Girasole’s delectable bites, like slow-roasted pork garnished with fresh herbs, are well worth the trip down the shore.
GIRASOLE
Family-owned, Girasole prides itself on meticulous dish preparation. Start with burrata, beets and a balsamic reduction, then indulge in the porchetta, a slow-roasted pork garnished with fresh herbs, chestnuts, apples, fava beans and saffron potatoes. An extensive menu featuring weekly classics makes Girasole an instant favorite. 3108 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, mygirasole.com
GIUSEPPE & SONS
Chef Michael Schulson’s Giuseppe & Sons presents a modern take on classic Italian dishes. Indulge in hand-pulled mozzarella and spaghetti carbonara. The dimly-lit, spacious downstairs is perfect for dinner, cocktails and daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. 1523 Sansom St., giuseppesons.com
GRAN CAFFÈ L’AQUILA
Gran Caffè L’Aquila is famous for cicchetti, Italian tapas. Try the salumi misti with ventricina, bresaola, parmigiano reggiano gelato, olives, greens and crostini or the formaggi tasting with cheeses, fig marmalades, cherry blossom honey, grapes and crostini. 1716 Chestnut St., grancaffelaquila.com
MARTORANO’S PRIME
Celebrity cook Steve Martorano serves his famous meatball with Sunday gravy, linguine and clams and spicy rigatoni cognac at this 21-plus restaurant inside Rivers Casino. Choose the chef ’s table for a customized tasting menu. 1001 N. Delaware Ave., riverscasino.com/philadelphia
PALIZZI SOCIAL CLUB
Located in a South Philly rowhome, Palizzi Social Club is a members-only spot serving traditional Italian cocktails and fare since 1918. Enjoy stromboli, stuffed artichokes, ravioli Vasto and ricotta cheese pie. Keep an eye out for membership openings. 1408 S. 12th St., palizzisocial.com
Indulge in delectable pasta dishes like fettuccini with white chicken ragu and rock shrimp mezzaluna at Rosalie.
ROSALIE
Known for “Italian soul food,” Rosalie in the historic Wayne Hotel offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch with shared plates and classic dishes. Order the pesce crudo and margarita pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. 139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, rosaliewayne.com
Dining and Cooking