Italian BYO restaurants are arguably the perfect destination for an evening out. Due to the lack of Italian restaurants in West Philadelphia, I was looking for something that would give me a little more authenticity and a lot more ambiance. Uncovering a new Italian hideaway, Gnocchi, seemed the perfect way to quench this craving.
As the name suggests, this restaurant prides itself on its authentic Italian cuisine. Only a few steps away from South Street on Passyunk Avenue, its authenticity may seem doubtful, but its tastes are anything but. Their options range from traditional pasta and meats to their namesake potato dish, gnocchi, among which are numerous variations of their signature dish, with the options of many different Italian sauces. While I opted for a basic gnocchi with marinara sauce, those who are more adventurous can construct just about any possible combination.
All the Atkins-obsessed and protein-craving people are thinking a meal based solely on potatoes is one to be missed, but their delicious combinations of this culinary masterpiece is just the right antidote to brace your stomach for all that wine you will be drinking. While just steps away from the deafening and blinding scenes on South Street, the quiet interior of Gnocchi is a safe haven for Italian connoisseurs. The staff doesn't quite have the capacity to make you feel like you are dining in a quaint restaurant near the Duomo in Florence, but they do have a knack for displaying their own kind of Philadelphian charm.
The prices at Gnocchi aren't half bad for a larger portioned decent meal, considering most students will probably opt to bring along a cheap-ass bottle of wine. Entrees run around $10 and up, depending on the type of potatoes, while meat dishes are slightly pricier.
What is more, after carbo-loading, you are only a few paces from the lights of South Street, where you can enjoy that fulfilled feeling in your stomach.
