Roberto's cafe surprised me from the get go. And since its getting nice and warmer - dare I jinx it - I urge everyone to read the sign in the middle of the picture below:
Surprise #1 PATIO! and Roberto's has an extremely gorgeous, relaxing patio. This really shouldn't have been a surprise to me considering there is a sign on the outside but I never thought of the place having outdoor seating as you don't see chairs outside on the sidewalk.
It was a fantastic day outside, so we picked up a bottle of wine at the wine and spirits conveniently located on 24th and South and spent the evening in this little patio. I'm jumping to the end, so let me backtrack to the middle. Our friend Jamie joined us for dinner and I'd like to note that this might be the first time I've hung out with Jamie and actually remembered getting home. However, the loss of drunken shenanigans for the night was replaced by some wonderful food.
Your meal starts off with bread and some bruschetta as your wine bottle is de-corked and you peruse the menu.
Roberto's main menu (This makes me think of DVDs) has a array of classic italian dishes some of which use pasta made on the premises. I gather that many diners encountered our "want to eat everything on the menu" problem, so, they also have a 4 course prix fixe menu for $34. You get to choose an appetizer, pasta, entree and dessert from a shortened menu. Jaime, who is guest blogging for us this week, will give you her take on her dinner. For the appetizer portion I ordered the Puglia Bruschetta, which is bruschetta with cannelini beans, arugula, tomatoes, onions and it tasted so fresh and satisfying.
My pasta dish was honestly my least favourite part of my dinner. I had the Penne with pancetta and it was alright. However, I had a taste of Samantha's pasta and it was the best thing I put in my mouth that night. So my suggestion, and I know this is early in the review, but get the Fusilli Zuchinni if you end up here one sunny summer evening.
For an entree I had the Talapia with rosemary and it was really good. I liked Jamie'e chicken better but this was really really good.
I got the tiramisu for dessert and it was the best way to end this meal. Just fluffy and delicious - and the cream. Oh the cream. Made my night.
As far as Surprise# 3 goes, Roberto's accommodates anyone with a gluten allergy as they have gluten-free pasta on hand to substitute in any of the pasta dishes. And risotto is a great non-pasta option. I was surprised, since they don't come up when you search the inner-webs for gluten-free friendly places in Philadelphia. I haven't had the chance to do this yet on this blog, but I have a rule that if I've truly had an amazing dinner and I feel a certain level of content - I have to end the night with a coffee. If I am ending dinner with a cup of coffee, well, that is one of the biggest compliments I can pay. And so I did end this evening with a cappuccino that hit the spot quite nicely.
What am I getting at? Go to Roberto's cafe with a bottle of wine this summer and let the experience relax you. And hopefully you'll end it with a coffee too.
Roberto's Cafe
2108 South street
Philadelphia PA 19146
215-545-7793
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