MenuPages

Domenic treats you like family where fine Italian fare is offered for prices that put Olive Garden to shame. Try the fruitti di mare (like velvet) and any special salad which invariably features field greens with a yummy protein and a soft cheese in a well balanced lemon vinaigrette. Tagliatelle with Salmon is another winner priced way below expectation. Portions are satisfying but not overwhelming. Nightly soups are usually cream-less bisques that are very tasty but a bit saline (don't assume adding salt) and sometimes a bit thin for the mouth-feel that a pureed soup should provide. Only more cold dessert choices would make this good spot even better. (No gelati or sorbetti as of this writing.) The Ouest location across the street isn't as disturbingly crammed as the cheek-to-jowl mother venue and is simply and tastefully appointed, but a bit "loud." Lightening fast service is great for getting you to the theater on time, but can add to the aura of hubbub. Go early to avoid The Young and The Entitled which often includes tables of young women who can't imbibe two glasses of wine without forgetting all awareness of others, as if they weren't self-absorbed enough upon entry. LV/LVO is well worth trying for delicious food served quickly and kindly while leaving money in your wallet.

My husband took me to La Viola last night for my birthday and we were completely impressed. Its cozy dining room reminded me of family dinner at my grandparents' house, and the food topped nearly every Italian restaurant in the city, especially when factoring in value. We can't wait to go back!

The place was packed and there was a 20 min wait for two, which made me think this place was going to be very good...But, the only good thing about this place was that I could bring my own wine. Once seated inside (outside was an option but humidity & chance of rain had most waiting for a table inside), my date and I realized how terribly uncomfortable this restaurant was - extremely crowded and loud, we couldn't carry on a convo but could definitely reach over and taste our neighbor's gnocchi...While the pasta appeared fresh, I am inclined to say that seafood risotto is not their specialty: it was overcooked and tasted like is was marinated in Chef Boyardee tomato sauce. I ordered their special salad appetizer which ended up being $11 for a miniscule portion.

I love this restaurant!! I live around the corner and eat here no less than once a month (sometimes three times in a month.) The food is always outstanding and the servers very professional yet pleasant. All ingredients are FRESH and the preparations are often very creative. It is always a special treat to dine here and I love introducing new people to La Viola. There are two restaurants: one is on the East side of 16th St. (Bistro La Viola) and one on the West side of 16th (La Viola Ouest) - no signage at 'ouest'. I like both food and service is always excellent at both but I definitely prefer the less crowded and more elegant atmosphere of La Viola Ouest. I don't have an actual count but I know that my dining exepriences (both restaurants combined) exceed 60 meals. I have never been disappointed (and I am not easily pleased.) Try them - I think you will be well pleased.

Great food, better prices, killer atmosphere (try sitting outside)

As a first generation Italian, La Viola is quality food at its best. Dinners are priced reasonably and the servers are always attentive to your dining experience. I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves Italian food.

I grew up in the fine City of Brotherly Love and have sported many restaurants. This BYOB should be more specific in their menu description(s) if the items are not "the norm". IE: Gnocchi is usually a potato based pasta served with red sauce. Theirs was spinach with gorgonzola on top. That should have been stated on the menu and some people in our party would have known better than to order it. Also, "dipping oil" does not have vinegar in it. Moving on to service, even I who has never worked as a server in any capacity, know that you should be served from the left and cleared from the right. I was continually served over my head which forced me to bend over into my food. Horrible server! However, the bus boys were better. We were never asked about refilling our drinks or if we wanted condiments (cheese, pepper, etc.) for our food. Value? Considering the food and service, I would say no. However, they are one of the less expensive restaurants in this fine city. The atmosphere was usual for an Italian restuarant. White table linens, tables close together yadda yadda yadda......... Below average, definitely not a four star restaurant. First impressions last a life time and their first impression was not good. When we entered and asked for our party, we were told "go to the back". Sweet. I would recommend you skip this one and get some good old fashion gnocchi or lasagne or veal at a South Philly Italian restaurant!