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Name: Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti
Address: 212 Walnut St,2nd Fl, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
Telephone: (215) 238-0499
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.70

Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti

212 Walnut St,2nd Fl, Philadelphia, PA, 19106

(215) 238-0499
Store is closed

Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti Menu

Lets Start

Aldos Harvest

Caesar Salad

Grilled Artichoke Salad

Spinach Salad

Beet Salad

Antipasto Italiano

Focaccia Fredda

Grilled Seppia

Artichoke Ricotta And Lemon Soup

Spicy Crispy Calamari

Grilled Octopus

Pan Seared Day Boat Diver Scallops

Aldos Big Mussels

Potato Croquettes

Focaccia Calda

Fritto Misto
Pasta / Risotto

Sea Urchin Pasta

Baked Cannelloni

Tagliatelle Bolognese

Mushroom Risotto

Seafood Risotto

Vegetable Ravioli

Tagliatelle Con Funghi

Paccheri Amatriciana

Homemade Gnocchi Gorgonzola

Capellini & Clams
Lets Go On

Zucchini Crabcake

Herb Crusted Mahi

Tuna Bottarga

Pan-seared Branzino

Scottish Salmon Limoncello

Grigliata

Eggplant Napolean

Stuffed Chicken

Roasted Veal Tenderloin

Beef Tenderloin

Prime New York Steak

Roasted Rack Of Lamb
On The Side

Heirloom Potatoes

Broccoli Rabe

Lambertis Meatballs

Quinoa Salad

Grilled Artichokes

Spinach

French String Beans
Dessert

Frangelico Chocolate Mousse

Risotto Carnevale

Tiramisu

Homemade Cheesecake

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

Nutella Crepes

Meyer Lemon Mousse

Gelato And Sorbet Of The Day

Healthy Meal suggestions for Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti

Lets Start

Aldos Harvest [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Artichoke Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beet Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto Italiano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Focaccia Fredda [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Seppia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Artichoke Ricotta And Lemon Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Crispy Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Octopus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Seared Day Boat Diver Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aldos Big Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato Croquettes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Focaccia Calda [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritto Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta / Risotto

Sea Urchin Pasta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Cannelloni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tagliatelle Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mushroom Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seafood Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tagliatelle Con Funghi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paccheri Amatriciana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Gnocchi Gorgonzola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Capellini & Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Lets Go On

Zucchini Crabcake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Herb Crusted Mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna Bottarga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan-seared Branzino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scottish Salmon Limoncello [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grigliata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Eggplant Napolean [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stuffed Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Veal Tenderloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Tenderloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prime New York Steak [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Rack Of Lamb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
On The Side

Heirloom Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli Rabe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lambertis Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quinoa Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Artichokes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French String Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert

Frangelico Chocolate Mousse [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Risotto Carnevale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nutella Crepes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meyer Lemon Mousse [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gelato And Sorbet Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Michelle L.

I came here on a Saturday night for an end-of-the-semester celebratory dinner with four other friends, and luckily for us it hadn't been hard at all to make a reservation just a few days before via Opentable. The decor felt very Mediterranean, and there was even a nice outdoor terrace area (though it was too cold to be sitting outside that night). The ambiance was quite loud though, and there was a DJ playing music by the bar area. My friends and I ordered the grilled calamari and grilled octopus as appetizers, which were both great. I got the seafood risotto for my entree, which was a bit runny but otherwise good. I sampled some of my other friends' entrees too and the zucchini crab cake seemed to be the best among what we ordered - it had a delicious Thai curry flavor. For dessert we got the Nutella crepe and the tiramisu. The tiramisu was pretty meh, nothing I'd order again. The Nutella crepe was pretty good, though the hazelnut ice cream on the side didn't taste like anything other than sugar. Conclusion: good place for dinner as long as you don't mind the loud atmosphere.
(4)
Gerald F.

Very nice lunch. Restaurant week. 3 people $60 bucks. Nice. 3 courses. Chicken escarole soup. Good atmosphere. Bronzino good. Wifey liked pasta. Me not so much. I'm picky. Sauce is good but a little mild. Great all around sauce. Has a little anchovies(?) and tomatoes and clams. Very tender. Been here several times for lunch. Always nice atmosphere. Desserts were great. Tiramisu. Creme brÃ»lÃ©e. ( was really good) Cheesecake. ( thick dry ny style. Not creamy. Perfect for coffee) 3 layer chocolate moose (12 degrees out) cake. Server liked this best. Excellent coffee. Good lunch!
(4)
Alaric Q.

I have to say, it's a rather uncommon and upsetting experience to be told by a waiter that you are a picky eater - but, unfortunately, that was the experience I had at Positano Coast. Food: 2/5; Service: 1/5 I first ordered the foccacia as an appetizer. It was tasty, but heavily burnt. I then ordered the veal. To my dismay, it was overcooked, tough, and mostly inedible. Upon forwarding this information to the waitress who served our table, I was met by her bold suggestion that I was just a picky eater. Needless to say, I found her distasteful comment offensive and unprofessional. Waiters simply shouldn't insult their guests - it's just not a good idea. Our dessert was small, but good. Atmosphere: 4/5 The restaurant is clean and neat. The interior is inviting and is a comfortable place to eat with friends. Overall: 2/5 Although I'm sure that my experience at Positano would have been better had I ordered something else and had a different waitress, I probably won't be coming back here again.
(2)
Megan O.

I absolutely love this place. It is casual enough to not feel stuffy, but still elegant. My BF is fresh off the boat Italian, and we frequent this place for many a date nights. We always order the Grilled Octopus and Grilled Seppia as a starter--both are perfection every time--along with the fresh mozzarella. Since filling mostly on the small plates the two of us will then split one of the entrees--the Seafood Risotto is a must. Can't wait until my next visit. Always leave more than pleased.
(5)
Brian S.

Our most recent meal was trully a five star experience. Great raw oysters, raw scallops with sea urchin, and (cooked) octopus. The grilled branzino was as tasty as ever and the coconut gelato and the hazelnut bombe were the um, well, bomb. And the service was just as spectacular. As an aside, it must've been bingo day at the Towers, since all of the geriatric crowd seemed to be elsewhere while we ate. B-6? Anyone have B-6?
(5)
Tony C.

Nice dinner out on the deck. Note, inside is a bit loud, so ask to be seated out on the deck for a better dinner atmosphere. The starters and appetizers taste great, but think ahead portion-wise if you are also going to order entrees -- we ate way too much
(4)
Caroline R.

Went here with friends this past weekend. The food was good, the service ok. For the price you would expect it to be slightly better. The atmosphere is beautiful though and perfect for a summer night - if you close your eyes it feels like you're somewhere in the Mediterranean. However, what was extremely disappointing was the fact that when you look the restaurant up on Yelp and look at the menu, the prices vary significantly from the actual prices on the menu at the restaurant. For instance, the seafood risotto is $15 but we were charged $20 at the restaurant. Same with the Zucchini crab cake - $18 on yelp menu and we were charged $22. This definitely needs to be fixed as it is extremely misleading for customers.
(3)
Johnny J.

Great spot. Went to a private event here and was impressed with food. Fresh and light. Bread and oil was amazing. The Branzino fish was perfectly cooked, great salad, antipasto plate is fresh and authentic. Cool venue with outside covered seating and bar scene.
(5)
John D.

The restaurant has a pretty cool feel to it with the lighting and restaurant design; kind of a cool blue color with candle light at the tables. For an appetizer, I had the Aldo's Big Mussels. These were amazing, probably some of the best I have ever had. The chunks of chorizo are actually pretty big and the accompanying Parmesan and broth mix well. My entree was the a soft shell crab special which I enjoyed and was pretty tasty but not overly memorable. Wine and cocktail list seems pretty extensive though I ordered a beer in this instance. Beer list is a little limited but it's fine because you're not really going there for that.
(3)
Im T.

Nice trendy restaurent. Loved the dancing on a saturday night. Great drinks/cocktails.
(4)
M N.

I don't know why did this place get such low rating on yelp. It is a fun and exciting place to be at. The ambiance is wonderful and they play cool music. It's a very energizing place with good food.
(5)
Phanna P.

You can't beat sitting on the second floor with an open view of the gobble stone streets. On a nice day or night have a seat outdoors while sipping a glass of red wine. What I love to drink here is the lemon drop martini. Wonderful amount of alcohol and lemon. Reasonable priced cocktails, the gnocchi were delicious.
(4)
Tony S.

What an amazing place in old city. Upon approaching this place it is located on the second floor. After wandering around the building we finally found some stairs to go up to the restaurant. The decor in the place is modern chic. The hostesses were nice and attentive and sat us relatively quickly. Our server Perry (hope I spelled that right) was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The menu was quite expansive with heavy emphasis on seafood. Everything sounded delicious. As a table we ordered an abundance of items and shared. We started off with some raw scallops with uni on top. These were sweet and succulent with the umami flavor of the uni matching it perfectly. We also had grilled octopus which was quite large and meaty, maybe slightly overcooked but very good regardless. Entree wise we had herb crusted mahi, jumbo lump crab cakes, sea urchin in squid ink pasta, spaghetti alla chitara, some garlic mashed potatoes and some other dishes I can't really remember. Everything was superb, if I had to pick a favorite dish I would say the crab cake. The mahi was also excellent. The whole meal was amazing, service was top notch and my whole party had a great time. I am definitely coming back.
(5)
Steve A.

Service is terrible. Walked in and could see only 3 tables seated in the dining area. The hostess said she was booked with no open tables, but we could seat ourselves at the bar. The bar was what was full with no two stools together for my fiancÃ© and myself together. With the arrogance of the staff, there is not a chance on earth I would recommend this place to anyone. Definitely it was not worth my time or irritation.
(1)
Alina S.

Horrible horrible horrible. Never had a problem with this place when we go here for drinks and sit at the bar - bartenders are great. Dinner was horrible. My 14 dollar appetizer was not enough for one full bite - not kidding! The service was horrendous - there was also some rude lady who gave me am attitude when I told her that there was stuff on the check that they forgot to bring out and we told the waiter about it already. She gave me such an attitude - she might have been a a manager or an owner - regardless I don't know - she is in customer service and should get her attitude checked - she should have been apologizing for their horrible service not giving me am attitude. Never coming to this horrible place again.
(1)
Will M.

I took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day, since she has been wanting to go here for awhile. I thought it would be perfect with the romantic Italian ambiance. We arrived, and I pre-ordered rose petals on the table to spell out her name and it look great. Positano did an amazing job setting it up for me. The waitress came and was very knowledgeable about the wine which was very good, soaked in peaches. We ordered the antipasto for an appetizer which was what you would expect. For the entrees we split the seafood risotto which was the best I had ever had. We then split the veal medallions and then gnocchi which again was phenomenal. Overall this was everything I had wanted, great food and a romantic setting. Positano and their staff deserves an A+ delivering everything I had asked for them and they were very helpful throughout the process.
(5)
Mara K.

Please lower the music at the bar. It's a beautiful venue, and the club type blaring music really cheapens the experience. How about some Latin Jazz music in the background? Anything that is low enough that you don't have to scream while trying to have a conversation with the person next to you. Bartenders are completely aloof, and do not offer to refill your glass of wine or water without having to track them down. Food is bad. Never had a dish that was good. Wish they would clean up their act already..
(3)
C P.

Great food! Crowd can be a little sketchy at times, have always had great food experiences with all the small plates and the cold seafood. Gnocchi and the octopus salad are great!
(4)
Dana F.

Fish entrees are small but delicious. Risotto was a fairly large size even for the appetizer portion. Nutella crepe was amazing. Food is incredible and setting is even better. Airy and pretty and comfortable. It's on the pricey side ($85 plus tip for 2 with drinks, dinner, and dessert) but you know that going into it. Also because the place is authentic, service is a LITTLE on the slower side but not frustratingly so. Love this place, we are locals and this is one of our favorites. We will always be back.
(5)
Deb S.

Attended PAWS event Yappy Hour! Arrived early sat at the Bar enjoyed Wine and the appetizers were yummy! Recommendations are the Spicy Crispy Calamari, Mushroom Risotto and Vegetable Ravioli. There were additional appetizers served during the event that were equally tasty. The vibe is Beachy, dÃ©cor contemporary, clean and definitely a more than one time experience!
(5)
Loren C.

I'd probably give this 3.5 stars. It's a nice, well decorated restaurant on a corner with some tough competition near it (Zahav and City Tavern!) but it's obviously an Italian. While I liked the ambiance it can be rather loud at times making conversation very difficult. Surprisingly I loved the bread that comes to the table, kind of a light French with hints of sourdough. The salads are all outstanding, some of the best I've had at a nice restaurant. Had a butternut squash salad with a fantastic vinaigrette but at my table not a single person who was unhappy with a number of options. Main dish, had their homemade pasta which was good. It definitely wasn't world beating but I felt like I got my money's worth with the dish. Interesting my wife and friend enjoyed the branzino but one got nearly double the fish of the other even at the same price. Little things like that I find are disconcerting. You can't go wrong with this place and while it's not a world beater you'll feel like it's money well spent.
(4)
Naomi B.

I've ventured into here before Autumn 2013, and was able to do the outside seating. The decor in here is beyond gorgeous as it looks down at Olde City, it's so chic with its intimate seating for two, or caters to big groups. There's also an outside dining table for groups of twelve. The seafood there is delicious. I've had the spicy fried, crispy calamari that came with goats cheese (my favourite), as well as the sea urchin pasta. It was flavourful and mixed perfectly with the MoÃ«t champagne I was sipping on. For dessert I've had the frangelico chocolate mousse. It had hazelnut scrapings on it, as well as a thin brownie crust, cloaked in chocolate and caramel. I'd return here if I'm ever out on a date.
(5)
Ron H.

This is a great scene for light food and drinks in the summer. Although you're i Philly, once inside you can see a bit of the cobblestone street outside and after 3 glasses of wine you almost feel as if you are in Italy. There are no bad choices on the menu, but the risotto is the shinning star. You should start off with the Antipasta plate. I highly recommend the eggplant parm for it's simple prepartion and delicatly balanced flavors and the calamari as well, but like i said, you can't go wrong with anything else on the menu. Service is friendly and immediatly makes you feel welcome, there's definatley a difference between the bar crowd and the restaurant crowd. I've also been to a few private parties here, and the back room has a very beach-like cabana feel to it and is great for groups.
(4)
Will P.

This place is amazing. The food is superior and service is great . Had the salmon tartar, fresh oyster and branzino fish. Everything was so so so good !!
(5)
Jessica S.

Stopped by on my mini Mother's Day bar crawl for a quick drink & small bite - the heirloom tomato appetizer served with a side of goat cheese was delicious. Also appreciated the wide selection of wines by the glass. The bar was beautiful with jars filled with fresh herbs for cocktails. It was a hot day but the open, airy second story space had a nice breeze. Great spot for anyone 21 to 65+ to hang out and not feel out of place.
(4)
A.j. B.

Started off with the sea scallops (2 large scallops with shaved Brussels sprouts and a delicious sauce). Then I had the special (Halibut with bok Choy) and also ordered a side of seafood risotto. Finished the meal with a vanilla bean creme brÃ»lÃ©e and a decaf. Food was to die for and worth every penny!
(5)
Emma T.

This is one of those places that is trying to be way classier than it is. We were intending to have dinner there, but once we were seated and got drinks, we decided we'd be better off just ordering from the raw bar. When a group of about 15 12-year-olds walked in and were seated right next to use for a birthday party, we realized we were correct. I feel like we got seated in the reject area so maybe that's part of why we didn't like it, but I didn't think the ambiance was great. No matter how hard they try, you don't feel like you're on the Mediterranean coast. The slightly dirty tiled floor and white curtains makes it feel more claustrophobic than classy. At some point they added one multi-colored light to light up one of the white curtains...didn't exactly help the ambiance. The food we had was fine. We got the small shellfish platter. For about $24, you get 4 oysters, 2 clams, 2 giant shrimp, 2 crab claws, and a plate of small shrimp and squid. Not bad value for shellfish, but it's not a lot of food. I've had better shellfish, but it wasn't terrible - it's kind of hard to screw up a raw bar. The drinks were about $10 and were decently strong and tasty.
(2)
N H.

Went here yesterday and I'm absolutely surprised that everyone's ratings for this restaurant are this good. I give it to them, the food is so good you want to personally head to the kitchen and thank the chef. The decor is also pretty cute. BUT, and this is a biiiig butt (pun intended, pardon my French) the staff at this restaurant are disrespectful. They slam the plates unto the table like I just ordered a plate of fries at a street side truck equipped with plastic chair seating. Every waiter with no exception slammed our plates down. Then, they don't remove appetizer plates when your entree arrives, they don't refill your water when they pass by with a jug. Second, we sat down at 9, ordered and after we had the appetizers it took a full 40 minutes for our food to arrive. The waiter casually told us it was because the "party over there just got their food" - not sure how that explains things. Restaurants like this are designed so the kitchen can handle the exact same seats outside. Shameful. When I asked the waiter if he'd take a picture of my boyfriend and I (this was a special occasion dinner). He said he had to do something else and passed by us four times before we left pretending he didn't see us. I felt so disrespected coming here that I felt compelled to revise my check and remove the tip. I had never ever done this in my life. How very disappointing with a place that has food this good. If I'm paying as much money as I would at a restaurant at the Palm in Dubai, and I go to a restaurant under the name of a famous chef, and the decor is fitting of a five-star restaurant, I expect the experience to live up to it. I hate to crash everyone's party here but you have to bear these factors into consideration.
(1)
Eva C.

Went here for lunch so it was pretty quiet. Extensive drink options. The grilled octopus appetizer was very, very good. Well seasoned and well cooked. The artichokes and red onion that came with it were delicious. The fregola salad was also fresh and delicious. The vegetable wrap was ok. They offered a soft-crab shell panini sandwich on our visit. The soft-shell crab panini was on the greasy side and the crab was not cleaned well. The service was good and the space is large and pretty with plenty of light from the plentiful windows. There are several different areas, including the bar, a lounge type area with low seats and tables (it's only open for dinner), an al fresco dining area (not open when we went), and two other dining areas. It's a very inviting place with lots of space and different areas that could provide different vibes based on the experience you are looking for. I'd return for dinner and to try some of their other offerings.
(3)
Sherrill J.

The new fall menu is really nice. Even old standbys like the crab cake have been updated and are perfect for fall. The appetizers are revamped as well. New salad including butternut squash and delish greens is delightful. Specials continue to impress. Fish specials are indeed special. An ordinary monk fish is transformed in chef's hands. Cannot wait to return.
(5)
Alicia J.

LOVE this place. my absolute favorite restaurant in Philly.
(5)
Rachel C.

Walking in I was struck by the look and feel of this place. Frankly, I was confused. Is this a club or restaurant? Do I want to jam out to the beats or eat dinner? Something tells me it turns into a club somewhere around 11pm. But... we opted for the dinner service. The restaurant portion struck me as very odd in terms of decoration. It was trying a bit too hard to feel like the "old country" meets modern chic. It's stark white inside with blue accents and a huge blown up picture of what I believe to be the Italian coast. I couldn't tell because it was so grainy. Was it meant to be grainy? One will never know. We started out with the charcuterie board, which wasn't too bad. I was really into the roasted eggplant, artichoke and olive selection. The assorted cheeses were okay. I didn't know what most of the things on the plate were except the olives (dah). I thought it was odd our server didn't give us an explanation. Oh well. We also ordered four oysters, just because of the delicious looking oyster bar in the front! Great presentation. They were delicious! I only which they were around $2.50 per oyster or I would have gone crazy! I ordered the beet salad, since all dinners and sides are a la carte. I really wasn't into it. I hate when it says beet salad and it's mostly lettuce with a few slices of beets. I expect a beet salad to be hearty pieces of beets with some salad. I did like the white balsamic vinaigrette, so I'll give them that. For the main coarse I ordered the Herb Crusted Mahi. I know Mahi is a meatier fish, but I still expect it to be cooked so that it's moist inside. Some parts were cooked too well. I had to cut into the center for a better tasting part of the fish. I loved the roasted tomatoes, which were soaked in some sort of vinegar. I only wish there was more! The Broccoli Rabe underneath the fish was more like spinach with some broccoli. I just didn't see many pieces of actual broccoli. I also didn't think it was very well seasoned. It tasted a bit bland. Overall I think it was pretty hit or miss. Maybe some things are better than others. Or maybe just stick the the club part!
(3)
Brigid B.

I have been dining at Positano Coast for years. This restaurant is hands down one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. Their menu has something for everyone. The staff from the person answering the phone to make a reservation to the servers, bartenders and Marianna and Enrico whom are the best at running this fine establishment. The option for outside dining is amazing. The ambiance is stunning. Truly a jewel in Olde City. P.S. You must try Marianna's homemade Lemocello...second to none! The Best! Ciao
(5)
Paul W.

A large group of us had dinner there yesterday. We ordered a variety of dishes. We also ordered a lot of appetizers which were very good. One little note here though, the portions for the appetizers were a little bit small. The main dishes while a fat dick and were very delicious. The staff was professional and friendly and I service was quick. We really enjoyed this restaurant.
(4)
Phil F.

We have been here before, and usually it's quite good. But last night was just AWFUL. It was pretty, crowded for a Saturday night, but they honored our reservation promptly (good start), but it swiftly went downhill from there. We waited a good 10 mins for a waiter; when I looked up, over at the front desk two waiters seemed to be arguing about whose table we were. The winner (?) of the argument moseyed over, so we finally got our water (but had to ask for bread) and our order taken. After the order was taken, we did not see our waitress until she asked if we wanted the check. The Caesar salads were good, but the entrees left a lot to be desired. My wife had the crabcake, and her comment was "the chef forgot the seasonings"--totally bland. As for my salmon, I found myself wishing I had brought my magnifying glass and tweezers--it was miniscule, maybe 3 oz, on top of some tiny roasted broccoli florets and 3 (I counted) half olives. We didn't hang around for dessert and draw this drab experience out. As I said, we've been happy here before, so maybe everyone (kitchen, waitstaff) was having the same bad day. I'll try them once more, but unless significant improvement , they won't see me after that.
(1)
Doreen D.

What a place!! The atmosphere was so inviting and the modular furniture was fantastic!! We had a group of 23 people, where we all got to sit across from one another, and the tables were short, so you could talk to everyone. The food was terrific, and so was the service! Phil was great!
(5)
Tina C.

Favorite restaurant in the city. This place has the best atmosphere, you will feel like you are transported to the Mediterranean! The food is always delicious, I never have a complaint at this restaurant, love it! *make sure you sit in the lounge :)
(5)
Rashawn S.

Amazing dinner! Love it here, for sure one of my favorites. Excellent oysters, lobster salad, Branzino, and Salmon. Everything had such good flavor. The service and ambiance are perfect for a romantic evening.
(5)
Trish L.

Ambiance was great. Tight but expected for a nice place in Philly on a nice summer weekend. The calamari appetizer was terrible, tough, and chewy. The mozzarella special was nice but not enough tomato or salt and pepper. And the gnocchi could have been good with more flavor. Nice thought on our part but lacking so much in flavor.
(2)
Julie C.

I have to say - my opinion has changed! After having a less than stellar experience during restaurant week (and yelping about it),I decided to give it a second chance. I had the NY strip steak this time and I have to say that the meat was delicious and cooked very well. The server that we had was very nice and incredibly friendly! Definitely try it out if youre in the area, it was a good call the second time around.
(4)
Lyn-Genet R.

Very Plan friendly. Chef very accommodating! Wines are 2 for 1 from 5-7!
(4)
Christine L.

Please DON'T go here! So I combed the city and planned thoroughly for the perfect restaurant for my long-awaited graduation dinner with my family. After having a decent cocktail and appetizer experience at this restaurant in February, I decided to take my Italian family here for the big dinner in May (3 days ago). We arrived and after requesting possible outdoor seating, they seated us in THEIR twisted idea of outdoor seating. We basically sat on pool furniture in a room enclosed by plastic with sun directly in our eyes. Not outside at all. So we asked to move, since the restaurant was really empty anyway. After 20 minutes, they seated us "inside" aka moved us over to wooden furniture in the other room. We were asked to order appetizers but not drinks? After speaking up, the waiter begrudgingly took the drink order but the appetizers arrived long before the cocktails ever made it to the table. Our drinks came in shifts, meaning I was done with my martini by the time my sister-in-law ever got hers (even though we ordered together). The dinner was no different. All entrees arrived at different times, and it really was just disappointing because the server did not seem apologetic or aware that this is unacceptable. We obviously passed on dessert, and although the food was good, I'm Italian - this was nothing to write home about. Limited menu, small appetizer portions, and worst service of my life. With the abundance of amazing Italian restaurants in Philly, I am so regretful that I chose Positano for my graduation dinner with all of my family in town. Never coming back and never recommending to any colleagues or patients, that's for sure!
(1)
K. B.

Very interesting place. It kind of owns an entire block in Olde Town. Somehow managed to feel isolated in the middle of a busy party of town being next to a park. Inside is really large but divided into enough smaller rooms as to still be intimate. Decor is bordering overkill but was kinda neat. Everyone working there had an Italian accent, which was cool. The food was very good overall. It's certainly not a stuff your face and take a doggie bag home place. But prices seemed reasonable for the portions and ambiance.
(4)
Mike M.

Cozy looking place. Liked that you could order half portions of pasta if you wanted to try different ones. Seafood risotto was good as was sea urchin pasta.
(4)
Frank B.

This place is a gem. My former work was near by and this was always the closest spot for lunch. Lucky us, because it is outstanding. It is our first choice for a business lunch or just a casual get together with coworkers. Always good and makes my top 10 list of restaurants in the city of Philadelphia.
(5)
A D.

Extremely pleased this is a great place. Food is rally well spiced, healthy and highly delicious and not heavy. Modern Italian is what makes this place special. Atmosphere is nice here. Very clean.
(4)
Mike L.

This was my second visit, awesome atmosphere, great food and the drinks are decently inexpensive. Great place on a beautiful day and not terrible in tonight's rain. I will be here regularly.
(4)
Andi S.

I ordered gnocchi and a glass of white wine. Although fresh, it was lacking in flavor, hence the missing star.
(4)
John K.

Came here with the GF for restaurant week. Beautiful space on the 2nd floor - during the summer months it must be gorgeous with the open air. Very Grecian vibe. The hostess was a bit off-putting but not necessarily unfriendly. Just aloof. Brought us to a table that was in the midst of 3 other packed tables when the entire restaurant seemed open at the time we were being seated. Eventually the manager came over when she saw that we were unnecessarily crammed and got us a nice 4 top table with a bit more room to breath. Very much appreciated - 5 stars for noticing that. Unfortunately perhaps it was due to RW - but the meal was a bit lackluster. I'm keeping the 3 stars rather than going lower due to the availability of Kumamoto oysters - nyom nyom - so deliciously plump. Had to grab 4 of those for myself (the GF doesn't like to partake in things with questionable texture). Fritto misto consisted of zucchini fritters, potato croquettes, and calamari with accompanying marinara. It was decently and crisply fried - unfortunately it was not well-seasoned if at all. So ... it tasted bland. The GF was in love with the potato croquettes which had a touch of sourness in the middle (possibly potatoes mixed with sour cream before fried). The GF had the ceasar salad ... which was exactly that - a ceasar salad. Came with hard crostini. Nothing special. I had the tuna tartare ... came with a few (3) tortilla chips which weren't great. Slices of avocado were on the side and not amidst the tuna .. the tuna was chopped finely and was decent. Not well seasoned (keep in mind I am absolute not a salt fiend). For our mains, the GF had the mushroom risotto - it was well cooked - very cheesy and good. I had the uni squid ink pasta. The PROs of the pasta - it was cooked al dente - had good lumps of crab meat. CONs? The uni was off-putting ... was dark and had a rubbery texture - made me think it was canned or something. The texture of cold, congealed cheese? Not the delicious buttery uni I have at sushi joints for sure. It was certainly a plentiful dish however. Dessert ended with the same offering for both of us - small square of decent tiramisu and a cute, petite creme brulee that was way too egg-y. For drinks, we tried the Sanchez and some other drink that won the Flower Show 2012 award (had a strawberry puree). Both drinks had a pepper rim. I also tried the Rum Diary, which had some coconut, but was more of a fruity drink than a creamy one which is what I was expecting. All three were quite strong - so good on them. Not enough to make us ecstatic about dinner however. We may be back to try the regular menu but wasn't too impressed with this night.
(3)
Caroline B.

A friend recommended this restaurant to us. We loved it. Loved the decor. Food was fantastic. Gnocchi was like pasta candy. Highly recommend the scallop appetizer. Husband loved the raw menu. Wasn't excited by the drink menu but the wine menu was great. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Sarah C.

Just went for apps, that were great! The deck seating is great too. My only concern is that we went at sunset, and the sun was BLINDING on the deck. maybe some elegant white translucent curtains over parts of the deck would be nice. otherwise, the food and service was great. we only had 30-ish minutes and the waiters were prompt and put our orders ahead so we wouldn't miss our movie (aww, what sweethearts!!). we ordered a fresh stuffed mozzarella cheese dish and it was to die for. I've never had cheese that was so delicate, but flavorful. Also, the beet and arugula salad was deliciously dressed. I'd recommend this place to anyone with a love of real Italian foods.
(4)
Robert J.

Great Italian/seafood fine dining location. Best fried calamari I've ever had (with goat cheese) also sangria was great! Girlfriend loves seafood I love Italian we both loved it!
(5)
Glenda C.

Looooove this place !!! Still one of my favorites to go in the city . Food is amazing and drinks are to die for . Always ask for the special of the night is never on the menu but something the chef cooks up everyone in a whole . Last night was the sword fish in a celery purÃ©e . It was delicious . Stuffed scallops, crab cake & grilled shrimp are still one of my favorites app. I recommend this place to everyone . Relaxing , great music , good food & drinks everything you need to have yourself a great time or favorite place .
(5)
Anita B.

The restaurant as others have noted is beautiful!! the food at brunch on mother's day was over=priced and a mixed bag. Some items like the artichoke salad were excellent but my husband's grilled octopus was flavorless and my FIL lamb chops were undercooked. I would probably not go back.
(3)
Quina F.

Funghi pasta was amazing!! Truffle mashed potatoes were amazing too. Great service, great atmosphere.
(5)
Tough C.

Had not been to this restaurant in at least 20 years, back when it was Lamberti's. Apparently same owners now. We had a very early dinner at 5:30. Our server was quite attentive until it got busier. He carefully checked on GF ingredients for me and even stopped me from tasting a friend's chicken, telling me it had breading, which was so light I couldn't see it. I had the beet salad with gorgonzola [needs to have more cheese mixed throughout. What there was was at the bottom and gummy] and the octopus, which was excellent. Perfectly cooked and minimally chewy. They offer wine by the glass in 5 or 9 oz. sizes. On leaving, with the restaurant full, I noticed that the bar area is VERY noisy. I would definitely come again.
(5)
H Y.

This place has a little of everything. The food is good, there are a variety of comfortable seating options, there are many types of drinks, and late at night it turns into a dance club. If you are with a large group and everyone is uncertain about what to do (Dinner? Lounging? Drinks? Dancing?), this is the perfect kind of place due to all its nooks and variety. The beet salad is also tasty and the restaurant is clean and inviting.
(4)
Danny N.

Very good food and service. We went on a Sunday at around 3 pm and the service was wonderful. We had apps, entree's, wine, and desert, everything was fantastic. My only gripe if you will was the portion sizes seemed a bit small for the price...I chopped it up to location and quality of food/service. I will def go back...and so should you!
(5)
Laura K.

If they offered half stars I would give this place 3.5. Food is pretty good but there are definitely better places around Philly. The service was wonderful- very attentive and friendly. The venue itself is extremely nice- especially on a beautiful sunny day. The reason for only 3.5 is because the price point is a bit high for what you get. I went there with a group of co-workers and we made the mistake of ordering several margaritas which turned out to be $11.00 each- this in itself isn't too outrageous and they were surprisingly good but the glasses they can in were SMALL, I mean like fruit juice glasses small. The one glass of chardonnay my co-worker ordered ended up being $17.00!!! That's a bit ridiculous for a glass of white wine. I got the braised short rib which was pretty good but I wasn't a huge fan of either of the sides- roasted garlic and spinach (the spinach tasted a bit bitter to me). Maybe I'm admittedly a food snob and other restaurant areas in Philly have spoiled me but I think their price point is pretty high for the quality of the food. I think happy hour would be great here though- too bad their bar area isn't as well lit as the rest of their restaurant. I'll probably be back to try happy hour.
(3)
Gary G.

My fiance and I ate here for vday. I am not big on vday dinner as there always seems to be set prix fix menus but happened to avoid that coming here. So here's my review. It wasn't horrible, wasn't great either. The service was good and its located in a sweet spot. Nice ambiance and all that and def not as expensive as the big boys like zahav across the street. The gf got the tuna which was waaay better than my seafood risotto. All in all, I guess I'd come here again if invited to something or for a function of the sorts but I wouldn't seek it out or crave it. 3 stars for the food, which is mostly what it's all about.
(3)
Dee G.

Ate here with friends last weekend. The food was uninspiring. I had the beet salad which was okay but the squid ink pasta was boring. Not much flavor. The chocolate mousse was also just okay - not dark enough for my taste. The ambience though is relaxed and fun especially in the summer. Bottom line, go there for drinks and to hang out in the lounge area but avoid the food.
(3)
Tajira M.

I want to fly across the country just to have the sea urchin pasta again. Fresh crab, squid ink pasta, and that uni broth. Mmmmmmm. A group of us sat down to dinner. This restaurant fills up quickly, and it stays busy until closing time. There appears to be an area that can be secluded for private dining also. All of their specialty cocktails sounded great, but I stuck with a glass of Prosecco. I ordered the bison carpaccio to start and the sea urchin pasta. I'll admit it, I have an uni obsession. The lights were dimmed and someone came around to light the candles on the table. When our server brought my carpaccio, I was really excited. The carpaccio was beautifully wrapped around some red onion, but there wasn't really enough sauce on the plate. The dish was a little bland. The sea urchin pasta, on the other hand, was so flavorful and was the perfect portion size. I finished the bowl, but I wasn't crazy full and the meal wasn't super heavy. I hope I make it back to Philly sometime soon. See pictures.
(4)
Mona M.

I like this resturant better years back. Sadly the food and especially the service has gone down.
(3)
Jane K.

The seafood is always fresh and excellent ! We eat there several times a month and have never been disappointed . Andreas and his staff behind the bar are professional and once they know what you are interested in will steer you in the best beverage direction ..., interesting well made cocktails or the perfect wine to compliment your food selections .We love this place !!
(4)
Erin R.

We strolled into Positano Coast after seeing an afternoon movie with the intention of sitting at the bar for drinks and apps. The bar was moderately crowded. We had a party of 3, and there were no 3 seats in a row for us. The bartenders truly went out of their way to accommodate us, moving chairs around so we could sit together. Once seated, the bar tenders provided us with outstanding service the entire time. We ordered drinks, apps, and an entree, which came out in a timely fashion and were quite tasty. If you like raw shellfish (oysters, etc), this is their specialty. The ambiance is trendy and hip. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Lamar R.

Wonderful meal and service. I was blindsided by the $18 valet parking charge.
(3)
Alex G.

I really liked the Positanesi atmosphere this restaurant portrayed but was disappointed with the quality of the food. The grilled octopus was decent but could have used some more zest. The seafood risotto was bland, indistinct, and too heavy. Service was great though.
(3)
Monica L.

PROS: Fancy interior, nice service CONS: Underwhelming food The fare here is truly mediocre. It's not bad --- but neither is it anything special. None of the dishes we tried were memorable. I expected something more, but I think I just received a fancier Olive Garden experience.
(3)
E D.

This place is generally pretty good. Very nice atmosphere, friendly staff, good food. I was a little disappointed with my "farro" salad, though....it definitely was not farro; it was barley, and it was missing the cherries. They were also out of various wines and liquors on a Friday afternoon...not good. The food was a little pricey for what we got, but this is a pretty decent spot that I'll return to. It's really nice in the summer and at night.
(3)
Gordon G.

This was easily my 9th or 10th time at this restaurant--returning after about 18 months since last visit. Have truly loved both the setting and the food in the past and because of both I've recommended it to many others. The most important part--the food, has always been excellent..but things seem to have changed dramatically. As always, the setting is outstanding. It has such a "not Philadelphia" feeling. And this is especially so on a non-humid late summer evening when the bar is open to the outside. Unfortunately, that is about as far as my praise can go. Here are some significant concerns/ issues: 1. PORTION SIZE: let's be polite and say they were "diminutive." In truth, they were laughably small--reminding me of the "nouvelle cuisine" joke that restaurateurs played on unwitting diners for many years in the 1980's and 1990's . Example: one diner ordered the "Prime New York Steak" described on the menu as "Grilled, Pancetta, Baby Leeks, Diced Potatoes, Green Peppercorn Au Jus"--what came was not a "steak" at all, but three (four?) very thin slices of beef--in all maybe 3-4 ounces of meat. I ordered a fish special and I couldn't have had more than 4 or 5 ounces. The platters come with no vegetables or starches on the side, so it is really frustrating. 2. FLAVOR & SEASONING: everyone at the table (5 of us) had something different and everyone said their entrees were "so so" because they were lacking in flavor. No one loved their meals-it just seemed kind of uninspired. Even things we had ordered in the past (gnocchi in Gorgonzola cream sauce) and remembered fondly, seemed flat. Numbers 1 and 2 make me wonder if there is a new chef since I was there last. Don't know but....wow, what a disappointment. 3. PRESENTATION: the way the food looked on the plate was generally very nice. 4. SERVICE STAFF: --Hostess who greeted us was charming and pleasant. --Our waiter (the guy who took the orders) was very pleasant, accommodating and charming. --By contrast, the runners (servers) were just short of contemptuous. The person seated next to me was offered ground pepper on his salad, and I was not, so I asked for it, the guy rolled his eyes and actually gave the pepper mill ONE-QUARTER of a turn (I kid you not) on my salad and walked away without any acknowledgement at all. There was a similar incident with offering ground cheese on the pasta dishes at the table. Moreover, they weren't actually speaking to us, but rather gesturing with their hands or the plates (or whatever they had in their hands at the time) to indicate what they were at the table to accomplish. I saw them speaking heatedly at one point in the evening with each other--so perhaps they were upset about something, but someone needs to tell them to put their upsets aside when they come tableside. Overall, extremely disappointed that one of my favorite places has gone south.
(2)
Kirsten v.

Recently held a bridal shower here. The staff was very helpful setting it up, and the food and ambiance was great. We were in a large, private area with nice lighting. The food was very good - all guests commented on it. They let me bring my own cake without a cutting fee, which was nice. And they had a special liquor package for bridal showers, which helped me keep my costs down. The event was a great success and I highly recommend this restaurant for an event. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it took a bit for dirty plates to be removed during the event and the food itself didn't look as delicious as it tasted. But that isn't a complaint - overall the event was stellar.
(4)
Jeff H.

Went here for restaurant week not long ago. Really need to go back for their full menu as everything was fantastic.
(4)
Amanda G.

My hubby and I went to Positano Coast for our NYE dinner. We both had been there before, back when we were just bf and gf. I don't remember what we had back then, but I remember it was good. This Saturday, though, I DO remember. We started with the "spicy crispy calamari" with goat cheese, spicy cherry peppers, and arugula as well as the lobster bisque. The calamari was the best tasting I've ever had. It was perfectly spicy and the goat cheese was a great compliment to it. I do wish the calamari was a little more crispy than it was, but it still tasted amazing. The lobster bisque also was declicious. We each were swapping our apps back and forth to one another until there was nothing left :( For dinner I got the lamb chop with swiss chard and roasted potatoes. It came with a red wine sauce and the plate was circled in a pesto sauce. It was really good. The best bites were the ones where I got a little bit of everything on the plate on my fork and ate it all at once. My man got the sea urchin pasta. The pasta was black with squid ink and was complimented with sea urchin and crab meat. I wasn't a huge fan of the dish, just because it kind of creeped me out, but it didn't taste bad or anything. It tasted, to me, like the ocean - salty! He loved it, though. And now he gets to say that he's had sea urchin, which was the main reason he chose the dish. For dessert I got the nutella crepes. I was disappointed, mostly because I love Beau Monde's nutella crepes, and they're really not the same. The ones at Positano Coast were stuffed with nutella, raspberries, and hazelnuts. I didn't like the nuts. The side of ice cream was chocolate with more nuts. Meh. My husband got the dulce du leche gelato, which came in a mini-waffle bowl. That, I must say, was very good. Overall the meal was delicious. We had planned on staying for the open bar that went from 9:30 pm - 2 am, leaving in between to watch the fireworks, but we never went back after the fireworks. The music/atmosphere was not what I expected from this place. It was very Euro-trash, techno. Quite weird. We were looking for more of a relaxing night out. In sum = good for a fancy (expensive) dinner, not so good for NYE.
(4)
Kristian S.

Last night, we wandered down to Positano Coast for the first of Old City's Thursday night happy hour promotion. I've never been here and was very pleasantly suprised to find a very adult crowd (30s-40s), a wonderfully breezy open-air vibe, and great bar service. We enjoyed some of the $3 wine (nothing special, but OK) and suprisingly good cocktail special "The Bomber", which was a mix of vodka, apples, and St. Germain, at $4. Food standouts were the deep-fried poached egg with roasted asparagus and the zuchinni flatbread at $4 each. Couldn't help but thinking what a great date spot this would be.
(3)
di z.

I'm a fan, definitely, but I give it a 3 star because of the portions and prices. Wine by the glass is a plus, so is the Mediterranean relaxing decor... 3, no more.
(3)
Carrie E.

Next time you're in the mood for fancy cocktails, get thee to the lounge at Positano Coast, stat. They've just added new organic concoctions to their drink menu, and lemme tell you - they are yummy. The bartenders look like they should be wearing safety goggles and lab coats as they work - everything is precisely measured and flawlessly executed. The lounge is one of my favorite spots in the entire city to socialize with friends. Just sitting on the cozy sofas under billowing silks makes me feel like I'm on a tropical vacation. Since it's highly unlikely that I'll be taking a trip to the islands anytime soon I'll gladly make do with a festive beverage at this heavenly spot.
(4)
Chris L.

In the mood for cocktails? Or you just want a nice seafood dinner? Well, in either case, stop on Positano Coast for some exquisite dining! It's nicely decorated inside to get you to feel like you're on a nice vacation. Their drinks are quite good. I had their sashimi appetizer, which was quite good but it disappeared so quickly. Their seafood soup and entrees are also decent. Great options for dessert ranging from Tirimisu to chocolate cake. The food is quite expensive, so be prepared to spend a little bit more than usual. But being that the food is quite satisfying, who says money can't buy happiness? :)
(4)
Jessica K.

The food was OK, but very small. And expensive. I wasn't paying though so I didn't mind too much.
(3)
Vinnie D.

Best dining experience in Philadelphia in a long time. Very much enjoyed every aspect of dinner. Make reservations now!
(5)
Leslie C.

Nice setting, pleasant and decent service but they pretty much forgot to care about the food! The eggplant Napoleon was chef boy ar Dee quality, the grilled octopus w/ artichokes was so-so, the focaccia was covered w/ too much bland cheese, the tuna crudo was tasty if a bit over-chilled, and the music was like a disco on some outer island in the 80's. Tiramisu (think 80's again!) was light and tasty, and the wine list is nice but pricey for what it is. I will go back before or after movie across the strteet, but only for drink, not dinner. Outdoor seating and airy bar are nice.
(2)
Michael C.

Large family friendly restaurant. Decent, not great Italian food. Good menu. Fanatsitc gelatto.
(4)
Lowie T.

this is a classic place i loved going to when i lived in philly. it's italian, and not only is the food very good, the decor is spectacular. elegance, romance, and serenity are basis of its decor. almost as if you were somewhere off the coast of italy, the restaurant is trimmed in bright blue tile, and large glass vases of fresh lemons brightens up each corner of the room. it sits on the 2nd floor so you have a bird's eye view of old city, perfect for a night of people watching. it has many different rooms, all open and uniquely accented with long, flowing white drapes, white couches and bright, big plush cushions, and a balcony where there is outdoor seating for warmer weather. in the background echoes lightly the sounds of an operatic tenor, and it can easily turn into a happening lounge at night, filled with more contemporary hits. this is a place that thrives during warmer months, since its decor is more seaside and coastal. occasions this restaurant is perfect for: a romantic date with a bottle of wine on the balcony, catching up with girlfriends in it's more "breezy" lounge/couch area, large groups for birthdays, bridal/baby showers, laid back nightlife in one of it's lounges (it's becomes more of a miami' esq feel then). if there's anything i love it's a pretty place, and with food that is equally enjoyable, i'm sold!
(4)
Jon L.

I only spent a few hours in Positano. It was my last week of college, and I was participating in a "senior event" in which we were supposed to go to, like, 40 bars. We started drinking in Old City and the last bar on the list was in West Philly, on campus. When we got to Positano Coast, we were only about four bars into the trek, so my assessment should be pretty reliable. I agree with what Caitlin C. says. The folks who designed this restaurant did an excellent job; for a quick (or not so quick) cocktail, Positano is a classy way to go. On my senior walk-of-intoxication, the Positano Lemon Drop got a lot of attention (not from me, though; I think I just had a beer), and I would love to go back to Positano to see what else they can mix up. Also, it's right across from one of the Ritz Theatres. You can grab a drink before you go to a foreign film. Sounds like a classy night out to me.
(4)
Jim S.

We live across the street from this restaurant and it's our "go to" place when we are in town and have nothing in the fridge. Tonight it was 100 degrees and very hot outside. We sat at the bar because we saw that our favorite bartender was on duty (Christy). She remembered us although we hadn't been there for a couple of months. She offered us water to start since it was real bad outside. We accepted and then ordered drinks. We also wanted food and she gave me a great recommendation...I wanted the grilled octopus and also wanted a salad. She suggested switching the frisee for arugula and topping it with the octopus and the grilled artichokes. Terrific idea...great meal. We recommend sitting at the bar and ordering light meals if you want a casual, middle of the week dinner. And don't be afraid to ask the bartender for help in ordering! We are so glad we live close to this very nice, friendly restaurant. Jim
(5)
mizz g.

Last night was my second time there. I love the decor and the atmosphere. We ordered a few apps at the bar and although the food was great. I mean, really, everything was hot, tasty and fresh, the service at the bar was slow, and unattentive. I wish the bar service was better. On my fist trip there, we sat at a table and our waiter was amazing. Very attentive, professional, personable. So, to the bartenders: pay attention!
(4)
Heather B.

I'm giving it three stars for food (fine but unmemorable, and skip the crepes for sure). It's at least four for drinks -- don't be fooled by the unfortunate choice of font for the sign, it's very fabulous and very Mediterranean once you get upstairs. Nice outdoor seating in Philly without having to watch, inches from the curb, as drivers pick their nose while they speed by! Don't underestimate it.
(3)
Leah G.

I have eaten lunch here three times, twice last year and once this December. They have excellent food and I have not been disappointed. We have had our holiday lunch for work there two years in a row. The service was definitely better the first time....there was no one at the bar the most recent time I went. The lounge area is very cozy and inviting, but I'd like to go back in the summer at night sometime to get the full experience.
(4)
Carrie S.

I recently held an event at Positano Coast and everything was fabulous. Everyone who I worked with leading up to the day was beyond helpful and addressed all of my questions and concerns. The day of went seamlessly and everything the restaurant had promised was just as they had said. Everyone had a fabulous time and I was able to sit back and relax and enjoy the special day. Special thanks to Carolina and Rositta for all of their help and attention.
(5)
Jessica A.

I just recently ate at Positano with a group of friends for my birthday. The atmosphere is FANTASTIC - what I imagine it would be like to be sitting in a restaurant overlooking the Meditteranean Sea. Food was excellent, service was good, but not overbearing. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Megan K.

I really like this place. Their lemon signature drink is super yummy. I don't normally drink specailty cocktails. It is super pretty and open. When the weather is nice, I love going here. I have eaten aps a few times there. Tried different things. It was all good. Love the atmosphere
(4)
Aymee S.

Visited on a Saturday night for a birthday celebration with friends. 8 person party. We were seated promptly even tho our party was not complete...a plus. The decor is outstanding! A very cool Mediterranean atmosphere lends to the upscale vibe they are going for. After being at another event all day I was not super hungry so I ordered the Antipasti appetizer. Note: it does not come on a bed of lettuce or with greens. The waitress did attempt to up sell me a $6.00 plate of lettuce. Served on what looked like a cutting board the meats and cheeses were quite good. However, some of the cheese was very strong and could have used some lettuce to cut it. We did not see our waitress during our entire meal. Not once. No "how is everything" No refills of water ( my empty glass was not hiding). I often think that parties are neglected since servers are guaranteed an 18% tip. No need to be attentive and it showed throughout our entire meal. Perhaps this place is better suited for a couple or a party of four when the servers are actually working for the tip.
(2)
Robin S.

I went here for drinks, not dinner, so I can't comment on the food. The atmosphere was pretty laid back though, and the peach wine was decently good. It seems like a good place to grab a drink with a group,
(3)
Steve G.

Positano Coast is an amazing place to experience a great meal outdoors. We went early on a weekday night and asked to sit outside on the balcony since it was a beautiful evening. We were told to pick whichever table we felt like. The food was all delicious. The small plate style allowed for us both to sample several items from the menu. We had the Antipasto & Stuffed Calamari appetizers, the Eggplant Napolean & Lamb & Leeks entrees, the gnocchi and capellini w/ clams side dishes, and the creme brulee dessert. Everyone of them was fantastic. My favorite was probably the Capellini w/ Clams side dish. I also ordered their signature Limoncello cocktail which was also very good and the perfect complement for a beautiful spring evening. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)
Michelle K.

I went with a large group for a dinner. We started with antipasti which included cheese and cured meats. It was standard. We had a salad which was not memorable. For the entree I had the branzino and it makes me sad it say it was not good. I adore brazino but the plate was seriously an afterthought. The fish was simply cooked but lacked any flavor. I asked for salt and pepper so I could eat it. The veggies underneath were a joke. They were covered in butter and still raw. I did not eat more than 1 piece. I can confirm that no one at the table enjoyed their meal which included the veal marsala and gnocchi. It lacked flavor and inspiration. The same could be said about the dessert. Definitely a dissappointment and not a memorable meal. With so many choices of great italian food in Philadelphia, go elsewhere. I give them 1 star because they kept refilling my wine glass. The other start goes to the nice atmosphere.
(2)
Lindsey R.

Ok So Tuesday Night I tried Positano. Dining Room was slow but starting to fill up when I was leaving at 9pm. Ok so the portions are small so I recommend Getting an App or 2 or even a side with your entree. The Grilled Octopus was amazing so tender and my Bronzino was flacky with a nice crispy crust. Very Light but filling at the same time. The Tuna Tartar was ok . I felt like it was missing something to put it over the top. The downfall was the dessert. Desserts seemed a little stale and not as exciting as the rest of the experience. However manager sent us over some Limoncello which was delicious and the Organic Cocktails are a must try! Was a nice evening.
(4)
Manny F.

I accidentally came across this place as I was walking out the Hyatt hotel on a business trip. The place was almost dead and I got there 10 minutes before the kitchen closed. After a quick glance at the menu, I settled with the decision to get the lamb dish - great choice. My only complain was that the serving was too small, for small pieces served with some veggies. The atmosphere was nice and mellow and the lounge music was excellent. They had good wine, served in a carafe! I would still go back here any day.
(4)
Laurel M.

What a gorgeous restaurant & what a perfect place for summer dining & wining. While I may never have been to the Almafi Coast, the vibe & decor of Positano Coast certainly resurrected those happy memories & feelings I had from my time in the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean. We were here for dinner, not drinks but I really cannot wait to return & sip the evening away in the Sopra Lounge, decorated with comfy couches & billowing white curtains. When ordering food here, keep in mind the portions are smallish. Not quite tapas small, but if you're dining with even a small handful of people I'd certainly recommend getting a couple extra main dishes than there are people at the table. All in all my dinner was delicious. I started with a simple salad which was topped with a very tangy and tasty dressing, which set it out in my memory. I went on with crisp parmesan veal. The veal may not have been the best I've ever had but it was far from bad. However, it was served perfectly crispy with some very delicious marinara sauce & filled with gooey parmesan & mozzarella. I sided my meal with the house baked potato puree which was very good. It was perfectly seasoned & had just the right amount of garlic taste to it. I was starting to feel a little full at this point, but not full enough to turn down dessert. I ordered a rice pudding which was served as fried balls covered with brown sugar & garnished with some fruit. So good, but very rich & filling, even between two people we were just barely able to finish it all! Service here was good, northing to complain or rave about. As much as I can't wait to return simply for drinks in the Sopra Lounge, I'd definitely return for dinner as well. If you're looking for an exotic but relaxed vibe to either drink or dine, I think Positano Coast is one of your best options in Philadelphia.
(4)
Krista B.

This place NEEDS SOMETHING- like maybe a change in management? The place is gorgeous. I'm the perpetual optimist and keep coming back because the place looks so good...and I SO enjoy a great atmosphere...but that's kind of like going to an art gallery for dinner. I've finally learned not to go there anymore after a recent big family dinner (I picked the place...HOPING it would be good THIS TIME...) The place is always impressive in terms of decor, but nothing else goes along with it (except for the prices). I have had better service (seriously) at the Midtown Diner. The food is overpriced for the tiny portions, and the menu is just weird. Everything is all over the place on the menu. I will tell you if you still want to go, that you can get by inexpensively by ordering the sides (Risotto for $8 that really was good). I really want to go back because I like being there, but I don't enjoy eating there. :-(
(2)
Ti L.

It may sound weird... but the restaurant is a very relaxing place the eat. With so many places trying to be chic, I felt like the simplicity of the decor (white, blue, pics of the ocean) was perfect. As for the food, it was tasty, well-seasoned, smaller portions (but enough), yet pricey. At the end of the night I was very satisfied and will definitely go back.
(4)
Meg B.

I have to give a 4 for this place simply because I just love the atmosphere there on a nice night. If you ever been to the meditreranean , you will feel like you are back there again when you step into Positano Coast. I recommend sitting outside on the patio if it's a nice night. The blowing tapastries and view of the quiet cobblestone neighborhood is great. I reccommend going on a Sunday or Monday when you can take advantage of BYOB. I've done that during restaurant week- my meal that night was just so-so but I think you'll find that a most places during restaurant week. I had the Sea Urchin pasta which was ok but a tad too fishy for me. My friend had this braised short ribs which was to die for. The first time I went here with my boyfriend, stand out dishes were the pesto crabcakes and New York Steak Bologonese- both delish and made me wanting more- The chese plate was also yummy. The chicken parm was a tad dry. All in all, if highly recommend going here for a chill, relaxing night out for dinner and or just drinks.
(4)
Alicia O.

we sat upstairs outside on a very sunny day. service was good, the food was tastey. i had fried calamari filled with something, very flavorful! then the crab cappelini pasta. it was all served in a timely manner and tasted light and refreshing. i was satisfied. the drinks were strong so you get what you pay for. i will be back again. the decor is fab and its kinda like a little hidden treasure in olde city.
(3)
Ron B.

Prob don't have much to add beyond what's already been written about Positano Coast, but was recently pleasantly surprised, so I thought I'd give them props. Went with a bunch of friends for a hanging-out drinkfest one Friday night a few months ago - I was completely surprised by how hip and relaxed the place felt. I've passed it a 1000 times and always saw older couples eating in the windows, so really had no desire to try it...I was def surprised by the fact that, with the right group, this place can feel like a NY or Vegas lounge. Based on that first experience, I took a group for dinner last week - we sat on the balcony amongst lounge-y indoor-outdoor furniture on a beautiful night, which definitely lent to the evening. But we ordered a bunch of small plate food and were very happy with just about everything. It really had an authentic Mediterranean feel to the menu and the execution was quite good. The menu could be a little more diverse and the wine list could use a slight shot in the arm, but all in all, this place is worth visiting periodically - for a fun group, a romantic dinner (better during a quieter weeknight) or even a business dinner (again, on a weeknight).
(4)
matthew l.

Given the design and all white brightness of this second floor restaurant, one could be overlooking the Mediterranean on Positano itself. Despite the fact that the view here is certainly urban chic, these are among the best outdoor tables to be had anywhere in the city. The huge photographic murals definitely conjure the Amalfi coast and actually add to the ambiance unlike the tired paint-by-numbers versions of grape arbors and Chianti fiascos so often seen. The place is worth multiple visits for a variety of reasons but certainly for the menu with the crudo, and the artichoke, ricotta and lemon soup which are extraordinary as are the fresh sardines. House made squid ink pasta more often than not a disappointment here made with crab and redolent of a briny breeze. The Lemon Drop, made with house made limoncello, citrus Stoli, heavy cream and claimed to be made with the legendary Sorrentine lemons an exceptional summer drink. Wait staff much above average and uniformly articulate about the menu.
(4)
Bianca B.

This place has amazing service - our waiter was really nice and introduced the specials of the night in such a way that one of the people in my party decided to switch for a special from the initial choice on the regular menu. I chose this delicious pan-seared branzino which I fully recommend to anyone who enjoys fish. I think everyone who visits this locale should go with the wine carafes that have peaches at the bottom. You'll understand what I mean when you'll eat that wine-infused piece of peach towards the end of your meal. Mmmm... I'd definitely return here again! One con: the lounge area can get too loud for a restaurant.
(4)
Shaun O.

This place always confuses me when I come here on a Friday or Saturday night- is it a bar? a club? a restaurant/lounge? They have a mix of all these elements, as there is a bar, a DJ spinning in the background (and a few folks on the dance floor) and and a back area with tables for eating. I guess I am used to places that know what they are-bar/restaurant or just a club. A mix of all 3 is overwhelming.
(2)
Brad P.

When Aldo's harvest emerged, my dining companion and I had to ask "is this the small one?" "yes. It is." damn. There are two options for this smorgasbord of seafood, a small appetizer option and a larger gluttony option. I don't know what the bigger one looks like but I bet it is something that Neptune would have as a delicious breakfast. It is a good bet. It comes with two types of oysters, shrimp cocktail, clams, crab claws, and seafood salad. All of the items tasted extremely fresh and they were presented well in a fancy bowl with plenty of ice. The following two items are good bets: Sea urchin pasta - Eating sea urchin is awesome because they look so badass. For God's sake, the entire animal looks like a murderer's koosh ball. The urchin and crabmeat are served over squid ink pasta, which is great because ink is now my favorite food group(see my Noble review for the background on that). You will love the zucchini crabcake if you like zucchini flavor to hit you in the face. Certain bites of this dish had some zucchini taste. Other bites of this dish were like biting a zucchini landmine and it blows up in your mouth. This is fine for me because I think zucchini is fantastic. The creme brulee is what you'd expect from good creme brulee. On the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, this place is Payback. Oh review 401. Hi there.
(4)
Shirlana D.

I have frequented this restaurant multiple times with my coworkers for lunch during restaurant week. The staff is always pleasant and appear eager to please. We have never had to wait long for reservations and always have a large party of 6-7 ppl (large for lunch time). The decor is decorative and bold and actually have wonderful art which is quite reminiscent of Italy. Having enjoyed Venice, Rome, Florence, and Pisa I think the decor is perfect and a true depiction of the various coast along the shores of Italy :). The food is always served hot and fresh. The seafood is fresh and the food always have bold and aromatic flavors that tantalize your pallet before the food reaches your mouth. The veal is moist, tender and bold with flavor. The side accompaniments are paired perfectly. The dessert is sweet, filling and enjoyable. You must stop in for a good meal, with great indoor scenery and flavors.
(4)
Melissa L.

I live around the corner from here and thought the decor was bit tacky every time I walked by with the blue neon lights everywhere BUT none of that mattered after I ate there the first time. I've been there two times already and the food is amazing. First time, my boyfriend and I went out for a celebratory dinner, and we came back with my family the next time. Smaller portions, but quality is awesome. Go here for seafood. Squid ink / sea urchin pasta is my go-to here. Highly recommended for Italian/Mediterranean + seafood, enjoy!
(5)
Jenny S.

My first time to be here, everything is so fantastic! Love the best seafood risotto, fresh seafood with garlic just gives a wonderful flavor. Spicy calamary a little bit spicy but...it's yummy!
(4)
Natalie W.

This was my first dining experience in Old City, and it did not disappoint. Delicious food, friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere. My boyfriend and I went early Wednesday evening and we basically had the restaurant to ourselves. I ordered the zucchini crab cake, and it was cooked to perfection. The menu isn't extremely expansive, but you will be able to find something you enjoy. Also, great variety of cocktails and wine.
(5)
Doina N.

Expected much more out of this place. Visited the restaurant on a Saturday night. I made a reservation through OpenTable for 9pm. However, we walked in much sooner than that and asked to be seated at the bar, which was obviously super crowded. There was only one chair available that was holding someone's fancy purse. The hostess was very accommodating to have us seated although the place was pretty packed. We sat somewhere near the kitchen so we could see each and one of the folks coming out of there. That wasn't an issue. Our server came to introduce himself and he mentioned a little bit what was going on with the menu. I had to ask as to what kind of oil they used in the kitchen since I have some health concerns and based on what I was told, I opted for the small platter of Aldo's Harvest. It was sort of on the pricier side but there was plenty to eat. It contained East and West Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, clams, snow crab claws, crabmeat, and Peruvian scallops. But before that I asked to have more oysters to share as an appetizer. My boyfriend ordered the pan seared branzino. My seafood platter came before the oysters to share and I even thought that they had placed everything in the same because it was sort of the same kind of food. But they didn't. After I was half way with the platter they bring over the oysters appetizer. We even turned back the busboy because we thought it wasn't ours. The branzino was okay - not that fresh according to person enjoying it. We got a bottle of white wine from Italy (apparently) that it really didn't hit the spot. Not sure if I'll pay another visit.
(3)
Tiffany T.

I had a great dinner experience here on Saturday. Ambiance: I found this place really cute. It feels coastal, summery and feels like you're on the beach or something. I can see how people may find it " cheesy" but I found it really cute, personal preference I suppose Food: 4 stars I was very happy with all the food I got, and it may be a little bit pricey but I was happy with all my food. The value really isn't bad at all, with an appetizer and entrÃ©e you would definitely be full in my opinion. The dishes are beautifully presented as you can see from my photos. My favorite highlights were the gnocchi (nice and pillowy and soft, sauce was OK though), tuna tartare with avocado were great, seafood risotto was well stirred but lacked a little salt, really LOVED the scallops but only 2 per order pretty steep price. I enjoyed my branzino, and my other dining partners seemed to enjoy their crab cake, and seared tuna. I LOVE seafood, so this was a great spot for me. I wouldn't really even try coming here if you're not into seafood.. Service- Very good. She was attentive, not overbearing and gave us great suggestions on their specials and appropriate time to decide on our order. She also told us it was National Mojito day, $5 all around! I would definitely return based on this experience, it's a nice little get away, beach-y feel, good seafood inspired meal.
(4)
Ancy T.

This was a wonderful dining experience. From the venue, to the service and of course the food - everything was perfect. The setup of this place is great, especially for the spring/summer. Seating is located throughout the venue, with different styles, so you can enjoy open air vibes, a closed dining hall, or an area close to the bar. It's beautifully decorated and provides a very serene atmosphere. I highly recommend going here on a nice day and sitting close to the open air. Bf and I shared all of our plates and we ordered the following: Antipasto plate, seafood risotto, and zucchini crab cakes. It was the perfect amount of food for both of us and we couldn't even fit room for dessert. The presentation of the food was also nice. For the antipasto plate, I was grateful that the server brought it out and immediately explained what each item was. A lot of places plop down food and leave you to figure it out on your own, but I appreciated their attentiveness to our curiosity over the food. I've been here before for an event, so I had a different experience, but equally as great. I would definitely dine here again!
(5)
Carol C.

Came here during happy hour, and found I was surrounded by groups of fancy women in their forties, one buff bartender, and then there was me, a teacher in her twenties sporting an elementary school's neon green t-shirt. Immediately I felt out of place as I watched these ladies flirt with the bartender. Ambiance is out of place as well. You can tell they are trying to go for a European or Mediterranean coastal feel, but it came out really tacky. I'm sure this place was classy or something years ago, but everything just felt outdated. Their scallops are good, though slightly overpriced. We also ordered some random appetizers, but given the decor and and ambiance, we just quickly ate our food and left. I probably will not be returning anytime soon... maybe when I'm 40 and can fit in with the crowd.
(3)
Grace H.

I'd always seen this place from across the street whenever I would dine at Zahav, but it wasn't until we decided to host a friend's birthday dinner here that I finally got to try it! And I was not disappointed. First off, the place is huge! Perfect for large parties and gatherings. There were about 15 of us at the table, and the waitress was more than willing to help us split the orders and bill in half to make it easier/expedite the process. We shared the oysters, fregola salad, calamari and mussels to start, and I ordered the zucchini crabcake for myself. It was humongous and easily the best crabcake I have ever had. HIGHLY suggest it! Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay too late, but I hear the dancing at night gets wild too :)
(4)
Mary B.

i was in town visiting family and my cousin brought me here. The layout of the place is really nice, it seems large enough to accommodate parties of all sizes. The nigh we went it wasnt too busy, so service was very prompt and fast. i ordered the crab cakes to share and the spagetti. The crab cakes were phenomenal but my pasta and my cousins seafood risotto was good but not gooooood. 4 stars is for the posh cozy restaurant and service. Food is good but nothing really stood out to me, i would come here again.
(4)
Kim B.

We tried here based on the recommendation of our hotel concierge. We were lucky to be squeezed in for a 7pm reservation on a Saturday. It was myself and my two girlfriends from out of town. We had been eating our way through Pennsylvania for a few days, and honestly weren't in the mood for extremely heavy food or huge portions. That is the nice thing about Positano Coast; you can order a side dish sized plate of the pastas and smaller sized appetizers, too. So for the three of us, we had two appetizers, and three side sized plates and we were good to go. They also brought out some deliciously soft and fresh tasting italian bread for us with an olive oil dip that was divine. We started with the antipasti plate and the grilled artichoke salad. Both were great! The antipasti had a nice assortment of delicious cheeses and meats and the artichoke salad was very fresh and delicious. Our entrees were a spaghetti Bolognese, the vegetable ravioli and a flatbread. My favorite of the 3 was the vegetable ravioli that was just so fresh and light tasting. It was super yum. The Bolognese was great, the pasta was cooked perfectly and had lots of flavor. The flatbread that I was so excited about by the description was my least favorite. It was much spicier than I expected and just not up to par with the other dishes. we were too full for dessert, but the menu was quite appetizing. I would love to return for another try at this delicious restaurant! Glad they could fit us in.
(4)
Jessie S.

We actually went here for a Rehearsal Dinner this past Saturday night and we were really impressed with everything! The decor was light and airy, which I actually really liked, and definitely wasn't expecting. (I also know the bride and groom had a tough time finding a place for a rehearsal dinner for 40 people on a Saturday night, so I got the feeling they were very accommodating.) We arrived a bit early, so we had a drink at the bar. I got a glass of Sangria that was super refreshing - it was a HOT day! The bar staff was helpful and quick to get us our drinks. When the space was ready, we were escorted to a room tucked in the back of the restaurant for the party. The room was set up well, and the staff was very attentive. I had the risotto, and my husband had the veal - both were cooked well and the portions were definitely sufficient. When we left they had the main area of the restaurant setup with a DJ and lights, and I'm sure it's a good time if that's your kind of party.
(5)
Michael N.

I still prefer Aldo Lamberti's in Collingswood, but this sister restaurant is a nice option if you happen to be in the Old City Philly area. Specializing in Italian and seafood, they certainly have plenty of options to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Price wise, it's a bit more expensive than most Italian spots, but it's also a little classier. Street parking in this area can be a little tough on the weekends, but there are a few garages not too far away. I believe they also offer valet on the weekends.
(4)
Kristen V.

Positano Frites are a must! Lobster roll was very good. Not an abundance of filling like you would get in Boston but very tasty. Roll was grilled and beautiful. Creme BrÃ»lÃ©e was ok. Custard was very good but sugar on top was not thick enough to result in a good crack....still very tasty though
(4)
Brittany R.

I went for my birthday with my family. The food was delicious. The portions were a little small as expected. The service however was fantastic. We went on a Monday night and it wasn't crowded at all. The environment is also nice and it is conveniently located next to the ritz movie theater.
(4)
Katie F.

I must say, I was very skeptical of this place for a long time so I always avoided it. Tonight, I finally took the plunge and had dinner and I was actually quite impressed! I don't love the decor, it's pretty cheesy in my opinion, but we had a great seat by the window which made for great people watching. The service was great and I was impressed with everything we ordered. The bread was warm and served with a lemony olive oil. We split the calamari which was served with goat cheese and had a bit of a spice to it. For my entree, I ordered the grouper. It was light but filling and served with caramelized Brussels sprouts and mushrooms. For dessert, we split the chocolate mousse. It was rich and a nice end to the meal but not a must-order. Overall, I was surprisingly impressed and would come back. There were quite a few things on the menu that sounded delicious!
(4)
Mike W.

We check this place out this past Friday evening and I have to say we were definitely less than impressed. The place was so loud, and the set up is really strange. The decoration is trying way too hard to be hip and chic and it just fails miserably. Our waiter was very poorly trained, overly aggressive pouring of wine, lack of interest, etc. We decided on ordering the fritto mixto platter of seafood to start. It came with fried shrimp balls, fried green beans, mini arancini and fried mozzarella. None of the elements were particularly bad, but they werent very good either. It was just a run of the mill fried food platter with nothing to really distinguish it and a large lack of seasoning. My fiance and I decided to split the limoncello salmon and the paccheri pesto. I definitely thought the paccheri was the best dish we ate all night. The pasta was tender and perfectly cooked, and the pesto was very well done. However, as good as it was, the salmon was pretty bad. The sauce was so sweet I had to scrape it off in order to keep eating the fish. I thought the olive were completely unimportant to the dish as well. If they had not been there, I wouldnt have missed them. Dessert we decided on the affogato, but we were again disappointed. We received a small scoop of vanilla ice cream in a double shot of espresso, so there just wasnt enough ice cream. The quality and taste of the espresso was good, but the ice cream was lackluster and small as I mentioned. All in all, definitely not worth a revisit. Price point was great, but other than not, not much to consider again. Plenty of better options for seafood and italian food in this amazing city.
(2)
Gregory L.

Ambiance is very nice. Waitstaff was mediocre at best. The waiter was rude to me and only made eye contact and spoke with my girlfriend when he was waiting on us. We thought this was strange. He should have known I was the one paying and not put the check closer to her. Food was great! Gnocchi as a side and spaghetti as a side made a good meal.
(4)
Billy D.

The atmosphere was really nice, I really enjoyed the outdoor seating area. I ordered the positano burger with a peroni. I requested the burger to be cooked medium and I received it well done. The burger was quite dry but not terrible. All and all it was a great place for lunch with a great Mediterranean atmosphere.
(3)
Kim L.

Came here for date night with my beau on a Wednesday. We had reservations, but we really didn't need them. Since it was a beautiful night, we opted to sit out on the 2nd floor patio, which was the best decision we made the entire night. It wasn't crowded when we arrived around 7, but close to 9 when we left, all of the patio tables were spoken for. Their drink menu is extensive. I love that you can order wine by the glass, quartino (about 2 glasses), or bottle, and there is a huge selection. They also have tons of cocktails. We opted for a quartino of the Greco white and the Tuscan blend red. Both were delicious, but I preferred the red! As for the food, it didn't blow me away. By far, my favorite bite of the evening was the calamari, which is served with lemon, goat cheese, and cherry peppers. It's not served with marinara, and it didn't need it. It was light and a great start to our meal. After that, I can't say I was really wowed by anything. We ordered the striped sea bass, roasted veal tenderloin, and a side of sea urchin pasta to share. The bass was cooked well but was on the bland side. The veal was cooked well and the mushrooms served with it were high quality, but both were lacking flavor. I was really excited to try my first squid ink pasta, but the sauce was just missing something. I'm kind of bummed about the food, because the atmosphere is so laid back and relaxing, especially for a summer night. If I came back it would be for drinks and maybe some appetizers. Service was great and what was left of the happy hour crowd when we arrived seemed to be enjoying themselves as well!
(3)
Dee M.

UPDATE: The very next day marketing management reached out to me to apologize and remedy the experience. This speaks volumes. They care.
(4)
Courtney F.

A beautiful place with open and airy design. I was really excited to try Positano coast because of how nice it looked, but honestly food wise they were just "okay." I had the artichoke salad and grilled octopus as an appetizer and they were... Meh. But then I had the chicken focaccia wrap for my meal and saying it was sawdust level dry is seriously an understatement. Gorgeous place but the food falls A-cup flat.
(3)
Evan M.

This place is trying WAY too hard to be something it's not. The overall ambiance and cleanliness of the restaurant does not match the over-reaching prices. It wasn't really a warm and comfortable place to enjoy a meal. Instead it felt fake and sterile, trying to force itself as an authentic Italian restaurant. The prices were outrageous compared to the portions and quality. If you're looking for a hearty Italian mean, with a warm and enjoyable atmosphere, look elsewhere.
(3)
Fredric B.

My wife and I have dined here many times, since it's across the street from the Ritz movies. The food has always been good and the decor is striking. However, the noise level is extremely high due to all the hard surfaces -- lots of big windows, tile floor, etc. Last night, there was also a wedding party and a separate bachelor party. Both were behind curtains, but they were both noisy. On the other hand, it would have been equally noisy if the same spaces were occupied by regular patrons. Maybe the noise level would be appreciated by twenty-somethings, but not by most adults. The drinks are creative and they offer a lot of top shelf liquors, but the prices are far too high compared to other good restaurants. Overall, we won't be back, mainly because the noise level prevents relaxed enjoyment of the dining experience.
(2)
Greg A.

(3.5)- The atmosphere was nice but it was over shadowed by the D.J booth and dance floor act. It did not feel sophisticated which was disappointing. The atmosphere was decent.. Its nice inside. but it didn't do it for me. The waiter was kind. Food- The food was O.K. The Calamari, although big, came with goat cheese which was pretty decent. But I felt it took away from the classic Calamari with Marinara. The antipasto dish for two was good. My main course, Spaghetti was sadly nothing special. The scallops that my girlfriend got were simply okay. The food is not bad its just not the best. For 160$ i will go elsewhere.
(3)
Isabel J.

After leaving South St and walking towards Market St we saw this place by accident. Since we weren't ready to call it a night yet and the music sounded pretty good we went up the stairs to check it out. I loved that there was no cover or a hassle to get in. The DJ was great and played all types of music but mainly Latin which worked for me. The bartenders were pretty busy and not very friendly but hey they made good drinks so what else can I ask for. I'm so happy we stumble on this place by accident since we had an amazing time.
(4)
A P.

Heard great things about this place. Went last Sunday before a concert in Camden, and was disappointed. The portions are ridiculously small and we didn't order small plates! I ordered the Chicken Ripeno for 17.00 and it was four small chunks of chicken with maybe 7 string beans! Are u kidding me! And I guess it was good because the $11 margarita was bearly 1/4 cup of actual liquid in the ice filled skinny glass. It was a tasty margarita but three sips and it was gone. Service was very good and I wouldn't hold it against a waiter that the place is more about presentation then a real meal. Maybe we just ordered the wrong 78.00 worth of food that we were still hungry when we left I dint know. What I do know is I won't be back here.
(2)
Carrie G.

This was not the experience we thought it would be. The food was bland and the meat in the pasta was more like chow. I also got sick when we got home. The atmosphere was very loud and not good if you want a romantic evening.
(2)
Irina K.

I used to frequent this place about 7 - 8 year ago before I knew of TripAdvisor. I always loved it and my drink of choice was the limoncello. I was here mostly for parties in the last few years, with one just the other day. I absolutely loved it. We were put in a separate room away from the rest of the restaurant. There was a nice table of appetizer dishes set up on one side and comfy couches with tables on the opposite. The food was excellent! The marinated artichokes were probably the best I have ever had. Service was really good. Once a plate was empty, it was pretty much immediately refilled. After a while, the food was changed to hot second course which consisted of a choice of wine-braised beef, fish or chicken with a side of veggies and home style potatoes. Also very good. There was plenty of alcohol and mixers to go around. Servers were pretty quick to clear the dirty dishes and glasses. Dessert consisted of Tiramisu, which was very decent but not the best and an assortment of fruit. I think the room is usually an outdoor room that is covered with plastic in the winter. It seemed that the temperature was very hard to regulate. There were heaters at the top of the ceiling that were constantly being accessed by the staff to either turn on or off as it was either cold or hot. After around midnight a DJ started mixing. There is a small dance floor adjacent to the bar. Music was decent but at times a little odd and hard to dance to. I guess this would be a matter of opinion. Overall, had a great time!
(4)
Brendan L.

Great artisan drinks. Nice happy hour specials. Amazing entrees. Did I mention you feel like you're on the coast in Italy while dining here? The atmosphere is very fitting. Perfect spot for a special occasion or a place for happy hour during the week!
(5)
Matt F.

ok, I was just mad b-caus I got sick on either an oyster or scallop, can't really blame Positano for that. Now that I've recovered I can say that it all tasted really good going down! :) Still HATE the clothing art though, get rid of it! Restaurant Quest #40
(3)
Marie M.

On Sunday, I went to positano for my bday. It has now been the third time coming here. The food and service go hand in hand phenomenal. I went with a group of five. We ordered the tacos,sea urchent pasta the risotto, the grilled artichokes, octopus and the oysters. We all shared so we can try a little variety. I would recommend all of those dishes that we tried. My friend said the house sauce for the oysters was great, I like my oysters straight up with out anything. To each their own. The service was on point. I ended up leaving something behind and the restaurant held it for me. My bday cake was the drunken tiramisu. I'm hoping to go back again for my 30th bday next year. The manager was very helpful in retrieving my list item, and our waiter was attentive. Great place for authentic seafood and Italian style dishes. Definitely a place to dress somewhat fancy.
(5)
Angela H.

Overall, a big disappointment. The only reason this place even gets two stars is because the beautiful venue is true to the southern Italian style and is really pleasant on a breezy summer evening. The food, however, is quite disappointing. I ordered the beef carpaccio ($14) and it was completely tasteless. I also ordered the tagliatelle ai funghi ($16) and, though it was loaded with cream, it was very bland as well. I wish I could recommend that you just go here for drinks, but the cocktails are ~$12 with well liquor.
(2)
Cheryl K.

We had a great meal here! I've never tried squid ink pasta before and was very pleased with the outcome. The service was wonderful and the food tasted fresh and didn't take long at all to arrive at our table. The decor is a little outdated, but definitely places you somewhere in the Mediterranean. I did thoroughly enjoy getting to eat in the lounge area. All in all? Exactly what I expected. You'll spend a good bit to eat here, but it sure will be tasty, and you'll have a nice time.
(4)
Nikki H.

Into company hosted a dinner party here and the food was great! First, the decor. Blue and beautiful!!!!!! Thee have indoor/outdoor space which is great for the summer. We had an assortment of hummus, dip, caprese salad, olives, peppers, pasta, fish, chicken, and veal. Everything was delicious and the staff was great! This is definitely a place to dine.
(4)
Emma B.

Went here with a large group of friends (about 15) on a Saturday night and all the food was really good and so was the service. I would go back again.
(4)
Lele E.

***June2011 update**** so this isn't a club...but tonight my friends and i turned it into a club. The DJ had the place rocking so we start jamming and that was that. I was sweating by time we left. So...with great food, don't be afraid to "shake it" after you eat! great atmosphere. Shout out DJ Ronnie Dubbz! So once again i'm out eating on my B-day and this place looked really nice so we went here. It was very pretty. The hostess was a little weird, but the bartenders and wait staff are excellent. The food was delicious, we got scallops, sea food risotto, fresh bread, cheese assortment, raspberry daiquiri and a martini. Initially the portion sized seemed very small but it was actually enough food to enjoy oneself. They also have a DJ here and it just the restaurant itself is just lovely/beautiful. The bartender also ordered a small dessert for me "on the "house" b/c of it being my bday! - i will write more later as it's currently 1am :)
(5)
Anthony P.

My waiter Will was great . He was very attentive and caring, he had soft eyes. The food was great And so was the atmosphere . I would definitely return for dinner or lunch to see the Waiter WILL again. The food is also worth another trip .
(5)
Melissa C.

Hey Positano. Scootch up close... ...closer... ...closer... *Smack* Don't make me salt my pasta. I hate to get all aggressive, but salt; it is a necessity in Mediterranean cuisine. Don't try to give me Mediterranean-Italian-Seafoody food without putting salt in your dang dish. One of my dining compadres had to salt his french fries. And we had to get up and flag down our waiter to get a salt shaker. Co-worker's chicken salad had dry and chewy chicken. My Positano pasta (crab meat with tomatoes, pasta, olive oil and --apparently-- no salt) was bland to the point of giving me no inspiration to eat it until I added salt (I'm going to keep going on about that, aren't I?). After that, the crab meat was tasty but the pasta was still slightly overcooked (past the point of al dente). The server was nice, but service/attention was slow and minimal. I had to ask for a warm-up on my coffee (no biggie and not knocking off any stars, but it's a mark of service).
(2)
Angela E.

I've gone to Positano Coast for drinks and hanging out in the open-air bar. It's a great setting and atmosphere, but be advised to get gussied up! No slackers here. The food is pretty good, too. The last thing I had was quinoa salad for lunch and it was so filling and delicious. I also recall having the best swordfish here. Special Note: It's right by the Ritz thater, so if you're in the mood for a nice dinner and an independent movie, this is the perfect place! Also, it's on the second floor.
(3)
Suzanne S.

I came here for lunch one day and was blown away by the ambiance of the restaurant. I ordered a Caesar salad which was excellent and the Cappelini Positano which was Cappelini with Crab Meat. It was perfectly light and I didn't leave feeling like a blimp. My friend ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo which was better than any Fettuccine I had ever tasted. It was the most phenomenal dish ever and I cant wait to go back and have it again. The pasta was fresh and the sauce was heavenly. I am not one to EVER order Alfredo but I would definitely suggest it here. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Steve C.

The service here was very good, attentive and friendly service is always a plus in my book. The food was good but not exactly what I was expecting, I found the menu to be confusing and too random for my tastes. The meal was served with a pleasant style but I found the portions too small. All in all it was a good experience, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back.
(3)
C H.

I think this place is probably a solid 3.5. However, the service has been 5 stars each time I've visited, so I bumped up to a 4. I like the location and the outdoor patio is really nice, when weather permits. I've been here quite a few times and the appetizers and pastas have always been excellent. The main course dishes, however, sometimes disappoint or are just eh. They used to have a delicious chicken parm dish (it was a sorta chicken cordon bleu meets chicken parm). I was bummed when they took it off the menu and continue to be bummed when I look at see it's not back.
(4)
Tyler R.

Oh, Positano Coast, what a love-hate relationship we have! The first time I ever stepped on the mock-Mediterranean floors of this wine bar & restaurant was 8 years ago after having visited a bar in Old City. A few of my guys friends and I were with a few female friends from college. At the time, the young women were overly excited to be there, and we weren't into wine (mostly beer-- not even the good stuff). We lamented the feeling of pretense that accompanies the place, but it was an informative experience at the least. Fast forward to today. I love wine. I love relaxing. I love forgetting that I'm in the city. This is one of my favorite places for a nice date, for a decent glass of wine, and to escape the drunken frattiness of Old City. Their cocktail list is fairly good, but it seems geared toward those with a sweet tooth. The wine list has changed a few times since I've first gone (they used to serve wine with peaches-- maybe seasonal?), but it's still formidable even if pricey. The food is okay. I had a birthday dinner there last year, and it wasn't memorable or bad-- just okay. [Aside: they do have decent oysters. If you're not interested in being shoved into the tiny Samson Oyster House near 15th and Sansom, this is a decent alternative.] What really makes this place special is the ambiance. The restaurant is on the second floor of a little complex and on somewhat of an island because of the way the streets converge at that point. The interior is heavily geared toward the idea of Mediterranean Italy. There are large photo-murals of Italy's coast, lots of Mediterranean tile, a seating area on the north side of the restaurant that has small couches and draped cloth as dividers, and there is an area with larger couches in the back. Once you're here for five or ten minutes you completely forget that it's Philadelphia. You don't think it's the Mediterranean, so take that for what it's worth. After having felt out of place nearly a decade ago, I have come to terms with Positano Coast. It definitely has a place in Philadelphia's drinks/dining/nightlife. While it is pricey and pretentious at times, it's a relaxing spot that offers some good food and drink choices. I would love to see them keep the veranda/patio area open instead of closing it off to parties so much-- it's a huge selling point for visiting, and I can't give it five stars until that happens.
(4)
Boon K.

Beautiful setting, spacious and great for a large group. The buffalo mozzarella salad was really good and the crab cake was beautiful. It was a pretty big serving of crab. The homemade rigatoni with its light tomatoes sauce was nice and light for a pasta dish.
(3)
Khanh V.

I came here for happy hour. I really like the place in term of decorations, space arrangement. The outside seats are great and the little couches in the center where the bar area is cute. I haven't tried the food, but from looking at it I would like to come back to try.
(3)
Sally f.

FANTASTIC HAPPY HR. so many crazy good drinks, only 5 bucks!!! get the lemon drop! also, the bartender was nice enough to google a drink she had not heard of, and made a great version of it!
(4)
Matt K.

We went here with a large group and sampled a lot of the appetizers, including the antipasto plate, the seafood plate with oysters, clams, crab claws and other delights. I had the artichoke salad which was my highlight, it was tasty and well done. My main course was the pasta bolognese, which was very heavy and a bit dry. What puzzled me about all the pasta dishes I saw was that the pasta itself ranged from pale orange to lurid bright orange. (mine was the latter) I don't know what kind of water they cook their pasta in, and maybe I don't WANT to know, but it was bizarre. I had their signature lemon drop martini, which was ok, but I am not sure why their use of non-fat milk makes it taste better. To me, it turned an already foofy drink into a kid's drink. Our service was attentive and effifcient. In short, the food is ok, prices reasonable, but it's not enough to make me want to come back.
(3)
Rudy M.

I LOVED my dinner here! The ambience and the food are a perfect match. The portions are ample; the two of us had small portion mushroom and seafood risotto which were PERFECT for sharing with each other. Though the surrounding tables were louder than I would have preferred that night, the space is conducive for group good time and laughter. Philly rivals NYC for food; the depth of offerings is the same though the breadth meets the quality! Rudy Miles
(4)
Ron C.

Nice ambiance, decent happy hour prices, disinterested bar/wait staff. Stopped in for drinks and happy hour prices on the oysters last Friday. Did not disappoint but the staff was not particularly happy to be there or attentive. My wife left a sweater at the bar so I called and was able to pick it up Saturday morning with no issue. We would definitely go again.
(3)
David N.

Wow. It's place was exactly what we were looking for. Celebrated my birthday here with 15 of my closest friends and had a wonderful time. The decor and atmosphere really had no flaws. So you think the food isn't gonna be good but the food was great. All 15 people had No complaints. Saved my first Rosotto experience for here and it was delicious! Can't wait for summer to come here for the outside. So if your looking for romantic or large group, put Positano Coast on your checklist! The service will bend over backwards for you!! I promise
(5)
Dave H.

I first came to Positano Coast for a happy hour, where we overwhelmed the front bar with sheer numbers. The bartenders did their best, but the happy hour organizer didn't anticipate so many people, so there weren't as many bartenders as there should have. Drinks weren't the cheapest, but the venue was large enough to handle a crowd. Positano Coast offers plenty of indoor and outdoor dining, several bars, a sumptuous lounge, friendly staff, and a romantic, chic atmosphere all in one place. I'll be back for dinner!
(4)
Sean A.

Been coming for years
(4)
Stephen K.

Went for: Saturday Night Drinks (No food) The place is well designed. Clearly a trendy place. The patrons clearly put a lot of time and thought into themselves. A group of about 6 friends went for post dinner drinks. The lounge area was mostly booked by a private party so we got a table by the front. The front bar was crowded but manageable. Not a fan of their choice cocktails. After two failed attempts of their listed drinks. I made them just make me a tequila, ginger ale and lime. Enough with your sweet or tart fruits!!!! I would try this place again for the food, as I hear it is really good. Would not be my first choice for social drinks.
(2)
Ivy L.

We really like this place, including the atmosphere. Pastas and lamb were very good, and we loved the cream brÃ»lÃ©e and teramisu. They also make some unique drink you are sure to enjoy. The only thing I didn't like was the eggplant nipolian.... It was so so.... I expected something much better.
(4)
Tara L.

Went there for happy hour...great lemon drops, good appetizers but pretty inattentive service made it only a 4 star rather than a 5 star trip. The interior design and open feel of the place was great though and I would go back.
(4)
Sue B.

What a wonderful Italian restaurant! We were seated quickly, waitress was efficient and knowledgeable about the dishes. I enjoyed the butternut squash soup, veggie ravioli with pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes. The soup was creamy and hot but could have used a little more salt and pepper. The ravioli was very tasty and i was able to get a smaller portion so i could enjoy dessert! The tiramisu was just average. The place was very busy and got quite noisy as we were finishing up. My husband had an incredible beet salad and a ground rib eye cannelloni which was very flavorful and a good sized portion. His chocolate mousse dessert was exceptional!! First night in Philly and we made a great choice!!
(4)
Daniel H.

Looking at this place from the outside, we were thinking touristy and gaudy. Eating at this place on the inside and we were thinking, "they should change the way this place looks on the outside!" This is classic example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. We decided to go with small plates, and everything we had was incredible. Tuna tartare, beef carpaccio, and a small order of the antipasto. We also ordered a pasta, but I can't really remember what it was, which should be sign enough that you can skip it on your visit. The food was fresh, well seasoned, and the service was fine. Just what we needed for the evening. We'll be returning to check out the rest of the menu. Join us in turning the first page and discovering the true nature of Positano Coast: the stuff on the inside.
(4)
Lauren C.

I visited this place for lunch during Restaurant Week (although I ordered off the normal menu), so weight my review accordingly. This place was all-around solid, reasonably tasty, not outlandishly expensive Italian fare. The atmosphere is... odd. There's an open-air feeling about the place, with walls painted a variety of blue colors with and without vines and lemons. It toes the line of kitsch. Depending on your sensibilities (and dining partners), this may or may not be an issue for you. The food was pretty reasonable. I had the littleneck clam pasta, which was pretty tasty (and $10, from the normal menu). I was with a group so I also stole bites of a few other dishes too. The salmon and the tiramisu were both a little bit dry, and the flatbread foccacia reminded me weirdly of mayonnaise. The lemon drop martinis were pretty good, but only pretty good, and they're $10 (not $5) if you don't sit in the bar. I would probably come back here if one of my I'll-only-eat-Italian-or-hamburgers friends was visiting. Otherwise, there are probably more interesting places.
(3)
Kristine D.

Slightly older crowd. I only hung out at the bar, where there wasn't a whole lot of places to sit. The outdoor space was not finished, but I imagine in the summer if will be awesome with lots of tables and maybe an outdoor bar. Drinks are a bit pricey, and the crowd is older-professional.
(3)
Sarah K.

One of my favorite restaurants. Great, unique menu and absolutely beautiful place. Nice bar and lounge area if you just want drinks.
(4)
Rachel B.

Lovely atmosphere. Have only been here for happy hour drinks. The lemon drop martini is a steal. The lemon flavor is fantastic. Nice spot to try when in old city.
(4)
Jon N.

Went to dine there once again with the family and yet our expectations of food and service were exceeded yet again
(5)
Dan F.

Breezy, vacation-like vibe for the cloth napkin and Chico's set. If you're 40+ and you dig cruise ship railings, white palazzo pants, and pumping lite jazz, here's where you go to get your branzino herb-crusted with a flute of prosecco on the side. In other words, perfect for me. Menu feels a little random. Not in a "something to please every palate" way but in a "Snoopy and Woodstock prep Thanksgiving" way. - Tomato vinaigrette on tuna - Limoncello sauce on salmon - Truffle oil on branzino - A giant half plum tomato on mahi mahi - Bolognese sauce on NY steak They're not the only ones on the Philly dinner scene to go the random route. Fitzwater Cafe has the same sort of take on dinner. Maybe it has broad appeal? I'd happily return keeping in mind the above.
(3)
Lydia B.

I've been here a few times--usually with large groups where we hung out in the lounge area. I love the atmosphere. In the summer, with the open walls and semi-private lounge areas separated by white floor to ceiling curtains, you almost feel transported out of the city. I'm docking stars because it's inconsistent, both night-to-night and among drinks/small plates. Our server Nick was great, but we had someone else recently who disappeared for really long periods of time, so much so that some in the group resorted to ordering two drinks at once (classy!). My feeling is prices are generally a little steep for the quality of what you get. But, this time was an exception, when we went for Old City Social, and it was a great deal. $3 drink specials (a melon cocktail, two kinds of wine, two domestic beers to choose from) and $2-$4 small plates (i.e., focaccia, great french fries, croquettes, sausage slider). It was a great space to hang out and enjoy the evening.
(3)
L K.

Love this place! The food, drinks and ambiance are great. I feel like I'm on vacation here! It's off the beaten track of old city, so not quite as crazy as 2nd and Market/Chestnut. The staff is very friendly, helpful and prompt. I had the beat salad and salmon. My client had another type of fish (sea bass maybe? I forget) and the spinach salad. All were excellent. I've been here before and always been happy. Prices aren't too bad either.
(5)
Joe D.

This place is not a good value for the price ($16 - $22 for an entree, and sides are not included and cost $6 each). I ordered the veal chop, which for $22 was on the small side, and came with a couple of small onions and some sort of potato cake on the side. It was tasty yet unsatisfying since I was expecting a much larger portion. My calamari appetizer was decent, and was served on top of a nice salad. However, the coup de grÃ¢ce came when I paid $7 for a tiny piece of cheesecake that was about half the size as what's offered in similar restaurants. All told, my wife and I paid around $90 for an appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts, and we were still hungry when we left. The food itself tasted OK, but was really no better than what I would have gotten in a decent catering hall.
(1)
Adrian A.

The ambiance of this restaurant is great. Quaint and romantic especially in the back where the couches are. They serve Italian food and my main dish was the crab cake zucchini. I must say, that it was the best crab cake I've ever tasted. Extremely soft and moist and sits on top of spinach. So for all them other weight watchers, this dish does not make you feel guilty at all. I also had the spicy fried calamari as an appetizer and all I can say is that this dish was fantastic. The spiciness was nothing more than just a little bite so you wot be panting and begging for water. Customer service is very friendly and I can vouch due to the fact I was one of those jerks that came in 30 minutes prior to close. Sorry!
(4)
Jennifer T.

I've heard a lot of good things about Positano Coast so I finally made it there today. I was with a very large party and we sat upstairs in the lounge area near the balcony. THE LOUNGE IS LIKE PARADISE! It was beautiful day today and with all the doors and windows open and the comfy sofas, it was like were sitting in someone's house in Santorini. So beautiful! Ok, to the food. The appetizers were delicious! We ordered almost all of the apps to try out and they were all really good..especially the stuffed calamari. The main entrees were good but nothing that was out of this world. The food is fresh and simple. Overall the place was a little better than OK and I would definitely go back for the atmosphere and the apps.
(4)
Vincent J.

Cool spot to hang out and have some drinks if the girls are working the bar. Try the drink something Sanchez, I cannot remember the first part of the name but it is good. I have eaten here a couple of times and it's a fun place if you like to have tapas and share your food.
(3)
Alice G.

The food and service was really good. I've had better, so I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, but this is a place to get a good meal if you are looking for modern Italian. The farro salad stuck out to me as one of the best dishes, and the gnocchi gorgonzola was scrumptious. Not a very helpful review but this place was good and I would go back.
(4)
Rachel A.

Went here for a girl's night out dinner. We were a party of 8, which was easily accommodated. I was a little confused how to enter the restaurant, considering it was my first time there, but I quickly found a sign that was next to a set of stairs to lead me up to the second floor and to the front door. The inside of the restaurant is quite pretty, however there was a lot of white. Our table was right next to a support beam which made serving several people's food a little tough, but the HOT waiter we had seemed used to it. Yes, our waiter was smokin. I'd go back just to scope him out again. On to the food... We shared the potato croquettes and shrimp and zucchini fritters to start. There were not a lot of the croquettes, and they were quite small. However, there were a lot of the fritters, and they were sooo good! I'd definitely order those again. I then had the Grilled Artichoke Salad, which was amazing. I was a little disappointed at only getting 4 pieces of artichoke that I had to dig for at the bottom of the salad, but over all if was good. I ordered the Tagliatelle Bolognase as a my main meal, and had decided to get the full portion instead of the half. I was glad I did, because I was still really hungry. Getting the half portion would've left me still wanting more, the full portion was still not all that big. For how much food I did receive, I think the price was a little steep ($16). But I do know I was in the city and the prices are higher there no matter what. The service was good, having the eye candy helped too. I would definitely go back and give it another try.
(4)
Catherine L.

If you're trying to impress a special someone with style rather than substance, than Positano Coast is the place for you. Oh yes, it's so snazzy with their chic mediterranean dÃ©cor - sleek lighting, lots of whites and blues - oh my - it's like your on vacation... sort of... Came here for Dining out for Aids. Have previously dined here once or twice and also came for restaurant week. I've also managed to get an errant cocktail here or there. Service, at all times, has always been a bit spotty - and the food too. Portions are small, prices are high and execution is mediocre and uninspired. Last night was particularly bizarre - I don't know if the food runner was on an angry tirade or the food expeditor was out to get us... but our table of five would be partially served at each course...the first: out comes two appetizers. Three or four minutes later, the other three show up. The same thing happened with our dinner but in reverse and this time the wait was significantly longer --- Lastly, came desert, all but one was served, and this poor little chocolate cake arrived only after all of us couldn't wait any longer and had eaten all the other deserts. In the midst of this inconsistent food service, our food runner was very brusque, slamming our plate or bowl down every time he served us. Weird. and a bit scary. Anyhoo, I'd probably go back for a drink if I was hard up to sip a fancy cocktail on a day bed - but I'd probably think twice before I'd spend money to eat there.
(2)
Monica S.

Went to an industry cocktail party at Positano with my friends...I'll lay out the scene. My friends: casually dressed in jeans, sneakers and hoodies vs Other guests: cocktail dresses, stilettos, fine Italian men's suits As you could imagine, my friends wanted to run for the hills, BUT I assured them the cocktails would make up for the awkward company we found ourselves mingling with. Then again, I thought, they are normal. We are outcasts. What did we learn? There's nothing a drink can't fix. I'm now a fan of Positano's cocktails. They feature a fully organic cocktail menu and by next week, they'll have a completely new list in place. The bartenders here spend a ton of prep time getting all the fresh ingredients ready. One of my favorites is the tobacco-infused cachaca (Bazillian rum) cocktail. It's amazing and I don't even smoke anymore. Drinks here are well-balanced and sometimes they even feel like they're good for you.
(4)
Laura D.

This place is beautiful. It gives the sense you're on a Mediterranean vacation. I only came for happy hour so I can't vouch for the food, but the atmosphere was great. Lots of large windows make the place feel open and sunny. Intimate tables with comfy cushions and billowy curtains would make a great spot for a date or small gathering with friends. There's also a small deck area which would be nice in warm weather. The front room with 4-sided bar is larger and more open for socializing during happy hour. I came for a young professionals happy hour, and the crowd was decidedly professional-looking, though a few not so young. But hey, a compliementary drink and $3 wines make me happy so no complaints. Regular happy hour is 5:30-7:30 with a $3 wines, $4 beers, $6 cocktails and happy hour priced apps, fyi. I'd definitely come again for happy hour or to try the food, pretty, intimate atmosphere is enough to make me want to come here.
(4)
MARTIN C.

We were 3mins before the opening for which we got snipped at-they were very helpful with seating for one of our guests who had a disability. The waiter was friendly but not overwhelmingly helpful. The alcoholic drink selection is great but non alcoholic not so good. One of our dishes came out wrong-but was fixed quickly.
(3)
David G.

Stopped by here for lunch on a late Sunday afternoon. My thoughts: Appetizer: I ordered the grilled octopus. It was very good. The meat was thick and mostly juicy, and the onion and other veggies went very well with the octopus, providing a nice contrast in texture with some crunch and in taste as well. The thinnest ends of the octopus were a bit crunchy and charred, admittedly, and I would have preferred those to have been removed. Still, delicious overall. Worth the price at $12. Main: I had the veal marsala, which narrowly won out over the veal parm sandwich. A nice, big piece of veal, plenty of mushrooms, and a sizable helping of capellini, all covered in a tasty marsala sauce. This was also very good. The meat was perhaps a little thinner than I would have liked, but it still worked quite well with the sauce and capellini. The mushrooms were also very good. The whole dish balanced nicely, and everything was in the right proportions. Also $12, and also worth the cost. Service: Very prompt. I had my appetizer within only a few minutes of ordering. It did take some time to remove the empty dish, but I didn't mind that. The main course also came relatively soon after I was done with my appetizer. Overall, a very pleasant meal. 4.5 stars, with only the charred octopus tips keeping it from five stars. I hope to return and try some other offerings.
(4)
Steph H.

Came here for dinner on a beautiful spring day. The windows were open and there was a nice breeze. It was during happy hour so some of the small dishes were half-off. Started off with the prosciutto wrapped melon and then got the gorgonzola gnocchi for my entree. Everything was spectacular and the service was quick and courteous. This would definitely be on my list of "impressive places to bring friends from out of town" which is a big compliment.
(5)
Deborah C.

Positano Coast - Fabulous Restaurant in the heart of Olde City, Philadelphia. Great location, Service and the food is Outstanding, especially the seafood. My daughter and I went here for my birthday celebration and the food was just sooo good, along with the server and staff. I highly recommend Positano Coast for your special meal celebrations. Their lunch menu had quite a few reasonable priced selections too. Definately go here again. Another thing - their Chocolate and Lemon Moose was fantastic! I preferred the lemon, but they were both creamy and delicious.
(5)
Shannon L.

We were here for happy hour, and I must say it's one of the best happy hours I've been to in Philly. They had 2 dollar Kumamoto oysters, which I love, and 1.50 for some other oyster. I have no idea about their lunch and dinner, but I highly recommend their happy hour, which runs from 4.30-7.30 on weekdays (not sure about weekends). It can be a bit crowded around the bar though, and you do need a seat... You can also get other small sides, like fries and breads. 3 dollar yuenglings... I was there mostly for the oysters though. Nice set up and ambiance as well!
(5)
Salima C.

It has been sometime since I was here. maybe a year or so. Before that year I was here 3 times. Each time the food was HORRIBLE. I mean bad. It has amazing ambiance, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the decor...to bad ambiance and decor wasn't on the menu.
(1)
Jung Hee K.

I came here on a Valentine's Day weekend, so that could've added to the chaos,on top of that we were a large group... so the service was slow, but not complaining too much because they were kind. However, I must say nothing here was too stellar- at least for what they were charging. The food was average and the portion sizes were very small, but the experience was rich. I really felt as though I were on the coasts of Italy. I loved the deep blue water effects and the lemon centerpieces. Twas scenic but unfortunately, you can't eat the atmosphere~ so if you're more about the food, this place is not for you. I'm definitely coming back here for another try on a warmer day with a smaller group. I want to try their brunch menu, & hopefully there will be an update.
(2)
Kay S.

3-Food, 3-Ambiance/Cocktails, 4-Service. Let's start with the positive. On a friend's recommendation, I came with a mixed group of friends and business associates. Our waiter was polite, attentive and amiable. He checked on us frequently, offered water and drinks on the regular. At my server's suggestion, I ordered the "Sea Urchin Pasta" ($21). I was intrigued by the black ink fettuccine pasta with crab meat. It was flavorful but I could have done without the large pieces of sliced garlic. Perhaps, I've been spoiled by my Italian exBF cooking skills and was appalled by their attempt to pass "mozzarella breading" as stuffed fried calamari ($12). The menu said they were stuffed with spinach and some type of sauce. The calamari was rather anemic in size and mostly breading. I was too tired and hungry to make a complaint. I also ordered a Caesar Salad ($9) with decent portion of chicken and nice, crisp green lettuce. Now, the redeeming quality of the restaurant is its unique decor. The fact it's in a second story provides an escape from the hustle and crowd in Old City. If I were to go back, I'd return with someone I was romantically involved with. It'd be nice to sit on white comfy couch and have a full on make-out session as other patrons (unimpressed with their calamari) stare at us with envy. In their defense, it was 11 pm and we were the only diners in the place. The other two couples were drinking and on the verge of baby-making. Bottom line: I'd return for cocktails. It is a good place to bring friends and catchup over a glass of wine.
(3)
Guy D.

We stopped here a year ago for a quick snack before a movie. It was pretty good. Yesterday my family and I came here for a small birthday lunch. The food was mediocre, at best. The waiter seemed confused and unsure of his duties. We got beer in old-fashioned glasses, not beer glasses. We will not be eating here again. Much better restaurants in Philly than this one.
(2)
Michelle C.

I'd give 3 stars for the food and 4 for the ambiance. Since I'm feeling nice today, I'll round up to 4 stars total. I was meeting a friend for dinner and knew we were going to get into some deep conversations. I wanted a place with a relaxed atmosphere and chill vibe, so we went to Positano Coast. The bar area on a Tuesday was really dead, which was fine with us. I'm not crazy about the happy hour specials ~ $4 for a 3 ounce glass of wine didn't really feel like a deal, but whatev. Our dinner reservations were for 7:30, and we were led to the dining room, which was filled with an older crowd and some business types. I asked if there was anywhere else to sit, and we were taken to the lounge area which was perfect. Little nooks with comfy chairs and pillows were sectioned off by gauzy curtains, which made for a really intimate setting. We had the antipasto to start, which was a great match to the fresh bread and olive oil that was brought to the table. For dinner we ordered the branzino and chicken rollatini entrees, plus a side of gnocchi gorgonzola. The food was good but entrees were on the smaller side so I'd recommend getting a couple side items for every two people. I'll definitely be back next time I want to unwind and feel like I'm on a mini vacation!
(4)
Danielle L.

Went here for drinks after dinner on a Saturday night, great atsmophere, great hip electro techno music mixed with sped up radio hits. Bartenders... helpful and easygoing! I didnt know what I wanted and he made me a drink not on the memo, with pressco, raspberries and kumkwats. Unexpected and tasted great.
(4)
Food For T.

Been here a few times and it never disappoints. I especially like their grilled octopus.
(5)
Jen B.

Love this restaurant, have been twice. Eating outside is nice on a summer night. The decor is beautiful. No one makes a better crab cake! Do you hear me?! No one! The best!
(5)
Ann V.

I agree with everything that was stated in Aaron O's review of this place And to add to that.. the waitstaff is absolutely horrendous! Can they move any slower?! I gave it two tries, never again.
(1)
Alexander M.

Positano Coast was my first stop for Restaurant Week 2011. Michelle C. hits the nail on the head. The ambiance and the design is a 4, maybe a five. We were sat by the window with a nice view of the street, and on comfy little ottomans. The place does a good job of making you feel very rich and European. The drink selection is great (though much of it out of my price range, unfortunately; I did enjoy my Chimay though), and the food, while not necessarily exceptional, was solid. I had a Wild Boar served with linguine, served nice and hot- surprisingly tasty. My girlfriend got the gnocchi- good stuff, nothing too fancy. A note: both times I've been here have been before trying to catch a movie at the Ritz Five. In both cases we felt pressed for time, this time getting out too late to sit anywhere decent in the theater. This may have made the service feel slower than it actually was. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend trying to sneak in dinner here before a show; it is absolutely perfect, however, for good food and drinks *after* your show.
(4)
Josie D.

The atmosphere is one of the best in the city, in my opinion. Me and my boyfriend always sit in the lounge. Its comfortable and makes it dinner so much more intimate and creates a whole different feeling then you get at most restaurants. The food is always good. We've gone twice, first time was absolutely amazing and the second time we weren't as impressed with the service. The second time it was much more crowded and decided to take a table outside. I think it might have been because it was getting fairly cold, but our waitress let us sit a while after we were done which was sort of annoying, but she was shivering so I'll give her a break and say it was only cause it was cold. Their lounge is definitely one of my favorite places to have a meal in the city though.
(4)
Caitlyn H.

Extremely expensive, but you definitely get what you paid for. We had a group of 10 come in for happy hour. The bar service was meh (they forgot about a few of our drinks), but to their defense it was crazy busy. They seated us surprisingly quickly on the outdoor balcony. For having such a large group, the service was a lot quicker than expected. They did forget one of our appetizers, which no one realized until after dinner, so that was our fault as much as it was theirs. But the food was EXCELLENT. I had the grilled octopus appetizer and for dinner the squid ink pasta with sea urchin and crab. I am a very adventurous eater so I was really happy with the more unusual items on the menu, but they do have more traditional fare as well. Overall, we had a great visit. I would definitely come back, but only for a special occasion, or maybe just for happy hour.
(4)
Randy F.

Great appetizers and drinks. Actually, the meal I had there once wasnt bad either, but the ambience and the overall setting is what makes this a great place. Especially in the summer.
(4)
Liz Q.

The service here was wonderful. The ambiance perfect. The cuisine is tasty, especially their crab cakes!
(5)
Joanne W.

I used to come here every month. It's a place I love but always forget about since its farther from the other restaurants Im in love with. The quality is amazing and it leaves you wondering why the food pairings haven't been realized somewhere else. This review is for my restaurant week experience, however. I haven't been here in a while and saw that they were listed on restaurant week! Yay! I was so excited, I was going to order three (one for my boyfriend and myself and one to share and take home if we didn't finish)...thank goodness we didn't. The quality for restaurant week was disgusting. I was so turned off by the server and the service that I just wanted to leave. When I came in on time for my reservation, I asked to sit in the lounge area. At this time, I saw a guy stop my server and whisper something not to nice to her. Fun enough, he was our server...who seemed pissed we were seated so late. He rushed us for a drink order, though i had questions. I was asking my boyfriend if I should get the "sanchez" and the server butted in and said, "the sanchez? Ok! And for you sir?" ....blah. whatever, how can alcohol go wrong, right? Well, it did. I didn't like it at all. The server never checked on it and I left it alone on the side of the table. I later order a wine and still didn't touch my drink after the initial sip and I was trying to make it obvious that the drink was a no-go...but the server still didn't seem to care that I didn't like my drink. Our first course was served but I didn't really care for the cold, fried food. But my boyfriend enjoyed cold calamari....until the server cleared it before it was done. I order my favorite dish, the Sea Urchin Pasta....and I regretted it. It wasn't as good as before. My boyfriend's branzino was lacking flavor also. Disappointing!!! Creme Brulee was good. Tiramisu could be better... I won't give this place a bad score because it was generally amazing for me, but the service really hurt my experience during restaurant week. I'll be back when restaurant week is over. Just as I said for my Fogo review, maybe it was just restaurant week!
(5)
Meredith G.

Ventured here for a young friend's 21st birthday. I've passed this place numerous times, and it was on my list of places to try. The decor itself was stunning, you really felt as if you were outside of the United States. We sat in the lounge area the entire time, right near the bar. All of the food we were going to eat was pre-picked, and waiters brought out numerous sampler dishes throughout the night. Some of the samplers were: crispy focaccia (roasted zuchinni, ricotta, mozzarella, truffle oil), warm bread and oil, fish tacos, meatballs, gnocchi in a Gorgonzola sauce, salad, etc. Everything was delicious. The focaccia was my favorite (truffle oil!!). Along with the food, I ordered two bottles of their 2008 Antinori 'Santa Cristina' Sangiovese wine. Split the two bottles between myself and two others. It was a delicious enough wine to order twice. While there, I heard they have great lemon drop martinis and shots, so in celebration of a 21st, myself and a few others enjoyed a lemon drop shot. I don't take shots often, but this was delicious, especially the fresh lemon covered in sugar. I can't wait to recommend to others, and return another time.
(4)
Shirley Y.

Came here on a Friday for HH, which starts 5:30 and goes till about 7:30. You can order from the HH menu at the bar or in the back patio area. Lemon drop martinis are $5 and are yummy sweet refreshing! There's also a selection of HH items by the piece to munch on including oysters, lamb, potato croquettes and sausage sliders. They were all delicious! Also tried the spicy crabcake on the regular menu, which wasn't much spicy at all to me but was huge and had large chunks of crab meat and not much filler. It sat on top a deconstructed clam chowder sauce of potatos, veggies and 2 large clams. One of the, if not the best crab cake I've had. I've tried several desserts here on a previous visit with several girlfriends. All were quite good... my favs were the tiramisu and this fried rice pudding balls. Mushroom and asparagus risotto is also very good. Food is on the pricy side but I wouldn't mind coming back again to try some more dishes.
(4)
Jeannie K.

Great food and atmosphere 01/07/2008 I've been here a few times now, twice in a large group and once with a date - and their food is consistently fresh and delicious. The service can be slow, but then, our group had 18 people so that might have had something to do with it (and the time that I went with a date, we just ordered way too much food). For appetizers, the oysters and the grilled seppia (squid-like seafood) were very good and the prosciutto persimmon was interesting. Beef carpaccio excellent and the olives, delicious. Entree: the osso bucco is excellent, and I think the boar was good but I don't remember it and couldn't get it the last time I went. The lamb was very good and the skate was heavier than I would have liked but it was okay. Dessert: I had the chilled berry soup which was refreshing. Overall, a favorite!
(5)
Ny R.

I have been here at least 2-4 times with company lunches and friends. I have to say that the food is really good there. The atmosphere is really nice as well. The waitresses have always been very polite and very quick. When I came here with friends, I usually came during lunch and ordered the paninis which are amazing. It was priced fairly and came with fries. Yum! I would give this place a 5-star if it was more affordable. Everything besides the paninis are a bit pricey. Other than that, I think this place is a perfect Italian restaurant. I would come here again.
(4)
Aileen M.

Great food in a great atmosphere. They have some amazing organic cocktails and their happy hour (I'm the queen of happy hours) is not to be missed! The bartenders are very friendly and outgoing. Love the outdoor seating above the street and the trippy bathrooms. I'm knocking off one star because a few times the food has come out a bit later than I had hope or the servers weren't sure who the food was going to. But definitely a spot to check out if you're in Old City.
(4)
Ted C.

It was my first time coming here. We came for dinner to celebrate my friends birthday. First impressions was that this place has a one of a kind decor and atmosphere. Seated on the cobble stone sections of Olde City and Society Hill this place comes across as though your in the heart of an Italian city that overlooks the coast. The colors and open air bar design is sure to be a hit for impressing anyone. Everyone at my table order a different dish for dinner but unfortunately I can only write about my own. I ordered the New York Steak Bolognese($19). First I need to address that I have never been a fan of expensive small portioned plates and this steak was just that. I was a little shocked because after observing what size of everyone's dish I noticed that mine, being one of the more expensive dishes, was the smallest. Portion size set aside, the steak was cooked perfect, the bolognese sauce was very smooth and complemented the steak well. It was hard to pace myself from my usually routine of devouring my food, but if it wasn't for my request for more bread I probably would of left this place hungry. The next time around I will order something else for the sheer reason that quantity is better than quality for me. The service was average. Our waitress wasn't as attentive as most, but the guys who filled our water or cleared the dishes jumped right on any request we needed when the waiter wasn't around. This place gets 3 stars for now because I have had slightly better when it comes to portion size and prices. Yet, I am still a fan.
(3)
Bobby P.

Great place with a relaxed atmosphere for drinks with friends, with a surprisingly good deal available for wine by the glass ($10-15 for 9 ounces, essentially 2 glasses). They also offer a small selection of organic mixed drinks if you're feeling adventurous. Since I'm always feeling adventurous, I tried the sinner something or other, with gin, cucumber and Thai basil. Very refreshing, and good enough to convince everyone that tried mine to order one. Service is somewhat lax, which can be positive or negative depending on your needs. I'll hold off on rating the food, since the only time I've eaten here was for a rehearsal dinner. The meal was pretty good, but I don't know that it would be a good reflection of what you would get just walking in off the street. Come on a comfortable evening with a nice breeze to really appreciate the setting. Preferably not on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
(3)
Peter R.

I went here earlier in the week to eat for the first time and really liked it. Food was great, service is super friendly and timely. It was priced well so I invited people from work to go, and they handled 7 people very well. Everyone liked it!!
(4)
Hoa T.

LOVE the atmosphere here. You get the feel that you are in a different world of the Mediterranean away from Philly. Great deals on wine either by the glass, 9oz, 1/2 liter to a liter. We had the anitpasto italiano which is big enough for 2. There was a good variety of cheeses and cured meats. Service was fast and efficient. I would definitely come back here to try out more of the menu. It is interesting to note that they have very good deals for happy hour. $3 for 3oz of wine, $5 cocktail specials, and $3 beer.
(4)
Erin W.

Boyfriend and I came here the first Friday night of Restaurant Week, but didn't end up ordering off the Restaurant Week menu. What can I say, boyfriend isn't a salad or dessert person. It turned out to be a better experience once we had access to the full menu, anyway. The sesame crusted tuna with Asian cole slaw were excellent, as was the mushroom and asparagus risotto we shared on the side. However, the most delicious thing of all was the "Diva" drink our server suggested I try : Vodka, CrÃ¨me de Framboise, lime, Prosecco, and raspberry puree. It was like heaven in a glass. At the recommendation of a friend, we asked to be seated in the lounge, and got this romantic little sofa with low hanging lanterns and white net curtains. The tables were a little low for eating dinner off of, but it was well worth it. We ended up spending close to 5 hours relaxing, eating, drinking, enjoying the ambience. It was pretty great, until the DJ started blaring music throughout the entire restaurant, and the dance party started. Our waiter saw boyfriend and I look around uncomfortably at the intrusion of loud, thumping music, and immediately had it turned way, way down in the lounge. There was a group of (totally polite and considerate!) drunk girls celebrating a birthday a few sofas away, but even their constant picture-taking and snaking dance train couldn't dampen the whole "date night" feel. Maybe next time I'll boogie on down, too, depending on how many Divas I drink. Unfortunately for me, I don't think there are enough Divas in the world to get boyfriend to join me.
(4)
Lan G.

I mostly go there for their lounge music and relaxing atmosphere. It's definitely a great place to go to hang out with friends and grab a drink after dinner. You can actually hear each other without having to raise your voice. They have many organic cocktails which are very interesting.
(4)
Karol S.

I'm a fan of the ambiance and the service, but the food was nothing extraordinary and disappointingly overpriced for the portions you receive. We ordered a couple specials and appetizers, including the bison carpacio which was good. I had the cioppino as my entree. Honestly, I was disappointed---It was primarily a dish of mussels, and a few teeny tiny baby clams, and lots of potato dumpling, ie. gnocchi. Not a trace of shrimp, squid, or other seafood variety. Looking back at the menu description, it includes only "seppia, clams, and mussels"---just know that you'll primarily get mussels, so opt for the mussel appetizer dish instead. My friends had the ahi tuna and the sea urchin pasta, which were apparently good. Portions are small. Desserts: the chocolate mousse cake is very good! and the risotto dessert was interesting---essentially fried rice pudding balls. I may give it another try, given the amazing ambiance. But that cioppino dish was highly disappointing.
(3)
Erica M.

We would probably give Positano Coast 2.5 stars. We arrived without a reservation and had a drink at the bar while they waited to see if they had any no-shows. I had the red sangria, bf had a glass of Riesling. The sangria was delicious but it was obvious it hadn't been refrigerated - it was warm when I first got it. When the bartender poured the wine, he poured it more sloppily than most bartenders at dive bars. He ended up pouring a substantial stream of it right on the bar. They came to get us to be seated and our waiter came over promptly. We ordered shortly thereafter - I got the stone crab tacos and bf got the sea urchin pasta. The food was brought out so quickly we were concerned it was all premade. No joke, it came within 10 minutes. The filling of the stone crab tacos was DELISH, but the fried taco shells were unbelievably greasy. I actually picked out the filling and ate it by itself because seeing all the grease from the tacos on my hands made me kinda queasy. The portion was even smaller than I expected, even though I knew it was an appetizer portion (the tacos were each about 2-3 inches big). Bf's pasta dish was only OK...not a whole lot of flavor. We had to ask our waiter twice for water. The bread was good, but it came after we got our entrees, which I thought was a bit weird. Our server was nice, but he was running around like crazy. When he cleared our plates it was so fast and loud and clunky. The restaurant itself was just LOUD...there were people in club gear just standing around the tables chatting as if we were in a lounge instead of a dining room. Overall, we were disappointed. I would go back for the outdoor lounge if I were in the area, but definitely not for dinner.
(2)
Mike V.

Great spot, wow this place is huge. Defintely a delicious spot, good selection of Italian cuisine, a bit pricey but well worth it. Come check it out.
(4)
Monica J.

Went here for lunch when I was in Philly for a weekend. Beautiful day, restaurant is very open and spacious. Great place to hang out and relax and the service is great. We all ordered a different salad with chicken and avocado and it was great. Some of the chicken strips were a bit dry but with the salad, dressing and avocado it worked out fine. Great place to enjoy a nice day and while away an afternoon. We all enjoyed this place so much that we had planned to return for dinner, unfortunately that didn't work out but I would definitely like to go back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Karen C.

First time, and it won't we the last! We ordered practically everything listed on the menu. My favorite fishes were the artichoke soup,grill octopus and salads were good too. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with out meal from beginning to end. Service, eh...I can't really rate them just yet. There were 7 of us and majority of us were women, I felt rushed. But I'm sure service would be better for 2. I'm looking for to going back. Very satisfied.
(4)
Nicole L.

Love atmosphere, good and drinks are great
(5)
Gary S.

OK - been living in the nabe and coming to the Ritz movie theatre across the street for a couple of years and finally got around to checking out Positano Coast. Crowd is what you'd expect, I suppose - mostly older, kind of stuffy, dressed up, probably lots of folks from Society Hill Towers across the street. Definitely not many hipsters or tats here. Setting is really nice here. Lots of bar seating and outdoor seating and on a nice evening it is a great setting. The food was actually surprisingly good. We had the grilled artichoke salad with arugula and shaved paremesan, and the yellowfin tuna crudo special - which really seemed more like tuna tartare. Both were excellent. Next course were the mussels, side of wild mushrooms and crab and zucchini fritters. Mussels were great, as were the fritters. Fritters especially were a really ample serving. Mushrooms were just OK - not seasoned enough. Wine by the glass is a great deal - a full 9 oz pour, which is unusual. It's not cheap but I think if you avoid the big ticket small plates and stick with the lighter fare (avoiding the meat dishes, for example) it is really not that bad. Service was friendly, but the kitchen was slow - almost missed our movie and actually didn't have time to finish all our food even though we had left ample time.
(3)
Sarah G.

After having several wonderful dining experiences in Philly, this was the noticeable low point for me. The decor felt cheesy, cheap, and dated. What's with the random articles of clothing laquered to the walls? What's with the bright blue tile? This is Philly, not Miami. I didn't get it and it did not evoke the Amalfi Coast at all for me. I also was not impressed with the menu. I had the wild boar ragu and it was ok. My friend had the crabcake - it was HUGE but she didn't love it. It should have been spicier. I tasted another person's duck, and I found it to be a bit overdone. Eh - I don't know, everything about this place just screamed TRYING TOO HARD. I think there are better options in the area, especially for the price.
(2)
Annie P.

My boyfriend and I always come back here for the great service and the crudo bar...we are seated in the lounge every time and it is an atmosphere that is very relaxing and romantic. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Cade O.

Extremely knowledgeable waitstaff, talented mixologists/bartenders, tasteful menu and perfect portions...what's not to love?
(5)
Stephanie C.

Awesome environment, great food, and nice decor. Since its right in the city, it's a nice place to go to before a night out with friends. The crab cakes are my favorite but everything else I've had is delicious too. Might be a bit overpriced for the portions you receive so if you want the meal to fill you up you would probably have to order an appetizer as well.
(4)
Adam C.

Friend's birthday dinner. One year anniversary of the birthday dinner we spent at Distrito, so horrifying visions of fields of cilantro filled my mind prior to dinner. Could it be that awful again? Thankfully, no. No cilantro, and a cheaper bill to boot. Not to say that PC is cheap... but you don't actually have to order the multiple dishes they say you do. Going as a fairly large group (we were six) helps. Our plan was to each order one dish - could pick from entrees, starters, or sides - share, then, we did it again. Was a very good plan and wound up being enough food at a fairly reasonable cost to everyone. The service was... well, the service was pretty. He was a very nice waiter, with very nice hair, and just his shirt opened just far enough. And he spoke English in that perfect grey area, with that slightly altered cadence that indicates he speaks amazingly, nearly fluidly for a non-native speaker... or, he never appropriately learned to speak correctly at all and has a mild impediment. He lost our order that he wrote down, came back and got it again, came back after he forgot some of it, and then we never got everything we ordered. But he was pretty. The bread is amazing. Amazing. I just want the bread. I don't care that it was my favorite part of the meal. I loved it. Let's see... dishes. Nice eclectic seafood selection - sea urchins, prawns, branzino. All very good. Interesting meats - duck, lamb, boar. Duck was a little spicy for me. And interesting sides as well. My companions also appreciated the drink menu - again, unique, eclectic selections. The restaurant was quiet on a Sunday night, and a little cool to eat out on the patio. It was a lovely atmosphere. Great place for a group so you can sample a lot of the menu. Service, while poor, didn't really make the meal less enjoyable. But most importantly, I had plenty to eat that wasn't doused in cilantro.
(4)
Terry C.

The atmosphere is so relaxing. Definitely ask to be seated in the lounge it's very intimate and nice for good drinks and conversation with dear friends! In warm weather they open all of the windows and it feels like you are sitting on the patio of a nice villa. The lighting is low, curtains and beautiful fabrics adorn the windows, and the couches are comfortable and inviting. There are huge illuminated photographs of Mediterranean scenes - which look more like Santorini or Mykonos than anywhere I've seen on the Amalfi... Which is a bit confusing, but if you suspend reality for a bit and just accept the decor it becomes a magical place! The menu is pretty good - however, bear in mind that this is a "small plate" / Italian inspired tapas restaurant. The crudo changes daily and is always fresh. The bison carpaccio is beautiful and tender. The grilled tiger prawns are out of this world. And the grilled octopus is outstanding! The wine menu is pretty good and if you get the right server he / she will let you sample as many wines as you want! Go with good friends and get caught up over wine, small plates, and great seafood!
(5)
Steve S.

Very kid friendly. Went there recently with our son and another couple and their child. The service was great considering we had two kids with us; staff was more than accommodating. The food was great and reasonably priced. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Pam D.

Beautiful! As soon as I walked in I felt like i had stepped off a plane right onto the Alfani Coast. A few friends and I stopped by for Happy Hour and it was probably one of the better happy hours I've been to in the city. Wide variety of tasty food ( mussels, oysters, hummus, delicious gnocchi, shrimp tempura). The happy hour prices were great! (Most expensive item is only $6bucks. The bartenders were true Mixologists with a wide knowledge base of liquors and drinks. I had the lemon drop which was fantastic!!! If anyone is an alcohol drinker I would certainly recommend the drink! I also tried the organic cocktail and it was a house infused vodka drink that was out of this world! The decor and the music were Chic, Modern, and down right beautiful! We set a the bar but there were several different seating options throughout the restaurant including intimate couches overlooking outside. This place is a true Gem in Old City!!! I can't wait to come back during the summer months! Certainly try out their happy hour it did not disappoint!
(4)
MeMe M.

This place is real "sexy"...(in the summer). Nice for a first date or a fancy girls night out. Definietly dont go if you are hungry because you wont get full from their serving sizes unless you plan on ordering a lot and spendinfg a lot of $$$! But over all its cool for just a bite and maybe a few drinks
(2)
Tanya T.

Wow! This place is a complete disconnect from the surrounding area. We were touring the Olde Town and Independence Hall area and found this restaurant that I recognized from an ad in the tourist magazine. Normally, that would be a turnoff, but after we checked out the menu I thought we have to come back if we get a chance. We did and are very happy we made the trip. The decor is great! It really has a Mediterranean feel. The hostess was superb, constantly checking on us. And the food - yum! Yum! YUM! We got a delicious cocktail to start - I believe it is the Man Sinner? With gin, cucumber and basil (an maybe more but I can't recall). It was delicious. Appetizers: we had the grilled octopus and crab zucchini fritters. The Octopus was unbelievably tender and perfectly flavored and blackened on the edges. Never, ever, have I had octopus like that. The fritters were disappointing though (thus contributing to the 4 stars). They were over cooked - they "tasted" like oil. But, if they had been cooked properly the large pieces of crab would have knocked me out. Great potential. We had Bronzini and Ciopinno for entrees. The Ciopinno was almost smoky, not the light tomato broth - another problem with the cooking time though (also contributing to the 4 stars) the fish inside was slightly overdone. But the potato Gnocchi inside were pillowy - perfect! The bronzini was perfect, not overdone, and just delicious with a parsley root puree and very light leeks and carrots. Both were outstanding. And, the amount of food was perfect with the delicious bread they place on the table. The portions are small compared to the norm - but I always welcome that. We were actually able to get two appetizers and two entrees and not have leftovers or be overstuffed. Perfect! I would go to this place if I am ever in Philly again. It was a great atmosphere with excellent service and delicious, unique food.
(4)
Morgan F.

The only bad thing I will say about this place is that the portions are small and meant to be shared, this is stated on the menu. They recommend each patron get 2 dishes at least, at $17-27 bucks a pop this is very unlikely for people in my socioeconomic bracket. I'm the type to eat at bar counters. I hit the occasional Italian Joint in Souf Philly. I generally don't get out to "classy spots". I'm a cheap ass if you haven't gotten my drift yet. For some reason, on a Sunday, I decided I wanted good food. The Bitch and I moseyed down to Old City to find a joint, we wandered past a few spots, checking out various places. Too expensive, has the word "fusion" in it, music is way too loud, people serving here are dressed like Betsey Ross " ah. Hmm. second floor, Huge floor plan, beautiful decor and i can sit outside in November... I'm in. The service is PERFECT. Very European style , they leave you alone (the group next to us sat there after they ate for an additional hour or so without being stared down or asked if anything else was needed) , seem to show up just when needed, are quiet and unobtrusive. Lovely. (and cute for that matter, every one who worked there was at least an 8- 81/2) I ordered a glass of Malbec for 13 bucks. I figured it was probably good wine for that price by the glass. OH BUT JOY! It was 2 glasses in a mini carafe, how cost effective! We did not order an appetizer even though they did look delish and went right to the entrees. I ordered a Veal steak with tiny veggies and some kind of jus. I died. I did, i died and i went straight to hell for submitting to the temptation of this decadent dish. It was perfect, it was better than perfect, there isn't even a word for how amazing this dish was. I wanted to sop up every last drop of the jus! The Man ordered a chicken parm dish with a side of fettuccine and was very shocked when he received what appeared to be fried egg rolls and breaded meatballs. it was tiny fillets of chicken rolled and balled with the cheese stuffed inside, it was also quite heavenly. We then ordered dessert. I had the creme brulee which was the only disappointing part of the meal. I wholeheartedly enjoy cracking the top of the creme brulee with my spoon, this took barely a tap. The sugar shell was barely there. the creme itself was divine and light. The Man ordered the gelato of the day which was an apple marscapone, I was immediately jealous and had to keep myself from swallowing his dessert whole. The whole bill amounted to $74 which i think is MORE than fair. AND they gave us a $10 gift certificate for joining them for the first time. Everything about this place was amazing. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light dinner in a relaxing atmosphere! (This place also does byob Sundays and Mondays for no corkage fee!!)
(4)
Maureen L.

I've eaten here a few times and always enjoyed it, however, this time I was greatly disappointed. We had steak, bolognese, crab cake and the flounder special. Portions were small and the taste was bland. Menu was boring. Won't be going back.
(1)
Matt R.

On a warm and breezy Spring evening we climbed to Positano Coast for the first time. We needed a few happy hour drinks and a bite to eat. I'll start with the good. Postiano Coast has a unique open air layout. It sits a story above street level with nice views of Old City. I think they succeed in capturing the southern Italian vibe with the white walls and white drapes. We sat at the tile-topped bar to make the most out of the open air. The warm breeze blowing set the scene for an enjoyable experience. Then we tried to order. We sat patiently with the last party's dirty dishes and were ignored by everyone for a good five minutes. The dishes were cleared and a drink menu was dropped off. No food menu - do they have food? We asked for a happy hour menu and were told to wait. It literally took another five minutes for them to produce a happy hour menu. We ordered two glasses of sangria, which took another five plus minutes. Add it up and we sat at the half-full bar for close to twenty minutes before we were served our first drink. I gazed in awe at how slowly things were moving and how unimportant we were to the bartender. We ordered three appetizers to split as I guzzled my drink. I was very dehydrated from walking around before arriving, multiplied by waiting for so long. The small plates came in a reasonable amount of time but were delivered by someone other than the bartender. Our drinks sat empty for close to ten minutes while we sat invisibly. I see that many other yelpers have given Positano positive reviews. I sometimes I question whether I am judging prematurely, or may have caught a place on a bad day.
(1)
Patrice B.

I go to this place for one reason! Lemon Drop Martini! Hello there my friend I've missed you so much. I swear there is a drug in them cus I'm always feeling mighty frisky when I leave. Maybe its the hot servers? Seriously. They are all male, tall, dark and handsome. The ambiance is very nice. I love the color blue! Food is okay but I have only tried apps from Happy Hour menu so can't really be too judgmental. Again Lemon Drop Martini!!
(4)
Philip K.

One of the few places we have almost walked out of mid meal. Food was fine, but the service was horrendous - made us wait beyond reservation time in an empty period, massive delays in delivering dishes, didn't know the menu well, etc. maybe it was an off night for the server, which happens. But not likely to return.
(2)
Nick V.

This is a grate place, you have to sit in the back and open the windows in the spring. I love this place for the great atmosphere and good food. I would put it on the higher end of the price scale but its worth it.
(4)
Christina M.

Wonderful food. Refreshing tastes on the menu. When you are sick of the same old. Want a touch of daring to go with some simple tapas. We enjoyed the food and the beautiful decor. Our service was also very good. I have never been a fan of close, two tops together. So intimacy is not achieved for guests on a busy night indoors. But the outside seating for the summer looks nice. It is located on the cobblestone in Old City with a pretty view when outside.
(4)
Nitasha S.

This is a very nice place, looks, food, and service! The bar is a square so you can see everyone around it. The food is italian, however it has a modern twist on it. After tasting a lot of things on the menu (I'm a sharer so I taste everyone's food that I go with). There were certain things on their menu I could have done without (zucchini crab fritters). However their spicy crabcake was very good (large, but not that spicy, yet still tasty). I also really enjoyed their manicotti like meal *sorry can't remember the name* and their orange glazed fried risotto with pork shoulder *again can't remember the exact name*. Their wine is decently priced but I hear you HAVE to have their lemon drop martini's so I'm definitely going back there. Their wait staff was very attentive and their tiramisu is something to try as well!
(4)
Kristin B.

I will keep this short, as everyone else has gone into great detail. I wasn't impressed. The food was mediocre, overpriced, and with the exception of our bottle of wine, the cocktails weren't even that great. It's not that it was bad. It's just that when you drop 150-200 dollars on an evening out with that "special someone" you want it to be worth it. This is not. Save your money. Go elsewhere.
(2)
Kathleen M.

I went for drinks and an early Saturday dinner. Two of us were seated quickly, the wine helpings were generous and reasonably priced, and the service was friendly. The variety and quality of all of the food choices was amazing. We had soup, potato croquettes, a cheese plate, and some sort of yummy meat ball. There is something to satisfy every palate!
(4)
Nik F.

I just celebrated my birthday at positano coast with 40 of my friends. Marianna was an absolute pleasure to work with. it isn't the easiest planning a party for so many people, but she made it very smooth for me and put my mind at ease. the service was perfect; delicious food was constantly replenished, drinks were constantly filled. the dj played music as requested and made sure everyone was on the dance floor. i come here frequently for drinks, but they definitely proved to me that they can accomodate large parties! everyone left happy, especially the birthday girl! :)
(5)
J K.

Great meal at Positano Coast! I really loved this place! Excellent service, cool contemporary decor, upscale crowd, interesting and well executed menu! Location across from the Ritz 5 movie makes it a good stop for a pre-movie dinner, or drinks and a light bite. Particularly enjoyed the appetizer of mussels with chorizo (huge portion!) and the wild boar ragu entree. They also offer a "crudo" menu which looked interesting but we didn't try. Total tab including wine and tip was $120 for 2.
(4)
Tina C.

Great food and drinks! Awesome place for happy hour! $5 lemondrops? I'll take it! Bartenders are very nice and caring! Food is good and very tasteful. We had a launch work/preparty event before a movie screening and it was perfect! EVERYONE was so accomadating adn respected our wants and needs. Drinks were flowing, fodo was wonderful! CANNOT wait to go back :-)
(4)
Caitlin C.

This is about as close as some of us are ever going to get to Positano. And it is almost exactly like the real Almafi Coast. Aldo Lamberti has done a great job recreating the feeling: hand-painted tiles, lemon-filled vases, stone fountains, wall landscapes of the coast and flowing white curtains. This is such a chic place to take someone for a drink, or even dinner if you like them that much. I recommend hitting the Sopra Lounge where you can order the Positano Lemon Drop or Siciliano (peach vodka, cranberry juice and Amaro Averna). Oh and how could i forget to mention the singular menu item that makes Positano Coast different from any restaurant: crudo. Crudo is an Italian delicacy that you can't really find in the states. I passed as I perfer the Japanese sushi to the Italian version. But after a few Siciliano's, why not?
(4)
Pachi C.

Food: Some unique selections Service: Decently attentive Price: Reasonable, expect $30+ per person I went with my sister for Restaurant week. The $34.99 set menu offered generous selections (but not portions!) - and gave a good tasting of a lot of their signature dishes from their regular menu. I give this place four stars for the unique-ness in menu selection. 1. Mahi Crudo: this is the Italian version of sashimi. A 3 inch diameter circle of raw mahi topped with light tomatoes, mozarella, etc. Light and tasty. 2. Squid Ink pasta with crab and sea urchin. I was fearful this would be incredibly overwhelmed by the sea urchin, but it was not. However, it was almost to the point where I also couldn't taste sea urchin at all, which may displease some. In general, well flavored and not disappointing. My first tasting of black squid ink pasta. The crab was flavorful and fresh, but the pasta was a little watery. Overall still a good dish. 3. Dessert: we shared the tiramisu (light and fluffy), chocolate mousse (thick and not too sweet), and the profiteral (cream puffs stuffed with pistachio gelato - was delicious, but I preferred the cream puffs fluffier). It's true what they say - small portions and slow service, but that's how they do it in Italy!
(4)
Clarissa D.

I have passed by this place so many times and never wanted to go inside and try it. But I finally did one Saturday night with a friend and I have returned since - I even took my Mom when she was in town. What I like most is the atmosphere and food. The atmosphere is clean, casual, but very put together and modern - sophisticated without being stuffy or fake. It has a nice blue-white motif throughout. There is a bar area on the left when you enter that is filled out by some well-dressed, happy looking people. And then some low-set white couches in front of you. And then to the right is the main dining area with a nice lay out of tables so that it does not feel crowded or desolate either. The food is amazing too - some great fish, meat dishes (one night we had bison which was good), great pasta dishes (the gnocchi side dish is a creamy, buttery, smooth masterpiece), and the drinks are strong and well-prepared. The waiters and waitresses are friendly and seem enthusiastic about the food which is refreshing. They have great homemade ice cream in cool flavors like almond biscotti and lavender as well. Ive just never had a bad experience here. And Sunday is BYOB.
(5)
David B.

I went to Positano coast with some Italian friends from Bari (Puglia). So let's start saying that the environment is just amazing, The curtains, the couches, the relaxed atmosphere with the low lights. Amazing, Especially if you are lucky enough to have a beautiful weather that goes with it, then you are all set. Said that, I can honestly admit (as an Italian and as a chef) that the food is NOT a good representative of the positano coast's food or Italian food at all. We decided to make several selections and share everything so we had a chance to taste a little bit of the whole deal. Since it's pretty cold out we started with hot appetizers: Grilled octopus, potato croquettes and stuffed fried calamari. The octopus was definitely the best in this first selection, the food had a great presentation, but at the end we were all thinking that it could be totally improved. First of all the presentation was attacking most part of the food itself, second of all, the food itself was not exceptional or adequate to the taste of what an Italian dish from the positano coast should represent, in other words, the appetizer 's quality overall was just "passable". I was not that impressed.. We then passed to the entrees. I had the bronzino of course ( spelled erroneously Branzino on the menu, pretty weird since the staff seemed to be Italian mah) My friends had the salmon and the grilled seppia.. Since we were in a predominantly "fish" restaurant we decided to order all fish. Well, we did not even finish our plates...we were struggling to understand why on earth the food was so mediocre, why pay so much attention to the external aspect, the beauty of the restaurants?? The design, the presentation of the dishes and then not focusing on the most important thing: THE quality of the food !!! You know what that food is? It's just average food that can be served in every average restaurant. I had the impression that most part of the people will remember this restaurant as a very cool restaurant with a "Italian Riviera" ambience and average food. The real amalfi coast is famous for its fish and its seafood, I went there twice in my life, I went on a boat trip, the guy stopped in the middle of the sea and told us: NOW WE EAT!! With a giant net he had in place he caught all kind of different fishes and seafood ( also a small shark!!) and cooked it on the spot! That was definitely one of the best meal of my life, everything was so fresh, cooked with liters of fresh lemons and white wine , the beauty of those plates was the simplicity of it. The seafood was all grilled and had such an amazing taste that I still remember now.. And that's the same reason why I brought my friend to this restaurant, to have somehow a similar experience. My friends left half of their portions without taking anything home (we don't do that in Italy, and also it was not worth it). We were still hungry after that, but we decided not to get any dessert since we were so disappointed with the food that we just paid the bill and left.
(2)
Erin G.

I went along on a gift certificate spree, otherwise, I probably wouldn't ever have tried this place. It's definitely more "in from the suburbs in my sparkly top" than the place I usually go. We sat outside, which was nice, as the interior is a little overdone and hoaky with its glowing scenes and pumping house music. The food was good, but definitely over-priced. In some instances this was made up for with portion size - I got two cups of cooked spinach and garlic for a $6 price, but I didn't really need two cups of cooked spinach. In other instances, such as the main courses, the portion were really small for their price. And since they don't come with any sides, you're not getting out of there for less than a $20 entree. Our service was mostly great, though I was "joke hassled" by the younger, curly haired waiter that others have complained about when I asked for more bread. But scrub pants? REALLY? You can't charge that much for dinner and have your wait staff running around in their pajamas. Overall, it was pleasant enough, the food was tasty and the outside service was nice, but for the price, I'm going to duck into a smaller joint with more inventive food.
(3)
Frank Z.

A beautifully apportioned restaurant, bar & indoor/outdoor lounge area! First we had drinks at the main bar with the very pleasant knowledgable and witty bartender girl. She made great recommendations. The crisp was exceptional! I will be back asap to enjoy the open outdoor areas while the sun's still shining!!
(4)
Nina S.

I went to Posticano Coast for the first time Saturday night to kick off a night of celebration for my friend's bachelorette party. We had a large group of 22 people at a long table in a semi-private area. It was so amazing! The food, the service and the decor were all so perfect! The photographs of the Mediterranean really added to the mood and I felt like we were somewhere other than Philadelphia. This was a great start for the night. I'll def. be back again!
(4)
Benjamin S.

First time to visit was last week for a meeting with some colleagues. it is safe to say the second story street entrance already sets the tone for something unique. The waitstaff are more than friendly and as we ended up staying for quite some time, definitely accommodating! Now for the food: Each of our meals looked amazing. Started with a basic chicken caesar which was absolutely great. Yes, I know, hard to screw up but definitely appreciated when executed well. Next, I had the steak with bolognese sauce which was quite delicious. My colleagues had the special and a pasta dish, giving rave remarks and satisfactory clean plates. All three of us being fairly particular about our cuisine left completely satisfied and I would definitely recommend Positano to others! It was lunch time, but I imagine the bar area is very nice at night and would be interested to check it out. The setup leaves room for a great atmosphere and I can imagine the nightlife being a social plethora. See you next time, Ben
(4)
J P.

So, we finally made it out after winning the $100 gift certificate at the August Yelp event (the open mic). Man. Good food. Portions were alright, presentation was nice.... The dÃ©cor was fancyish, but encouraged an atmosphere better suited for people who are a little more "blingy" or formal than me. That's fine though. First things first, they started us out with some really good bread and olive oil. That always pleases me. I had the house salad as my appetizer and the Wild Boar over Polenta for my main course. Both were pretty damn good. The Wild Boar was amazing. It was billed as a rack of wild boar but it was more like 3 chops. Good enough portion though. All in all the food was really good. We were able to sit our on their deck too, and it was a perfect night for it. Our waitress was really sweat and attentive. Whats with the attire of the staff though? I don't get it. It looks like they are wearing scrubs. Is that true? Would I go back? Hrmmmm.... I dunno. It was good and all but not really my style. I am glad to have eaten here on the dime of someone else though. It is not inexpensive at all.
(3)
HB R.

Positano has a great vibe, particularly if you are lucky enough to go on an evening when it's warm out--and can sit on the open air elevated deck, and soak up the breeze as well as a few cocktails. The decor is funky Euro-style--you feel like you're actually on the Positano Coast with the giant backlit coastal photos. The restaurant has many small plate dishes and promotes sharing, which is a great way to sample and get a broad sense of the chef's talent. The staff are all extremely knowledgeable and courteous, from the bartenders, to the waitstaff, to the busboys. On one occasion I came in with a large group on a Friday night without a reservation, and was immediately accommodated. They go out of their way here to please the customer. Now, to the goods...The food is generally very good. The seafood, in particular, is more traditional-Italian style, while some of the other dishes are more American-Italian. Of particular note is the crudo, which, in a neighborhood full of legit sushi joints, stands its ground and presents a welcome new take on raw fish. The grilled octopus is FABULOUS! A must order if you go. Other fish dishes were also well executed, some simply grilled and topped with a little lemon and olive oil, in the traditional Italian style, others with the touch of an American saucier. The vast menu presents a number of other main courses, and on the occasion I went with a large group we ordered basically everything on the menu. There are plenty of options for the less culinary adventurous, including several pastas. An unexpected treat for the carnivores was the wild boar, which was delicious! Happy hour is great here, if not a bit intimidating, because the multitude of cougars hovering around the bar were eyeing me up like a gazelle. $3 lemon drops and wines (GOOD Italian wines, even Prosecco!), along with appetizers less than $6? You can't go wrong.
(4)
Chris B.

The weather is turning cool and I though "It's a darn shame that I haven't had a drink at this place!"...a beautiful 2nd story lounge with an open-air posh seating area ringing the entire building. It's proximity to alot of touristy hotels kept me away all summer, but I knew I'd regret it, so on a warm summer night my wife and I dropped by the bar to sample the wine. The interior is beautiful, the bar being covered in the decorative tile-work that you see all over the coast of Amalfi...crisp blue swirls, curls of green adorned with the distinctive yellow lemons of the region..it brought me back and had me thinking to order some Limencello. They do wines by the glass in a regular or 3oz pour to sample. We grabbed samples the 4 biggest Italian reds and enjoyed playing a wine-bar version of three-card Monty ..."Keep you eye on the Barolo...round and round it goes...where it stops, nobody knows". Best surprise, the bartender went a little heavy on the samples, so we ended up getting nearly a bottle's worth of decent Italian reds to play with for the price of 2 glasses.
(3)
Brian H.

I like to sit at the bar, share a couple apps and an entree or two, have a well made drink and have the bartenders pay attention to me. This is the place. My hangout in the city on a cold night, a warm night, a hot night. I go about once very two months, and it never gets old. Food has serious flavor and presentation, small plates mostly, nice bread served with the GOOD olive oil. The only thing missing for a 5 star rating is "tap" beers or a much bigger selection of the bottles (and yes cans of IPA's) they have currently.
(4)
Ali K.

Went to Positano Coast last night during Restaurant Week. I had all intentions of ordering off the restaurant week menu, until my boyfriend showed me the regular menu. Then of course, I couldn't make up my mind! (Needless to say, we did end up ordering from the regular menu) Everything looked delicious. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful. For appetizers, we ordered the cheese plate & the crudo of the day, which was a ahi tuna crudo--it was actually closer to a tuna tartar than seviche, which our server had described it as. Slightly citrus-y...but not overpowering. Entrees--my sweetheart had the sea urchin pasta---YUM--and I had truffle lobster with edamame. Another YUM...however, I do wish for the price, that there would have been a bit more lobster...and more edamame. We also tried the saffron risotto and the spinach with garlic. Both were good, although the risotto was lacking something. We decided to skip dessert after not being impressed by the selections. The atmosphere was great, the murals on the walls were absolutely gorgeous. The only thing I didn't like were the servers outfits--blue chef pants with white shirts--most of the male servers only had on white undershirts & many looked scruffy & unkept. I'd probably go back if the opportunity presented itself.
(4)
Cara N.

I ate at Positano Coast last Saturday night with some friends. I loved the atmosphere, and we had a great view from our table. The staff was very attentive. I ordered the Eggplant Napoleon and the Gnocchi Gorgonzola, and both were disappointing. I was looking forward to two, very flavorful dishes, and both left much to be desired. I had a drink (the name escapes me right now), and it was ok. I tasted one of my friend's crab cakes, and that was pretty good. For dessert, I had the Nutella Crepe, and I was also disappointed with that! The crepe was tasty, but the chocolate tasted nothing like Nutella - it was more like a bitter chocolate sauce. The crepe tasted ok, but I was looking forward to the Nutella (yum), so that definitely put a damper on the taste. Everything was presented beautifully, but everything I tasted lacked flavor. I probably won't go back, and that stinks because the place just looks so cool!
(2)
laura h.

Went here for Valentine's Day the other night. This was the first time I have ever sat down and eaten a meal here. They featured a smaller menu with some of their regular items and some special dishes. Had the blue points and tuna crudo to start. Both were excellent. Also tried the scallops which were delicious but one scallop cut into three pieces left us wanting more. Next we had the skate with veggies and a white wine sauce and the surf and turf. Both were good, but the surf and turf was really like braised brisket with a small lobster tail. Skipped dessert and went to the bar to enjoy the free drink coupons that our server gave us. Bottom lines: Great atmosphere, cool bar, good food, mediocre service, small portions with high prices. The lounge is always a fun place to share a quartino of wine with a friend.
(4)
Chris D.

So... much... blue..... Such.. pretty.... walls..... Servers in tight white t-shirts..... Cheap Lemony cocktails..... Well I'm not a woman, so these things don't really appeal to me. The restaurant is pretty interesting with the walls/floors/ etc. The food is good but the portions are sized for children and priced for adults. My sister had her rehearsal dinner here in the back room, and they put on a pretty good show for that. All in all, a pretty good place. Just not really my thing. Probably a lot more appropriate for girls or couples to go for happy hour than for family gatherings, etc..
(3)
Kristin W.

We picked Positano Coast for girls' dinner out and I opted for 3 smaller plates. I started with the Grilled Artichoke Salad, which was generously portioned. I also ordered the half-portion of the Vegetable Ravioli, which had a great flavor. I found the Spicy Crispy Calamari to be disappointing as it was rather dry had little flavor other than the hot peppers. I also had the chance to sample to Zucchini Crabcake, which was excellent with a ton of crabmeat and very little filler.
(4)
michele e.

Well this is my second visit to Positano Coast and it was every bit as wonderful as the first time last spring . Went there with four other women for a nice dinner. The raw clams were super fresh . The artichoke salad excellent with just the right amount of dressing. Three of us I had Zucchini Crab cakes which were moist crab filled and delicious. The other diners had Branzino , she practically licked the plate and one had mussels . We finished with a mousse cake dessert to share and coffee. Excellent meal again , lovely restaurant, nice vibe and great waitstaff .
(5)
Rob Z.

It's one of the typical nice places to eat that still leaves you hungry after spending some cash. I came here for a friend's birthday and the location is easy to get to right on Walnut. l maxed out my time for parking just incase people ran late(which they did lol) and got drinks w friends at the bar till the rest showed up. My corona was $6, which is typical for the location and type of venue, not too high or low. Got seated and the first thing l noticed is that we were easily the youngest crowd there. Our group's age range was between 20-30 but it seemed everyone there was 40+. Good thing l wore a button down and dress shoes. When ordering, l had to google image some of the menu since l wasn't sure what l would be ordering. A friend of mine said he was going to order the crabcakes and we tried to find pictures on the website and here on Yelp of their crabcakes and though we found it, we had nothing to compare its size to(such as a fork) to get a good estimation. Well he went w it anyway and it was kinda small and said 'yea you were right about the size'. Not surprised it was small but he did say it was very good. However after waiting a bit over half an hour to get our food because we had a party of 16 and also waiting because people were running late.... it was a long wait to get a little crab cake for $19. l ordered the seafood risotto and that was filling. The only complaint was the oysters were very small. l still got full for the $20 l dropped on it. It's whatever, 1/3 of money l spent on the food was to pay for the environment. Celebrated our friend's birthday and socialized and had some drinks and just hung out and drank for longer than we expected. The lighting was well and the view was pleasant from our seating by the big open windows. We overall had a very nice time there and then the party continued into Old City. If you're just taking a girl out on a date or want nice food and not worried bout getting stuffed for your money, it's a good option to come here. However, if you missed lunch and really wanna eat, just go get a juicy burger somewhere else.
(3)
Marianna L.

Love all of the Lamberti restaurants. Calamari, octopus, burrata, sea urchin pasta, that grouper special from last week! So delicious, and so so fresh. Aldo Lamberti is a force to be reckoned with, and his staff knows it. They are so attentive to clients' needs, but not pushy or forceful. Atmosphere is wonderful.. Having been to the Amalfi coast many times, it gives me my fix. The bar is lovely as well. I prefer going in the summer and sitting on the patio, al fresco.
(3)
Albi D.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. It's where I go to impress someone. It is a bit on the expensive side, but not too much. Food isn't anything special, but I go there for the ambiance. Ask the staff to sit you at one of the tables with the drapes falling down and the positano coast illuminated on your side. Very calming and romantic. Haven't seen anything like it in Philadelphia.
(4)
Karen F.

The average of these reviews is spot on - about 3.25 - 3.5 stars. Please bear in mind that today was my first EVER experience with Positano Coast and I went for a luncheon as part of a group of 64 people. We had a set menu - and service was quite good considering the difficult layout of the section of the room (PC does alot of large parties). The meal cost $30 some dollars including tax 'n tip. Included were a salad (very boring - lightly dressed), entree choice (Branzino or Eggplant Parm served with angel hair pasta or a Penne Priamvera), canolli and coffee/tea/soft drinks. The eggplant was very tasty and the food was nice and hot. Would I rush back? Not really - but i would consider this place for a party (150 is easily done here - and you can rent the place out for a group of 300). A solid place with decent service (Shout out to Perry - our server who worked her a$$ off!) and good, tasty (nothing spectacular) Iltalinaish/Mediterraneanish fare.
(3)
Steve B.

Great bransino and vegetable ravioli. Keep in mind that service is a bit slow because they are always packed. Go there if you are prepared for slow and enjoyable evening.
(5)
Priscilla M.

I went to the Positano Coast during Restaurant week. The bread here was amazing. Maybe It was because I was starving, but i definitely requested a second basket. The herb crusted chicken breast was great. The salad served was a plain traditional ceasar salad. Nothing spectacular. The desserts were not good at all. My overall experience was good. It wasn't too crowded. My waitress was attentive. I would give this restaurant another shot.
(3)
Alexa R.

Here for drinks a few weeks back. It was packed, but I love it. Or maybe that was the prosecco talking.
(3)
Jen R.

Went to Positano Coast for Restaurant Week. We all rather enjoyed ourselves. We sat at a table, not the sofas. They looked pretty low for us. Staff was great and so was the food. We want to go back on a regular day to try other things on the menu. I felt the restaurant was nicely decorated. It made me want to visit the real Positano coast. The background music didn't sound very Italian to me but that is in no way a big deal. My only recommendation for Positano Coast is to put a sign telling customers how to get upstairs. We walked around the whole building before finding the ramp on the right hand side of the building. haha.
(4)
Kara L.

This place is always so amazing! Had a bridal shower here a couple months ago and the managers were so helpful and willing to work with us on a budget we could afford. Whenever I am in town I am always sure to stop by. Last night I had the baked ricotta. Seafood risotto, hummus, scallops, and lobster ravioli and each dish was amazing. The bartenders here are also awesome and make amazing drinks!
(5)
Michele R.

This place really blew me away. We were not prepared for how good it would be! The crudo/carpaccio menu is a must-try. We got the sampler (sans the beef). The Bronzino plate for just $17 was out of this world. The mushroom risotto was a bit under done and didn't deliver on the truffle flavor, but then again, I could never figure out how restaurants serve risotto given how long it takes to cook. I can't wait to go back again when the weather is nice and the upstairs patio is open! Also, request Vincenzo for your server. He was great.
(5)
Howard B.

Nice fresh food, polite servers, great atmosphere. Recommended.
(4)
Katie B.

This place was amazing! My boyfriend and I just walked in around 7:30 on a Friday night and were able to sit right down. Their lounge area is posh with comfortable couches, which is where we ate. There is also a full dining area. The service was amazing, our waiter was super knowledgeable and all of his recommendations were amazing. We ordered the crab legs as an appetizer - they were amazing! I had the crab cake for dinner and my boyfriend had swordfish - everything was succulent and amazing. We had cheesecake for dessert. If you add a bottle of wine to your meal it did get a little pricey, but if you're looking for a nice night out, this place is great. Everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food was just wonderful, great experience, great restaurant and we will be back soon!
(5)
Heavi K.

Great relaxing lunch. Grilled octopus was tasty, not overly cooked and rubbery. Crab cake was different than traditional (in a good way) with lots of crab in it. Lemon mouse was light and flavorful.
(4)
Jason L.

This place is great, the menu is not big, however everything they make is well made!! Their food is one of the best Italian restaurants we have eaten at, almost as good as being in Italy!!
(4)
Diana C.

I love the mediterranean feel of the upstairs lounge area. On atmosphere alone, they get 4 stars in my book. I've been to a formal rehearsal dinner here and I've also been here for casual drinks.... both times, I was pleased with everything from the service, food to ambiance. The food is very good and they also have a great drink menu. I'd definitely come here again for drinks with my fiance.
(4)
David W.

We went for their New Years Eve event. Had the worst time. For $50, it was advertised as being "premium" open bar from 10-1. Turned out the alcohol you could get was very limited, and it was all well drinks. Not even their signature Lemon Drops were available! For beer, it was only Miller Lite! And, it took at least 20 minutes to get a drink each time, because the place was so crowded and understaffed. Bartenders would routinely ignore you. Two mixed-drinks that I got were undrinkable. We've been to Positano Coast on many occasions for dinner, and love it. But NYE was a complete rip-off in every sense of the word.
(1)
Meghan W.

I really like the setting and the decor - it's very welcoming. The service is friendly and efficient. The food is decent with many selections. My table ordered several appetizers (the favorite being the foccacia). The bread and olive oil was delicious. My lunch was incredibly bland....beautiful, but no umph. It was in need of some salt. I don't like a lot of salt in my dish, but I do like to taste my meal (a little dab will do ya). Overall, a pleasant, solid 3-star experience.
(3)
Jackie V.

I love Positano Coast. The decor takes you to an exotic location and the food is amazing. Great drinks, tapas, and service. Great lounge area and also a dining room which is perfect for date night or a special party. Had my enagement party there and couldn't have asked for more. My guests are still talking about how much fun they had there and how great everything was.
(5)
Nicole E.

I am rating this place soley on happy hour. I did not have dinner here, but we had an awesome happy hour with free hors d'oeuvres and the most awesome lemon drop I've ever had! The the Positano Lemon Drop is a specialty at this bar and is a must if you're there for happy hour. Otherwise you're pretty much limited to wines (if you want a cheap happy hour option). On the bar food option there were these amazing risotto balls that kept me happy and full enough to drink my lemon drops :)
(5)
Dan C.

I bring customers here on a regular basis when I'm in Philly. It could only be better if it were BYO. Not cheap, but not overpriced. Best restaurant in the neighborhood.
(5)
Jamie M.

I highly recommend this restaurant for two reasons....great atmosphere, especially for a romantic night out, and fantastic food! I arrived early so I decided to chill at the bar for the end of happy hour. The sangria was nice and the bar atmosphere was really fun. When it came time for dinner, I had the seared branzio which was a light white fish with a crispy outer skin. The presentation was gorgeous with hints of bright green dancing around the plate of oyster mushrooms and fish. And the touches of truffle oil...much appreciated. Aside from the fish, I also got to sample the zucchini crab cake which was fabulous! The crab was generous and perfectly cooked. The seasoning was just right..not too salty. The chococlate nutella crepes and the glass of porte were the perfect end to a most decadent meal.
(4)
Rebecca Z.

they have great food and amazing dessert and i have never been disappointed by their service.
(4)
Matthew G.

Grabbed a drink here recently with a friend on his recommendation. It was the first time I had grabbed a drink in the Olde City since moving back to Philly recently from SF. Can't comment on the food but the bar was so much of what i remembering liking/disliking about the Olde City. Atmosphere/decor - Trendy and modern with a bright motif. Nothing remarkable but friendly/inviting. Like a ton of places that the denizens of Olde City flock to in the evening. General thumbs up. Drinks - Some interesting things on the menu including the organic options which has been on the menu in places in SF for a few years. My friend and I went with two traditional drinks (an onion martini and a scotch). Solid but typical Olde City price markup. Service - Bartender was an attractive women in her mid/late 20s. Kind of like the stereotypical Olde City bartender if there is such a thing. The bartender was competent but neither friendly nor much in the way of conversation. Kind of like I remember the Olde City. Very professional and competent bartender. At the same time, generally get a bartender in most upper-scale places that don't enjoy being a bartender or really knows how to . Probably make the same comment though about most a bunch of other upper-scale places though in most US cities. Vibe: A mix of the professionals/yuppies were who primarily aged from mid-20s to mid-30s (myself included). Still, there are a ton of people trying to do the "suave and sophisticated" thing on a Thursday night. This gets old fast especially when it is clearly a recent college graduate, male and female. Verdict - I would probably go back to try the menu and the bar/lounge weren't bad. Still, not a place I would go out of my way again for a casual drink either.
(3)
itasha c.

I really like this place. Upon coming to this dining experience the hostess had no problem showing my date and I our seats (which I like that there was no wait), she was very plesant. I had ordered the roasted half chicken with veggies which was awesome. My date had spagetti and meatball. I fell in love with the reisling, it went perfect with the chicken. Then for desert I had an tera misu, which now I am such an fan of. But overall this is a nice place to go on a first date. I had a good dining experience.
(4)
Christine N.

I came here for a friend's birthday for dinner in the winter. The food here did not wow me (especially for the price). If I could recommend anything it would be the sea urchin pasta, but overall, I thought this place was overpriced. I think I enjoyed my experience here because of the people I was with more than the restaurant itself. On the upside, the service was great and the bar seemed to be popular. I would like to try the bar on a warmer date.
(2)
S C S.

Ambiance is great...service is good...not so cool for kids.
(3)
Gus C.

Top notch service, food and atmosphere! The Lamberti family have gone out of their way to create one of Philly's best dining experiences. Great place for a first date, anniversary or just a night out. Try the Osso Bucco.
(5)
Michelle C.

Gorgeous restaurant made even better with wonderful company. Mongo surprised me for my birthday by inviting my cousins to join us from out of town. Nothing could have made me happier. Everything we ordered was amazing --- crab/zucchini fritters, pacific cod, branzini, pork shoulder, crab cake, rigatoni, salmon and chocolate cake. If you're in the mood for seafood, Italian style with a modern twist, spend an evening at the coast.
(4)
Kimberly S.

I really like this place. Not only did they manage to get me a table on a Sat night during prime dinner hour when I called only an hour or so earlier, but they also have an impressive menu and excellent food. I've been here twice and have truly fallen in love with the grilled octopus. You must order it, even if you have never had octopus in your life or if you hate it, I guarantee you will love this dish. The rabbit ragu is also amazing! On my most recent visit, I had the duck, my friends ordered the lamb and the shortribs. Each plate was well executed and absolutely delicious. Our service was not top notch, but not too bad either. The server seemed to take forever in getting us started with drinks and taking orders and we had a few awkward moments with him, though I don't blame him entirely. My wacky friends tend to have that effect sometimes. They will try to upsell you with sides, but unless you are very hungry, the main course, along with a little of their heavenly soft bread, will be just enough to leave you feeling satisfied but with room for dessert. The interior here is lovely. It's very classy and in a city full of Try-Hard Trendy Wannabe Pretentious bars/restaurants this place is unique with the atmosphere if offers. It has a great Mediterranean vibe without overdoing it. Positano definitely sucked the life out of my wallet, but I suppose prices are comparable to every other restaurant in the city that offers a great dinner. But seriously... you gotta try the octopus.
(4)
Wendy W.

the good: the mediterranean themed decor was inviting, festive, yet calming all at once. it provided just the right amount of lighting to give each table a private feel without being too dark. the lounge area was cozy yet chic. the bad: the food went from disappointing to inedible to just plain sad. course 1 consisted of stuffed fried calamari, grilled tiger prawns, artichoke, ricotta and lemon soup, and tuna crudo. the calamari tasted okay but it was an okay ball of dough with a tasty sauce. we couldn't taste, chew, or see any calamari. the grilled tiger prawns were also okay. grilled perfectly but had no flavor. the tuna crudo was basically chopped day old sushi. it desperately needed salt and lemon and eventually just felt gummy as we continued eating it. the soup however had a very nice balanced flavor. it incorporated all ingredients well. it wasn't a hit with everyone at the table but it was mostly due to their dislike of the individual ingredients. course 2 consisted of rack of wild boar and braised pork shoulder. the wild boar was unseasoned and overcooked. it tasted freezer burned and looked like it was sitting under a heating lamp for a few hours. the pork shoulder was cardboard dry with an overly sweet sauce that just assaulted your tastebuds. no one at the table was able to finish their dish. the side of gnocchi made a bad meal worse. the gorgonzola was just overpowering. course 3 consisted of creme brulee and nutella crepe. both were unmemorable. the worse: service started out fine. friendly smiling server. bread and water were re-filled rather quickly. but after the food was brought out and we noted to the server how there was a mistake, it all went downhill from there. he said he would not charge us for the mistake but we could keep the dish anyway. after that point, the server was m.i.a. the rest of the night. the wait time from appetizer to entree was about 5 minutes (approximately 8:00PM). the wait time from the entree to dessert menu was 20 minutes (approximately 9:00PM). the wait time from dessert menu to dessert was 30 minutes and were brought out by another server. the bill was also dropped off by another server. (even though we saw our server walking around) and long and behold, we were charged with the mistaken dish. after waiting about 20 minutes for the server to return, we gave up and decided to pay for a dish we neither ordered not ate because we were just plain tired and disappointed by then. as we got up to leave, we caught a glimpse of our server sitting on a table in the kitchen chatting with other servers. overall i may go back for drinks in the lounge area but dinner was really subpar for what it presents itself to be.
(1)
Fatty D.

Ill make it short as I dont think I have to describe what the place looks like. Food was good. The plating needs help. There is just not enough being served on the plates so it makes the portions look below expectations. The Shared Cold Appetizer for 24 dollars was good. Oysters and clams were very good. Entress: Stripe Bass was nicely done over potato pillows. Veal also was very good The crab cake was delish and full of Lump. LIPS was not with us this time around. I would stop in again but would not go out of my way. It was good but nothing exciting. Service was as expected.
(3)
rico b.

Love this place, went with my lady the other night.. The food was decent but the entire feel and view in the lounge area was awesome!!! We will be back again!
(4)
Laura G.

We went back to Positano Coast for lunch again, this time for Restaurant Week. I still love the atmosphere and the service was very good, but the food and the restaurant week "deal" were both only ok overall. I'm always skeptical of Restaurant Week since I don't normally buy a three course meal, so if I went to any of the restaurants on the list I'd usually spend less money normally. But it's fun to go all out. That said, the appetizers (I added pics of both) were amazing! I ordered the potato croquettes with thai basil parmesan cream and my boyfriend got the Crispy Focaccia with roasted zucchini, ricotta, mozzarella, and truffle oil. After having such success with the appetizers, we were both a little let down by our main courses. I got the Veal Marsala, sautÃ©ed with imported marsala wine, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, served with capellini. The sauce was very light, which was good, but the veal was over cooked, a little chewy, and didn't take the sauce well. The capallini with the sauce was quite tasty though. The other main course was the Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Prosciutto and Tomatoes Panini which was good, but nothing to write home about (although the fresh motz was fantastic). To top it off for dessert we got tiramisu and creme brulee, both of which were wonderful. Aside from the main dishes not being as impressive as the rest of the meal, it was a great lunch and otherwise would have gotten 4 stars from me. One of these days we'll make it there for dinner...
(3)
Catherine M.

Came here from recommendation from my boss. Inside this old historic city lies this modern hip wine bar restaurant like the ones you see in Hollywood. After looking at the menu, I knew we should try it. It was restaurant week so we opted for the 4course prix fix menu. I had the salad frizz, grilled shrimp, sea urchin pasta and cream brule. I was in heaven. The course was off the top awesome. I ordered white wine to go with the pasta. It was light and the uni was fresh and went really well with the squid ink pasta and crab meat. I'll definetely have to come back here when I'm in phyli.
(5)
Lesley P.

Went there for Sunday lunch about 2pm after seeing a Ritz Five movie. It is BYOB on Sundays and Mondays and they were very gracious about it with no corkage fee. We had the positano salad, cold antipasto, spaghetti marinara, shrimp linguini, and some kind of entree risotto. We ended with a creme brulee. The prices were good because it was lunch and BYOB. We had excellent, attentive service and when we had one minor glitch with the temperature of the dessert they comped us on it! We will definitely be going there again.
(5)
Kaitlin H.

Took my mom here on mother's day and had a great time! I love the mediterranean flare and the outdoor seating area. The specialty cocktails we ordered were superb, but I wasn't as impressed with the wines available by the glass. The service was great and attentive, and our server had some good recommendations. All of our plates were fresh and very tasty! The portions were a bit small for the price, but they were the perfect manageable size. Since I only ordered off the special mother's day menu I cannot give a review of their regular menu but I would definitely go back to try other dishes and check out their happy hour I have heard many great things about!
(4)
Robert C.

Positano is in a wonderful location next to the Ritz 5. We stopped by last night for a glass of wine before a movie. We ordered a glass of Malbec each for $5 but were brought and billed for a half caraf. So our $5 pre-movie glass of wine became a $33 without a tip. After posting my comments on Yelp, however, we were contacted by a member of the staff with an apology. This is impressive service, so I'm changing my rating from 1 star to 3 stars.
(3)
Mark L.

Decent upscale Mediterranean bar food at a great location in Old City across the Ritz Five. Perfect for a pre- or post-movie drinks. I don't think of it as a standalone restaurant.
(3)
Tricia M.

Went there for Restaurant Week with 6 of my girlfriends. Everything was wonderful which was a pleasant surprise as I've had bad luck with Restaurant Week. Drinks were fabulous and the food excellent - good selection and prepared really well. The grilled seppia was the universal favorite! Also have to pay compliments to the DJ who willingly played our old school requests. Definitely will revisit in the summer to take advantage of the patio and outdoor lounge
(4)
Lucinda D.

We only came here because we had a gift certificate, and i'm glad we weren't paying. The atmosphere is great (perfect lighting), although it's big. I'd come here for drinks for sure. But not again for dinner. The food was mediocre at best. The bread was good, grilled octapus was good buffalo mozzarella (hard to get wrong) was fine. But the entrees are fair at best, and dessert was totally underwhelming. The service was friendly and well-paced through the first half of the meal, but then we seemed to be forgotten. As others have said, the portions are small for the prices. Overall, a disappointment.
(2)
Tanya L.

Top to bottom glass windows, a calming cerrulean blue everywhere accented by a summery white exterior, and lemons that float ontop glass vases with crystal clear water. In the beginning, I almost stuffed myself on soft yet chewy bread with an olive oil garnered with jasmine. Positano is where I found myself on a heavenly double date. They offer crudo: basically an Italian type sushi and the black bass was smokey, smooth, and maaarvelous. I cannot rave enough about the lobster (which wasn't hard to pry out of it's shell - no tacky plastic bibs or awkward cruncher plier type deals here)! It was paired with a truffle sauce. While I inhaled my meal in like 10 minutes, I also gulped this pesca fresca (peach vodka and basil leaf drink on ice) that defined the essence of refreshing. Then for the finale was a light, sweet vanilla cherry gelato. The restaurant loses one star because the cherries were dried out and gross, along with its small portions and big prices (50 dollars: poof!!!). But otherwise the restaurant and bar was an extraordinary pick.
(4)
Kate S.

This is one of my first places in the city that I came to for dinner and continued from that day forward. I love their sangria, their food sampling and their atmosphere. A little loud on the weekends (expected of anywhere in Philadelphia), but a great atmosphere for entertaining guests or an intimate dinner.
(4)
Alex A.

Atmosphere is very nice and the bar is a great place to hang while you wait for your party to arrive. The lemon drop martini is delicious and very strong. Highly recommended. All the food is very delicious if you enjoy seafood. The appetizers were excellent. I had the spicy crab cake. Not very spicy, but it was very large and awesome. My only real issue is the price. The menu is very expensive and the portions for the most part are so so. I enjoyed it but i doubt I will ever go again.
(3)
Gwen G.

My husband and I went here last night for our 5 year anniversary and we were not disappointed. We sat in the lounge on a comfy sofa and enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere. We were served by Fillipe, our awesome waiter and ate lovely small plates of seafood and salad. The Yellow Fin Crudo ( an Italian Sashimi type fish) wrapped in avocado was delicious. The other small plates were really good, though nothing knocked my socks off. It was expensive, but we drank 2 bottles of wine in a 3 1/2 hour time span. We were never rushed. This place was so much fun, we will definitely go back. Did I mention the music? It was very cool, rhythmic and melodic. We wanted to get up and dance. Highly recommended romantic experience.
(4)
J M.

Went for lunch, pretty nice decor except for the weird starched white clothing tacked on the walls. Three of us ordered the chicken parm panini with seasoned fires, wow HUGE portion, the most delicious sandwich with crispy fries perfectly seasoned and worth every calorie. Very good service, would like to come back and try them for dinner.
(4)
Sasha R.

I had a very memorable meal here with my fiancee and his parents on my first visit to old town PA. This place almost had me packing my bags and moving from SF to PA . It was a delightful combination of art, food and culture and with each delicious bite I felt transported to a tranquil island- that's really hard to do when your with your soon to be in-laws. I would say that if you're any where near this place it's worth it to stop in, have a meal and enjoy. I liked Jon's idea of grabbing a bite before a show at the theatre directly across the way, but this place seems like an entire night out on it's own. And it's so much cheaper than a flight !!!
(5)
Angela H.

Overall, a big disappointment. The only reason this place even gets two stars is because the beautiful venue is true to the southern Italian style and is really pleasant on a breezy summer evening. The food, however, is quite disappointing. I ordered the beef carpaccio ($14) and it was completely tasteless. I also ordered the tagliatelle ai funghi ($16) and, though it was loaded with cream, it was very bland as well. I wish I could recommend that you just go here for drinks, but the cocktails are ~$12 with well liquor.
(2)
Cheryl K.

We had a great meal here! I've never tried squid ink pasta before and was very pleased with the outcome. The service was wonderful and the food tasted fresh and didn't take long at all to arrive at our table. The decor is a little outdated, but definitely places you somewhere in the Mediterranean. I did thoroughly enjoy getting to eat in the lounge area. All in all? Exactly what I expected. You'll spend a good bit to eat here, but it sure will be tasty, and you'll have a nice time.
(4)
Nikki H.

Into company hosted a dinner party here and the food was great! First, the decor. Blue and beautiful!!!!!! Thee have indoor/outdoor space which is great for the summer. We had an assortment of hummus, dip, caprese salad, olives, peppers, pasta, fish, chicken, and veal. Everything was delicious and the staff was great! This is definitely a place to dine.
(4)
Tony C.

Nice dinner out on the deck. Note, inside is a bit loud, so ask to be seated out on the deck for a better dinner atmosphere. The starters and appetizers taste great, but think ahead portion-wise if you are also going to order entrees -- we ate way too much
(4)
Shirlana D.

I have frequented this restaurant multiple times with my coworkers for lunch during restaurant week. The staff is always pleasant and appear eager to please. We have never had to wait long for reservations and always have a large party of 6-7 ppl (large for lunch time). The decor is decorative and bold and actually have wonderful art which is quite reminiscent of Italy. Having enjoyed Venice, Rome, Florence, and Pisa I think the decor is perfect and a true depiction of the various coast along the shores of Italy :). The food is always served hot and fresh. The seafood is fresh and the food always have bold and aromatic flavors that tantalize your pallet before the food reaches your mouth. The veal is moist, tender and bold with flavor. The side accompaniments are paired perfectly. The dessert is sweet, filling and enjoyable. You must stop in for a good meal, with great indoor scenery and flavors.
(4)
Melissa L.

I live around the corner from here and thought the decor was bit tacky every time I walked by with the blue neon lights everywhere BUT none of that mattered after I ate there the first time. I've been there two times already and the food is amazing. First time, my boyfriend and I went out for a celebratory dinner, and we came back with my family the next time. Smaller portions, but quality is awesome. Go here for seafood. Squid ink / sea urchin pasta is my go-to here. Highly recommended for Italian/Mediterranean + seafood, enjoy!
(5)
Doina N.

Expected much more out of this place. Visited the restaurant on a Saturday night. I made a reservation through OpenTable for 9pm. However, we walked in much sooner than that and asked to be seated at the bar, which was obviously super crowded. There was only one chair available that was holding someone's fancy purse. The hostess was very accommodating to have us seated although the place was pretty packed. We sat somewhere near the kitchen so we could see each and one of the folks coming out of there. That wasn't an issue. Our server came to introduce himself and he mentioned a little bit what was going on with the menu. I had to ask as to what kind of oil they used in the kitchen since I have some health concerns and based on what I was told, I opted for the small platter of Aldo's Harvest. It was sort of on the pricier side but there was plenty to eat. It contained East and West Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, clams, snow crab claws, crabmeat, and Peruvian scallops. But before that I asked to have more oysters to share as an appetizer. My boyfriend ordered the pan seared branzino. My seafood platter came before the oysters to share and I even thought that they had placed everything in the same because it was sort of the same kind of food. But they didn't. After I was half way with the platter they bring over the oysters appetizer. We even turned back the busboy because we thought it wasn't ours. The branzino was okay - not that fresh according to person enjoying it. We got a bottle of white wine from Italy (apparently) that it really didn't hit the spot. Not sure if I'll pay another visit.
(3)
Tiffany T.

I had a great dinner experience here on Saturday. Ambiance: I found this place really cute. It feels coastal, summery and feels like you're on the beach or something. I can see how people may find it " cheesy" but I found it really cute, personal preference I suppose Food: 4 stars I was very happy with all the food I got, and it may be a little bit pricey but I was happy with all my food. The value really isn't bad at all, with an appetizer and entrÃ©e you would definitely be full in my opinion. The dishes are beautifully presented as you can see from my photos. My favorite highlights were the gnocchi (nice and pillowy and soft, sauce was OK though), tuna tartare with avocado were great, seafood risotto was well stirred but lacked a little salt, really LOVED the scallops but only 2 per order pretty steep price. I enjoyed my branzino, and my other dining partners seemed to enjoy their crab cake, and seared tuna. I LOVE seafood, so this was a great spot for me. I wouldn't really even try coming here if you're not into seafood.. Service- Very good. She was attentive, not overbearing and gave us great suggestions on their specials and appropriate time to decide on our order. She also told us it was National Mojito day, $5 all around! I would definitely return based on this experience, it's a nice little get away, beach-y feel, good seafood inspired meal.
(4)
Ancy T.

This was a wonderful dining experience. From the venue, to the service and of course the food - everything was perfect. The setup of this place is great, especially for the spring/summer. Seating is located throughout the venue, with different styles, so you can enjoy open air vibes, a closed dining hall, or an area close to the bar. It's beautifully decorated and provides a very serene atmosphere. I highly recommend going here on a nice day and sitting close to the open air. Bf and I shared all of our plates and we ordered the following: Antipasto plate, seafood risotto, and zucchini crab cakes. It was the perfect amount of food for both of us and we couldn't even fit room for dessert. The presentation of the food was also nice. For the antipasto plate, I was grateful that the server brought it out and immediately explained what each item was. A lot of places plop down food and leave you to figure it out on your own, but I appreciated their attentiveness to our curiosity over the food. I've been here before for an event, so I had a different experience, but equally as great. I would definitely dine here again!
(5)
Carol C.

Came here during happy hour, and found I was surrounded by groups of fancy women in their forties, one buff bartender, and then there was me, a teacher in her twenties sporting an elementary school's neon green t-shirt. Immediately I felt out of place as I watched these ladies flirt with the bartender. Ambiance is out of place as well. You can tell they are trying to go for a European or Mediterranean coastal feel, but it came out really tacky. I'm sure this place was classy or something years ago, but everything just felt outdated. Their scallops are good, though slightly overpriced. We also ordered some random appetizers, but given the decor and and ambiance, we just quickly ate our food and left. I probably will not be returning anytime soon... maybe when I'm 40 and can fit in with the crowd.
(3)
Grace H.

I'd always seen this place from across the street whenever I would dine at Zahav, but it wasn't until we decided to host a friend's birthday dinner here that I finally got to try it! And I was not disappointed. First off, the place is huge! Perfect for large parties and gatherings. There were about 15 of us at the table, and the waitress was more than willing to help us split the orders and bill in half to make it easier/expedite the process. We shared the oysters, fregola salad, calamari and mussels to start, and I ordered the zucchini crabcake for myself. It was humongous and easily the best crabcake I have ever had. HIGHLY suggest it! Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay too late, but I hear the dancing at night gets wild too :)
(4)
Mary B.

i was in town visiting family and my cousin brought me here. The layout of the place is really nice, it seems large enough to accommodate parties of all sizes. The nigh we went it wasnt too busy, so service was very prompt and fast. i ordered the crab cakes to share and the spagetti. The crab cakes were phenomenal but my pasta and my cousins seafood risotto was good but not gooooood. 4 stars is for the posh cozy restaurant and service. Food is good but nothing really stood out to me, i would come here again.
(4)
Jenny S.

My first time to be here, everything is so fantastic! Love the best seafood risotto, fresh seafood with garlic just gives a wonderful flavor. Spicy calamary a little bit spicy but...it's yummy!
(4)
Kim B.

We tried here based on the recommendation of our hotel concierge. We were lucky to be squeezed in for a 7pm reservation on a Saturday. It was myself and my two girlfriends from out of town. We had been eating our way through Pennsylvania for a few days, and honestly weren't in the mood for extremely heavy food or huge portions. That is the nice thing about Positano Coast; you can order a side dish sized plate of the pastas and smaller sized appetizers, too. So for the three of us, we had two appetizers, and three side sized plates and we were good to go. They also brought out some deliciously soft and fresh tasting italian bread for us with an olive oil dip that was divine. We started with the antipasti plate and the grilled artichoke salad. Both were great! The antipasti had a nice assortment of delicious cheeses and meats and the artichoke salad was very fresh and delicious. Our entrees were a spaghetti Bolognese, the vegetable ravioli and a flatbread. My favorite of the 3 was the vegetable ravioli that was just so fresh and light tasting. It was super yum. The Bolognese was great, the pasta was cooked perfectly and had lots of flavor. The flatbread that I was so excited about by the description was my least favorite. It was much spicier than I expected and just not up to par with the other dishes. we were too full for dessert, but the menu was quite appetizing. I would love to return for another try at this delicious restaurant! Glad they could fit us in.
(4)
Jessie S.

We actually went here for a Rehearsal Dinner this past Saturday night and we were really impressed with everything! The decor was light and airy, which I actually really liked, and definitely wasn't expecting. (I also know the bride and groom had a tough time finding a place for a rehearsal dinner for 40 people on a Saturday night, so I got the feeling they were very accommodating.) We arrived a bit early, so we had a drink at the bar. I got a glass of Sangria that was super refreshing - it was a HOT day! The bar staff was helpful and quick to get us our drinks. When the space was ready, we were escorted to a room tucked in the back of the restaurant for the party. The room was set up well, and the staff was very attentive. I had the risotto, and my husband had the veal - both were cooked well and the portions were definitely sufficient. When we left they had the main area of the restaurant setup with a DJ and lights, and I'm sure it's a good time if that's your kind of party.
(5)
Michael N.

I still prefer Aldo Lamberti's in Collingswood, but this sister restaurant is a nice option if you happen to be in the Old City Philly area. Specializing in Italian and seafood, they certainly have plenty of options to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Price wise, it's a bit more expensive than most Italian spots, but it's also a little classier. Street parking in this area can be a little tough on the weekends, but there are a few garages not too far away. I believe they also offer valet on the weekends.
(4)
Kristen V.

Positano Frites are a must! Lobster roll was very good. Not an abundance of filling like you would get in Boston but very tasty. Roll was grilled and beautiful. Creme BrÃ»lÃ©e was ok. Custard was very good but sugar on top was not thick enough to result in a good crack....still very tasty though
(4)
Natalie W.

This was my first dining experience in Old City, and it did not disappoint. Delicious food, friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere. My boyfriend and I went early Wednesday evening and we basically had the restaurant to ourselves. I ordered the zucchini crab cake, and it was cooked to perfection. The menu isn't extremely expansive, but you will be able to find something you enjoy. Also, great variety of cocktails and wine.
(5)
Brittany R.

I went for my birthday with my family. The food was delicious. The portions were a little small as expected. The service however was fantastic. We went on a Monday night and it wasn't crowded at all. The environment is also nice and it is conveniently located next to the ritz movie theater.
(4)
Katie F.

I must say, I was very skeptical of this place for a long time so I always avoided it. Tonight, I finally took the plunge and had dinner and I was actually quite impressed! I don't love the decor, it's pretty cheesy in my opinion, but we had a great seat by the window which made for great people watching. The service was great and I was impressed with everything we ordered. The bread was warm and served with a lemony olive oil. We split the calamari which was served with goat cheese and had a bit of a spice to it. For my entree, I ordered the grouper. It was light but filling and served with caramelized Brussels sprouts and mushrooms. For dessert, we split the chocolate mousse. It was rich and a nice end to the meal but not a must-order. Overall, I was surprisingly impressed and would come back. There were quite a few things on the menu that sounded delicious!
(4)
Mike W.

We check this place out this past Friday evening and I have to say we were definitely less than impressed. The place was so loud, and the set up is really strange. The decoration is trying way too hard to be hip and chic and it just fails miserably. Our waiter was very poorly trained, overly aggressive pouring of wine, lack of interest, etc. We decided on ordering the fritto mixto platter of seafood to start. It came with fried shrimp balls, fried green beans, mini arancini and fried mozzarella. None of the elements were particularly bad, but they werent very good either. It was just a run of the mill fried food platter with nothing to really distinguish it and a large lack of seasoning. My fiance and I decided to split the limoncello salmon and the paccheri pesto. I definitely thought the paccheri was the best dish we ate all night. The pasta was tender and perfectly cooked, and the pesto was very well done. However, as good as it was, the salmon was pretty bad. The sauce was so sweet I had to scrape it off in order to keep eating the fish. I thought the olive were completely unimportant to the dish as well. If they had not been there, I wouldnt have missed them. Dessert we decided on the affogato, but we were again disappointed. We received a small scoop of vanilla ice cream in a double shot of espresso, so there just wasnt enough ice cream. The quality and taste of the espresso was good, but the ice cream was lackluster and small as I mentioned. All in all, definitely not worth a revisit. Price point was great, but other than not, not much to consider again. Plenty of better options for seafood and italian food in this amazing city.
(2)
Gregory L.

Ambiance is very nice. Waitstaff was mediocre at best. The waiter was rude to me and only made eye contact and spoke with my girlfriend when he was waiting on us. We thought this was strange. He should have known I was the one paying and not put the check closer to her. Food was great! Gnocchi as a side and spaghetti as a side made a good meal.
(4)
Billy D.

The atmosphere was really nice, I really enjoyed the outdoor seating area. I ordered the positano burger with a peroni. I requested the burger to be cooked medium and I received it well done. The burger was quite dry but not terrible. All and all it was a great place for lunch with a great Mediterranean atmosphere.
(3)
Kim L.

Came here for date night with my beau on a Wednesday. We had reservations, but we really didn't need them. Since it was a beautiful night, we opted to sit out on the 2nd floor patio, which was the best decision we made the entire night. It wasn't crowded when we arrived around 7, but close to 9 when we left, all of the patio tables were spoken for. Their drink menu is extensive. I love that you can order wine by the glass, quartino (about 2 glasses), or bottle, and there is a huge selection. They also have tons of cocktails. We opted for a quartino of the Greco white and the Tuscan blend red. Both were delicious, but I preferred the red! As for the food, it didn't blow me away. By far, my favorite bite of the evening was the calamari, which is served with lemon, goat cheese, and cherry peppers. It's not served with marinara, and it didn't need it. It was light and a great start to our meal. After that, I can't say I was really wowed by anything. We ordered the striped sea bass, roasted veal tenderloin, and a side of sea urchin pasta to share. The bass was cooked well but was on the bland side. The veal was cooked well and the mushrooms served with it were high quality, but both were lacking flavor. I was really excited to try my first squid ink pasta, but the sauce was just missing something. I'm kind of bummed about the food, because the atmosphere is so laid back and relaxing, especially for a summer night. If I came back it would be for drinks and maybe some appetizers. Service was great and what was left of the happy hour crowd when we arrived seemed to be enjoying themselves as well!
(3)
Dee M.

UPDATE: The very next day marketing management reached out to me to apologize and remedy the experience. This speaks volumes. They care.
(4)
Courtney F.

A beautiful place with open and airy design. I was really excited to try Positano coast because of how nice it looked, but honestly food wise they were just "okay." I had the artichoke salad and grilled octopus as an appetizer and they were... Meh. But then I had the chicken focaccia wrap for my meal and saying it was sawdust level dry is seriously an understatement. Gorgeous place but the food falls A-cup flat.
(3)
Evan M.

This place is trying WAY too hard to be something it's not. The overall ambiance and cleanliness of the restaurant does not match the over-reaching prices. It wasn't really a warm and comfortable place to enjoy a meal. Instead it felt fake and sterile, trying to force itself as an authentic Italian restaurant. The prices were outrageous compared to the portions and quality. If you're looking for a hearty Italian mean, with a warm and enjoyable atmosphere, look elsewhere.
(3)
Fredric B.

My wife and I have dined here many times, since it's across the street from the Ritz movies. The food has always been good and the decor is striking. However, the noise level is extremely high due to all the hard surfaces -- lots of big windows, tile floor, etc. Last night, there was also a wedding party and a separate bachelor party. Both were behind curtains, but they were both noisy. On the other hand, it would have been equally noisy if the same spaces were occupied by regular patrons. Maybe the noise level would be appreciated by twenty-somethings, but not by most adults. The drinks are creative and they offer a lot of top shelf liquors, but the prices are far too high compared to other good restaurants. Overall, we won't be back, mainly because the noise level prevents relaxed enjoyment of the dining experience.
(2)
Greg A.

(3.5)- The atmosphere was nice but it was over shadowed by the D.J booth and dance floor act. It did not feel sophisticated which was disappointing. The atmosphere was decent.. Its nice inside. but it didn't do it for me. The waiter was kind. Food- The food was O.K. The Calamari, although big, came with goat cheese which was pretty decent. But I felt it took away from the classic Calamari with Marinara. The antipasto dish for two was good. My main course, Spaghetti was sadly nothing special. The scallops that my girlfriend got were simply okay. The food is not bad its just not the best. For 160$ i will go elsewhere.
(3)
Isabel J.

After leaving South St and walking towards Market St we saw this place by accident. Since we weren't ready to call it a night yet and the music sounded pretty good we went up the stairs to check it out. I loved that there was no cover or a hassle to get in. The DJ was great and played all types of music but mainly Latin which worked for me. The bartenders were pretty busy and not very friendly but hey they made good drinks so what else can I ask for. I'm so happy we stumble on this place by accident since we had an amazing time.
(4)
A P.

Heard great things about this place. Went last Sunday before a concert in Camden, and was disappointed. The portions are ridiculously small and we didn't order small plates! I ordered the Chicken Ripeno for 17.00 and it was four small chunks of chicken with maybe 7 string beans! Are u kidding me! And I guess it was good because the $11 margarita was bearly 1/4 cup of actual liquid in the ice filled skinny glass. It was a tasty margarita but three sips and it was gone. Service was very good and I wouldn't hold it against a waiter that the place is more about presentation then a real meal. Maybe we just ordered the wrong 78.00 worth of food that we were still hungry when we left I dint know. What I do know is I won't be back here.
(2)
Carrie G.

This was not the experience we thought it would be. The food was bland and the meat in the pasta was more like chow. I also got sick when we got home. The atmosphere was very loud and not good if you want a romantic evening.
(2)
Irina K.

I used to frequent this place about 7 - 8 year ago before I knew of TripAdvisor. I always loved it and my drink of choice was the limoncello. I was here mostly for parties in the last few years, with one just the other day. I absolutely loved it. We were put in a separate room away from the rest of the restaurant. There was a nice table of appetizer dishes set up on one side and comfy couches with tables on the opposite. The food was excellent! The marinated artichokes were probably the best I have ever had. Service was really good. Once a plate was empty, it was pretty much immediately refilled. After a while, the food was changed to hot second course which consisted of a choice of wine-braised beef, fish or chicken with a side of veggies and home style potatoes. Also very good. There was plenty of alcohol and mixers to go around. Servers were pretty quick to clear the dirty dishes and glasses. Dessert consisted of Tiramisu, which was very decent but not the best and an assortment of fruit. I think the room is usually an outdoor room that is covered with plastic in the winter. It seemed that the temperature was very hard to regulate. There were heaters at the top of the ceiling that were constantly being accessed by the staff to either turn on or off as it was either cold or hot. After around midnight a DJ started mixing. There is a small dance floor adjacent to the bar. Music was decent but at times a little odd and hard to dance to. I guess this would be a matter of opinion. Overall, had a great time!
(4)
Brendan L.

Great artisan drinks. Nice happy hour specials. Amazing entrees. Did I mention you feel like you're on the coast in Italy while dining here? The atmosphere is very fitting. Perfect spot for a special occasion or a place for happy hour during the week!
(5)
Matt F.

ok, I was just mad b-caus I got sick on either an oyster or scallop, can't really blame Positano for that. Now that I've recovered I can say that it all tasted really good going down! :) Still HATE the clothing art though, get rid of it! Restaurant Quest #40
(3)
Marie M.

On Sunday, I went to positano for my bday. It has now been the third time coming here. The food and service go hand in hand phenomenal. I went with a group of five. We ordered the tacos,sea urchent pasta the risotto, the grilled artichokes, octopus and the oysters. We all shared so we can try a little variety. I would recommend all of those dishes that we tried. My friend said the house sauce for the oysters was great, I like my oysters straight up with out anything. To each their own. The service was on point. I ended up leaving something behind and the restaurant held it for me. My bday cake was the drunken tiramisu. I'm hoping to go back again for my 30th bday next year. The manager was very helpful in retrieving my list item, and our waiter was attentive. Great place for authentic seafood and Italian style dishes. Definitely a place to dress somewhat fancy.
(5)
Michelle L.

I came here on a Saturday night for an end-of-the-semester celebratory dinner with four other friends, and luckily for us it hadn't been hard at all to make a reservation just a few days before via Opentable. The decor felt very Mediterranean, and there was even a nice outdoor terrace area (though it was too cold to be sitting outside that night). The ambiance was quite loud though, and there was a DJ playing music by the bar area. My friends and I ordered the grilled calamari and grilled octopus as appetizers, which were both great. I got the seafood risotto for my entree, which was a bit runny but otherwise good. I sampled some of my other friends' entrees too and the zucchini crab cake seemed to be the best among what we ordered - it had a delicious Thai curry flavor. For dessert we got the Nutella crepe and the tiramisu. The tiramisu was pretty meh, nothing I'd order again. The Nutella crepe was pretty good, though the hazelnut ice cream on the side didn't taste like anything other than sugar. Conclusion: good place for dinner as long as you don't mind the loud atmosphere.
(4)
Alaric Q.

I have to say, it's a rather uncommon and upsetting experience to be told by a waiter that you are a picky eater - but, unfortunately, that was the experience I had at Positano Coast. Food: 2/5; Service: 1/5 I first ordered the foccacia as an appetizer. It was tasty, but heavily burnt. I then ordered the veal. To my dismay, it was overcooked, tough, and mostly inedible. Upon forwarding this information to the waitress who served our table, I was met by her bold suggestion that I was just a picky eater. Needless to say, I found her distasteful comment offensive and unprofessional. Waiters simply shouldn't insult their guests - it's just not a good idea. Our dessert was small, but good. Atmosphere: 4/5 The restaurant is clean and neat. The interior is inviting and is a comfortable place to eat with friends. Overall: 2/5 Although I'm sure that my experience at Positano would have been better had I ordered something else and had a different waitress, I probably won't be coming back here again.
(2)
Megan O.

I absolutely love this place. It is casual enough to not feel stuffy, but still elegant. My BF is fresh off the boat Italian, and we frequent this place for many a date nights. We always order the Grilled Octopus and Grilled Seppia as a starter--both are perfection every time--along with the fresh mozzarella. Since filling mostly on the small plates the two of us will then split one of the entrees--the Seafood Risotto is a must. Can't wait until my next visit. Always leave more than pleased.
(5)
Brian S.

Our most recent meal was trully a five star experience. Great raw oysters, raw scallops with sea urchin, and (cooked) octopus. The grilled branzino was as tasty as ever and the coconut gelato and the hazelnut bombe were the um, well, bomb. And the service was just as spectacular. As an aside, it must've been bingo day at the Towers, since all of the geriatric crowd seemed to be elsewhere while we ate. B-6? Anyone have B-6?
(5)
Caroline R.

Went here with friends this past weekend. The food was good, the service ok. For the price you would expect it to be slightly better. The atmosphere is beautiful though and perfect for a summer night - if you close your eyes it feels like you're somewhere in the Mediterranean. However, what was extremely disappointing was the fact that when you look the restaurant up on Yelp and look at the menu, the prices vary significantly from the actual prices on the menu at the restaurant. For instance, the seafood risotto is $15 but we were charged $20 at the restaurant. Same with the Zucchini crab cake - $18 on yelp menu and we were charged $22. This definitely needs to be fixed as it is extremely misleading for customers.
(3)
Gerald F.

Very nice lunch. Restaurant week. 3 people $60 bucks. Nice. 3 courses. Chicken escarole soup. Good atmosphere. Bronzino good. Wifey liked pasta. Me not so much. I'm picky. Sauce is good but a little mild. Great all around sauce. Has a little anchovies(?) and tomatoes and clams. Very tender. Been here several times for lunch. Always nice atmosphere. Desserts were great. Tiramisu. Creme brÃ»lÃ©e. ( was really good) Cheesecake. ( thick dry ny style. Not creamy. Perfect for coffee) 3 layer chocolate moose (12 degrees out) cake. Server liked this best. Excellent coffee. Good lunch!
(4)
Johnny J.

Great spot. Went to a private event here and was impressed with food. Fresh and light. Bread and oil was amazing. The Branzino fish was perfectly cooked, great salad, antipasto plate is fresh and authentic. Cool venue with outside covered seating and bar scene.
(5)
John D.

The restaurant has a pretty cool feel to it with the lighting and restaurant design; kind of a cool blue color with candle light at the tables. For an appetizer, I had the Aldo's Big Mussels. These were amazing, probably some of the best I have ever had. The chunks of chorizo are actually pretty big and the accompanying Parmesan and broth mix well. My entree was the a soft shell crab special which I enjoyed and was pretty tasty but not overly memorable. Wine and cocktail list seems pretty extensive though I ordered a beer in this instance. Beer list is a little limited but it's fine because you're not really going there for that.
(3)
Im T.

Nice trendy restaurent. Loved the dancing on a saturday night. Great drinks/cocktails.
(4)
M N.

I don't know why did this place get such low rating on yelp. It is a fun and exciting place to be at. The ambiance is wonderful and they play cool music. It's a very energizing place with good food.
(5)
Phanna P.

You can't beat sitting on the second floor with an open view of the gobble stone streets. On a nice day or night have a seat outdoors while sipping a glass of red wine. What I love to drink here is the lemon drop martini. Wonderful amount of alcohol and lemon. Reasonable priced cocktails, the gnocchi were delicious.
(4)
Tony S.

What an amazing place in old city. Upon approaching this place it is located on the second floor. After wandering around the building we finally found some stairs to go up to the restaurant. The decor in the place is modern chic. The hostesses were nice and attentive and sat us relatively quickly. Our server Perry (hope I spelled that right) was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The menu was quite expansive with heavy emphasis on seafood. Everything sounded delicious. As a table we ordered an abundance of items and shared. We started off with some raw scallops with uni on top. These were sweet and succulent with the umami flavor of the uni matching it perfectly. We also had grilled octopus which was quite large and meaty, maybe slightly overcooked but very good regardless. Entree wise we had herb crusted mahi, jumbo lump crab cakes, sea urchin in squid ink pasta, spaghetti alla chitara, some garlic mashed potatoes and some other dishes I can't really remember. Everything was superb, if I had to pick a favorite dish I would say the crab cake. The mahi was also excellent. The whole meal was amazing, service was top notch and my whole party had a great time. I am definitely coming back.
(5)
Steve A.

Service is terrible. Walked in and could see only 3 tables seated in the dining area. The hostess said she was booked with no open tables, but we could seat ourselves at the bar. The bar was what was full with no two stools together for my fiancÃ© and myself together. With the arrogance of the staff, there is not a chance on earth I would recommend this place to anyone. Definitely it was not worth my time or irritation.
(1)
Alina S.

Horrible horrible horrible. Never had a problem with this place when we go here for drinks and sit at the bar - bartenders are great. Dinner was horrible. My 14 dollar appetizer was not enough for one full bite - not kidding! The service was horrendous - there was also some rude lady who gave me am attitude when I told her that there was stuff on the check that they forgot to bring out and we told the waiter about it already. She gave me such an attitude - she might have been a a manager or an owner - regardless I don't know - she is in customer service and should get her attitude checked - she should have been apologizing for their horrible service not giving me am attitude. Never coming to this horrible place again.
(1)
Will M.

I took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day, since she has been wanting to go here for awhile. I thought it would be perfect with the romantic Italian ambiance. We arrived, and I pre-ordered rose petals on the table to spell out her name and it look great. Positano did an amazing job setting it up for me. The waitress came and was very knowledgeable about the wine which was very good, soaked in peaches. We ordered the antipasto for an appetizer which was what you would expect. For the entrees we split the seafood risotto which was the best I had ever had. We then split the veal medallions and then gnocchi which again was phenomenal. Overall this was everything I had wanted, great food and a romantic setting. Positano and their staff deserves an A+ delivering everything I had asked for them and they were very helpful throughout the process.
(5)
Mara K.

Please lower the music at the bar. It's a beautiful venue, and the club type blaring music really cheapens the experience. How about some Latin Jazz music in the background? Anything that is low enough that you don't have to scream while trying to have a conversation with the person next to you. Bartenders are completely aloof, and do not offer to refill your glass of wine or water without having to track them down. Food is bad. Never had a dish that was good. Wish they would clean up their act already..
(3)
C P.

Great food! Crowd can be a little sketchy at times, have always had great food experiences with all the small plates and the cold seafood. Gnocchi and the octopus salad are great!
(4)
Dana F.

Fish entrees are small but delicious. Risotto was a fairly large size even for the appetizer portion. Nutella crepe was amazing. Food is incredible and setting is even better. Airy and pretty and comfortable. It's on the pricey side ($85 plus tip for 2 with drinks, dinner, and dessert) but you know that going into it. Also because the place is authentic, service is a LITTLE on the slower side but not frustratingly so. Love this place, we are locals and this is one of our favorites. We will always be back.
(5)
Deb S.

Attended PAWS event Yappy Hour! Arrived early sat at the Bar enjoyed Wine and the appetizers were yummy! Recommendations are the Spicy Crispy Calamari, Mushroom Risotto and Vegetable Ravioli. There were additional appetizers served during the event that were equally tasty. The vibe is Beachy, dÃ©cor contemporary, clean and definitely a more than one time experience!
(5)
Loren C.

I'd probably give this 3.5 stars. It's a nice, well decorated restaurant on a corner with some tough competition near it (Zahav and City Tavern!) but it's obviously an Italian. While I liked the ambiance it can be rather loud at times making conversation very difficult. Surprisingly I loved the bread that comes to the table, kind of a light French with hints of sourdough. The salads are all outstanding, some of the best I've had at a nice restaurant. Had a butternut squash salad with a fantastic vinaigrette but at my table not a single person who was unhappy with a number of options. Main dish, had their homemade pasta which was good. It definitely wasn't world beating but I felt like I got my money's worth with the dish. Interesting my wife and friend enjoyed the branzino but one got nearly double the fish of the other even at the same price. Little things like that I find are disconcerting. You can't go wrong with this place and while it's not a world beater you'll feel like it's money well spent.
(4)
Naomi B.

I've ventured into here before Autumn 2013, and was able to do the outside seating. The decor in here is beyond gorgeous as it looks down at Olde City, it's so chic with its intimate seating for two, or caters to big groups. There's also an outside dining table for groups of twelve. The seafood there is delicious. I've had the spicy fried, crispy calamari that came with goats cheese (my favourite), as well as the sea urchin pasta. It was flavourful and mixed perfectly with the MoÃ«t champagne I was sipping on. For dessert I've had the frangelico chocolate mousse. It had hazelnut scrapings on it, as well as a thin brownie crust, cloaked in chocolate and caramel. I'd return here if I'm ever out on a date.
(5)
Ron H.

This is a great scene for light food and drinks in the summer. Although you're i Philly, once inside you can see a bit of the cobblestone street outside and after 3 glasses of wine you almost feel as if you are in Italy. There are no bad choices on the menu, but the risotto is the shinning star. You should start off with the Antipasta plate. I highly recommend the eggplant parm for it's simple prepartion and delicatly balanced flavors and the calamari as well, but like i said, you can't go wrong with anything else on the menu. Service is friendly and immediatly makes you feel welcome, there's definatley a difference between the bar crowd and the restaurant crowd. I've also been to a few private parties here, and the back room has a very beach-like cabana feel to it and is great for groups.
(4)
Will P.

This place is amazing. The food is superior and service is great . Had the salmon tartar, fresh oyster and branzino fish. Everything was so so so good !!
(5)
Jessica S.

Stopped by on my mini Mother's Day bar crawl for a quick drink & small bite - the heirloom tomato appetizer served with a side of goat cheese was delicious. Also appreciated the wide selection of wines by the glass. The bar was beautiful with jars filled with fresh herbs for cocktails. It was a hot day but the open, airy second story space had a nice breeze. Great spot for anyone 21 to 65+ to hang out and not feel out of place.
(4)
A.j. B.

Started off with the sea scallops (2 large scallops with shaved Brussels sprouts and a delicious sauce). Then I had the special (Halibut with bok Choy) and also ordered a side of seafood risotto. Finished the meal with a vanilla bean creme brÃ»lÃ©e and a decaf. Food was to die for and worth every penny!
(5)
Emma T.

This is one of those places that is trying to be way classier than it is. We were intending to have dinner there, but once we were seated and got drinks, we decided we'd be better off just ordering from the raw bar. When a group of about 15 12-year-olds walked in and were seated right next to use for a birthday party, we realized we were correct. I feel like we got seated in the reject area so maybe that's part of why we didn't like it, but I didn't think the ambiance was great. No matter how hard they try, you don't feel like you're on the Mediterranean coast. The slightly dirty tiled floor and white curtains makes it feel more claustrophobic than classy. At some point they added one multi-colored light to light up one of the white curtains...didn't exactly help the ambiance. The food we had was fine. We got the small shellfish platter. For about $24, you get 4 oysters, 2 clams, 2 giant shrimp, 2 crab claws, and a plate of small shrimp and squid. Not bad value for shellfish, but it's not a lot of food. I've had better shellfish, but it wasn't terrible - it's kind of hard to screw up a raw bar. The drinks were about $10 and were decently strong and tasty.
(2)
N H.

Went here yesterday and I'm absolutely surprised that everyone's ratings for this restaurant are this good. I give it to them, the food is so good you want to personally head to the kitchen and thank the chef. The decor is also pretty cute. BUT, and this is a biiiig butt (pun intended, pardon my French) the staff at this restaurant are disrespectful. They slam the plates unto the table like I just ordered a plate of fries at a street side truck equipped with plastic chair seating. Every waiter with no exception slammed our plates down. Then, they don't remove appetizer plates when your entree arrives, they don't refill your water when they pass by with a jug. Second, we sat down at 9, ordered and after we had the appetizers it took a full 40 minutes for our food to arrive. The waiter casually told us it was because the "party over there just got their food" - not sure how that explains things. Restaurants like this are designed so the kitchen can handle the exact same seats outside. Shameful. When I asked the waiter if he'd take a picture of my boyfriend and I (this was a special occasion dinner). He said he had to do something else and passed by us four times before we left pretending he didn't see us. I felt so disrespected coming here that I felt compelled to revise my check and remove the tip. I had never ever done this in my life. How very disappointing with a place that has food this good. If I'm paying as much money as I would at a restaurant at the Palm in Dubai, and I go to a restaurant under the name of a famous chef, and the decor is fitting of a five-star restaurant, I expect the experience to live up to it. I hate to crash everyone's party here but you have to bear these factors into consideration.
(1)
Rachel C.

Walking in I was struck by the look and feel of this place. Frankly, I was confused. Is this a club or restaurant? Do I want to jam out to the beats or eat dinner? Something tells me it turns into a club somewhere around 11pm. But... we opted for the dinner service. The restaurant portion struck me as very odd in terms of decoration. It was trying a bit too hard to feel like the "old country" meets modern chic. It's stark white inside with blue accents and a huge blown up picture of what I believe to be the Italian coast. I couldn't tell because it was so grainy. Was it meant to be grainy? One will never know. We started out with the charcuterie board, which wasn't too bad. I was really into the roasted eggplant, artichoke and olive selection. The assorted cheeses were okay. I didn't know what most of the things on the plate were except the olives (dah). I thought it was odd our server didn't give us an explanation. Oh well. We also ordered four oysters, just because of the delicious looking oyster bar in the front! Great presentation. They were delicious! I only which they were around $2.50 per oyster or I would have gone crazy! I ordered the beet salad, since all dinners and sides are a la carte. I really wasn't into it. I hate when it says beet salad and it's mostly lettuce with a few slices of beets. I expect a beet salad to be hearty pieces of beets with some salad. I did like the white balsamic vinaigrette, so I'll give them that. For the main coarse I ordered the Herb Crusted Mahi. I know Mahi is a meatier fish, but I still expect it to be cooked so that it's moist inside. Some parts were cooked too well. I had to cut into the center for a better tasting part of the fish. I loved the roasted tomatoes, which were soaked in some sort of vinegar. I only wish there was more! The Broccoli Rabe underneath the fish was more like spinach with some broccoli. I just didn't see many pieces of actual broccoli. I also didn't think it was very well seasoned. It tasted a bit bland. Overall I think it was pretty hit or miss. Maybe some things are better than others. Or maybe just stick the the club part!
(3)
Brigid B.

I have been dining at Positano Coast for years. This restaurant is hands down one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. Their menu has something for everyone. The staff from the person answering the phone to make a reservation to the servers, bartenders and Marianna and Enrico whom are the best at running this fine establishment. The option for outside dining is amazing. The ambiance is stunning. Truly a jewel in Olde City. P.S. You must try Marianna's homemade Lemocello...second to none! The Best! Ciao
(5)
Paul W.

A large group of us had dinner there yesterday. We ordered a variety of dishes. We also ordered a lot of appetizers which were very good. One little note here though, the portions for the appetizers were a little bit small. The main dishes while a fat dick and were very delicious. The staff was professional and friendly and I service was quick. We really enjoyed this restaurant.
(4)
Eva C.

Went here for lunch so it was pretty quiet. Extensive drink options. The grilled octopus appetizer was very, very good. Well seasoned and well cooked. The artichokes and red onion that came with it were delicious. The fregola salad was also fresh and delicious. The vegetable wrap was ok. They offered a soft-crab shell panini sandwich on our visit. The soft-shell crab panini was on the greasy side and the crab was not cleaned well. The service was good and the space is large and pretty with plenty of light from the plentiful windows. There are several different areas, including the bar, a lounge type area with low seats and tables (it's only open for dinner), an al fresco dining area (not open when we went), and two other dining areas. It's a very inviting place with lots of space and different areas that could provide different vibes based on the experience you are looking for. I'd return for dinner and to try some of their other offerings.
(3)
Sherrill J.

The new fall menu is really nice. Even old standbys like the crab cake have been updated and are perfect for fall. The appetizers are revamped as well. New salad including butternut squash and delish greens is delightful. Specials continue to impress. Fish specials are indeed special. An ordinary monk fish is transformed in chef's hands. Cannot wait to return.
(5)
Alicia J.

LOVE this place. my absolute favorite restaurant in Philly.
(5)
Phil F.

We have been here before, and usually it's quite good. But last night was just AWFUL. It was pretty, crowded for a Saturday night, but they honored our reservation promptly (good start), but it swiftly went downhill from there. We waited a good 10 mins for a waiter; when I looked up, over at the front desk two waiters seemed to be arguing about whose table we were. The winner (?) of the argument moseyed over, so we finally got our water (but had to ask for bread) and our order taken. After the order was taken, we did not see our waitress until she asked if we wanted the check. The Caesar salads were good, but the entrees left a lot to be desired. My wife had the crabcake, and her comment was "the chef forgot the seasonings"--totally bland. As for my salmon, I found myself wishing I had brought my magnifying glass and tweezers--it was miniscule, maybe 3 oz, on top of some tiny roasted broccoli florets and 3 (I counted) half olives. We didn't hang around for dessert and draw this drab experience out. As I said, we've been happy here before, so maybe everyone (kitchen, waitstaff) was having the same bad day. I'll try them once more, but unless significant improvement , they won't see me after that.
(1)
Doreen D.

What a place!! The atmosphere was so inviting and the modular furniture was fantastic!! We had a group of 23 people, where we all got to sit across from one another, and the tables were short, so you could talk to everyone. The food was terrific, and so was the service! Phil was great!
(5)
Tina C.

Favorite restaurant in the city. This place has the best atmosphere, you will feel like you are transported to the Mediterranean! The food is always delicious, I never have a complaint at this restaurant, love it! *make sure you sit in the lounge :)
(5)
Christine L.

Please DON'T go here! So I combed the city and planned thoroughly for the perfect restaurant for my long-awaited graduation dinner with my family. After having a decent cocktail and appetizer experience at this restaurant in February, I decided to take my Italian family here for the big dinner in May (3 days ago). We arrived and after requesting possible outdoor seating, they seated us in THEIR twisted idea of outdoor seating. We basically sat on pool furniture in a room enclosed by plastic with sun directly in our eyes. Not outside at all. So we asked to move, since the restaurant was really empty anyway. After 20 minutes, they seated us "inside" aka moved us over to wooden furniture in the other room. We were asked to order appetizers but not drinks? After speaking up, the waiter begrudgingly took the drink order but the appetizers arrived long before the cocktails ever made it to the table. Our drinks came in shifts, meaning I was done with my martini by the time my sister-in-law ever got hers (even though we ordered together). The dinner was no different. All entrees arrived at different times, and it really was just disappointing because the server did not seem apologetic or aware that this is unacceptable. We obviously passed on dessert, and although the food was good, I'm Italian - this was nothing to write home about. Limited menu, small appetizer portions, and worst service of my life. With the abundance of amazing Italian restaurants in Philly, I am so regretful that I chose Positano for my graduation dinner with all of my family in town. Never coming back and never recommending to any colleagues or patients, that's for sure!
(1)
K. B.

Very interesting place. It kind of owns an entire block in Olde Town. Somehow managed to feel isolated in the middle of a busy party of town being next to a park. Inside is really large but divided into enough smaller rooms as to still be intimate. Decor is bordering overkill but was kinda neat. Everyone working there had an Italian accent, which was cool. The food was very good overall. It's certainly not a stuff your face and take a doggie bag home place. But prices seemed reasonable for the portions and ambiance.
(4)
Mike M.

Cozy looking place. Liked that you could order half portions of pasta if you wanted to try different ones. Seafood risotto was good as was sea urchin pasta.
(4)
Frank B.

This place is a gem. My former work was near by and this was always the closest spot for lunch. Lucky us, because it is outstanding. It is our first choice for a business lunch or just a casual get together with coworkers. Always good and makes my top 10 list of restaurants in the city of Philadelphia.
(5)
A D.

Extremely pleased this is a great place. Food is rally well spiced, healthy and highly delicious and not heavy. Modern Italian is what makes this place special. Atmosphere is nice here. Very clean.
(4)
Mike L.

This was my second visit, awesome atmosphere, great food and the drinks are decently inexpensive. Great place on a beautiful day and not terrible in tonight's rain. I will be here regularly.
(4)
Rashawn S.

Amazing dinner! Love it here, for sure one of my favorites. Excellent oysters, lobster salad, Branzino, and Salmon. Everything had such good flavor. The service and ambiance are perfect for a romantic evening.
(5)
Trish L.

Ambiance was great. Tight but expected for a nice place in Philly on a nice summer weekend. The calamari appetizer was terrible, tough, and chewy. The mozzarella special was nice but not enough tomato or salt and pepper. And the gnocchi could have been good with more flavor. Nice thought on our part but lacking so much in flavor.
(2)
Julie C.

I have to say - my opinion has changed! After having a less than stellar experience during restaurant week (and yelping about it),I decided to give it a second chance. I had the NY strip steak this time and I have to say that the meat was delicious and cooked very well. The server that we had was very nice and incredibly friendly! Definitely try it out if youre in the area, it was a good call the second time around.
(4)
Lyn-Genet R.

Very Plan friendly. Chef very accommodating! Wines are 2 for 1 from 5-7!
(4)
Andi S.

I ordered gnocchi and a glass of white wine. Although fresh, it was lacking in flavor, hence the missing star.
(4)
H Y.

This place has a little of everything. The food is good, there are a variety of comfortable seating options, there are many types of drinks, and late at night it turns into a dance club. If you are with a large group and everyone is uncertain about what to do (Dinner? Lounging? Drinks? Dancing?), this is the perfect kind of place due to all its nooks and variety. The beet salad is also tasty and the restaurant is clean and inviting.
(4)
Danny N.

Very good food and service. We went on a Sunday at around 3 pm and the service was wonderful. We had apps, entree's, wine, and desert, everything was fantastic. My only gripe if you will was the portion sizes seemed a bit small for the price...I chopped it up to location and quality of food/service. I will def go back...and so should you!
(5)
John K.

Came here with the GF for restaurant week. Beautiful space on the 2nd floor - during the summer months it must be gorgeous with the open air. Very Grecian vibe. The hostess was a bit off-putting but not necessarily unfriendly. Just aloof. Brought us to a table that was in the midst of 3 other packed tables when the entire restaurant seemed open at the time we were being seated. Eventually the manager came over when she saw that we were unnecessarily crammed and got us a nice 4 top table with a bit more room to breath. Very much appreciated - 5 stars for noticing that. Unfortunately perhaps it was due to RW - but the meal was a bit lackluster. I'm keeping the 3 stars rather than going lower due to the availability of Kumamoto oysters - nyom nyom - so deliciously plump. Had to grab 4 of those for myself (the GF doesn't like to partake in things with questionable texture). Fritto misto consisted of zucchini fritters, potato croquettes, and calamari with accompanying marinara. It was decently and crisply fried - unfortunately it was not well-seasoned if at all. So ... it tasted bland. The GF was in love with the potato croquettes which had a touch of sourness in the middle (possibly potatoes mixed with sour cream before fried). The GF had the ceasar salad ... which was exactly that - a ceasar salad. Came with hard crostini. Nothing special. I had the tuna tartare ... came with a few (3) tortilla chips which weren't great. Slices of avocado were on the side and not amidst the tuna .. the tuna was chopped finely and was decent. Not well seasoned (keep in mind I am absolute not a salt fiend). For our mains, the GF had the mushroom risotto - it was well cooked - very cheesy and good. I had the uni squid ink pasta. The PROs of the pasta - it was cooked al dente - had good lumps of crab meat. CONs? The uni was off-putting ... was dark and had a rubbery texture - made me think it was canned or something. The texture of cold, congealed cheese? Not the delicious buttery uni I have at sushi joints for sure. It was certainly a plentiful dish however. Dessert ended with the same offering for both of us - small square of decent tiramisu and a cute, petite creme brulee that was way too egg-y. For drinks, we tried the Sanchez and some other drink that won the Flower Show 2012 award (had a strawberry puree). Both drinks had a pepper rim. I also tried the Rum Diary, which had some coconut, but was more of a fruity drink than a creamy one which is what I was expecting. All three were quite strong - so good on them. Not enough to make us ecstatic about dinner however. We may be back to try the regular menu but wasn't too impressed with this night.
(3)
Caroline B.

A friend recommended this restaurant to us. We loved it. Loved the decor. Food was fantastic. Gnocchi was like pasta candy. Highly recommend the scallop appetizer. Husband loved the raw menu. Wasn't excited by the drink menu but the wine menu was great. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Sarah C.

Just went for apps, that were great! The deck seating is great too. My only concern is that we went at sunset, and the sun was BLINDING on the deck. maybe some elegant white translucent curtains over parts of the deck would be nice. otherwise, the food and service was great. we only had 30-ish minutes and the waiters were prompt and put our orders ahead so we wouldn't miss our movie (aww, what sweethearts!!). we ordered a fresh stuffed mozzarella cheese dish and it was to die for. I've never had cheese that was so delicate, but flavorful. Also, the beet and arugula salad was deliciously dressed. I'd recommend this place to anyone with a love of real Italian foods.
(4)
Robert J.

Great Italian/seafood fine dining location. Best fried calamari I've ever had (with goat cheese) also sangria was great! Girlfriend loves seafood I love Italian we both loved it!
(5)
Glenda C.

Looooove this place !!! Still one of my favorites to go in the city . Food is amazing and drinks are to die for . Always ask for the special of the night is never on the menu but something the chef cooks up everyone in a whole . Last night was the sword fish in a celery purÃ©e . It was delicious . Stuffed scallops, crab cake & grilled shrimp are still one of my favorites app. I recommend this place to everyone . Relaxing , great music , good food & drinks everything you need to have yourself a great time or favorite place .
(5)
Anita B.

The restaurant as others have noted is beautiful!! the food at brunch on mother's day was over=priced and a mixed bag. Some items like the artichoke salad were excellent but my husband's grilled octopus was flavorless and my FIL lamb chops were undercooked. I would probably not go back.
(3)
Quina F.

Funghi pasta was amazing!! Truffle mashed potatoes were amazing too. Great service, great atmosphere.
(5)
Tough C.

Had not been to this restaurant in at least 20 years, back when it was Lamberti's. Apparently same owners now. We had a very early dinner at 5:30. Our server was quite attentive until it got busier. He carefully checked on GF ingredients for me and even stopped me from tasting a friend's chicken, telling me it had breading, which was so light I couldn't see it. I had the beet salad with gorgonzola [needs to have more cheese mixed throughout. What there was was at the bottom and gummy] and the octopus, which was excellent. Perfectly cooked and minimally chewy. They offer wine by the glass in 5 or 9 oz. sizes. On leaving, with the restaurant full, I noticed that the bar area is VERY noisy. I would definitely come again.
(5)
Laura K.

If they offered half stars I would give this place 3.5. Food is pretty good but there are definitely better places around Philly. The service was wonderful- very attentive and friendly. The venue itself is extremely nice- especially on a beautiful sunny day. The reason for only 3.5 is because the price point is a bit high for what you get. I went there with a group of co-workers and we made the mistake of ordering several margaritas which turned out to be $11.00 each- this in itself isn't too outrageous and they were surprisingly good but the glasses they can in were SMALL, I mean like fruit juice glasses small. The one glass of chardonnay my co-worker ordered ended up being $17.00!!! That's a bit ridiculous for a glass of white wine. I got the braised short rib which was pretty good but I wasn't a huge fan of either of the sides- roasted garlic and spinach (the spinach tasted a bit bitter to me). Maybe I'm admittedly a food snob and other restaurant areas in Philly have spoiled me but I think their price point is pretty high for the quality of the food. I think happy hour would be great here though- too bad their bar area isn't as well lit as the rest of their restaurant. I'll probably be back to try happy hour.
(3)
Gary G.

My fiance and I ate here for vday. I am not big on vday dinner as there always seems to be set prix fix menus but happened to avoid that coming here. So here's my review. It wasn't horrible, wasn't great either. The service was good and its located in a sweet spot. Nice ambiance and all that and def not as expensive as the big boys like zahav across the street. The gf got the tuna which was waaay better than my seafood risotto. All in all, I guess I'd come here again if invited to something or for a function of the sorts but I wouldn't seek it out or crave it. 3 stars for the food, which is mostly what it's all about.
(3)
Dee G.

Ate here with friends last weekend. The food was uninspiring. I had the beet salad which was okay but the squid ink pasta was boring. Not much flavor. The chocolate mousse was also just okay - not dark enough for my taste. The ambience though is relaxed and fun especially in the summer. Bottom line, go there for drinks and to hang out in the lounge area but avoid the food.
(3)
Tajira M.

I want to fly across the country just to have the sea urchin pasta again. Fresh crab, squid ink pasta, and that uni broth. Mmmmmmm. A group of us sat down to dinner. This restaurant fills up quickly, and it stays busy until closing time. There appears to be an area that can be secluded for private dining also. All of their specialty cocktails sounded great, but I stuck with a glass of Prosecco. I ordered the bison carpaccio to start and the sea urchin pasta. I'll admit it, I have an uni obsession. The lights were dimmed and someone came around to light the candles on the table. When our server brought my carpaccio, I was really excited. The carpaccio was beautifully wrapped around some red onion, but there wasn't really enough sauce on the plate. The dish was a little bland. The sea urchin pasta, on the other hand, was so flavorful and was the perfect portion size. I finished the bowl, but I wasn't crazy full and the meal wasn't super heavy. I hope I make it back to Philly sometime soon. See pictures.
(4)
Mona M.

I like this resturant better years back. Sadly the food and especially the service has gone down.
(3)
Jane K.

The seafood is always fresh and excellent ! We eat there several times a month and have never been disappointed . Andreas and his staff behind the bar are professional and once they know what you are interested in will steer you in the best beverage direction ..., interesting well made cocktails or the perfect wine to compliment your food selections .We love this place !!
(4)
Erin R.

We strolled into Positano Coast after seeing an afternoon movie with the intention of sitting at the bar for drinks and apps. The bar was moderately crowded. We had a party of 3, and there were no 3 seats in a row for us. The bartenders truly went out of their way to accommodate us, moving chairs around so we could sit together. Once seated, the bar tenders provided us with outstanding service the entire time. We ordered drinks, apps, and an entree, which came out in a timely fashion and were quite tasty. If you like raw shellfish (oysters, etc), this is their specialty. The ambiance is trendy and hip. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Lamar R.

Wonderful meal and service. I was blindsided by the $18 valet parking charge.
(3)
Alex G.

I really liked the Positanesi atmosphere this restaurant portrayed but was disappointed with the quality of the food. The grilled octopus was decent but could have used some more zest. The seafood risotto was bland, indistinct, and too heavy. Service was great though.
(3)
Monica L.

PROS: Fancy interior, nice service CONS: Underwhelming food The fare here is truly mediocre. It's not bad --- but neither is it anything special. None of the dishes we tried were memorable. I expected something more, but I think I just received a fancier Olive Garden experience.
(3)
E D.

This place is generally pretty good. Very nice atmosphere, friendly staff, good food. I was a little disappointed with my "farro" salad, though....it definitely was not farro; it was barley, and it was missing the cherries. They were also out of various wines and liquors on a Friday afternoon...not good. The food was a little pricey for what we got, but this is a pretty decent spot that I'll return to. It's really nice in the summer and at night.
(3)
Gordon G.

This was easily my 9th or 10th time at this restaurant--returning after about 18 months since last visit. Have truly loved both the setting and the food in the past and because of both I've recommended it to many others. The most important part--the food, has always been excellent..but things seem to have changed dramatically. As always, the setting is outstanding. It has such a "not Philadelphia" feeling. And this is especially so on a non-humid late summer evening when the bar is open to the outside. Unfortunately, that is about as far as my praise can go. Here are some significant concerns/ issues: 1. PORTION SIZE: let's be polite and say they were "diminutive." In truth, they were laughably small--reminding me of the "nouvelle cuisine" joke that restaurateurs played on unwitting diners for many years in the 1980's and 1990's . Example: one diner ordered the "Prime New York Steak" described on the menu as "Grilled, Pancetta, Baby Leeks, Diced Potatoes, Green Peppercorn Au Jus"--what came was not a "steak" at all, but three (four?) very thin slices of beef--in all maybe 3-4 ounces of meat. I ordered a fish special and I couldn't have had more than 4 or 5 ounces. The platters come with no vegetables or starches on the side, so it is really frustrating. 2. FLAVOR & SEASONING: everyone at the table (5 of us) had something different and everyone said their entrees were "so so" because they were lacking in flavor. No one loved their meals-it just seemed kind of uninspired. Even things we had ordered in the past (gnocchi in Gorgonzola cream sauce) and remembered fondly, seemed flat. Numbers 1 and 2 make me wonder if there is a new chef since I was there last. Don't know but....wow, what a disappointment. 3. PRESENTATION: the way the food looked on the plate was generally very nice. 4. SERVICE STAFF: --Hostess who greeted us was charming and pleasant. --Our waiter (the guy who took the orders) was very pleasant, accommodating and charming. --By contrast, the runners (servers) were just short of contemptuous. The person seated next to me was offered ground pepper on his salad, and I was not, so I asked for it, the guy rolled his eyes and actually gave the pepper mill ONE-QUARTER of a turn (I kid you not) on my salad and walked away without any acknowledgement at all. There was a similar incident with offering ground cheese on the pasta dishes at the table. Moreover, they weren't actually speaking to us, but rather gesturing with their hands or the plates (or whatever they had in their hands at the time) to indicate what they were at the table to accomplish. I saw them speaking heatedly at one point in the evening with each other--so perhaps they were upset about something, but someone needs to tell them to put their upsets aside when they come tableside. Overall, extremely disappointed that one of my favorite places has gone south.
(2)
Kirsten v.

Recently held a bridal shower here. The staff was very helpful setting it up, and the food and ambiance was great. We were in a large, private area with nice lighting. The food was very good - all guests commented on it. They let me bring my own cake without a cutting fee, which was nice. And they had a special liquor package for bridal showers, which helped me keep my costs down. The event was a great success and I highly recommend this restaurant for an event. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because it took a bit for dirty plates to be removed during the event and the food itself didn't look as delicious as it tasted. But that isn't a complaint - overall the event was stellar.
(4)
Jeff H.

Went here for restaurant week not long ago. Really need to go back for their full menu as everything was fantastic.
(4)
Amanda G.

My hubby and I went to Positano Coast for our NYE dinner. We both had been there before, back when we were just bf and gf. I don't remember what we had back then, but I remember it was good. This Saturday, though, I DO remember. We started with the "spicy crispy calamari" with goat cheese, spicy cherry peppers, and arugula as well as the lobster bisque. The calamari was the best tasting I've ever had. It was perfectly spicy and the goat cheese was a great compliment to it. I do wish the calamari was a little more crispy than it was, but it still tasted amazing. The lobster bisque also was declicious. We each were swapping our apps back and forth to one another until there was nothing left :( For dinner I got the lamb chop with swiss chard and roasted potatoes. It came with a red wine sauce and the plate was circled in a pesto sauce. It was really good. The best bites were the ones where I got a little bit of everything on the plate on my fork and ate it all at once. My man got the sea urchin pasta. The pasta was black with squid ink and was complimented with sea urchin and crab meat. I wasn't a huge fan of the dish, just because it kind of creeped me out, but it didn't taste bad or anything. It tasted, to me, like the ocean - salty! He loved it, though. And now he gets to say that he's had sea urchin, which was the main reason he chose the dish. For dessert I got the nutella crepes. I was disappointed, mostly because I love Beau Monde's nutella crepes, and they're really not the same. The ones at Positano Coast were stuffed with nutella, raspberries, and hazelnuts. I didn't like the nuts. The side of ice cream was chocolate with more nuts. Meh. My husband got the dulce du leche gelato, which came in a mini-waffle bowl. That, I must say, was very good. Overall the meal was delicious. We had planned on staying for the open bar that went from 9:30 pm - 2 am, leaving in between to watch the fireworks, but we never went back after the fireworks. The music/atmosphere was not what I expected from this place. It was very Euro-trash, techno. Quite weird. We were looking for more of a relaxing night out. In sum = good for a fancy (expensive) dinner, not so good for NYE.
(4)
Kristin W.

We picked Positano Coast for girls' dinner out and I opted for 3 smaller plates. I started with the Grilled Artichoke Salad, which was generously portioned. I also ordered the half-portion of the Vegetable Ravioli, which had a great flavor. I found the Spicy Crispy Calamari to be disappointing as it was rather dry had little flavor other than the hot peppers. I also had the chance to sample to Zucchini Crabcake, which was excellent with a ton of crabmeat and very little filler.
(4)
michele e.

Well this is my second visit to Positano Coast and it was every bit as wonderful as the first time last spring . Went there with four other women for a nice dinner. The raw clams were super fresh . The artichoke salad excellent with just the right amount of dressing. Three of us I had Zucchini Crab cakes which were moist crab filled and delicious. The other diners had Branzino , she practically licked the plate and one had mussels . We finished with a mousse cake dessert to share and coffee. Excellent meal again , lovely restaurant, nice vibe and great waitstaff .
(5)
Rob Z.

It's one of the typical nice places to eat that still leaves you hungry after spending some cash. I came here for a friend's birthday and the location is easy to get to right on Walnut. l maxed out my time for parking just incase people ran late(which they did lol) and got drinks w friends at the bar till the rest showed up. My corona was $6, which is typical for the location and type of venue, not too high or low. Got seated and the first thing l noticed is that we were easily the youngest crowd there. Our group's age range was between 20-30 but it seemed everyone there was 40+. Good thing l wore a button down and dress shoes. When ordering, l had to google image some of the menu since l wasn't sure what l would be ordering. A friend of mine said he was going to order the crabcakes and we tried to find pictures on the website and here on Yelp of their crabcakes and though we found it, we had nothing to compare its size to(such as a fork) to get a good estimation. Well he went w it anyway and it was kinda small and said 'yea you were right about the size'. Not surprised it was small but he did say it was very good. However after waiting a bit over half an hour to get our food because we had a party of 16 and also waiting because people were running late.... it was a long wait to get a little crab cake for $19. l ordered the seafood risotto and that was filling. The only complaint was the oysters were very small. l still got full for the $20 l dropped on it. It's whatever, 1/3 of money l spent on the food was to pay for the environment. Celebrated our friend's birthday and socialized and had some drinks and just hung out and drank for longer than we expected. The lighting was well and the view was pleasant from our seating by the big open windows. We overall had a very nice time there and then the party continued into Old City. If you're just taking a girl out on a date or want nice food and not worried bout getting stuffed for your money, it's a good option to come here. However, if you missed lunch and really wanna eat, just go get a juicy burger somewhere else.
(3)
Marianna L.

Love all of the Lamberti restaurants. Calamari, octopus, burrata, sea urchin pasta, that grouper special from last week! So delicious, and so so fresh. Aldo Lamberti is a force to be reckoned with, and his staff knows it. They are so attentive to clients' needs, but not pushy or forceful. Atmosphere is wonderful.. Having been to the Amalfi coast many times, it gives me my fix. The bar is lovely as well. I prefer going in the summer and sitting on the patio, al fresco.
(3)
Albi D.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Philly. It's where I go to impress someone. It is a bit on the expensive side, but not too much. Food isn't anything special, but I go there for the ambiance. Ask the staff to sit you at one of the tables with the drapes falling down and the positano coast illuminated on your side. Very calming and romantic. Haven't seen anything like it in Philadelphia.
(4)
Karen F.

The average of these reviews is spot on - about 3.25 - 3.5 stars. Please bear in mind that today was my first EVER experience with Positano Coast and I went for a luncheon as part of a group of 64 people. We had a set menu - and service was quite good considering the difficult layout of the section of the room (PC does alot of large parties). The meal cost $30 some dollars including tax 'n tip. Included were a salad (very boring - lightly dressed), entree choice (Branzino or Eggplant Parm served with angel hair pasta or a Penne Priamvera), canolli and coffee/tea/soft drinks. The eggplant was very tasty and the food was nice and hot. Would I rush back? Not really - but i would consider this place for a party (150 is easily done here - and you can rent the place out for a group of 300). A solid place with decent service (Shout out to Perry - our server who worked her a$$ off!) and good, tasty (nothing spectacular) Iltalinaish/Mediterraneanish fare.
(3)
Steve B.

Great bransino and vegetable ravioli. Keep in mind that service is a bit slow because they are always packed. Go there if you are prepared for slow and enjoyable evening.
(5)
Priscilla M.

I went to the Positano Coast during Restaurant week. The bread here was amazing. Maybe It was because I was starving, but i definitely requested a second basket. The herb crusted chicken breast was great. The salad served was a plain traditional ceasar salad. Nothing spectacular. The desserts were not good at all. My overall experience was good. It wasn't too crowded. My waitress was attentive. I would give this restaurant another shot.
(3)
Alexa R.

Here for drinks a few weeks back. It was packed, but I love it. Or maybe that was the prosecco talking.
(3)
Jen R.

Went to Positano Coast for Restaurant Week. We all rather enjoyed ourselves. We sat at a table, not the sofas. They looked pretty low for us. Staff was great and so was the food. We want to go back on a regular day to try other things on the menu. I felt the restaurant was nicely decorated. It made me want to visit the real Positano coast. The background music didn't sound very Italian to me but that is in no way a big deal. My only recommendation for Positano Coast is to put a sign telling customers how to get upstairs. We walked around the whole building before finding the ramp on the right hand side of the building. haha.
(4)
Kara L.

This place is always so amazing! Had a bridal shower here a couple months ago and the managers were so helpful and willing to work with us on a budget we could afford. Whenever I am in town I am always sure to stop by. Last night I had the baked ricotta. Seafood risotto, hummus, scallops, and lobster ravioli and each dish was amazing. The bartenders here are also awesome and make amazing drinks!
(5)
Michele R.

This place really blew me away. We were not prepared for how good it would be! The crudo/carpaccio menu is a must-try. We got the sampler (sans the beef). The Bronzino plate for just $17 was out of this world. The mushroom risotto was a bit under done and didn't deliver on the truffle flavor, but then again, I could never figure out how restaurants serve risotto given how long it takes to cook. I can't wait to go back again when the weather is nice and the upstairs patio is open! Also, request Vincenzo for your server. He was great.
(5)
Brad P.

When Aldo's harvest emerged, my dining companion and I had to ask "is this the small one?" "yes. It is." damn. There are two options for this smorgasbord of seafood, a small appetizer option and a larger gluttony option. I don't know what the bigger one looks like but I bet it is something that Neptune would have as a delicious breakfast. It is a good bet. It comes with two types of oysters, shrimp cocktail, clams, crab claws, and seafood salad. All of the items tasted extremely fresh and they were presented well in a fancy bowl with plenty of ice. The following two items are good bets: Sea urchin pasta - Eating sea urchin is awesome because they look so badass. For God's sake, the entire animal looks like a murderer's koosh ball. The urchin and crabmeat are served over squid ink pasta, which is great because ink is now my favorite food group(see my Noble review for the background on that). You will love the zucchini crabcake if you like zucchini flavor to hit you in the face. Certain bites of this dish had some zucchini taste. Other bites of this dish were like biting a zucchini landmine and it blows up in your mouth. This is fine for me because I think zucchini is fantastic. The creme brulee is what you'd expect from good creme brulee. On the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction-scale, this place is Payback. Oh review 401. Hi there.
(4)
Emma B.

Went here with a large group of friends (about 15) on a Saturday night and all the food was really good and so was the service. I would go back again.
(4)
Lele E.

***June2011 update**** so this isn't a club...but tonight my friends and i turned it into a club. The DJ had the place rocking so we start jamming and that was that. I was sweating by time we left. So...with great food, don't be afraid to "shake it" after you eat! great atmosphere. Shout out DJ Ronnie Dubbz! So once again i'm out eating on my B-day and this place looked really nice so we went here. It was very pretty. The hostess was a little weird, but the bartenders and wait staff are excellent. The food was delicious, we got scallops, sea food risotto, fresh bread, cheese assortment, raspberry daiquiri and a martini. Initially the portion sized seemed very small but it was actually enough food to enjoy oneself. They also have a DJ here and it just the restaurant itself is just lovely/beautiful. The bartender also ordered a small dessert for me "on the "house" b/c of it being my bday! - i will write more later as it's currently 1am :)
(5)
Anthony P.

My waiter Will was great . He was very attentive and caring, he had soft eyes. The food was great And so was the atmosphere . I would definitely return for dinner or lunch to see the Waiter WILL again. The food is also worth another trip .
(5)
Melissa C.

Hey Positano. Scootch up close... ...closer... ...closer... *Smack* Don't make me salt my pasta. I hate to get all aggressive, but salt; it is a necessity in Mediterranean cuisine. Don't try to give me Mediterranean-Italian-Seafoody food without putting salt in your dang dish. One of my dining compadres had to salt his french fries. And we had to get up and flag down our waiter to get a salt shaker. Co-worker's chicken salad had dry and chewy chicken. My Positano pasta (crab meat with tomatoes, pasta, olive oil and --apparently-- no salt) was bland to the point of giving me no inspiration to eat it until I added salt (I'm going to keep going on about that, aren't I?). After that, the crab meat was tasty but the pasta was still slightly overcooked (past the point of al dente). The server was nice, but service/attention was slow and minimal. I had to ask for a warm-up on my coffee (no biggie and not knocking off any stars, but it's a mark of service).
(2)
Angela E.

I've gone to Positano Coast for drinks and hanging out in the open-air bar. It's a great setting and atmosphere, but be advised to get gussied up! No slackers here. The food is pretty good, too. The last thing I had was quinoa salad for lunch and it was so filling and delicious. I also recall having the best swordfish here. Special Note: It's right by the Ritz thater, so if you're in the mood for a nice dinner and an independent movie, this is the perfect place! Also, it's on the second floor.
(3)
Suzanne S.

I came here for lunch one day and was blown away by the ambiance of the restaurant. I ordered a Caesar salad which was excellent and the Cappelini Positano which was Cappelini with Crab Meat. It was perfectly light and I didn't leave feeling like a blimp. My friend ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo which was better than any Fettuccine I had ever tasted. It was the most phenomenal dish ever and I cant wait to go back and have it again. The pasta was fresh and the sauce was heavenly. I am not one to EVER order Alfredo but I would definitely suggest it here. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Khanh V.

I came here for happy hour. I really like the place in term of decorations, space arrangement. The outside seats are great and the little couches in the center where the bar area is cute. I haven't tried the food, but from looking at it I would like to come back to try.
(3)
Sally f.

FANTASTIC HAPPY HR. so many crazy good drinks, only 5 bucks!!! get the lemon drop! also, the bartender was nice enough to google a drink she had not heard of, and made a great version of it!
(4)
Tyler R.

Oh, Positano Coast, what a love-hate relationship we have! The first time I ever stepped on the mock-Mediterranean floors of this wine bar & restaurant was 8 years ago after having visited a bar in Old City. A few of my guys friends and I were with a few female friends from college. At the time, the young women were overly excited to be there, and we weren't into wine (mostly beer-- not even the good stuff). We lamented the feeling of pretense that accompanies the place, but it was an informative experience at the least. Fast forward to today. I love wine. I love relaxing. I love forgetting that I'm in the city. This is one of my favorite places for a nice date, for a decent glass of wine, and to escape the drunken frattiness of Old City. Their cocktail list is fairly good, but it seems geared toward those with a sweet tooth. The wine list has changed a few times since I've first gone (they used to serve wine with peaches-- maybe seasonal?), but it's still formidable even if pricey. The food is okay. I had a birthday dinner there last year, and it wasn't memorable or bad-- just okay. [Aside: they do have decent oysters. If you're not interested in being shoved into the tiny Samson Oyster House near 15th and Sansom, this is a decent alternative.] What really makes this place special is the ambiance. The restaurant is on the second floor of a little complex and on somewhat of an island because of the way the streets converge at that point. The interior is heavily geared toward the idea of Mediterranean Italy. There are large photo-murals of Italy's coast, lots of Mediterranean tile, a seating area on the north side of the restaurant that has small couches and draped cloth as dividers, and there is an area with larger couches in the back. Once you're here for five or ten minutes you completely forget that it's Philadelphia. You don't think it's the Mediterranean, so take that for what it's worth. After having felt out of place nearly a decade ago, I have come to terms with Positano Coast. It definitely has a place in Philadelphia's drinks/dining/nightlife. While it is pricey and pretentious at times, it's a relaxing spot that offers some good food and drink choices. I would love to see them keep the veranda/patio area open instead of closing it off to parties so much-- it's a huge selling point for visiting, and I can't give it five stars until that happens.
(4)
Boon K.

Beautiful setting, spacious and great for a large group. The buffalo mozzarella salad was really good and the crab cake was beautiful. It was a pretty big serving of crab. The homemade rigatoni with its light tomatoes sauce was nice and light for a pasta dish.
(3)
Steve C.

The service here was very good, attentive and friendly service is always a plus in my book. The food was good but not exactly what I was expecting, I found the menu to be confusing and too random for my tastes. The meal was served with a pleasant style but I found the portions too small. All in all it was a good experience, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go back.
(3)
Matt K.

We went here with a large group and sampled a lot of the appetizers, including the antipasto plate, the seafood plate with oysters, clams, crab claws and other delights. I had the artichoke salad which was my highlight, it was tasty and well done. My main course was the pasta bolognese, which was very heavy and a bit dry. What puzzled me about all the pasta dishes I saw was that the pasta itself ranged from pale orange to lurid bright orange. (mine was the latter) I don't know what kind of water they cook their pasta in, and maybe I don't WANT to know, but it was bizarre. I had their signature lemon drop martini, which was ok, but I am not sure why their use of non-fat milk makes it taste better. To me, it turned an already foofy drink into a kid's drink. Our service was attentive and effifcient. In short, the food is ok, prices reasonable, but it's not enough to make me want to come back.
(3)
Rudy M.

I LOVED my dinner here! The ambience and the food are a perfect match. The portions are ample; the two of us had small portion mushroom and seafood risotto which were PERFECT for sharing with each other. Though the surrounding tables were louder than I would have preferred that night, the space is conducive for group good time and laughter. Philly rivals NYC for food; the depth of offerings is the same though the breadth meets the quality! Rudy Miles
(4)
Ron C.

Nice ambiance, decent happy hour prices, disinterested bar/wait staff. Stopped in for drinks and happy hour prices on the oysters last Friday. Did not disappoint but the staff was not particularly happy to be there or attentive. My wife left a sweater at the bar so I called and was able to pick it up Saturday morning with no issue. We would definitely go again.
(3)
David N.

Wow. It's place was exactly what we were looking for. Celebrated my birthday here with 15 of my closest friends and had a wonderful time. The decor and atmosphere really had no flaws. So you think the food isn't gonna be good but the food was great. All 15 people had No complaints. Saved my first Rosotto experience for here and it was delicious! Can't wait for summer to come here for the outside. So if your looking for romantic or large group, put Positano Coast on your checklist! The service will bend over backwards for you!! I promise
(5)
Dave H.

I first came to Positano Coast for a happy hour, where we overwhelmed the front bar with sheer numbers. The bartenders did their best, but the happy hour organizer didn't anticipate so many people, so there weren't as many bartenders as there should have. Drinks weren't the cheapest, but the venue was large enough to handle a crowd. Positano Coast offers plenty of indoor and outdoor dining, several bars, a sumptuous lounge, friendly staff, and a romantic, chic atmosphere all in one place. I'll be back for dinner!
(4)
Sean A.

Been coming for years
(4)
Stephen K.

Went for: Saturday Night Drinks (No food) The place is well designed. Clearly a trendy place. The patrons clearly put a lot of time and thought into themselves. A group of about 6 friends went for post dinner drinks. The lounge area was mostly booked by a private party so we got a table by the front. The front bar was crowded but manageable. Not a fan of their choice cocktails. After two failed attempts of their listed drinks. I made them just make me a tequila, ginger ale and lime. Enough with your sweet or tart fruits!!!! I would try this place again for the food, as I hear it is really good. Would not be my first choice for social drinks.
(2)
Ivy L.

We really like this place, including the atmosphere. Pastas and lamb were very good, and we loved the cream brÃ»lÃ©e and teramisu. They also make some unique drink you are sure to enjoy. The only thing I didn't like was the eggplant nipolian.... It was so so.... I expected something much better.
(4)
Tara L.

Went there for happy hour...great lemon drops, good appetizers but pretty inattentive service made it only a 4 star rather than a 5 star trip. The interior design and open feel of the place was great though and I would go back.
(4)
Sue B.

What a wonderful Italian restaurant! We were seated quickly, waitress was efficient and knowledgeable about the dishes. I enjoyed the butternut squash soup, veggie ravioli with pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes. The soup was creamy and hot but could have used a little more salt and pepper. The ravioli was very tasty and i was able to get a smaller portion so i could enjoy dessert! The tiramisu was just average. The place was very busy and got quite noisy as we were finishing up. My husband had an incredible beet salad and a ground rib eye cannelloni which was very flavorful and a good sized portion. His chocolate mousse dessert was exceptional!! First night in Philly and we made a great choice!!
(4)
Daniel H.

Looking at this place from the outside, we were thinking touristy and gaudy. Eating at this place on the inside and we were thinking, "they should change the way this place looks on the outside!" This is classic example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. We decided to go with small plates, and everything we had was incredible. Tuna tartare, beef carpaccio, and a small order of the antipasto. We also ordered a pasta, but I can't really remember what it was, which should be sign enough that you can skip it on your visit. The food was fresh, well seasoned, and the service was fine. Just what we needed for the evening. We'll be returning to check out the rest of the menu. Join us in turning the first page and discovering the true nature of Positano Coast: the stuff on the inside.
(4)
Lauren C.

I visited this place for lunch during Restaurant Week (although I ordered off the normal menu), so weight my review accordingly. This place was all-around solid, reasonably tasty, not outlandishly expensive Italian fare. The atmosphere is... odd. There's an open-air feeling about the place, with walls painted a variety of blue colors with and without vines and lemons. It toes the line of kitsch. Depending on your sensibilities (and dining partners), this may or may not be an issue for you. The food was pretty reasonable. I had the littleneck clam pasta, which was pretty tasty (and $10, from the normal menu). I was with a group so I also stole bites of a few other dishes too. The salmon and the tiramisu were both a little bit dry, and the flatbread foccacia reminded me weirdly of mayonnaise. The lemon drop martinis were pretty good, but only pretty good, and they're $10 (not $5) if you don't sit in the bar. I would probably come back here if one of my I'll-only-eat-Italian-or-hamburgers friends was visiting. Otherwise, there are probably more interesting places.
(3)
Kristine D.

Slightly older crowd. I only hung out at the bar, where there wasn't a whole lot of places to sit. The outdoor space was not finished, but I imagine in the summer if will be awesome with lots of tables and maybe an outdoor bar. Drinks are a bit pricey, and the crowd is older-professional.
(3)
Sarah K.

One of my favorite restaurants. Great, unique menu and absolutely beautiful place. Nice bar and lounge area if you just want drinks.
(4)
Rachel B.

Lovely atmosphere. Have only been here for happy hour drinks. The lemon drop martini is a steal. The lemon flavor is fantastic. Nice spot to try when in old city.
(4)
Jon N.

Went to dine there once again with the family and yet our expectations of food and service were exceeded yet again
(5)
Dan F.

Breezy, vacation-like vibe for the cloth napkin and Chico's set. If you're 40+ and you dig cruise ship railings, white palazzo pants, and pumping lite jazz, here's where you go to get your branzino herb-crusted with a flute of prosecco on the side. In other words, perfect for me. Menu feels a little random. Not in a "something to please every palate" way but in a "Snoopy and Woodstock prep Thanksgiving" way. - Tomato vinaigrette on tuna - Limoncello sauce on salmon - Truffle oil on branzino - A giant half plum tomato on mahi mahi - Bolognese sauce on NY steak They're not the only ones on the Philly dinner scene to go the random route. Fitzwater Cafe has the same sort of take on dinner. Maybe it has broad appeal? I'd happily return keeping in mind the above.
(3)
C H.

I think this place is probably a solid 3.5. However, the service has been 5 stars each time I've visited, so I bumped up to a 4. I like the location and the outdoor patio is really nice, when weather permits. I've been here quite a few times and the appetizers and pastas have always been excellent. The main course dishes, however, sometimes disappoint or are just eh. They used to have a delicious chicken parm dish (it was a sorta chicken cordon bleu meets chicken parm). I was bummed when they took it off the menu and continue to be bummed when I look at see it's not back.
(4)
Lydia B.

I've been here a few times--usually with large groups where we hung out in the lounge area. I love the atmosphere. In the summer, with the open walls and semi-private lounge areas separated by white floor to ceiling curtains, you almost feel transported out of the city. I'm docking stars because it's inconsistent, both night-to-night and among drinks/small plates. Our server Nick was great, but we had someone else recently who disappeared for really long periods of time, so much so that some in the group resorted to ordering two drinks at once (classy!). My feeling is prices are generally a little steep for the quality of what you get. But, this time was an exception, when we went for Old City Social, and it was a great deal. $3 drink specials (a melon cocktail, two kinds of wine, two domestic beers to choose from) and $2-$4 small plates (i.e., focaccia, great french fries, croquettes, sausage slider). It was a great space to hang out and enjoy the evening.
(3)
L K.

Love this place! The food, drinks and ambiance are great. I feel like I'm on vacation here! It's off the beaten track of old city, so not quite as crazy as 2nd and Market/Chestnut. The staff is very friendly, helpful and prompt. I had the beat salad and salmon. My client had another type of fish (sea bass maybe? I forget) and the spinach salad. All were excellent. I've been here before and always been happy. Prices aren't too bad either.
(5)
Joe D.

This place is not a good value for the price ($16 - $22 for an entree, and sides are not included and cost $6 each). I ordered the veal chop, which for $22 was on the small side, and came with a couple of small onions and some sort of potato cake on the side. It was tasty yet unsatisfying since I was expecting a much larger portion. My calamari appetizer was decent, and was served on top of a nice salad. However, the coup de grÃ¢ce came when I paid $7 for a tiny piece of cheesecake that was about half the size as what's offered in similar restaurants. All told, my wife and I paid around $90 for an appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts, and we were still hungry when we left. The food itself tasted OK, but was really no better than what I would have gotten in a decent catering hall.
(1)
Adrian A.

The ambiance of this restaurant is great. Quaint and romantic especially in the back where the couches are. They serve Italian food and my main dish was the crab cake zucchini. I must say, that it was the best crab cake I've ever tasted. Extremely soft and moist and sits on top of spinach. So for all them other weight watchers, this dish does not make you feel guilty at all. I also had the spicy fried calamari as an appetizer and all I can say is that this dish was fantastic. The spiciness was nothing more than just a little bite so you wot be panting and begging for water. Customer service is very friendly and I can vouch due to the fact I was one of those jerks that came in 30 minutes prior to close. Sorry!
(4)
Jennifer T.

I've heard a lot of good things about Positano Coast so I finally made it there today. I was with a very large party and we sat upstairs in the lounge area near the balcony. THE LOUNGE IS LIKE PARADISE! It was beautiful day today and with all the doors and windows open and the comfy sofas, it was like were sitting in someone's house in Santorini. So beautiful! Ok, to the food. The appetizers were delicious! We ordered almost all of the apps to try out and they were all really good..especially the stuffed calamari. The main entrees were good but nothing that was out of this world. The food is fresh and simple. Overall the place was a little better than OK and I would definitely go back for the atmosphere and the apps.
(4)
Vincent J.

Cool spot to hang out and have some drinks if the girls are working the bar. Try the drink something Sanchez, I cannot remember the first part of the name but it is good. I have eaten here a couple of times and it's a fun place if you like to have tapas and share your food.
(3)
Alice G.

The food and service was really good. I've had better, so I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, but this is a place to get a good meal if you are looking for modern Italian. The farro salad stuck out to me as one of the best dishes, and the gnocchi gorgonzola was scrumptious. Not a very helpful review but this place was good and I would go back.
(4)
MARTIN C.

We were 3mins before the opening for which we got snipped at-they were very helpful with seating for one of our guests who had a disability. The waiter was friendly but not overwhelmingly helpful. The alcoholic drink selection is great but non alcoholic not so good. One of our dishes came out wrong-but was fixed quickly.
(3)
Chris D.

So... much... blue..... Such.. pretty.... walls..... Servers in tight white t-shirts..... Cheap Lemony cocktails..... Well I'm not a woman, so these things don't really appeal to me. The restaurant is pretty interesting with the walls/floors/ etc. The food is good but the portions are sized for children and priced for adults. My sister had her rehearsal dinner here in the back room, and they put on a pretty good show for that. All in all, a pretty good place. Just not really my thing. Probably a lot more appropriate for girls or couples to go for happy hour than for family gatherings, etc..
(3)
Rachel A.

Went here for a girl's night out dinner. We were a party of 8, which was easily accommodated. I was a little confused how to enter the restaurant, considering it was my first time there, but I quickly found a sign that was next to a set of stairs to lead me up to the second floor and to the front door. The inside of the restaurant is quite pretty, however there was a lot of white. Our table was right next to a support beam which made serving several people's food a little tough, but the HOT waiter we had seemed used to it. Yes, our waiter was smokin. I'd go back just to scope him out again. On to the food... We shared the potato croquettes and shrimp and zucchini fritters to start. There were not a lot of the croquettes, and they were quite small. However, there were a lot of the fritters, and they were sooo good! I'd definitely order those again. I then had the Grilled Artichoke Salad, which was amazing. I was a little disappointed at only getting 4 pieces of artichoke that I had to dig for at the bottom of the salad, but over all if was good. I ordered the Tagliatelle Bolognase as a my main meal, and had decided to get the full portion instead of the half. I was glad I did, because I was still really hungry. Getting the half portion would've left me still wanting more, the full portion was still not all that big. For how much food I did receive, I think the price was a little steep ($16). But I do know I was in the city and the prices are higher there no matter what. The service was good, having the eye candy helped too. I would definitely go back and give it another try.
(4)
Catherine L.

If you're trying to impress a special someone with style rather than substance, than Positano Coast is the place for you. Oh yes, it's so snazzy with their chic mediterranean dÃ©cor - sleek lighting, lots of whites and blues - oh my - it's like your on vacation... sort of... Came here for Dining out for Aids. Have previously dined here once or twice and also came for restaurant week. I've also managed to get an errant cocktail here or there. Service, at all times, has always been a bit spotty - and the food too. Portions are small, prices are high and execution is mediocre and uninspired. Last night was particularly bizarre - I don't know if the food runner was on an angry tirade or the food expeditor was out to get us... but our table of five would be partially served at each course...the first: out comes two appetizers. Three or four minutes later, the other three show up. The same thing happened with our dinner but in reverse and this time the wait was significantly longer --- Lastly, came desert, all but one was served, and this poor little chocolate cake arrived only after all of us couldn't wait any longer and had eaten all the other deserts. In the midst of this inconsistent food service, our food runner was very brusque, slamming our plate or bowl down every time he served us. Weird. and a bit scary. Anyhoo, I'd probably go back for a drink if I was hard up to sip a fancy cocktail on a day bed - but I'd probably think twice before I'd spend money to eat there.
(2)
Monica S.

Went to an industry cocktail party at Positano with my friends...I'll lay out the scene. My friends: casually dressed in jeans, sneakers and hoodies vs Other guests: cocktail dresses, stilettos, fine Italian men's suits As you could imagine, my friends wanted to run for the hills, BUT I assured them the cocktails would make up for the awkward company we found ourselves mingling with. Then again, I thought, they are normal. We are outcasts. What did we learn? There's nothing a drink can't fix. I'm now a fan of Positano's cocktails. They feature a fully organic cocktail menu and by next week, they'll have a completely new list in place. The bartenders here spend a ton of prep time getting all the fresh ingredients ready. One of my favorites is the tobacco-infused cachaca (Bazillian rum) cocktail. It's amazing and I don't even smoke anymore. Drinks here are well-balanced and sometimes they even feel like they're good for you.
(4)
Laura D.

This place is beautiful. It gives the sense you're on a Mediterranean vacation. I only came for happy hour so I can't vouch for the food, but the atmosphere was great. Lots of large windows make the place feel open and sunny. Intimate tables with comfy cushions and billowy curtains would make a great spot for a date or small gathering with friends. There's also a small deck area which would be nice in warm weather. The front room with 4-sided bar is larger and more open for socializing during happy hour. I came for a young professionals happy hour, and the crowd was decidedly professional-looking, though a few not so young. But hey, a compliementary drink and $3 wines make me happy so no complaints. Regular happy hour is 5:30-7:30 with a $3 wines, $4 beers, $6 cocktails and happy hour priced apps, fyi. I'd definitely come again for happy hour or to try the food, pretty, intimate atmosphere is enough to make me want to come here.
(4)
Bianca B.

This place has amazing service - our waiter was really nice and introduced the specials of the night in such a way that one of the people in my party decided to switch for a special from the initial choice on the regular menu. I chose this delicious pan-seared branzino which I fully recommend to anyone who enjoys fish. I think everyone who visits this locale should go with the wine carafes that have peaches at the bottom. You'll understand what I mean when you'll eat that wine-infused piece of peach towards the end of your meal. Mmmm... I'd definitely return here again! One con: the lounge area can get too loud for a restaurant.
(4)
Shaun O.

This place always confuses me when I come here on a Friday or Saturday night- is it a bar? a club? a restaurant/lounge? They have a mix of all these elements, as there is a bar, a DJ spinning in the background (and a few folks on the dance floor) and and a back area with tables for eating. I guess I am used to places that know what they are-bar/restaurant or just a club. A mix of all 3 is overwhelming.
(2)
David G.

Stopped by here for lunch on a late Sunday afternoon. My thoughts: Appetizer: I ordered the grilled octopus. It was very good. The meat was thick and mostly juicy, and the onion and other veggies went very well with the octopus, providing a nice contrast in texture with some crunch and in taste as well. The thinnest ends of the octopus were a bit crunchy and charred, admittedly, and I would have preferred those to have been removed. Still, delicious overall. Worth the price at $12. Main: I had the veal marsala, which narrowly won out over the veal parm sandwich. A nice, big piece of veal, plenty of mushrooms, and a sizable helping of capellini, all covered in a tasty marsala sauce. This was also very good. The meat was perhaps a little thinner than I would have liked, but it still worked quite well with the sauce and capellini. The mushrooms were also very good. The whole dish balanced nicely, and everything was in the right proportions. Also $12, and also worth the cost. Service: Very prompt. I had my appetizer within only a few minutes of ordering. It did take some time to remove the empty dish, but I didn't mind that. The main course also came relatively soon after I was done with my appetizer. Overall, a very pleasant meal. 4.5 stars, with only the charred octopus tips keeping it from five stars. I hope to return and try some other offerings.
(4)
Steph H.

Came here for dinner on a beautiful spring day. The windows were open and there was a nice breeze. It was during happy hour so some of the small dishes were half-off. Started off with the prosciutto wrapped melon and then got the gorgonzola gnocchi for my entree. Everything was spectacular and the service was quick and courteous. This would definitely be on my list of "impressive places to bring friends from out of town" which is a big compliment.
(5)
Deborah C.

Positano Coast - Fabulous Restaurant in the heart of Olde City, Philadelphia. Great location, Service and the food is Outstanding, especially the seafood. My daughter and I went here for my birthday celebration and the food was just sooo good, along with the server and staff. I highly recommend Positano Coast for your special meal celebrations. Their lunch menu had quite a few reasonable priced selections too. Definately go here again. Another thing - their Chocolate and Lemon Moose was fantastic! I preferred the lemon, but they were both creamy and delicious.
(5)
Shannon L.

We were here for happy hour, and I must say it's one of the best happy hours I've been to in Philly. They had 2 dollar Kumamoto oysters, which I love, and 1.50 for some other oyster. I have no idea about their lunch and dinner, but I highly recommend their happy hour, which runs from 4.30-7.30 on weekdays (not sure about weekends). It can be a bit crowded around the bar though, and you do need a seat... You can also get other small sides, like fries and breads. 3 dollar yuenglings... I was there mostly for the oysters though. Nice set up and ambiance as well!
(5)
Ali K.

Went to Positano Coast last night during Restaurant Week. I had all intentions of ordering off the restaurant week menu, until my boyfriend showed me the regular menu. Then of course, I couldn't make up my mind! (Needless to say, we did end up ordering from the regular menu) Everything looked delicious. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful. For appetizers, we ordered the cheese plate & the crudo of the day, which was a ahi tuna crudo--it was actually closer to a tuna tartar than seviche, which our server had described it as. Slightly citrus-y...but not overpowering. Entrees--my sweetheart had the sea urchin pasta---YUM--and I had truffle lobster with edamame. Another YUM...however, I do wish for the price, that there would have been a bit more lobster...and more edamame. We also tried the saffron risotto and the spinach with garlic. Both were good, although the risotto was lacking something. We decided to skip dessert after not being impressed by the selections. The atmosphere was great, the murals on the walls were absolutely gorgeous. The only thing I didn't like were the servers outfits--blue chef pants with white shirts--most of the male servers only had on white undershirts & many looked scruffy & unkept. I'd probably go back if the opportunity presented itself.
(4)
Cara N.

I ate at Positano Coast last Saturday night with some friends. I loved the atmosphere, and we had a great view from our table. The staff was very attentive. I ordered the Eggplant Napoleon and the Gnocchi Gorgonzola, and both were disappointing. I was looking forward to two, very flavorful dishes, and both left much to be desired. I had a drink (the name escapes me right now), and it was ok. I tasted one of my friend's crab cakes, and that was pretty good. For dessert, I had the Nutella Crepe, and I was also disappointed with that! The crepe was tasty, but the chocolate tasted nothing like Nutella - it was more like a bitter chocolate sauce. The crepe tasted ok, but I was looking forward to the Nutella (yum), so that definitely put a damper on the taste. Everything was presented beautifully, but everything I tasted lacked flavor. I probably won't go back, and that stinks because the place just looks so cool!
(2)
laura h.

Went here for Valentine's Day the other night. This was the first time I have ever sat down and eaten a meal here. They featured a smaller menu with some of their regular items and some special dishes. Had the blue points and tuna crudo to start. Both were excellent. Also tried the scallops which were delicious but one scallop cut into three pieces left us wanting more. Next we had the skate with veggies and a white wine sauce and the surf and turf. Both were good, but the surf and turf was really like braised brisket with a small lobster tail. Skipped dessert and went to the bar to enjoy the free drink coupons that our server gave us. Bottom lines: Great atmosphere, cool bar, good food, mediocre service, small portions with high prices. The lounge is always a fun place to share a quartino of wine with a friend.
(4)
Howard B.

Nice fresh food, polite servers, great atmosphere. Recommended.
(4)
Katie B.

This place was amazing! My boyfriend and I just walked in around 7:30 on a Friday night and were able to sit right down. Their lounge area is posh with comfortable couches, which is where we ate. There is also a full dining area. The service was amazing, our waiter was super knowledgeable and all of his recommendations were amazing. We ordered the crab legs as an appetizer - they were amazing! I had the crab cake for dinner and my boyfriend had swordfish - everything was succulent and amazing. We had cheesecake for dessert. If you add a bottle of wine to your meal it did get a little pricey, but if you're looking for a nice night out, this place is great. Everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food was just wonderful, great experience, great restaurant and we will be back soon!
(5)
Heavi K.

Great relaxing lunch. Grilled octopus was tasty, not overly cooked and rubbery. Crab cake was different than traditional (in a good way) with lots of crab in it. Lemon mouse was light and flavorful.
(4)
Jason L.

This place is great, the menu is not big, however everything they make is well made!! Their food is one of the best Italian restaurants we have eaten at, almost as good as being in Italy!!
(4)
Diana C.

I love the mediterranean feel of the upstairs lounge area. On atmosphere alone, they get 4 stars in my book. I've been to a formal rehearsal dinner here and I've also been here for casual drinks.... both times, I was pleased with everything from the service, food to ambiance. The food is very good and they also have a great drink menu. I'd definitely come here again for drinks with my fiance.
(4)
David W.

We went for their New Years Eve event. Had the worst time. For $50, it was advertised as being "premium" open bar from 10-1. Turned out the alcohol you could get was very limited, and it was all well drinks. Not even their signature Lemon Drops were available! For beer, it was only Miller Lite! And, it took at least 20 minutes to get a drink each time, because the place was so crowded and understaffed. Bartenders would routinely ignore you. Two mixed-drinks that I got were undrinkable. We've been to Positano Coast on many occasions for dinner, and love it. But NYE was a complete rip-off in every sense of the word.
(1)
Meghan W.

I really like the setting and the decor - it's very welcoming. The service is friendly and efficient. The food is decent with many selections. My table ordered several appetizers (the favorite being the foccacia). The bread and olive oil was delicious. My lunch was incredibly bland....beautiful, but no umph. It was in need of some salt. I don't like a lot of salt in my dish, but I do like to taste my meal (a little dab will do ya). Overall, a pleasant, solid 3-star experience.
(3)
Jackie V.

I love Positano Coast. The decor takes you to an exotic location and the food is amazing. Great drinks, tapas, and service. Great lounge area and also a dining room which is perfect for date night or a special party. Had my enagement party there and couldn't have asked for more. My guests are still talking about how much fun they had there and how great everything was.
(5)
Nicole E.

I am rating this place soley on happy hour. I did not have dinner here, but we had an awesome happy hour with free hors d'oeuvres and the most awesome lemon drop I've ever had! The the Positano Lemon Drop is a specialty at this bar and is a must if you're there for happy hour. Otherwise you're pretty much limited to wines (if you want a cheap happy hour option). On the bar food option there were these amazing risotto balls that kept me happy and full enough to drink my lemon drops :)
(5)
Jamie M.

I highly recommend this restaurant for two reasons....great atmosphere, especially for a romantic night out, and fantastic food! I arrived early so I decided to chill at the bar for the end of happy hour. The sangria was nice and the bar atmosphere was really fun. When it came time for dinner, I had the seared branzio which was a light white fish with a crispy outer skin. The presentation was gorgeous with hints of bright green dancing around the plate of oyster mushrooms and fish. And the touches of truffle oil...much appreciated. Aside from the fish, I also got to sample the zucchini crab cake which was fabulous! The crab was generous and perfectly cooked. The seasoning was just right..not too salty. The chococlate nutella crepes and the glass of porte were the perfect end to a most decadent meal.
(4)
Rebecca Z.

they have great food and amazing dessert and i have never been disappointed by their service.
(4)
Gus C.

Top notch service, food and atmosphere! The Lamberti family have gone out of their way to create one of Philly's best dining experiences. Great place for a first date, anniversary or just a night out. Try the Osso Bucco.
(5)
Michelle C.

Gorgeous restaurant made even better with wonderful company. Mongo surprised me for my birthday by inviting my cousins to join us from out of town. Nothing could have made me happier. Everything we ordered was amazing --- crab/zucchini fritters, pacific cod, branzini, pork shoulder, crab cake, rigatoni, salmon and chocolate cake. If you're in the mood for seafood, Italian style with a modern twist, spend an evening at the coast.
(4)
Matthew G.

Grabbed a drink here recently with a friend on his recommendation. It was the first time I had grabbed a drink in the Olde City since moving back to Philly recently from SF. Can't comment on the food but the bar was so much of what i remembering liking/disliking about the Olde City. Atmosphere/decor - Trendy and modern with a bright motif. Nothing remarkable but friendly/inviting. Like a ton of places that the denizens of Olde City flock to in the evening. General thumbs up. Drinks - Some interesting things on the menu including the organic options which has been on the menu in places in SF for a few years. My friend and I went with two traditional drinks (an onion martini and a scotch). Solid but typical Olde City price markup. Service - Bartender was an attractive women in her mid/late 20s. Kind of like the stereotypical Olde City bartender if there is such a thing. The bartender was competent but neither friendly nor much in the way of conversation. Kind of like I remember the Olde City. Very professional and competent bartender. At the same time, generally get a bartender in most upper-scale places that don't enjoy being a bartender or really knows how to . Probably make the same comment though about most a bunch of other upper-scale places though in most US cities. Vibe: A mix of the professionals/yuppies were who primarily aged from mid-20s to mid-30s (myself included). Still, there are a ton of people trying to do the "suave and sophisticated" thing on a Thursday night. This gets old fast especially when it is clearly a recent college graduate, male and female. Verdict - I would probably go back to try the menu and the bar/lounge weren't bad. Still, not a place I would go out of my way again for a casual drink either.
(3)
itasha c.

I really like this place. Upon coming to this dining experience the hostess had no problem showing my date and I our seats (which I like that there was no wait), she was very plesant. I had ordered the roasted half chicken with veggies which was awesome. My date had spagetti and meatball. I fell in love with the reisling, it went perfect with the chicken. Then for desert I had an tera misu, which now I am such an fan of. But overall this is a nice place to go on a first date. I had a good dining experience.
(4)
Dan C.

I bring customers here on a regular basis when I'm in Philly. It could only be better if it were BYO. Not cheap, but not overpriced. Best restaurant in the neighborhood.
(5)
Christine N.

I came here for a friend's birthday for dinner in the winter. The food here did not wow me (especially for the price). If I could recommend anything it would be the sea urchin pasta, but overall, I thought this place was overpriced. I think I enjoyed my experience here because of the people I was with more than the restaurant itself. On the upside, the service was great and the bar seemed to be popular. I would like to try the bar on a warmer date.
(2)
S C S.

Ambiance is great...service is good...not so cool for kids.
(3)
Wendy W.

the good: the mediterranean themed decor was inviting, festive, yet calming all at once. it provided just the right amount of lighting to give each table a private feel without being too dark. the lounge area was cozy yet chic. the bad: the food went from disappointing to inedible to just plain sad. course 1 consisted of stuffed fried calamari, grilled tiger prawns, artichoke, ricotta and lemon soup, and tuna crudo. the calamari tasted okay but it was an okay ball of dough with a tasty sauce. we couldn't taste, chew, or see any calamari. the grilled tiger prawns were also okay. grilled perfectly but had no flavor. the tuna crudo was basically chopped day old sushi. it desperately needed salt and lemon and eventually just felt gummy as we continued eating it. the soup however had a very nice balanced flavor. it incorporated all ingredients well. it wasn't a hit with everyone at the table but it was mostly due to their dislike of the individual ingredients. course 2 consisted of rack of wild boar and braised pork shoulder. the wild boar was unseasoned and overcooked. it tasted freezer burned and looked like it was sitting under a heating lamp for a few hours. the pork shoulder was cardboard dry with an overly sweet sauce that just assaulted your tastebuds. no one at the table was able to finish their dish. the side of gnocchi made a bad meal worse. the gorgonzola was just overpowering. course 3 consisted of creme brulee and nutella crepe. both were unmemorable. the worse: service started out fine. friendly smiling server. bread and water were re-filled rather quickly. but after the food was brought out and we noted to the server how there was a mistake, it all went downhill from there. he said he would not charge us for the mistake but we could keep the dish anyway. after that point, the server was m.i.a. the rest of the night. the wait time from appetizer to entree was about 5 minutes (approximately 8:00PM). the wait time from the entree to dessert menu was 20 minutes (approximately 9:00PM). the wait time from dessert menu to dessert was 30 minutes and were brought out by another server. the bill was also dropped off by another server. (even though we saw our server walking around) and long and behold, we were charged with the mistaken dish. after waiting about 20 minutes for the server to return, we gave up and decided to pay for a dish we neither ordered not ate because we were just plain tired and disappointed by then. as we got up to leave, we caught a glimpse of our server sitting on a table in the kitchen chatting with other servers. overall i may go back for drinks in the lounge area but dinner was really subpar for what it presents itself to be.
(1)
Fatty D.

Ill make it short as I dont think I have to describe what the place looks like. Food was good. The plating needs help. There is just not enough being served on the plates so it makes the portions look below expectations. The Shared Cold Appetizer for 24 dollars was good. Oysters and clams were very good. Entress: Stripe Bass was nicely done over potato pillows. Veal also was very good The crab cake was delish and full of Lump. LIPS was not with us this time around. I would stop in again but would not go out of my way. It was good but nothing exciting. Service was as expected.
(3)
rico b.

Love this place, went with my lady the other night.. The food was decent but the entire feel and view in the lounge area was awesome!!! We will be back again!
(4)
Kimberly S.

I really like this place. Not only did they manage to get me a table on a Sat night during prime dinner hour when I called only an hour or so earlier, but they also have an impressive menu and excellent food. I've been here twice and have truly fallen in love with the grilled octopus. You must order it, even if you have never had octopus in your life or if you hate it, I guarantee you will love this dish. The rabbit ragu is also amazing! On my most recent visit, I had the duck, my friends ordered the lamb and the shortribs. Each plate was well executed and absolutely delicious. Our service was not top notch, but not too bad either. The server seemed to take forever in getting us started with drinks and taking orders and we had a few awkward moments with him, though I don't blame him entirely. My wacky friends tend to have that effect sometimes. They will try to upsell you with sides, but unless you are very hungry, the main course, along with a little of their heavenly soft bread, will be just enough to leave you feeling satisfied but with room for dessert. The interior here is lovely. It's very classy and in a city full of Try-Hard Trendy Wannabe Pretentious bars/restaurants this place is unique with the atmosphere if offers. It has a great Mediterranean vibe without overdoing it. Positano definitely sucked the life out of my wallet, but I suppose prices are comparable to every other restaurant in the city that offers a great dinner. But seriously... you gotta try the octopus.
(4)
Laura G.

We went back to Positano Coast for lunch again, this time for Restaurant Week. I still love the atmosphere and the service was very good, but the food and the restaurant week "deal" were both only ok overall. I'm always skeptical of Restaurant Week since I don't normally buy a three course meal, so if I went to any of the restaurants on the list I'd usually spend less money normally. But it's fun to go all out. That said, the appetizers (I added pics of both) were amazing! I ordered the potato croquettes with thai basil parmesan cream and my boyfriend got the Crispy Focaccia with roasted zucchini, ricotta, mozzarella, and truffle oil. After having such success with the appetizers, we were both a little let down by our main courses. I got the Veal Marsala, sautÃ©ed with imported marsala wine, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes, served with capellini. The sauce was very light, which was good, but the veal was over cooked, a little chewy, and didn't take the sauce well. The capallini with the sauce was quite tasty though. The other main course was the Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Prosciutto and Tomatoes Panini which was good, but nothing to write home about (although the fresh motz was fantastic). To top it off for dessert we got tiramisu and creme brulee, both of which were wonderful. Aside from the main dishes not being as impressive as the rest of the meal, it was a great lunch and otherwise would have gotten 4 stars from me. One of these days we'll make it there for dinner...
(3)
Catherine M.

Came here from recommendation from my boss. Inside this old historic city lies this modern hip wine bar restaurant like the ones you see in Hollywood. After looking at the menu, I knew we should try it. It was restaurant week so we opted for the 4course prix fix menu. I had the salad frizz, grilled shrimp, sea urchin pasta and cream brule. I was in heaven. The course was off the top awesome. I ordered white wine to go with the pasta. It was light and the uni was fresh and went really well with the squid ink pasta and crab meat. I'll definetely have to come back here when I'm in phyli.
(5)
Lesley P.

Went there for Sunday lunch about 2pm after seeing a Ritz Five movie. It is BYOB on Sundays and Mondays and they were very gracious about it with no corkage fee. We had the positano salad, cold antipasto, spaghetti marinara, shrimp linguini, and some kind of entree risotto. We ended with a creme brulee. The prices were good because it was lunch and BYOB. We had excellent, attentive service and when we had one minor glitch with the temperature of the dessert they comped us on it! We will definitely be going there again.
(5)
Kaitlin H.

Took my mom here on mother's day and had a great time! I love the mediterranean flare and the outdoor seating area. The specialty cocktails we ordered were superb, but I wasn't as impressed with the wines available by the glass. The service was great and attentive, and our server had some good recommendations. All of our plates were fresh and very tasty! The portions were a bit small for the price, but they were the perfect manageable size. Since I only ordered off the special mother's day menu I cannot give a review of their regular menu but I would definitely go back to try other dishes and check out their happy hour I have heard many great things about!
(4)
Robert C.

Positano is in a wonderful location next to the Ritz 5. We stopped by last night for a glass of wine before a movie. We ordered a glass of Malbec each for $5 but were brought and billed for a half caraf. So our $5 pre-movie glass of wine became a $33 without a tip. After posting my comments on Yelp, however, we were contacted by a member of the staff with an apology. This is impressive service, so I'm changing my rating from 1 star to 3 stars.
(3)
Mark L.

Decent upscale Mediterranean bar food at a great location in Old City across the Ritz Five. Perfect for a pre- or post-movie drinks. I don't think of it as a standalone restaurant.
(3)
Tricia M.

Went there for Restaurant Week with 6 of my girlfriends. Everything was wonderful which was a pleasant surprise as I've had bad luck with Restaurant Week. Drinks were fabulous and the food excellent - good selection and prepared really well. The grilled seppia was the universal favorite! Also have to pay compliments to the DJ who willingly played our old school requests. Definitely will revisit in the summer to take advantage of the patio and outdoor lounge
(4)
Lucinda D.

We only came here because we had a gift certificate, and i'm glad we weren't paying. The atmosphere is great (perfect lighting), although it's big. I'd come here for drinks for sure. But not again for dinner. The food was mediocre at best. The bread was good, grilled octapus was good buffalo mozzarella (hard to get wrong) was fine. But the entrees are fair at best, and dessert was totally underwhelming. The service was friendly and well-paced through the first half of the meal, but then we seemed to be forgotten. As others have said, the portions are small for the prices. Overall, a disappointment.
(2)
Tanya L.

Top to bottom glass windows, a calming cerrulean blue everywhere accented by a summery white exterior, and lemons that float ontop glass vases with crystal clear water. In the beginning, I almost stuffed myself on soft yet chewy bread with an olive oil garnered with jasmine. Positano is where I found myself on a heavenly double date. They offer crudo: basically an Italian type sushi and the black bass was smokey, smooth, and maaarvelous. I cannot rave enough about the lobster (which wasn't hard to pry out of it's shell - no tacky plastic bibs or awkward cruncher plier type deals here)! It was paired with a truffle sauce. While I inhaled my meal in like 10 minutes, I also gulped this pesca fresca (peach vodka and basil leaf drink on ice) that defined the essence of refreshing. Then for the finale was a light, sweet vanilla cherry gelato. The restaurant loses one star because the cherries were dried out and gross, along with its small portions and big prices (50 dollars: poof!!!). But otherwise the restaurant and bar was an extraordinary pick.
(4)
Kate S.

This is one of my first places in the city that I came to for dinner and continued from that day forward. I love their sangria, their food sampling and their atmosphere. A little loud on the weekends (expected of anywhere in Philadelphia), but a great atmosphere for entertaining guests or an intimate dinner.
(4)
Alex A.

Atmosphere is very nice and the bar is a great place to hang while you wait for your party to arrive. The lemon drop martini is delicious and very strong. Highly recommended. All the food is very delicious if you enjoy seafood. The appetizers were excellent. I had the spicy crab cake. Not very spicy, but it was very large and awesome. My only real issue is the price. The menu is very expensive and the portions for the most part are so so. I enjoyed it but i doubt I will ever go again.
(3)
Gwen G.

My husband and I went here last night for our 5 year anniversary and we were not disappointed. We sat in the lounge on a comfy sofa and enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere. We were served by Fillipe, our awesome waiter and ate lovely small plates of seafood and salad. The Yellow Fin Crudo ( an Italian Sashimi type fish) wrapped in avocado was delicious. The other small plates were really good, though nothing knocked my socks off. It was expensive, but we drank 2 bottles of wine in a 3 1/2 hour time span. We were never rushed. This place was so much fun, we will definitely go back. Did I mention the music? It was very cool, rhythmic and melodic. We wanted to get up and dance. Highly recommended romantic experience.
(4)
J M.

Went for lunch, pretty nice decor except for the weird starched white clothing tacked on the walls. Three of us ordered the chicken parm panini with seasoned fires, wow HUGE portion, the most delicious sandwich with crispy fries perfectly seasoned and worth every calorie. Very good service, would like to come back and try them for dinner.
(4)
Sasha R.

I had a very memorable meal here with my fiancee and his parents on my first visit to old town PA. This place almost had me packing my bags and moving from SF to PA . It was a delightful combination of art, food and culture and with each delicious bite I felt transported to a tranquil island- that's really hard to do when your with your soon to be in-laws. I would say that if you're any where near this place it's worth it to stop in, have a meal and enjoy. I liked Jon's idea of grabbing a bite before a show at the theatre directly across the way, but this place seems like an entire night out on it's own. And it's so much cheaper than a flight !!!
(5)
Kristian S.

Last night, we wandered down to Positano Coast for the first of Old City's Thursday night happy hour promotion. I've never been here and was very pleasantly suprised to find a very adult crowd (30s-40s), a wonderfully breezy open-air vibe, and great bar service. We enjoyed some of the $3 wine (nothing special, but OK) and suprisingly good cocktail special "The Bomber", which was a mix of vodka, apples, and St. Germain, at $4. Food standouts were the deep-fried poached egg with roasted asparagus and the zuchinni flatbread at $4 each. Couldn't help but thinking what a great date spot this would be.
(3)
di z.

I'm a fan, definitely, but I give it a 3 star because of the portions and prices. Wine by the glass is a plus, so is the Mediterranean relaxing decor... 3, no more.
(3)
Carrie E.

Next time you're in the mood for fancy cocktails, get thee to the lounge at Positano Coast, stat. They've just added new organic concoctions to their drink menu, and lemme tell you - they are yummy. The bartenders look like they should be wearing safety goggles and lab coats as they work - everything is precisely measured and flawlessly executed. The lounge is one of my favorite spots in the entire city to socialize with friends. Just sitting on the cozy sofas under billowing silks makes me feel like I'm on a tropical vacation. Since it's highly unlikely that I'll be taking a trip to the islands anytime soon I'll gladly make do with a festive beverage at this heavenly spot.
(4)
Chris L.

In the mood for cocktails? Or you just want a nice seafood dinner? Well, in either case, stop on Positano Coast for some exquisite dining! It's nicely decorated inside to get you to feel like you're on a nice vacation. Their drinks are quite good. I had their sashimi appetizer, which was quite good but it disappeared so quickly. Their seafood soup and entrees are also decent. Great options for dessert ranging from Tirimisu to chocolate cake. The food is quite expensive, so be prepared to spend a little bit more than usual. But being that the food is quite satisfying, who says money can't buy happiness? :)
(4)
Jessica K.

The food was OK, but very small. And expensive. I wasn't paying though so I didn't mind too much.
(3)
Vinnie D.

Best dining experience in Philadelphia in a long time. Very much enjoyed every aspect of dinner. Make reservations now!
(5)
Leslie C.

Nice setting, pleasant and decent service but they pretty much forgot to care about the food! The eggplant Napoleon was chef boy ar Dee quality, the grilled octopus w/ artichokes was so-so, the focaccia was covered w/ too much bland cheese, the tuna crudo was tasty if a bit over-chilled, and the music was like a disco on some outer island in the 80's. Tiramisu (think 80's again!) was light and tasty, and the wine list is nice but pricey for what it is. I will go back before or after movie across the strteet, but only for drink, not dinner. Outdoor seating and airy bar are nice.
(2)
Michael C.

Large family friendly restaurant. Decent, not great Italian food. Good menu. Fanatsitc gelatto.
(4)
Lowie T.

this is a classic place i loved going to when i lived in philly. it's italian, and not only is the food very good, the decor is spectacular. elegance, romance, and serenity are basis of its decor. almost as if you were somewhere off the coast of italy, the restaurant is trimmed in bright blue tile, and large glass vases of fresh lemons brightens up each corner of the room. it sits on the 2nd floor so you have a bird's eye view of old city, perfect for a night of people watching. it has many different rooms, all open and uniquely accented with long, flowing white drapes, white couches and bright, big plush cushions, and a balcony where there is outdoor seating for warmer weather. in the background echoes lightly the sounds of an operatic tenor, and it can easily turn into a happening lounge at night, filled with more contemporary hits. this is a place that thrives during warmer months, since its decor is more seaside and coastal. occasions this restaurant is perfect for: a romantic date with a bottle of wine on the balcony, catching up with girlfriends in it's more "breezy" lounge/couch area, large groups for birthdays, bridal/baby showers, laid back nightlife in one of it's lounges (it's becomes more of a miami' esq feel then). if there's anything i love it's a pretty place, and with food that is equally enjoyable, i'm sold!
(4)
Carrie S.

I recently held an event at Positano Coast and everything was fabulous. Everyone who I worked with leading up to the day was beyond helpful and addressed all of my questions and concerns. The day of went seamlessly and everything the restaurant had promised was just as they had said. Everyone had a fabulous time and I was able to sit back and relax and enjoy the special day. Special thanks to Carolina and Rositta for all of their help and attention.
(5)
Jon L.

I only spent a few hours in Positano. It was my last week of college, and I was participating in a "senior event" in which we were supposed to go to, like, 40 bars. We started drinking in Old City and the last bar on the list was in West Philly, on campus. When we got to Positano Coast, we were only about four bars into the trek, so my assessment should be pretty reliable. I agree with what Caitlin C. says. The folks who designed this restaurant did an excellent job; for a quick (or not so quick) cocktail, Positano is a classy way to go. On my senior walk-of-intoxication, the Positano Lemon Drop got a lot of attention (not from me, though; I think I just had a beer), and I would love to go back to Positano to see what else they can mix up. Also, it's right across from one of the Ritz Theatres. You can grab a drink before you go to a foreign film. Sounds like a classy night out to me.
(4)
Jim S.

We live across the street from this restaurant and it's our "go to" place when we are in town and have nothing in the fridge. Tonight it was 100 degrees and very hot outside. We sat at the bar because we saw that our favorite bartender was on duty (Christy). She remembered us although we hadn't been there for a couple of months. She offered us water to start since it was real bad outside. We accepted and then ordered drinks. We also wanted food and she gave me a great recommendation...I wanted the grilled octopus and also wanted a salad. She suggested switching the frisee for arugula and topping it with the octopus and the grilled artichokes. Terrific idea...great meal. We recommend sitting at the bar and ordering light meals if you want a casual, middle of the week dinner. And don't be afraid to ask the bartender for help in ordering! We are so glad we live close to this very nice, friendly restaurant. Jim
(5)
mizz g.

Last night was my second time there. I love the decor and the atmosphere. We ordered a few apps at the bar and although the food was great. I mean, really, everything was hot, tasty and fresh, the service at the bar was slow, and unattentive. I wish the bar service was better. On my fist trip there, we sat at a table and our waiter was amazing. Very attentive, professional, personable. So, to the bartenders: pay attention!
(4)
Heather B.

I'm giving it three stars for food (fine but unmemorable, and skip the crepes for sure). It's at least four for drinks -- don't be fooled by the unfortunate choice of font for the sign, it's very fabulous and very Mediterranean once you get upstairs. Nice outdoor seating in Philly without having to watch, inches from the curb, as drivers pick their nose while they speed by! Don't underestimate it.
(3)
Leah G.

I have eaten lunch here three times, twice last year and once this December. They have excellent food and I have not been disappointed. We have had our holiday lunch for work there two years in a row. The service was definitely better the first time....there was no one at the bar the most recent time I went. The lounge area is very cozy and inviting, but I'd like to go back in the summer at night sometime to get the full experience.
(4)
Jessica A.

I just recently ate at Positano with a group of friends for my birthday. The atmosphere is FANTASTIC - what I imagine it would be like to be sitting in a restaurant overlooking the Meditteranean Sea. Food was excellent, service was good, but not overbearing. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Megan K.

I really like this place. Their lemon signature drink is super yummy. I don't normally drink specailty cocktails. It is super pretty and open. When the weather is nice, I love going here. I have eaten aps a few times there. Tried different things. It was all good. Love the atmosphere
(4)
Aymee S.

Visited on a Saturday night for a birthday celebration with friends. 8 person party. We were seated promptly even tho our party was not complete...a plus. The decor is outstanding! A very cool Mediterranean atmosphere lends to the upscale vibe they are going for. After being at another event all day I was not super hungry so I ordered the Antipasti appetizer. Note: it does not come on a bed of lettuce or with greens. The waitress did attempt to up sell me a $6.00 plate of lettuce. Served on what looked like a cutting board the meats and cheeses were quite good. However, some of the cheese was very strong and could have used some lettuce to cut it. We did not see our waitress during our entire meal. Not once. No "how is everything" No refills of water ( my empty glass was not hiding). I often think that parties are neglected since servers are guaranteed an 18% tip. No need to be attentive and it showed throughout our entire meal. Perhaps this place is better suited for a couple or a party of four when the servers are actually working for the tip.
(2)
Robin S.

I went here for drinks, not dinner, so I can't comment on the food. The atmosphere was pretty laid back though, and the peach wine was decently good. It seems like a good place to grab a drink with a group,
(3)
Steve G.

Positano Coast is an amazing place to experience a great meal outdoors. We went early on a weekday night and asked to sit outside on the balcony since it was a beautiful evening. We were told to pick whichever table we felt like. The food was all delicious. The small plate style allowed for us both to sample several items from the menu. We had the Antipasto & Stuffed Calamari appetizers, the Eggplant Napolean & Lamb & Leeks entrees, the gnocchi and capellini w/ clams side dishes, and the creme brulee dessert. Everyone of them was fantastic. My favorite was probably the Capellini w/ Clams side dish. I also ordered their signature Limoncello cocktail which was also very good and the perfect complement for a beautiful spring evening. I would definitely return in the future.
(4)
Michelle K.

I went with a large group for a dinner. We started with antipasti which included cheese and cured meats. It was standard. We had a salad which was not memorable. For the entree I had the branzino and it makes me sad it say it was not good. I adore brazino but the plate was seriously an afterthought. The fish was simply cooked but lacked any flavor. I asked for salt and pepper so I could eat it. The veggies underneath were a joke. They were covered in butter and still raw. I did not eat more than 1 piece. I can confirm that no one at the table enjoyed their meal which included the veal marsala and gnocchi. It lacked flavor and inspiration. The same could be said about the dessert. Definitely a dissappointment and not a memorable meal. With so many choices of great italian food in Philadelphia, go elsewhere. I give them 1 star because they kept refilling my wine glass. The other start goes to the nice atmosphere.
(2)
Lindsey R.

Ok So Tuesday Night I tried Positano. Dining Room was slow but starting to fill up when I was leaving at 9pm. Ok so the portions are small so I recommend Getting an App or 2 or even a side with your entree. The Grilled Octopus was amazing so tender and my Bronzino was flacky with a nice crispy crust. Very Light but filling at the same time. The Tuna Tartar was ok . I felt like it was missing something to put it over the top. The downfall was the dessert. Desserts seemed a little stale and not as exciting as the rest of the experience. However manager sent us over some Limoncello which was delicious and the Organic Cocktails are a must try! Was a nice evening.
(4)
Manny F.

I accidentally came across this place as I was walking out the Hyatt hotel on a business trip. The place was almost dead and I got there 10 minutes before the kitchen closed. After a quick glance at the menu, I settled with the decision to get the lamb dish - great choice. My only complain was that the serving was too small, for small pieces served with some veggies. The atmosphere was nice and mellow and the lounge music was excellent. They had good wine, served in a carafe! I would still go back here any day.
(4)
Laurel M.

What a gorgeous restaurant & what a perfect place for summer dining & wining. While I may never have been to the Almafi Coast, the vibe & decor of Positano Coast certainly resurrected those happy memories & feelings I had from my time in the Balearic Islands of the Mediterranean. We were here for dinner, not drinks but I really cannot wait to return & sip the evening away in the Sopra Lounge, decorated with comfy couches & billowing white curtains. When ordering food here, keep in mind the portions are smallish. Not quite tapas small, but if you're dining with even a small handful of people I'd certainly recommend getting a couple extra main dishes than there are people at the table. All in all my dinner was delicious. I started with a simple salad which was topped with a very tangy and tasty dressing, which set it out in my memory. I went on with crisp parmesan veal. The veal may not have been the best I've ever had but it was far from bad. However, it was served perfectly crispy with some very delicious marinara sauce & filled with gooey parmesan & mozzarella. I sided my meal with the house baked potato puree which was very good. It was perfectly seasoned & had just the right amount of garlic taste to it. I was starting to feel a little full at this point, but not full enough to turn down dessert. I ordered a rice pudding which was served as fried balls covered with brown sugar & garnished with some fruit. So good, but very rich & filling, even between two people we were just barely able to finish it all! Service here was good, northing to complain or rave about. As much as I can't wait to return simply for drinks in the Sopra Lounge, I'd definitely return for dinner as well. If you're looking for an exotic but relaxed vibe to either drink or dine, I think Positano Coast is one of your best options in Philadelphia.
(4)
Krista B.

This place NEEDS SOMETHING- like maybe a change in management? The place is gorgeous. I'm the perpetual optimist and keep coming back because the place looks so good...and I SO enjoy a great atmosphere...but that's kind of like going to an art gallery for dinner. I've finally learned not to go there anymore after a recent big family dinner (I picked the place...HOPING it would be good THIS TIME...) The place is always impressive in terms of decor, but nothing else goes along with it (except for the prices). I have had better service (seriously) at the Midtown Diner. The food is overpriced for the tiny portions, and the menu is just weird. Everything is all over the place on the menu. I will tell you if you still want to go, that you can get by inexpensively by ordering the sides (Risotto for $8 that really was good). I really want to go back because I like being there, but I don't enjoy eating there. :-(
(2)
Ti L.

It may sound weird... but the restaurant is a very relaxing place the eat. With so many places trying to be chic, I felt like the simplicity of the decor (white, blue, pics of the ocean) was perfect. As for the food, it was tasty, well-seasoned, smaller portions (but enough), yet pricey. At the end of the night I was very satisfied and will definitely go back.
(4)
Meg B.

I have to give a 4 for this place simply because I just love the atmosphere there on a nice night. If you ever been to the meditreranean , you will feel like you are back there again when you step into Positano Coast. I recommend sitting outside on the patio if it's a nice night. The blowing tapastries and view of the quiet cobblestone neighborhood is great. I reccommend going on a Sunday or Monday when you can take advantage of BYOB. I've done that during restaurant week- my meal that night was just so-so but I think you'll find that a most places during restaurant week. I had the Sea Urchin pasta which was ok but a tad too fishy for me. My friend had this braised short ribs which was to die for. The first time I went here with my boyfriend, stand out dishes were the pesto crabcakes and New York Steak Bologonese- both delish and made me wanting more- The chese plate was also yummy. The chicken parm was a tad dry. All in all, if highly recommend going here for a chill, relaxing night out for dinner and or just drinks.
(4)
Alicia O.

we sat upstairs outside on a very sunny day. service was good, the food was tastey. i had fried calamari filled with something, very flavorful! then the crab cappelini pasta. it was all served in a timely manner and tasted light and refreshing. i was satisfied. the drinks were strong so you get what you pay for. i will be back again. the decor is fab and its kinda like a little hidden treasure in olde city.
(3)
Ron B.

Prob don't have much to add beyond what's already been written about Positano Coast, but was recently pleasantly surprised, so I thought I'd give them props. Went with a bunch of friends for a hanging-out drinkfest one Friday night a few months ago - I was completely surprised by how hip and relaxed the place felt. I've passed it a 1000 times and always saw older couples eating in the windows, so really had no desire to try it...I was def surprised by the fact that, with the right group, this place can feel like a NY or Vegas lounge. Based on that first experience, I took a group for dinner last week - we sat on the balcony amongst lounge-y indoor-outdoor furniture on a beautiful night, which definitely lent to the evening. But we ordered a bunch of small plate food and were very happy with just about everything. It really had an authentic Mediterranean feel to the menu and the execution was quite good. The menu could be a little more diverse and the wine list could use a slight shot in the arm, but all in all, this place is worth visiting periodically - for a fun group, a romantic dinner (better during a quieter weeknight) or even a business dinner (again, on a weeknight).
(4)
Randy F.

Great appetizers and drinks. Actually, the meal I had there once wasnt bad either, but the ambience and the overall setting is what makes this a great place. Especially in the summer.
(4)
Liz Q.

The service here was wonderful. The ambiance perfect. The cuisine is tasty, especially their crab cakes!
(5)
matthew l.

Given the design and all white brightness of this second floor restaurant, one could be overlooking the Mediterranean on Positano itself. Despite the fact that the view here is certainly urban chic, these are among the best outdoor tables to be had anywhere in the city. The huge photographic murals definitely conjure the Amalfi coast and actually add to the ambiance unlike the tired paint-by-numbers versions of grape arbors and Chianti fiascos so often seen. The place is worth multiple visits for a variety of reasons but certainly for the menu with the crudo, and the artichoke, ricotta and lemon soup which are extraordinary as are the fresh sardines. House made squid ink pasta more often than not a disappointment here made with crab and redolent of a briny breeze. The Lemon Drop, made with house made limoncello, citrus Stoli, heavy cream and claimed to be made with the legendary Sorrentine lemons an exceptional summer drink. Wait staff much above average and uniformly articulate about the menu.
(4)
Salima C.

It has been sometime since I was here. maybe a year or so. Before that year I was here 3 times. Each time the food was HORRIBLE. I mean bad. It has amazing ambiance, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the decor...to bad ambiance and decor wasn't on the menu.
(1)
Jung Hee K.

I came here on a Valentine's Day weekend, so that could've added to the chaos,on top of that we were a large group... so the service was slow, but not complaining too much because they were kind. However, I must say nothing here was too stellar- at least for what they were charging. The food was average and the portion sizes were very small, but the experience was rich. I really felt as though I were on the coasts of Italy. I loved the deep blue water effects and the lemon centerpieces. Twas scenic but unfortunately, you can't eat the atmosphere~ so if you're more about the food, this place is not for you. I'm definitely coming back here for another try on a warmer day with a smaller group. I want to try their brunch menu, & hopefully there will be an update.
(2)
Danielle L.

Went here for drinks after dinner on a Saturday night, great atsmophere, great hip electro techno music mixed with sped up radio hits. Bartenders... helpful and easygoing! I didnt know what I wanted and he made me a drink not on the memo, with pressco, raspberries and kumkwats. Unexpected and tasted great.
(4)
Food For T.

Been here a few times and it never disappoints. I especially like their grilled octopus.
(5)
Jen B.

Love this restaurant, have been twice. Eating outside is nice on a summer night. The decor is beautiful. No one makes a better crab cake! Do you hear me?! No one! The best!
(5)
Ann V.

I agree with everything that was stated in Aaron O's review of this place And to add to that.. the waitstaff is absolutely horrendous! Can they move any slower?! I gave it two tries, never again.
(1)
Kay S.

3-Food, 3-Ambiance/Cocktails, 4-Service. Let's start with the positive. On a friend's recommendation, I came with a mixed group of friends and business associates. Our waiter was polite, attentive and amiable. He checked on us frequently, offered water and drinks on the regular. At my server's suggestion, I ordered the "Sea Urchin Pasta" ($21). I was intrigued by the black ink fettuccine pasta with crab meat. It was flavorful but I could have done without the large pieces of sliced garlic. Perhaps, I've been spoiled by my Italian exBF cooking skills and was appalled by their attempt to pass "mozzarella breading" as stuffed fried calamari ($12). The menu said they were stuffed with spinach and some type of sauce. The calamari was rather anemic in size and mostly breading. I was too tired and hungry to make a complaint. I also ordered a Caesar Salad ($9) with decent portion of chicken and nice, crisp green lettuce. Now, the redeeming quality of the restaurant is its unique decor. The fact it's in a second story provides an escape from the hustle and crowd in Old City. If I were to go back, I'd return with someone I was romantically involved with. It'd be nice to sit on white comfy couch and have a full on make-out session as other patrons (unimpressed with their calamari) stare at us with envy. In their defense, it was 11 pm and we were the only diners in the place. The other two couples were drinking and on the verge of baby-making. Bottom line: I'd return for cocktails. It is a good place to bring friends and catchup over a glass of wine.
(3)
Guy D.

We stopped here a year ago for a quick snack before a movie. It was pretty good. Yesterday my family and I came here for a small birthday lunch. The food was mediocre, at best. The waiter seemed confused and unsure of his duties. We got beer in old-fashioned glasses, not beer glasses. We will not be eating here again. Much better restaurants in Philly than this one.
(2)
Michelle C.

I'd give 3 stars for the food and 4 for the ambiance. Since I'm feeling nice today, I'll round up to 4 stars total. I was meeting a friend for dinner and knew we were going to get into some deep conversations. I wanted a place with a relaxed atmosphere and chill vibe, so we went to Positano Coast. The bar area on a Tuesday was really dead, which was fine with us. I'm not crazy about the happy hour specials ~ $4 for a 3 ounce glass of wine didn't really feel like a deal, but whatev. Our dinner reservations were for 7:30, and we were led to the dining room, which was filled with an older crowd and some business types. I asked if there was anywhere else to sit, and we were taken to the lounge area which was perfect. Little nooks with comfy chairs and pillows were sectioned off by gauzy curtains, which made for a really intimate setting. We had the antipasto to start, which was a great match to the fresh bread and olive oil that was brought to the table. For dinner we ordered the branzino and chicken rollatini entrees, plus a side of gnocchi gorgonzola. The food was good but entrees were on the smaller side so I'd recommend getting a couple side items for every two people. I'll definitely be back next time I want to unwind and feel like I'm on a mini vacation!
(4)
Alexander M.

Positano Coast was my first stop for Restaurant Week 2011. Michelle C. hits the nail on the head. The ambiance and the design is a 4, maybe a five. We were sat by the window with a nice view of the street, and on comfy little ottomans. The place does a good job of making you feel very rich and European. The drink selection is great (though much of it out of my price range, unfortunately; I did enjoy my Chimay though), and the food, while not necessarily exceptional, was solid. I had a Wild Boar served with linguine, served nice and hot- surprisingly tasty. My girlfriend got the gnocchi- good stuff, nothing too fancy. A note: both times I've been here have been before trying to catch a movie at the Ritz Five. In both cases we felt pressed for time, this time getting out too late to sit anywhere decent in the theater. This may have made the service feel slower than it actually was. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend trying to sneak in dinner here before a show; it is absolutely perfect, however, for good food and drinks *after* your show.
(4)
Josie D.

The atmosphere is one of the best in the city, in my opinion. Me and my boyfriend always sit in the lounge. Its comfortable and makes it dinner so much more intimate and creates a whole different feeling then you get at most restaurants. The food is always good. We've gone twice, first time was absolutely amazing and the second time we weren't as impressed with the service. The second time it was much more crowded and decided to take a table outside. I think it might have been because it was getting fairly cold, but our waitress let us sit a while after we were done which was sort of annoying, but she was shivering so I'll give her a break and say it was only cause it was cold. Their lounge is definitely one of my favorite places to have a meal in the city though.
(4)
Caitlyn H.

Extremely expensive, but you definitely get what you paid for. We had a group of 10 come in for happy hour. The bar service was meh (they forgot about a few of our drinks), but to their defense it was crazy busy. They seated us surprisingly quickly on the outdoor balcony. For having such a large group, the service was a lot quicker than expected. They did forget one of our appetizers, which no one realized until after dinner, so that was our fault as much as it was theirs. But the food was EXCELLENT. I had the grilled octopus appetizer and for dinner the squid ink pasta with sea urchin and crab. I am a very adventurous eater so I was really happy with the more unusual items on the menu, but they do have more traditional fare as well. Overall, we had a great visit. I would definitely come back, but only for a special occasion, or maybe just for happy hour.
(4)
Hoa T.

LOVE the atmosphere here. You get the feel that you are in a different world of the Mediterranean away from Philly. Great deals on wine either by the glass, 9oz, 1/2 liter to a liter. We had the anitpasto italiano which is big enough for 2. There was a good variety of cheeses and cured meats. Service was fast and efficient. I would definitely come back here to try out more of the menu. It is interesting to note that they have very good deals for happy hour. $3 for 3oz of wine, $5 cocktail specials, and $3 beer.
(4)
Joanne W.

I used to come here every month. It's a place I love but always forget about since its farther from the other restaurants Im in love with. The quality is amazing and it leaves you wondering why the food pairings haven't been realized somewhere else. This review is for my restaurant week experience, however. I haven't been here in a while and saw that they were listed on restaurant week! Yay! I was so excited, I was going to order three (one for my boyfriend and myself and one to share and take home if we didn't finish)...thank goodness we didn't. The quality for restaurant week was disgusting. I was so turned off by the server and the service that I just wanted to leave. When I came in on time for my reservation, I asked to sit in the lounge area. At this time, I saw a guy stop my server and whisper something not to nice to her. Fun enough, he was our server...who seemed pissed we were seated so late. He rushed us for a drink order, though i had questions. I was asking my boyfriend if I should get the "sanchez" and the server butted in and said, "the sanchez? Ok! And for you sir?" ....blah. whatever, how can alcohol go wrong, right? Well, it did. I didn't like it at all. The server never checked on it and I left it alone on the side of the table. I later order a wine and still didn't touch my drink after the initial sip and I was trying to make it obvious that the drink was a no-go...but the server still didn't seem to care that I didn't like my drink. Our first course was served but I didn't really care for the cold, fried food. But my boyfriend enjoyed cold calamari....until the server cleared it before it was done. I order my favorite dish, the Sea Urchin Pasta....and I regretted it. It wasn't as good as before. My boyfriend's branzino was lacking flavor also. Disappointing!!! Creme Brulee was good. Tiramisu could be better... I won't give this place a bad score because it was generally amazing for me, but the service really hurt my experience during restaurant week. I'll be back when restaurant week is over. Just as I said for my Fogo review, maybe it was just restaurant week!
(5)
Meredith G.

Ventured here for a young friend's 21st birthday. I've passed this place numerous times, and it was on my list of places to try. The decor itself was stunning, you really felt as if you were outside of the United States. We sat in the lounge area the entire time, right near the bar. All of the food we were going to eat was pre-picked, and waiters brought out numerous sampler dishes throughout the night. Some of the samplers were: crispy focaccia (roasted zuchinni, ricotta, mozzarella, truffle oil), warm bread and oil, fish tacos, meatballs, gnocchi in a Gorgonzola sauce, salad, etc. Everything was delicious. The focaccia was my favorite (truffle oil!!). Along with the food, I ordered two bottles of their 2008 Antinori 'Santa Cristina' Sangiovese wine. Split the two bottles between myself and two others. It was a delicious enough wine to order twice. While there, I heard they have great lemon drop martinis and shots, so in celebration of a 21st, myself and a few others enjoyed a lemon drop shot. I don't take shots often, but this was delicious, especially the fresh lemon covered in sugar. I can't wait to recommend to others, and return another time.
(4)
Shirley Y.

Came here on a Friday for HH, which starts 5:30 and goes till about 7:30. You can order from the HH menu at the bar or in the back patio area. Lemon drop martinis are $5 and are yummy sweet refreshing! There's also a selection of HH items by the piece to munch on including oysters, lamb, potato croquettes and sausage sliders. They were all delicious! Also tried the spicy crabcake on the regular menu, which wasn't much spicy at all to me but was huge and had large chunks of crab meat and not much filler. It sat on top a deconstructed clam chowder sauce of potatos, veggies and 2 large clams. One of the, if not the best crab cake I've had. I've tried several desserts here on a previous visit with several girlfriends. All were quite good... my favs were the tiramisu and this fried rice pudding balls. Mushroom and asparagus risotto is also very good. Food is on the pricy side but I wouldn't mind coming back again to try some more dishes.
(4)
Jeannie K.

Great food and atmosphere 01/07/2008 I've been here a few times now, twice in a large group and once with a date - and their food is consistently fresh and delicious. The service can be slow, but then, our group had 18 people so that might have had something to do with it (and the time that I went with a date, we just ordered way too much food). For appetizers, the oysters and the grilled seppia (squid-like seafood) were very good and the prosciutto persimmon was interesting. Beef carpaccio excellent and the olives, delicious. Entree: the osso bucco is excellent, and I think the boar was good but I don't remember it and couldn't get it the last time I went. The lamb was very good and the skate was heavier than I would have liked but it was okay. Dessert: I had the chilled berry soup which was refreshing. Overall, a favorite!
(5)
Ny R.

I have been here at least 2-4 times with company lunches and friends. I have to say that the food is really good there. The atmosphere is really nice as well. The waitresses have always been very polite and very quick. When I came here with friends, I usually came during lunch and ordered the paninis which are amazing. It was priced fairly and came with fries. Yum! I would give this place a 5-star if it was more affordable. Everything besides the paninis are a bit pricey. Other than that, I think this place is a perfect Italian restaurant. I would come here again.
(4)
Aileen M.

Great food in a great atmosphere. They have some amazing organic cocktails and their happy hour (I'm the queen of happy hours) is not to be missed! The bartenders are very friendly and outgoing. Love the outdoor seating above the street and the trippy bathrooms. I'm knocking off one star because a few times the food has come out a bit later than I had hope or the servers weren't sure who the food was going to. But definitely a spot to check out if you're in Old City.
(4)
Ted C.

It was my first time coming here. We came for dinner to celebrate my friends birthday. First impressions was that this place has a one of a kind decor and atmosphere. Seated on the cobble stone sections of Olde City and Society Hill this place comes across as though your in the heart of an Italian city that overlooks the coast. The colors and open air bar design is sure to be a hit for impressing anyone. Everyone at my table order a different dish for dinner but unfortunately I can only write about my own. I ordered the New York Steak Bolognese($19). First I need to address that I have never been a fan of expensive small portioned plates and this steak was just that. I was a little shocked because after observing what size of everyone's dish I noticed that mine, being one of the more expensive dishes, was the smallest. Portion size set aside, the steak was cooked perfect, the bolognese sauce was very smooth and complemented the steak well. It was hard to pace myself from my usually routine of devouring my food, but if it wasn't for my request for more bread I probably would of left this place hungry. The next time around I will order something else for the sheer reason that quantity is better than quality for me. The service was average. Our waitress wasn't as attentive as most, but the guys who filled our water or cleared the dishes jumped right on any request we needed when the waiter wasn't around. This place gets 3 stars for now because I have had slightly better when it comes to portion size and prices. Yet, I am still a fan.
(3)
Bobby P.

Great place with a relaxed atmosphere for drinks with friends, with a surprisingly good deal available for wine by the glass ($10-15 for 9 ounces, essentially 2 glasses). They also offer a small selection of organic mixed drinks if you're feeling adventurous. Since I'm always feeling adventurous, I tried the sinner something or other, with gin, cucumber and Thai basil. Very refreshing, and good enough to convince everyone that tried mine to order one. Service is somewhat lax, which can be positive or negative depending on your needs. I'll hold off on rating the food, since the only time I've eaten here was for a rehearsal dinner. The meal was pretty good, but I don't know that it would be a good reflection of what you would get just walking in off the street. Come on a comfortable evening with a nice breeze to really appreciate the setting. Preferably not on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
(3)
Peter R.

I went here earlier in the week to eat for the first time and really liked it. Food was great, service is super friendly and timely. It was priced well so I invited people from work to go, and they handled 7 people very well. Everyone liked it!!
(4)
Erin W.

Boyfriend and I came here the first Friday night of Restaurant Week, but didn't end up ordering off the Restaurant Week menu. What can I say, boyfriend isn't a salad or dessert person. It turned out to be a better experience once we had access to the full menu, anyway. The sesame crusted tuna with Asian cole slaw were excellent, as was the mushroom and asparagus risotto we shared on the side. However, the most delicious thing of all was the "Diva" drink our server suggested I try : Vodka, CrÃ¨me de Framboise, lime, Prosecco, and raspberry puree. It was like heaven in a glass. At the recommendation of a friend, we asked to be seated in the lounge, and got this romantic little sofa with low hanging lanterns and white net curtains. The tables were a little low for eating dinner off of, but it was well worth it. We ended up spending close to 5 hours relaxing, eating, drinking, enjoying the ambience. It was pretty great, until the DJ started blaring music throughout the entire restaurant, and the dance party started. Our waiter saw boyfriend and I look around uncomfortably at the intrusion of loud, thumping music, and immediately had it turned way, way down in the lounge. There was a group of (totally polite and considerate!) drunk girls celebrating a birthday a few sofas away, but even their constant picture-taking and snaking dance train couldn't dampen the whole "date night" feel. Maybe next time I'll boogie on down, too, depending on how many Divas I drink. Unfortunately for me, I don't think there are enough Divas in the world to get boyfriend to join me.
(4)
Lan G.

I mostly go there for their lounge music and relaxing atmosphere. It's definitely a great place to go to hang out with friends and grab a drink after dinner. You can actually hear each other without having to raise your voice. They have many organic cocktails which are very interesting.
(4)
Karol S.

I'm a fan of the ambiance and the service, but the food was nothing extraordinary and disappointingly overpriced for the portions you receive. We ordered a couple specials and appetizers, including the bison carpacio which was good. I had the cioppino as my entree. Honestly, I was disappointed---It was primarily a dish of mussels, and a few teeny tiny baby clams, and lots of potato dumpling, ie. gnocchi. Not a trace of shrimp, squid, or other seafood variety. Looking back at the menu description, it includes only "seppia, clams, and mussels"---just know that you'll primarily get mussels, so opt for the mussel appetizer dish instead. My friends had the ahi tuna and the sea urchin pasta, which were apparently good. Portions are small. Desserts: the chocolate mousse cake is very good! and the risotto dessert was interesting---essentially fried rice pudding balls. I may give it another try, given the amazing ambiance. But that cioppino dish was highly disappointing.
(3)
Erica M.

We would probably give Positano Coast 2.5 stars. We arrived without a reservation and had a drink at the bar while they waited to see if they had any no-shows. I had the red sangria, bf had a glass of Riesling. The sangria was delicious but it was obvious it hadn't been refrigerated - it was warm when I first got it. When the bartender poured the wine, he poured it more sloppily than most bartenders at dive bars. He ended up pouring a substantial stream of it right on the bar. They came to get us to be seated and our waiter came over promptly. We ordered shortly thereafter - I got the stone crab tacos and bf got the sea urchin pasta. The food was brought out so quickly we were concerned it was all premade. No joke, it came within 10 minutes. The filling of the stone crab tacos was DELISH, but the fried taco shells were unbelievably greasy. I actually picked out the filling and ate it by itself because seeing all the grease from the tacos on my hands made me kinda queasy. The portion was even smaller than I expected, even though I knew it was an appetizer portion (the tacos were each about 2-3 inches big). Bf's pasta dish was only OK...not a whole lot of flavor. We had to ask our waiter twice for water. The bread was good, but it came after we got our entrees, which I thought was a bit weird. Our server was nice, but he was running around like crazy. When he cleared our plates it was so fast and loud and clunky. The restaurant itself was just LOUD...there were people in club gear just standing around the tables chatting as if we were in a lounge instead of a dining room. Overall, we were disappointed. I would go back for the outdoor lounge if I were in the area, but definitely not for dinner.
(2)
Mike V.

Great spot, wow this place is huge. Defintely a delicious spot, good selection of Italian cuisine, a bit pricey but well worth it. Come check it out.
(4)
Monica J.

Went here for lunch when I was in Philly for a weekend. Beautiful day, restaurant is very open and spacious. Great place to hang out and relax and the service is great. We all ordered a different salad with chicken and avocado and it was great. Some of the chicken strips were a bit dry but with the salad, dressing and avocado it worked out fine. Great place to enjoy a nice day and while away an afternoon. We all enjoyed this place so much that we had planned to return for dinner, unfortunately that didn't work out but I would definitely like to go back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Karen C.

First time, and it won't we the last! We ordered practically everything listed on the menu. My favorite fishes were the artichoke soup,grill octopus and salads were good too. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with out meal from beginning to end. Service, eh...I can't really rate them just yet. There were 7 of us and majority of us were women, I felt rushed. But I'm sure service would be better for 2. I'm looking for to going back. Very satisfied.
(4)
Nicole L.

Love atmosphere, good and drinks are great
(5)
Gary S.

OK - been living in the nabe and coming to the Ritz movie theatre across the street for a couple of years and finally got around to checking out Positano Coast. Crowd is what you'd expect, I suppose - mostly older, kind of stuffy, dressed up, probably lots of folks from Society Hill Towers across the street. Definitely not many hipsters or tats here. Setting is really nice here. Lots of bar seating and outdoor seating and on a nice evening it is a great setting. The food was actually surprisingly good. We had the grilled artichoke salad with arugula and shaved paremesan, and the yellowfin tuna crudo special - which really seemed more like tuna tartare. Both were excellent. Next course were the mussels, side of wild mushrooms and crab and zucchini fritters. Mussels were great, as were the fritters. Fritters especially were a really ample serving. Mushrooms were just OK - not seasoned enough. Wine by the glass is a great deal - a full 9 oz pour, which is unusual. It's not cheap but I think if you avoid the big ticket small plates and stick with the lighter fare (avoiding the meat dishes, for example) it is really not that bad. Service was friendly, but the kitchen was slow - almost missed our movie and actually didn't have time to finish all our food even though we had left ample time.
(3)
Sarah G.

After having several wonderful dining experiences in Philly, this was the noticeable low point for me. The decor felt cheesy, cheap, and dated. What's with the random articles of clothing laquered to the walls? What's with the bright blue tile? This is Philly, not Miami. I didn't get it and it did not evoke the Amalfi Coast at all for me. I also was not impressed with the menu. I had the wild boar ragu and it was ok. My friend had the crabcake - it was HUGE but she didn't love it. It should have been spicier. I tasted another person's duck, and I found it to be a bit overdone. Eh - I don't know, everything about this place just screamed TRYING TOO HARD. I think there are better options in the area, especially for the price.
(2)
Annie P.

My boyfriend and I always come back here for the great service and the crudo bar...we are seated in the lounge every time and it is an atmosphere that is very relaxing and romantic. Highly recommended!!
(5)
Cade O.

Extremely knowledgeable waitstaff, talented mixologists/bartenders, tasteful menu and perfect portions...what's not to love?
(5)
Stephanie C.

Awesome environment, great food, and nice decor. Since its right in the city, it's a nice place to go to before a night out with friends. The crab cakes are my favorite but everything else I've had is delicious too. Might be a bit overpriced for the portions you receive so if you want the meal to fill you up you would probably have to order an appetizer as well.
(4)
Adam C.

Friend's birthday dinner. One year anniversary of the birthday dinner we spent at Distrito, so horrifying visions of fields of cilantro filled my mind prior to dinner. Could it be that awful again? Thankfully, no. No cilantro, and a cheaper bill to boot. Not to say that PC is cheap... but you don't actually have to order the multiple dishes they say you do. Going as a fairly large group (we were six) helps. Our plan was to each order one dish - could pick from entrees, starters, or sides - share, then, we did it again. Was a very good plan and wound up being enough food at a fairly reasonable cost to everyone. The service was... well, the service was pretty. He was a very nice waiter, with very nice hair, and just his shirt opened just far enough. And he spoke English in that perfect grey area, with that slightly altered cadence that indicates he speaks amazingly, nearly fluidly for a non-native speaker... or, he never appropriately learned to speak correctly at all and has a mild impediment. He lost our order that he wrote down, came back and got it again, came back after he forgot some of it, and then we never got everything we ordered. But he was pretty. The bread is amazing. Amazing. I just want the bread. I don't care that it was my favorite part of the meal. I loved it. Let's see... dishes. Nice eclectic seafood selection - sea urchins, prawns, branzino. All very good. Interesting meats - duck, lamb, boar. Duck was a little spicy for me. And interesting sides as well. My companions also appreciated the drink menu - again, unique, eclectic selections. The restaurant was quiet on a Sunday night, and a little cool to eat out on the patio. It was a lovely atmosphere. Great place for a group so you can sample a lot of the menu. Service, while poor, didn't really make the meal less enjoyable. But most importantly, I had plenty to eat that wasn't doused in cilantro.
(4)
Terry C.

The atmosphere is so relaxing. Definitely ask to be seated in the lounge it's very intimate and nice for good drinks and conversation with dear friends! In warm weather they open all of the windows and it feels like you are sitting on the patio of a nice villa. The lighting is low, curtains and beautiful fabrics adorn the windows, and the couches are comfortable and inviting. There are huge illuminated photographs of Mediterranean scenes - which look more like Santorini or Mykonos than anywhere I've seen on the Amalfi... Which is a bit confusing, but if you suspend reality for a bit and just accept the decor it becomes a magical place! The menu is pretty good - however, bear in mind that this is a "small plate" / Italian inspired tapas restaurant. The crudo changes daily and is always fresh. The bison carpaccio is beautiful and tender. The grilled tiger prawns are out of this world. And the grilled octopus is outstanding! The wine menu is pretty good and if you get the right server he / she will let you sample as many wines as you want! Go with good friends and get caught up over wine, small plates, and great seafood!
(5)
Steve S.

Very kid friendly. Went there recently with our son and another couple and their child. The service was great considering we had two kids with us; staff was more than accommodating. The food was great and reasonably priced. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Pam D.

Beautiful! As soon as I walked in I felt like i had stepped off a plane right onto the Alfani Coast. A few friends and I stopped by for Happy Hour and it was probably one of the better happy hours I've been to in the city. Wide variety of tasty food ( mussels, oysters, hummus, delicious gnocchi, shrimp tempura). The happy hour prices were great! (Most expensive item is only $6bucks. The bartenders were true Mixologists with a wide knowledge base of liquors and drinks. I had the lemon drop which was fantastic!!! If anyone is an alcohol drinker I would certainly recommend the drink! I also tried the organic cocktail and it was a house infused vodka drink that was out of this world! The decor and the music were Chic, Modern, and down right beautiful! We set a the bar but there were several different seating options throughout the restaurant including intimate couches overlooking outside. This place is a true Gem in Old City!!! I can't wait to come back during the summer months! Certainly try out their happy hour it did not disappoint!
(4)
MeMe M.

This place is real "sexy"...(in the summer). Nice for a first date or a fancy girls night out. Definietly dont go if you are hungry because you wont get full from their serving sizes unless you plan on ordering a lot and spendinfg a lot of $$$! But over all its cool for just a bite and maybe a few drinks
(2)
Tanya T.

Wow! This place is a complete disconnect from the surrounding area. We were touring the Olde Town and Independence Hall area and found this restaurant that I recognized from an ad in the tourist magazine. Normally, that would be a turnoff, but after we checked out the menu I thought we have to come back if we get a chance. We did and are very happy we made the trip. The decor is great! It really has a Mediterranean feel. The hostess was superb, constantly checking on us. And the food - yum! Yum! YUM! We got a delicious cocktail to start - I believe it is the Man Sinner? With gin, cucumber and basil (an maybe more but I can't recall). It was delicious. Appetizers: we had the grilled octopus and crab zucchini fritters. The Octopus was unbelievably tender and perfectly flavored and blackened on the edges. Never, ever, have I had octopus like that. The fritters were disappointing though (thus contributing to the 4 stars). They were over cooked - they "tasted" like oil. But, if they had been cooked properly the large pieces of crab would have knocked me out. Great potential. We had Bronzini and Ciopinno for entrees. The Ciopinno was almost smoky, not the light tomato broth - another problem with the cooking time though (also contributing to the 4 stars) the fish inside was slightly overdone. But the potato Gnocchi inside were pillowy - perfect! The bronzini was perfect, not overdone, and just delicious with a parsley root puree and very light leeks and carrots. Both were outstanding. And, the amount of food was perfect with the delicious bread they place on the table. The portions are small compared to the norm - but I always welcome that. We were actually able to get two appetizers and two entrees and not have leftovers or be overstuffed. Perfect! I would go to this place if I am ever in Philly again. It was a great atmosphere with excellent service and delicious, unique food.
(4)
Morgan F.

The only bad thing I will say about this place is that the portions are small and meant to be shared, this is stated on the menu. They recommend each patron get 2 dishes at least, at $17-27 bucks a pop this is very unlikely for people in my socioeconomic bracket. I'm the type to eat at bar counters. I hit the occasional Italian Joint in Souf Philly. I generally don't get out to "classy spots". I'm a cheap ass if you haven't gotten my drift yet. For some reason, on a Sunday, I decided I wanted good food. The Bitch and I moseyed down to Old City to find a joint, we wandered past a few spots, checking out various places. Too expensive, has the word "fusion" in it, music is way too loud, people serving here are dressed like Betsey Ross " ah. Hmm. second floor, Huge floor plan, beautiful decor and i can sit outside in November... I'm in. The service is PERFECT. Very European style , they leave you alone (the group next to us sat there after they ate for an additional hour or so without being stared down or asked if anything else was needed) , seem to show up just when needed, are quiet and unobtrusive. Lovely. (and cute for that matter, every one who worked there was at least an 8- 81/2) I ordered a glass of Malbec for 13 bucks. I figured it was probably good wine for that price by the glass. OH BUT JOY! It was 2 glasses in a mini carafe, how cost effective! We did not order an appetizer even though they did look delish and went right to the entrees. I ordered a Veal steak with tiny veggies and some kind of jus. I died. I did, i died and i went straight to hell for submitting to the temptation of this decadent dish. It was perfect, it was better than perfect, there isn't even a word for how amazing this dish was. I wanted to sop up every last drop of the jus! The Man ordered a chicken parm dish with a side of fettuccine and was very shocked when he received what appeared to be fried egg rolls and breaded meatballs. it was tiny fillets of chicken rolled and balled with the cheese stuffed inside, it was also quite heavenly. We then ordered dessert. I had the creme brulee which was the only disappointing part of the meal. I wholeheartedly enjoy cracking the top of the creme brulee with my spoon, this took barely a tap. The sugar shell was barely there. the creme itself was divine and light. The Man ordered the gelato of the day which was an apple marscapone, I was immediately jealous and had to keep myself from swallowing his dessert whole. The whole bill amounted to $74 which i think is MORE than fair. AND they gave us a $10 gift certificate for joining them for the first time. Everything about this place was amazing. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light dinner in a relaxing atmosphere! (This place also does byob Sundays and Mondays for no corkage fee!!)
(4)
Maureen L.

I've eaten here a few times and always enjoyed it, however, this time I was greatly disappointed. We had steak, bolognese, crab cake and the flounder special. Portions were small and the taste was bland. Menu was boring. Won't be going back.
(1)
Matt R.

On a warm and breezy Spring evening we climbed to Positano Coast for the first time. We needed a few happy hour drinks and a bite to eat. I'll start with the good. Postiano Coast has a unique open air layout. It sits a story above street level with nice views of Old City. I think they succeed in capturing the southern Italian vibe with the white walls and white drapes. We sat at the tile-topped bar to make the most out of the open air. The warm breeze blowing set the scene for an enjoyable experience. Then we tried to order. We sat patiently with the last party's dirty dishes and were ignored by everyone for a good five minutes. The dishes were cleared and a drink menu was dropped off. No food menu - do they have food? We asked for a happy hour menu and were told to wait. It literally took another five minutes for them to produce a happy hour menu. We ordered two glasses of sangria, which took another five plus minutes. Add it up and we sat at the half-full bar for close to twenty minutes before we were served our first drink. I gazed in awe at how slowly things were moving and how unimportant we were to the bartender. We ordered three appetizers to split as I guzzled my drink. I was very dehydrated from walking around before arriving, multiplied by waiting for so long. The small plates came in a reasonable amount of time but were delivered by someone other than the bartender. Our drinks sat empty for close to ten minutes while we sat invisibly. I see that many other yelpers have given Positano positive reviews. I sometimes I question whether I am judging prematurely, or may have caught a place on a bad day.
(1)
Patrice B.

I go to this place for one reason! Lemon Drop Martini! Hello there my friend I've missed you so much. I swear there is a drug in them cus I'm always feeling mighty frisky when I leave. Maybe its the hot servers? Seriously. They are all male, tall, dark and handsome. The ambiance is very nice. I love the color blue! Food is okay but I have only tried apps from Happy Hour menu so can't really be too judgmental. Again Lemon Drop Martini!!
(4)
Philip K.

One of the few places we have almost walked out of mid meal. Food was fine, but the service was horrendous - made us wait beyond reservation time in an empty period, massive delays in delivering dishes, didn't know the menu well, etc. maybe it was an off night for the server, which happens. But not likely to return.
(2)
Nick V.

This is a grate place, you have to sit in the back and open the windows in the spring. I love this place for the great atmosphere and good food. I would put it on the higher end of the price scale but its worth it.
(4)
Christina M.

Wonderful food. Refreshing tastes on the menu. When you are sick of the same old. Want a touch of daring to go with some simple tapas. We enjoyed the food and the beautiful decor. Our service was also very good. I have never been a fan of close, two tops together. So intimacy is not achieved for guests on a busy night indoors. But the outside seating for the summer looks nice. It is located on the cobblestone in Old City with a pretty view when outside.
(4)
Nitasha S.

This is a very nice place, looks, food, and service! The bar is a square so you can see everyone around it. The food is italian, however it has a modern twist on it. After tasting a lot of things on the menu (I'm a sharer so I taste everyone's food that I go with). There were certain things on their menu I could have done without (zucchini crab fritters). However their spicy crabcake was very good (large, but not that spicy, yet still tasty). I also really enjoyed their manicotti like meal *sorry can't remember the name* and their orange glazed fried risotto with pork shoulder *again can't remember the exact name*. Their wine is decently priced but I hear you HAVE to have their lemon drop martini's so I'm definitely going back there. Their wait staff was very attentive and their tiramisu is something to try as well!
(4)
Kristin B.

I will keep this short, as everyone else has gone into great detail. I wasn't impressed. The food was mediocre, overpriced, and with the exception of our bottle of wine, the cocktails weren't even that great. It's not that it was bad. It's just that when you drop 150-200 dollars on an evening out with that "special someone" you want it to be worth it. This is not. Save your money. Go elsewhere.
(2)
Kathleen M.

I went for drinks and an early Saturday dinner. Two of us were seated quickly, the wine helpings were generous and reasonably priced, and the service was friendly. The variety and quality of all of the food choices was amazing. We had soup, potato croquettes, a cheese plate, and some sort of yummy meat ball. There is something to satisfy every palate!
(4)
Nik F.

I just celebrated my birthday at positano coast with 40 of my friends. Marianna was an absolute pleasure to work with. it isn't the easiest planning a party for so many people, but she made it very smooth for me and put my mind at ease. the service was perfect; delicious food was constantly replenished, drinks were constantly filled. the dj played music as requested and made sure everyone was on the dance floor. i come here frequently for drinks, but they definitely proved to me that they can accomodate large parties! everyone left happy, especially the birthday girl! :)
(5)
J K.

Great meal at Positano Coast! I really loved this place! Excellent service, cool contemporary decor, upscale crowd, interesting and well executed menu! Location across from the Ritz 5 movie makes it a good stop for a pre-movie dinner, or drinks and a light bite. Particularly enjoyed the appetizer of mussels with chorizo (huge portion!) and the wild boar ragu entree. They also offer a "crudo" menu which looked interesting but we didn't try. Total tab including wine and tip was $120 for 2.
(4)
Tina C.

Great food and drinks! Awesome place for happy hour! $5 lemondrops? I'll take it! Bartenders are very nice and caring! Food is good and very tasteful. We had a launch work/preparty event before a movie screening and it was perfect! EVERYONE was so accomadating adn respected our wants and needs. Drinks were flowing, fodo was wonderful! CANNOT wait to go back :-)
(4)
Caitlin C.

This is about as close as some of us are ever going to get to Positano. And it is almost exactly like the real Almafi Coast. Aldo Lamberti has done a great job recreating the feeling: hand-painted tiles, lemon-filled vases, stone fountains, wall landscapes of the coast and flowing white curtains. This is such a chic place to take someone for a drink, or even dinner if you like them that much. I recommend hitting the Sopra Lounge where you can order the Positano Lemon Drop or Siciliano (peach vodka, cranberry juice and Amaro Averna). Oh and how could i forget to mention the singular menu item that makes Positano Coast different from any restaurant: crudo. Crudo is an Italian delicacy that you can't really find in the states. I passed as I perfer the Japanese sushi to the Italian version. But after a few Siciliano's, why not?
(4)
Pachi C.

Food: Some unique selections Service: Decently attentive Price: Reasonable, expect $30+ per person I went with my sister for Restaurant week. The $34.99 set menu offered generous selections (but not portions!) - and gave a good tasting of a lot of their signature dishes from their regular menu. I give this place four stars for the unique-ness in menu selection. 1. Mahi Crudo: this is the Italian version of sashimi. A 3 inch diameter circle of raw mahi topped with light tomatoes, mozarella, etc. Light and tasty. 2. Squid Ink pasta with crab and sea urchin. I was fearful this would be incredibly overwhelmed by the sea urchin, but it was not. However, it was almost to the point where I also couldn't taste sea urchin at all, which may displease some. In general, well flavored and not disappointing. My first tasting of black squid ink pasta. The crab was flavorful and fresh, but the pasta was a little watery. Overall still a good dish. 3. Dessert: we shared the tiramisu (light and fluffy), chocolate mousse (thick and not too sweet), and the profiteral (cream puffs stuffed with pistachio gelato - was delicious, but I preferred the cream puffs fluffier). It's true what they say - small portions and slow service, but that's how they do it in Italy!
(4)
Clarissa D.

I have passed by this place so many times and never wanted to go inside and try it. But I finally did one Saturday night with a friend and I have returned since - I even took my Mom when she was in town. What I like most is the atmosphere and food. The atmosphere is clean, casual, but very put together and modern - sophisticated without being stuffy or fake. It has a nice blue-white motif throughout. There is a bar area on the left when you enter that is filled out by some well-dressed, happy looking people. And then some low-set white couches in front of you. And then to the right is the main dining area with a nice lay out of tables so that it does not feel crowded or desolate either. The food is amazing too - some great fish, meat dishes (one night we had bison which was good), great pasta dishes (the gnocchi side dish is a creamy, buttery, smooth masterpiece), and the drinks are strong and well-prepared. The waiters and waitresses are friendly and seem enthusiastic about the food which is refreshing. They have great homemade ice cream in cool flavors like almond biscotti and lavender as well. Ive just never had a bad experience here. And Sunday is BYOB.
(5)
David B.

I went to Positano coast with some Italian friends from Bari (Puglia). So let's start saying that the environment is just amazing, The curtains, the couches, the relaxed atmosphere with the low lights. Amazing, Especially if you are lucky enough to have a beautiful weather that goes with it, then you are all set. Said that, I can honestly admit (as an Italian and as a chef) that the food is NOT a good representative of the positano coast's food or Italian food at all. We decided to make several selections and share everything so we had a chance to taste a little bit of the whole deal. Since it's pretty cold out we started with hot appetizers: Grilled octopus, potato croquettes and stuffed fried calamari. The octopus was definitely the best in this first selection, the food had a great presentation, but at the end we were all thinking that it could be totally improved. First of all the presentation was attacking most part of the food itself, second of all, the food itself was not exceptional or adequate to the taste of what an Italian dish from the positano coast should represent, in other words, the appetizer 's quality overall was just "passable". I was not that impressed.. We then passed to the entrees. I had the bronzino of course ( spelled erroneously Branzino on the menu, pretty weird since the staff seemed to be Italian mah) My friends had the salmon and the grilled seppia.. Since we were in a predominantly "fish" restaurant we decided to order all fish. Well, we did not even finish our plates...we were struggling to understand why on earth the food was so mediocre, why pay so much attention to the external aspect, the beauty of the restaurants?? The design, the presentation of the dishes and then not focusing on the most important thing: THE quality of the food !!! You know what that food is? It's just average food that can be served in every average restaurant. I had the impression that most part of the people will remember this restaurant as a very cool restaurant with a "Italian Riviera" ambience and average food. The real amalfi coast is famous for its fish and its seafood, I went there twice in my life, I went on a boat trip, the guy stopped in the middle of the sea and told us: NOW WE EAT!! With a giant net he had in place he caught all kind of different fishes and seafood ( also a small shark!!) and cooked it on the spot! That was definitely one of the best meal of my life, everything was so fresh, cooked with liters of fresh lemons and white wine , the beauty of those plates was the simplicity of it. The seafood was all grilled and had such an amazing taste that I still remember now.. And that's the same reason why I brought my friend to this restaurant, to have somehow a similar experience. My friends left half of their portions without taking anything home (we don't do that in Italy, and also it was not worth it). We were still hungry after that, but we decided not to get any dessert since we were so disappointed with the food that we just paid the bill and left.
(2)
Erin G.

I went along on a gift certificate spree, otherwise, I probably wouldn't ever have tried this place. It's definitely more "in from the suburbs in my sparkly top" than the place I usually go. We sat outside, which was nice, as the interior is a little overdone and hoaky with its glowing scenes and pumping house music. The food was good, but definitely over-priced. In some instances this was made up for with portion size - I got two cups of cooked spinach and garlic for a $6 price, but I didn't really need two cups of cooked spinach. In other instances, such as the main courses, the portion were really small for their price. And since they don't come with any sides, you're not getting out of there for less than a $20 entree. Our service was mostly great, though I was "joke hassled" by the younger, curly haired waiter that others have complained about when I asked for more bread. But scrub pants? REALLY? You can't charge that much for dinner and have your wait staff running around in their pajamas. Overall, it was pleasant enough, the food was tasty and the outside service was nice, but for the price, I'm going to duck into a smaller joint with more inventive food.
(3)
Frank Z.

A beautifully apportioned restaurant, bar & indoor/outdoor lounge area! First we had drinks at the main bar with the very pleasant knowledgable and witty bartender girl. She made great recommendations. The crisp was exceptional! I will be back asap to enjoy the open outdoor areas while the sun's still shining!!
(4)
Nina S.

I went to Posticano Coast for the first time Saturday night to kick off a night of celebration for my friend's bachelorette party. We had a large group of 22 people at a long table in a semi-private area. It was so amazing! The food, the service and the decor were all so perfect! The photographs of the Mediterranean really added to the mood and I felt like we were somewhere other than Philadelphia. This was a great start for the night. I'll def. be back again!
(4)
Benjamin S.

First time to visit was last week for a meeting with some colleagues. it is safe to say the second story street entrance already sets the tone for something unique. The waitstaff are more than friendly and as we ended up staying for quite some time, definitely accommodating! Now for the food: Each of our meals looked amazing. Started with a basic chicken caesar which was absolutely great. Yes, I know, hard to screw up but definitely appreciated when executed well. Next, I had the steak with bolognese sauce which was quite delicious. My colleagues had the special and a pasta dish, giving rave remarks and satisfactory clean plates. All three of us being fairly particular about our cuisine left completely satisfied and I would definitely recommend Positano to others! It was lunch time, but I imagine the bar area is very nice at night and would be interested to check it out. The setup leaves room for a great atmosphere and I can imagine the nightlife being a social plethora. See you next time, Ben
(4)
J P.

So, we finally made it out after winning the $100 gift certificate at the August Yelp event (the open mic). Man. Good food. Portions were alright, presentation was nice.... The dÃ©cor was fancyish, but encouraged an atmosphere better suited for people who are a little more "blingy" or formal than me. That's fine though. First things first, they started us out with some really good bread and olive oil. That always pleases me. I had the house salad as my appetizer and the Wild Boar over Polenta for my main course. Both were pretty damn good. The Wild Boar was amazing. It was billed as a rack of wild boar but it was more like 3 chops. Good enough portion though. All in all the food was really good. We were able to sit our on their deck too, and it was a perfect night for it. Our waitress was really sweat and attentive. Whats with the attire of the staff though? I don't get it. It looks like they are wearing scrubs. Is that true? Would I go back? Hrmmmm.... I dunno. It was good and all but not really my style. I am glad to have eaten here on the dime of someone else though. It is not inexpensive at all.
(3)
HB R.

Positano has a great vibe, particularly if you are lucky enough to go on an evening when it's warm out--and can sit on the open air elevated deck, and soak up the breeze as well as a few cocktails. The decor is funky Euro-style--you feel like you're actually on the Positano Coast with the giant backlit coastal photos. The restaurant has many small plate dishes and promotes sharing, which is a great way to sample and get a broad sense of the chef's talent. The staff are all extremely knowledgeable and courteous, from the bartenders, to the waitstaff, to the busboys. On one occasion I came in with a large group on a Friday night without a reservation, and was immediately accommodated. They go out of their way here to please the customer. Now, to the goods...The food is generally very good. The seafood, in particular, is more traditional-Italian style, while some of the other dishes are more American-Italian. Of particular note is the crudo, which, in a neighborhood full of legit sushi joints, stands its ground and presents a welcome new take on raw fish. The grilled octopus is FABULOUS! A must order if you go. Other fish dishes were also well executed, some simply grilled and topped with a little lemon and olive oil, in the traditional Italian style, others with the touch of an American saucier. The vast menu presents a number of other main courses, and on the occasion I went with a large group we ordered basically everything on the menu. There are plenty of options for the less culinary adventurous, including several pastas. An unexpected treat for the carnivores was the wild boar, which was delicious! Happy hour is great here, if not a bit intimidating, because the multitude of cougars hovering around the bar were eyeing me up like a gazelle. $3 lemon drops and wines (GOOD Italian wines, even Prosecco!), along with appetizers less than $6? You can't go wrong.
(4)
Chris B.

The weather is turning cool and I though "It's a darn shame that I haven't had a drink at this place!"...a beautiful 2nd story lounge with an open-air posh seating area ringing the entire building. It's proximity to alot of touristy hotels kept me away all summer, but I knew I'd regret it, so on a warm summer night my wife and I dropped by the bar to sample the wine. The interior is beautiful, the bar being covered in the decorative tile-work that you see all over the coast of Amalfi...crisp blue swirls, curls of green adorned with the distinctive yellow lemons of the region..it brought me back and had me thinking to order some Limencello. They do wines by the glass in a regular or 3oz pour to sample. We grabbed samples the 4 biggest Italian reds and enjoyed playing a wine-bar version of three-card Monty ..."Keep you eye on the Barolo...round and round it goes...where it stops, nobody knows". Best surprise, the bartender went a little heavy on the samples, so we ended up getting nearly a bottle's worth of decent Italian reds to play with for the price of 2 glasses.
(3)
Brian H.

I like to sit at the bar, share a couple apps and an entree or two, have a well made drink and have the bartenders pay attention to me. This is the place. My hangout in the city on a cold night, a warm night, a hot night. I go about once very two months, and it never gets old. Food has serious flavor and presentation, small plates mostly, nice bread served with the GOOD olive oil. The only thing missing for a 5 star rating is "tap" beers or a much bigger selection of the bottles (and yes cans of IPA's) they have currently.
(4)

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Address : 212 Walnut St,2nd Fl
Philadelphia, PA, 19106
Phone (215) 238-0499
Website https://www.positanocoast.net
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Wed, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : Yes
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

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.

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Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti

212 Walnut St,2nd Fl, Philadelphia, PA, 19106

Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti Menu

Lets Start

Pasta / Risotto

Lets Go On

On The Side

Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Positano Coast By Aldo Lamberti

Lets Start

Pasta / Risotto

Lets Go On

On The Side

Dessert

Michelle L.

Gerald F.

Alaric Q.

Megan O.

Brian S.

Tony C.

Caroline R.

Johnny J.

John D.

Im T.

M N.

Phanna P.

Tony S.

Steve A.

Alina S.

Will M.

Mara K.

C P.

Dana F.

Deb S.

Loren C.

Naomi B.

Ron H.

Will P.

Jessica S.

A.j. B.

Emma T.

N H.

Eva C.

Sherrill J.

Alicia J.

Rachel C.

Brigid B.

Paul W.

Phil F.

Doreen D.

Tina C.

Rashawn S.

Trish L.

Julie C.

Lyn-Genet R.

Christine L.

K. B.

Mike M.

Frank B.

A D.

Mike L.

Andi S.

John K.

Caroline B.

Sarah C.

Robert J.

Glenda C.

Anita B.

Quina F.

Tough C.

H Y.

Danny N.

Laura K.

Gary G.

Dee G.

Tajira M.

Mona M.

Jane K.

Erin R.