Tre Scalini

This place is incredible! The waitress was possibly the friendliest, most informative, and most spirited we've had this side of the Atlantic--she described the specials so eloquently that we wanted each and every one, but obviously couldn't, so she gave us great recommendations that did not disappoint. The polenta with broccoli rabe, mussels in white sauce, and ricotta cheese special antipasti were scrumptious. From start to finish, we were very, very happy with the cuisine and the attentive waitstaff--by the end, we literally felt like family. While the prices were a bit higher than what you might find at other BYOs in the city, it's definitely worth it. more

My date and I heard Tre Scalina was very good, but when we went there and experienced it we found it even better than very good. Both the service and the welcome and help they gave AND the magnificent food itself were such a pleasure that we have spoken for months and months about getting back there ""soon"". Unfortunately for us we both live rather far from this great culinary delight more

me and my boyfriend went to Tre Scalini last night for valentine's day and let me tell you it was awful. From the 10 minute wait for a DRINK to the practically raw new york strip which was 50% fat .The only good thing we had were the mussels. Not to mention the table was so small everytime me or him moved we were kicking eachother,plus they put us dead center in the middle of the floor we were center of attention for the wrong reason. I honestly don't think I have anything good to say about this resturant I was highly dissapointed. more

This was was first time at this restaurant. My wife and I received a gift certificate from our son for this restaurant. My wife and I have been to all of the local area restaurants but this was a great experience. It seemed as though the waiters Michael & Domenic were bumping over each other to render quality and informative service to my wife and I. The menu had an assorted selection to satisfy everyone. Both waiters were so informative on giving us possible selections. As a result the food was no disappointment. The portions were good and the prices were modest. I spoke with the manager on saturday to tell her of how I felt about the restaurant and the great service. I am recommending it to all, that you have to try this restaurant and you won't be disappointed. Thank You Pros: Good food, great atmosphere and great & cordial service more

She was excrutiatingly rude. I went there on a Saturday night, alone. She made me feel as though I were going to, single handedly, destroy the atmosphere of the place. She also took a phone call while I was waiting to be seated. The place was practically empty, and one would have thought any customer at the door should have been treated with a little more respect. And my "" server"" was beyond pretentious. I have a family that likes to eat out, often. This place will not be seeing any of my family. It is a shame really, because the food was very good. Too bad their staff didn't live up to the quality of the food. Pros: The food. Cons: Hostess/Greeter more

Tre Scalini's ""only"" and ""current location"" since January 2007 is 1915 East Passyunk Avenue they also have a new building and a website. I hope this update has been helpful!!!!!!! more

Went to Tre Scalini for nieces 18th birthday. From the word go it was negative. My niece gave are reservation name then was asked the phone number and said we were for 5 and we were 6 we'll they only had two tables dining. The Host/Server michael was very condisending he tried to tell me what i was ordering would not be good. Well i think i know what I like. Through the meal the staff was acting put out through the entire meal. The food was very good. Then we were leaving we were chased down the street like criminals for accidentally taking the signed copy of credit card. we will never return there are to many places to try in this economy resturants should be putting out their best and brightest. this bulb was dull at best. Pros: Food was very good Cons: Server was arrogant and Condisending more

I loved the atmosphere and also the service int this restaurant. The black pasta was wonderful and i love the loud fast busy enviorment more

The food at this restaurant was wonderful. Unfortunately, the service and servers our party of eight encountered last Saturday night were awful. It took almost 3-1/2 hours to eat. Our reservation was 7:30 and we were not even offered bread until 8:15. They ran out of the ?special fish dish? that two in our party ordered. It was so long between courses that by the time our main courses arrived no one was hungry. The servers were clueless and refused to acknowledge that the service was slow. We ordered coffee and one woman wanted hot water with lemon. Her hot water arrived 10 minutes after we all drank our coffee minus the lemon. The server said they were all out of lemon. She questioned another server about the lemon and he was able to bring her some. The problem was that they were out of cut lemon slices. The server had to cut her a piece. When we tried to pay our bill, we were told that that the policy of the restaurant was that they could only accept three credit cards; the other couple would have to pay cash. This was not posted nor were we told when making the reservation or by the server when we ordered our dinner. Since the other couple did not bring cash, they eventually took the fourth card but it took another half hour. Despite the wonderful food I would not recommend this restaurant. There are many other establishments where the food is good and the servers are trained to make the customer feel they are worth a slice of lemon. more

This place is great. It's no wonder they've been in business for so long. One of the things that impressed me the most was the service. For example, our server wouldn't take my empty plate away until my husband had finished his meal -- this is very old school but it's proper serving etiquette (I'm a real stickler for details). Clearing my husband's plate while I'm still eating always makes me feel rushed. I can't say enough how delightful it was to be in a restaurant where the staff seemed genuinely flattered to have you there. No wonder, we soon learned that our server was part owner (his wife is the hostess and his mother-in-law is the chef). Pros: The food and the service Cons: Parking, maybe (we walked but I didn't notice any parking) more

Now if you are off for an evening of fine dining in an intimate setting, then you have found the right place. The food is with out a question true Italian cooking. So if you are expecting spaghetti and meatballs I bet you would be disappointed, hahahaha. The food is always fresh and always prepared to perfection. Try the beans and shrimp followed by the swordfish, you'll thank me. Pros: anything on the menu... more

I've eaten all over the world and dine at Tre Scalini every time I'm in town and have only been made happier each time. In response to the most recent review by ""affinity,"" who is of course entitled to his/her opinion: this restaurant has never been a disappointment, food is always superb and with all do respect ""not easy to get into"" unless you call ahead for the weekends. If you are going out for cheap food (e.g. and entree below $20 bucks) then go to a fast food establishment where they compromise quality. As for dessert, their tiramisu is the best!!! Pros: quality ingredients, more than fair prices more

Underwhelming food at extraordinary prices. The Risotto was undercooked but ok. The staff was not so great when we entered. She suggested a large eggplant dish as a vegetarian entree. It was 5 pieces of eggplant and was decent but unremarkable, except for the 20.00 price for those 5 pieces. The dessert was an overly refrigerated and too lemony ricotta cheesecake. There are very many far better Italian restaurants that cost the same or less. Pros: easy to get in Cons: , extraordinary prices more

I still crave for the black pasta dish with crabmeat, or the lobster ravioli, and ...oh... the tiramisu to finish up is a masterpiece... Excellent service and very friendly patron, makes you wonder why other restaurants such as PIF are even still in business. Tre Scalene, Bellissimo!!! more

The food here has that old world, homestyle flavor that is hard to find these days. The use of seasonings are never overdone and the garlic use is perfect. Suffice it to say that the food here just tastes better than most other Italian restaurants. Pros: food, garlic, real South Philly more

This place makes you believe in South Philly Italian restaurants. It has a real family feel, both in decor and service. The dishes are large, excellently prepared (albeit a bit heavy on the salt) and plainly presented as it would be in Italy. I have never had a bad dish here and always overindulged because the food was so good. A great place for a large group. Pros: terrific food, family feel, large portions Cons: hard to get reservati more

For all the people that have a problem with the decor at this fantastic restaurant, a little hint. The owner/chef of the place is an old school italian lady. old school italian ladies don't go to restaurants, they like to cook for people. the ""decor"" is like home. if you want flash go to center city. If you want real italian food in it's natural setting, then go to tre scalini more

It's impossible to order badly here. Start with the succulent zuppa di pesce, the cheerful fennel and orange, the essential funghi con prosciutto. The pastas are consistently excellent, from the signature black pappardelle with prawns and jumbo lump crab meat in a fresh tomato base, to the simple but delicious spaghetti ala chittara in a tomato-basil or marinara sauce (my favorite). The fish dishes are always ""specials,"" chosen from what is best and freshest that day at Ippolitto's just a block away. Try the tilapia or sea bass or red snapper prepared in a fruity black olives and fresh tomato Livornese sauce. The salmon is simplicity taken to an art form, a pinwheel filet in a simple olive oil base with a crunch on top and perfect temperature within. The secret to Tre Scalini's excellence is freshness and simplicity - and the matchless talent of its kitchen. Pros: BYOB, Friendly Wait staff, South Philadelphia more

this is by far the best italian food that has ever crossed my lips, (sorry uncle vinny). the waitstaff if polite and helpful in deciding from the numerous options. the daily specials are always creative and mouthwatering. may i also recommend the gnocchi, which are so fresh and light, it makes it hard for me to order anything else everytime i go! Pros: delicious, comfortable more

Super consistant. Great intalian food at very fair prices. Setting can be a bit tight Pros: Great food Cons: Very small more