Prunella is Midtown Village’s new hot spot, serving up creative and tasteful twists on classic Italian and American fare. Amidst much anticipation, the restaurant opened in late March 2022 and is owned by celebrity chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson. Schulson is widely known for his other Philadelphia restaurant, Double Knot, a sushi bar that was named one of Open Table’s top 100 restaurants in America in 2018. 

Like Double Knot, Prunella provides an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and equally Instagrammable plates. Its mission is to create an inviting space and serve fresh, unique ingredients. 

34th Street recently sat down with Amy Norris, Prunella’s manager, to get an inside scoop on the popular neighborhood spot. 

“Prunella’s mission is to host a nice atmosphere, to send people to a place of comfortability: good vibes, good pizza, and good wine,” she explains. “It’s kind of like an escape from the rest of your week.”

Photo: Anna Vazhaeparambil

Just after noon on Labor Day, the restaurant was reasonably packed, but we were still able to snag a lovely table outside. That said, the true crown jewel of Prunella’s aesthetics is the interior. With a gold–framed photo wall, ivy strands, and eclectic bar setup, their design is enviable by any restauranteur’s standards. There’s a view of the kitchen from the seating area, where you can catch a glimpse of chefs expertly kneading dough. The inside is small, but charming and comfortable, with floor–to–ceiling windows that brighten the space. Our outdoor seating felt like sitting in a vintage cafe: cozy despite the lively streets around us, while perfect for people–watching and pizza–eating.

Service is quick once seated, and we settled on one of their most popular pizzas by our waitress’ recommendation, The Process: pepperoni, pickled peppers, and provolone. This pizza is everything you’d expect out of an artisanal take on a classic pepperoni pizza, with tiny, crunchy pepperoni, tangy cheese, and a charred, thin crust. Each pizza comes in one size, but it’s certainly enough for two people to share. Though I expected more of a distinctive flavor from the inclusion of pickled peppers, The Process is definitely still worth the price overall.

Photo: Anna Vazhaeparambil

In addition to the pizza, I ventured on the wild side and order Prunella' zero–proof piña colada. The texture was creamy and smooth, while the wedge of lime on the side provided a tartness to the otherwise sweet drink. Together, the combination of the drink with the savory pizza struck an enjoyable balance.

For those who visit Prunella, Norris recommends that diners have to try “the Spicy Caesar, it’s balanced out with mint but also has some spice; the Big Nick, our mushroom pizza with burrata; and also the squash blossoms. They’re like elevated mozzarella sticks.”

Photo: Anna Vazhaeparambil

I would certainly revisit Prunella, simply because of the sheer number of enticing dishes on the menu and the gorgeous atmosphere. If you’re looking for unique spins on Italian–American classics, then this is your spot. Its upscale–casual environment is the perfect place to host a birthday dinner, a lunch date with friends, or even a solo self–care trip out in Midtown Village. I'd recommend this hip, fun restaurant for your next exciting meal. 

TLDR: Prunella should be your next go–to spot for delicious—and aesthetically pleasing—pizza, pasta, and drinks.

Location: 112 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday 11 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Price: $$