing, I asked for desert. I was expecting a menu, but instead they presented me with a tray full of deserts. Every single desert looked tasty, I wanted all of them. The server recommended me with their new desert, White Moose. I took his advise and received my desert in seconds. I took a small bite, and there I already made my conclusion for the restaurant - excellent Italian experience! With great service and friendly servers, this restaurant deserves to be renown to other neighborhoods as well!
(4)Emily C.
I was in a foul mood when I walked into Casselli's on Saturday night, and was ready to be unimpressed by this unassuming neighborhood Italian restaurant in the culinary wasteland known as Roxborough. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be a delightful experience. Dinner at Casselli's was unintentional dinner theatre from another era; the dated décor, tux-clad waitstaff, and balladeering singer were such blasts from the past that the atmosphere entered the realm of amusingly unintended camp. One wall was paneled in beveled mirrors, the others in wood. A large fake swordfish occupied the wall space behind our table. Best of all, a life-sized mannequin of Abe Lincoln inexplicably stood guard by the front windows, watchfully observing as the toupeed Italian singer loudly serenaded the dining room with cheesy Sinatra tunes. Over his head, a pink and blue neon sign flashed the message, "It's Magic!" Who knew the surreal had a home on Ridge Avenue? Although some might question Casselli's taste in the realm of entertainment and furnishings, the food and service made the establishment's oddities merely charming window dressing for a satisfying meal. Our swarthy waiter was attentive, and charming in his awkwardness. The typical Italian menu offers a standard list of dishes, complemented by a rash of somewhat more adventurous specials. (We skipped the strangely out-of-place Thai salad, thinking it might not be their forte.) We ordered the tri-color cheese tortellini with Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan in olive oil, which was rich, flavorful and satisfying. Our other selection was the special lump crab manicotti, which was made with fresh pasta, filled with a delicate ricotta, crab, and bell pepper mixture, and topped with a light cream seafood marinara. Although somewhat uninspired, the soup, salad, and bread were included, a refreshing policy given today's trend toward extreme a-la-carte ordering. Our cokes were replenished before they were depleted, and everything came quickly and piping hot. The loaded dessert tray looked relatively tempting, though we opted for ice cream at Bredenbeck's in Chestnut Hill instead. Before tip, the check was only $38. Casselli's is not the place to come for refinement, sleek style, or trendy culinary experiments. However, if you are looking for tasty food, a good deal, and a serenade, you'll enjoy swinging by for an evening immersed in this Roxborough gem's campy charm.
(3)Mark C.
I could have lived without the opera singer. The food is expensive and they don't take credit or debit cards (BE WARNED). The food is good but the room is cramped.
(2)Linda M.
Dining here is like entering a time warp. Food is okay but it's the service that keeps me coming back for more. I wish though they would pause in between courses and allow some time to rest and digest. Other than that it's a stop worth trying.
(3)Rick T.
Red Clam Chowder soup was thick and delicious. If I ate bread, I would have dipped it in the soup and skipped dinner. Enjoyed the slightly large chunks of potatoes. We shared the tender and tasty steamed mussels appetizer. One order with garlic sauce, one with red sauce. Broke down and dipped some bread in the sauces. So did everyone else. The five of us ordered our dinners differently and were completely impressed. Loved the piano player who plays only on Sunday. Claude sings opera the other nights. Been there for years. Credit cards not taken. Have an ATM unit near the rest rooms.
(4)Denise H.
I don't have an Italian grandmother that makes great food so this was a treat for a no-cook Friday night. I had the tastiest eggplant parm, house chianti, salad, calamari, olives and bread. I left satisfied. Everything else on the menu looked and sounded marvelous and was a nice but not overwhelming selection. Variable option for complimentary sides - linguini or winter veggies n taters. Boyfriend loved the veal. For all that you get, it was quite the bargain, too. I also saw that they had a deal for five courses for $20 a head. The piano player kept a nice ambiance and the service was great. The decor could be deemed dated but all the old-world classic places in South Philly are, too (think Triangle Tavern back in da day). Low-lit and cozy. Apparently, there's an upstairs banquet room for intimate events, too. They even threw a candle on some cheesecake for the boyfriend's birthday. Small parking lot but street parking is available. Cash only.
(5)Kathryn S.
I've been wanting to try this place for a few months, but I was nervous bc of the varying reviews.. Well, my review is good and bad: Good: Cute decor House dressing Veal parm Mashed potatoes Bad: Calamari was okay, but tasted like it had been frozen Crab cakes- tasted very fishy and gritty, several bones Service- all of the people were very nice, but things got very very slow after the salads came out, and it took about 20 minutes for the waitress to the check to us after we asked for it My take away is: try Maria's down the street..
(2)Mike M.
Have to say this is one of my favorite places to eat. The chicken parm or veal parm is my usual meal when I'm here but the specials sometimes change my mind. The red sauce is amazing. The atmosphere here is def old school. Something about it is very comforting. It's cash only...that can be annoying but what ever. The entertainment is very entertaining.... That's all I can say. A must see! Great place to relax and eat. Never feel rushed. Get a couple friends and enjoy the evening.
(5)Mark S.
The Godfather meets my Nana. This is the neighborhood spot for Italian and to reminisce.
(5)Hassan S.
Food was ok. Not the worst but nowhere near as good as what I was expecting. The waiter was not polite or approachable. When the check came...he shorted me $20 and said 'oh that wasn't my fault' and went to yell at someone else about it in front of everyone else at the restaurant. The best part about this place is the live entertainment which isn't good...but it is comical so he makes it entertaining. Sorry but would not come back not would I recommend this place to anyone.
(2)Beth A.
Food was good. Waitress was attentive - probably too attentive. She brought us the wrong check - of course, ours was higher! Figures! The main peeve was the opera singer - from his bad toupee to the volume, it was almost comical. When he did "Sweet Caroline" in an operatic style, all we could do was laugh!
(2)Philly B.
Looking for a small Italian restaurant in Philly- this is a must visit. The food is always great and the prices are more than reasonable. The wait staff can be a little slow but it's always worth it. However, they did not renew their liquor license.
(3)Theresa C.
I so wish I could have something better to say. This is my neighborhood restaurant and, I'm sorry, but it is just horrendous. I'm not exactly sure what they do to the crab cakes, but my guess is that they use flour to bind them and then don't cook the flour. Tasted like crab and Elmer's glue. Hideous. Pasta with simple olive oil and garlic was ruined by over cooking the garlic. Over cooked garlic gets bitter. . Everything just had a slight, "ew" factor. Waitress was terrific. Food sucked.
(1)Nicole H.
The food is excellent and prices are reasonable. They recently added new drink specials. The service has improved tremendously since last year. Highly recommend for an authentic Italian meal and experience!
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