From the guys who brought you Penn's beloved Palladium, Abbraccio (Italian for hug) touches upon Italian favorites with a mark of creativity. Palladium dessert favorites -- the Chocolate West Philadelphia and Apple Crisp -- are the only menu items surviving the restaurant change. The entrees -- offering pork, beef, chicken and vegetarian dishes -- are so flavorful that they overshadow the standard pasta plates. Located just south of Baltimore Avenue on 47th Street, Abbraccio boasts a beautiful building of tasteful d‚cor, alfresco dining and a well-lit parking lot directly behind the restaurant. A new favorite of the neighborhood, Abbracio has a special section designated just for families.
Leisurely pouring over the straightforward menu with a glass of Pinot Grigio in hand, I preened over the SOBO antipasto -- a bevy of meats, cheeses, vegetables and seared tuna. Taken with the idea that fresh seafood is usually unaffordable to a college student, I savored my perfectly grilled tuna while my companion devoured the fresh bread. The filling nature of the bread left him with barely enough room for his tender veal. Engaged in an intimate discussion with one of the customer-friendly owners, I inhaled one of the four homemade desserts available.
Stuffed to the brim and familially hugging co-owner Roger Harmon and his wait staff, I left with a satisfied grin on my face. West Philly has a new addition with reasonable prices and tasty dishes, sure to become a neighborhood classic. If nothing else brings you in, go for the mashed potatoes and Chocolate West Philadelphia. Simply divine.
