Cucina Forte

So...heard great things...maybe my expectations were too high? I thought the Service was ok...took a while to be served. The real disappointment comes with the food...it was just ok, not bad, but certainly not something to write home about. On top of that I thought the pricing was on the high side too. There are a lot of small BYOBs in this area, I do not plan to return to this one anytime soon.

Cucina Forte has been around a long time, and over the past few years had become one of my favorite South Philly Italian BYOs - traditional Italian food but not gloppy. This last visit was a real disappointment: gloppy sauce covering indistinct veal, no vegetables accompanying the dish (same dish that 6 months ago had some greens and potatos), similar for my companions' dinners. A real Chef Boyardee meal. And surly, unfriendly service from both younger and older staff - not overtly rude but definitely not seeming to be happy to see us. Maybe I'll give them another shot, but with all the alternatives it may be time to find a new favorite.

When visiting a large city I try to depend on reviews before making a decision on where to eat a special meal. I depended on the reviews that I read this morning before leaving for a day in Philadelphia deciding to finish the day with a meal at Cucina Forte. Everything was good but I must say it did not live up to the many extraordinary reviews. I was expecting extraordinary and I was disappointed because it was alittle better than mediocre...sorry...I wish I could have had a better experience for my daughters birthday. It just wasn't special.

I never review anything, so that's enough proof that this place is amazing. I HAD to tell everyone reading this that Cucina Forte is the not only the best Italian restaurant I've ever been to, but probably the best Italian dinners I've ever had (sorry Grandma!) The atmosphere is cozy and the owner is an older women who comes in and cooks herself every night. It's like going to her house for dinner. The gnocchi is perfect and I can't see anything on the menu being anything less than delicious. I went for the first time a few weeks ago and have already went back once. Went with my boyfriend's parents who have eaten all over Italy and heard them say it is one of the best they've ever had as well.

This was our first time at cucina forte. My brother in law from Florida suggested this resturant. Great choice. I had the filet mignon with crab sauce. Oh my G. It was so tender and flavorful. We will definately return. Great job Cucina Forte!

Love this restaurant! My husband and I visited tonight (Friday). We ordered the appetizer special: Mozzerella, artichokes, tomato, arugula and capers. It was lovely. We also both ordered the entree special: Pasta stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese with a cream sauce and shrimp (I substitued the shrimp with chicken). My husband cleared his very generous plate. I ate half and boxed the rest. It was absolutely delicious and the service was top notch. I would definitely recommend for a nice romantic date night or for a nice night out with a group of friends.

My Wife and I celebrated our 42nd Anniversary by dining at this lovely Italian BYOB for first time. Every aspect of the experience was excellent, and we will return again for another meal soon I am sure. Wonderful time.