Cichetteria 19

WIth entrees ranging from $17 (most menu items) to $30 (the ""daily specials"") and a wonderful wine list to match, this place is one of the best deals in Philly. Great food: the chef really knows what he's doing and comes up with some innovative flavor matches (try the eggplant torte with goat cheese!); the only flaws in an otherwise perfect meal were the truly strange bread, and the overly sweet sauce on my ""veal al funghi"". Though strictly Italian fare, there are more meat and fish dishes than pasta dishes. The waiters are experienced, very knowledgable, low-key, helpful and attentive. The entire ambience and decor whisper ""romance"" ---though pleasantly quiet, this is not the place to go for a casual business meeting). I found the live piano (playing oldies: I'm talking ""My Funny Valentine"" and ""Someone to Watch Over Me"") soothing and pleasant, and the pianist was damned good too. For the money, this is my favorite place to go in Philly with my special someone. Pros: Seriously romantic, quiet, great food, good wine list, very reasonable prices Cons: Not for business meetings, kids, large groups more

You have at least 3 people waiting on you, none of whom appear to communicate with each other about what you have ordered. We ordered the bruschetta appetizer and it came out as a salad on top of bread. Then I ordered the salmon special and it came with that same salad as the side to my entree. This fish was nothing special and certainly NOT worth the money. The ambience was fine except for having to listen to another couple makeout throughout their meal or talk on their cell phone. After we made it clear we were not interested in dessert it still took 20 minutes to get our check. will never go there again. Pros: nice decor Cons: service, food, value more