Porcini Reviews

We had two excellent meals here. The owners treated us like long lost family members. Had a good laugh about the World Cup and how abysmal England was! They are a credit to the friendly people of Philadelphia. Food wasn't cheap, but simple and delicious.

This place is off the charts for quality of fresh food, prepared with passion, from fresh, natural, and local hand-picked sources. It’s smallness allows the Sansone brothers to convey intimacy with every dish - complimented by the serving staff dedicated to the highest level of customer satisfaction. I will go back every time I return to Philly with the simple expectation that my next meal was just 50% as good as my last (because that last time was just THAT SUPERB!). By the way, you get all that at an extremely reasonable price.

I've been here a handful of times and have always thoroughly enjoyed my experience. The restaurant is very small, and often times parties sit so closely it feels like a family dinner. The food is very fresh and flavorful. For me, the highlight are the owners - brothers Steven and David. They are an absolute delight! This particular visit was for my father's birthday - they really went out of their way to make him feel at home, and even prepared a special chef's sampling for him. A few tips to really get the most out of your experience: 1. Make reservations and be on time! Because of the size (and quality) it fills up quickly and they will turn you down 2. BYOB! 3. Bypass the house bread and go for the garlic bread, you won't be disappointed! 4. Get over the fact that it's tight quarters - this is part of what makes it fun!

We visited Porcini from out of town and our friends made a reservation for 5:30 which is before the first big seating around 7, 7:30 at this restaurant. Very small quirky space but everything our company of five ordered was excellent and because we did bring our own wine the bill at the end was reasonable considering the quality of the food and level of service we were treated to. Of the two owners, the one that is fielding the main room is somewhat of a jester, but in a good way and seemed to know and warmly greet nine out of ten people who walked through the door, specially the ladies (Molto Italiano) for the main seating after seven. Clearly they have a returning clientele, usually a good sign. If I think of the polarities of corporate and personal this (including the bathtub in the upstairs bathroom that was clearly part of an apartment repurposed and turned into a sofa to rest on) is way on the side of personal. I liked it but it may not be for everyone but we we'll definitely return when in Philly next time. Reservations recommended.

This is a romantic restaurant very intimate, reservations are a must. Food was exceptional from start to finish, oh and its BYOB

tiny byo but super yummy

Small place with terrible acoustics. The food is tasty though the portions are small. All in all, not the best value for money

The restaurant is the size of a postage stamp, so be prepared to make friends with ajoining tables! The service is very personal. The menu is small, but well executed. We shared the evening's special appetizer, a shrimp ravioli in a light red cream sauce; it was delicate and delicious. My husband had the cannelloni and I chose the Chicken di Asiago; both were wonderful. Due to the close quarters we fell into conversation with a lovely family celebrating their father's birthday; turns out we shared an Iowa connection. It was a lovely evening with wonderful food. Definitely not a cookie-cutter experience.

This is a little hidden gem that is a “go to” place for locals. A very small venue on two levels, very small, tight, intimate. No parking but there is a garage across the street. Perfect if you’re going to eat before or after a movie or a performance at the comedy club. Food is fine not outstanding and it’s BYOB. If you order anything with a lemon touch they tend to go heavy. I think lemon should be subtle and enhance the flavor not be the flavor. Ask them to go light. Staff is friendly and makes you feel welcome. The intimate size and warm staff make it perfect for a cold winter evening. They know most everyone who comes through the door. You’ll feel like you are with family. If you have any mobility issues be sure to ask for first floor seating.

superb homemade pasta dishes, etc. intimate, warm atmosphere. excellent service. we have been there several times. never disappointed.

We went there during Restaurant Week which tends to change some things about the daily menu but when we got there the menu was different from what was advertised on the RW website. The choices were very limited. The room we sat in (downstairs) was cramped to say the least. Atmosphere? Loud and dimly lit. The food was ok, I've had better Italian in Philly and Collingswood. One caution to diners, i don't know if they had other restrooms but the one we were directed to was down a steep set of stairs in a primitive basement. Not ADA compliant, I'm sure. Sorry this all sounds so negative but the overall experience wasn't great. The eggplant egg rolls? were pretty good, but that was it for me.

We didn't have a very good experience. The restaurant was crowded and very loud, and we left hungry! We ordered 5 appetizers for 5 people, and we each got exactly one bite of 4 - they were that small. Dinner portions tasty but very small for the price. Service was brusque. With all the great options in Philly, we probably wouldn't go back.

My worst dining experience in more than 10 years. My Open Table reservation said I needed to eat dairy free. I asked the waitress to confirm with the chef that what I was ordering was dairy free. She said it was no problem. When they brought out my food, it had mashed potatoes and a butter sauce. The waitress said oh, okay, I will bring you the menu so you can order something else. The manager came over to the table and proceeded to loudly berate me for raising my voice. He said they can't get every order right, and these things happen and I shouldn't be so upset. He then went on to say that he would not let me speak unless I lowered my voice. The noise level in the restaurant was so high that I had to raise my voice to be heard. He then continued talking, and talked over me when I tried to speak. He kept yelling at me to calm down (even though I wasn't saying anything because he wouldn't let me). He eventually brought me a different meal (grilled chicken and steamed broccoli) and they charged us full price for it. This restaurant made my birthday celebration a disaster. The manager was so rude to me my friends couldn't believe it. The noise level was exorbitant, the spaces so narrow you had to ask people to move so you could get down the steps to the bathroom. The waitress eventually came over and apologized, claiming it was a miscommunication between her and the chef. Do not go here unless you like rude service and people who obviously do not and cannot listen to a word you are saying. They only have about six tables, but that was obviously too many for them.

This small (32 seat) intimate restaurant, with terra cotta walls, midnight blue ceiling, exuded warmth from our welcoming. This is a BYOB restaurant. Service was appropriately prompt and avoided giving a rushed feeling. Amazingly for a small restaurant the seating was elegant and not intimate. The 3 of us sampled our 3 appetizers and 3 entrees. Each dish was freshly prepared using fresh ingredients of a quality evoking just picked from the garden. Portion size was moderate and lacking the routine TOO MUCH STARCH SO PEOPLE WILL FEEL FULL, a real relief. Standards are high so specific dish recommendations would reflect my prejudices only. Great busy restaurant noise level to enjoy your conversation and not be invaded by the next tables conversation. The restrooms are in the basement reached by an old Phila. steep stairs that challenged too much to try. A gracious and delicious dining experience.

Looking for romance? This is a Valentines Day destination if their ever was one. Voted one of Philadelphia Romantic Restaurants this place is intimate and the food is great. If you want any more info on the place, look into my profile and click onto the link for me.

Brothers Steven(chef) and David( front of the house) and staff consistently provide a warm, friendly,welcoming atmosphere, and exceptionally flavorful pastas and main dishes!

Enjoyed every ascent of this dinner experience was delicious. Service personable. Ravioli occo bucco amazing.

Small italian BYOB. OFten crowded, but if you can get a seat, you won't be disappointed. Order an appetizer if you are hundry. The entrees are not very large.

This BYOB has a limited but fresh menu with excellent flavors. Reservations are a must since the space is small and seating is limited. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get in- it’s worth the wait. We started with the Baby squid grilled served with capers and a flavorful tomato basil relish which was a small pot it enough for two to get a taste. On the other hand, the Risotto with Osso buco, a special starter, was generous. The flavors were full and satisfying- a good choice. My main was the FIletto di Maiale con Pistachio- a generous portion of center cut pork tenderloin rolled in pistachios drizzled with a balsamic reduction- excellent selection. The flavors worked well together and were accented by the tangy balsamic. Another special was a soft shell crab over pasta in a light red sauce- needless to say, the plate was empty at the conclusion of the meal. There wasn’t room left for the mille-feuille, on my last visit it was very tasty. Overall, this place has authentic Italian food served in a quant, home like setting with a friendly wait staff. David, the co-owner is there when you walk in to greet his guests and is the last person you see on the way out the door. If you’re not familiar with Porcini give it a try- you’re definitely coming back to seconds.

we were referred her by the owner of a French cafe we ate it. what a great find. the best gnocchi we ever had, and we have been to Italy several times, plus my family has made that for generations. Even better was the BYOB. Reservations recommended.

Apparently you may have an ok meal here but I wouldn't chance it. Don't confuse it with a cute Hole-in-the-Wall, it actually is one. Decor is dated and drab, at least in the private room. Service was very slow at first but picked up as food was served. Caesar had good flavor as well as bruschetta and cannelloni. The scampi was bland. The neopolitan dessert was nothing special. At the end of the meal I went to pay for 17 with a card and the owner was EXTREMELY rude. I never agreed to pay cash as he insisted and he treated me terribly - verbally abusive. I would never go back. As another reviewer said, go elsewhere and have a happy night. And better food. So many other great Italian places in Philly - worth paying for the liquor license.

Must try the gnocchi!!! By far my favorite italian restaurant. Homemade pasta is to the best I've had. Wonderful appetizers, as well. Try the filletto.

It's been years since I was here and I forgot how excellent the food is. The gnocchi is the lightest and most tender I've ever had! David and Steven (owners), you boys still have it!! ❤️❤️

This is a restaurant out of the movie "Big Night" in the sense that two brothers run it, the food is delicious and they are so sociable and welcoming, I feel like I'm in my own dining room (if I knew how to cook as well as Steve does.)David is a voluble, delightful and funny front man. Our favorite is the garlic bread, which is beyond decadent. The riccotta gnocchi are pillowy soft and delicious. The fish, whatever it is and however they prepare it, is always delicious and comes in a portion that's just right. And the pasta is always prepared beautifully. I'm personally not so entranced with the desserts.

Amazing dinner. From the reception to the dessert, everything was top notch. Greeted by the owner at the door and told goodnight at the end. In between, the food and service were outstanding. If you go to Philly, go here.

The owner is indeed very sweet and accommodating, but our server was pushy and unpleasant. We wanted to begin with a few starters but he insisted (yes, insisted) we order our entire meal because the kitchen was going to close. At 9:30 on a Friday night? He was either lying or wanted to turn over the table to more customers. The food was good, but this server made me feel unwelcome and therefore I will not be returning. I'd strongly recommend to the owner he review with his staff how to properly treat customers. Unless I hear of improvements in the staff I will not be returning, will not recommend it to others, and will not be taking others to eat at this establishment.

I can't say enough good things about this tiny little restaurant discretely woven into various small shops and places on Sansom Street. It is a true gem. The food is an absolute delight and won't disappoint. True Tuscan and other Italian recipes focus on good ingredients. The bolognese is a six hour simmer- a rich, meat focused event with the relevant mingling of tomato for contrast. The cannelloni is cheesy goodness with sweet tomato overlay. The starters are all good and you can't make a bad selection. This is mom's wonderful Italian kitchen- warm and hearty. The owner establishes a welcoming environment. You come in as a diner but feel like you are leaving a friend. Many clients have been coming for years. This is not a fancy place. It's home with white tablecloths, comfort cuisine and good people. Don't pass this one by. You won't know what you have missed.

I went to this restaurant for the first time after hearing great things. I was not disappointed. The restaurant is run by the Sansone brothers who treat the place like it is their dining room at home. The restaurant is tiny. The night we dined their was a young hip crowd. The entire staff of the restaurant was friendly and attentive. The food was yummy especially the gnocchi with wild mushrooms in a cream sauce. The portions were perfect. The mille feuille desert was worth every calorie loaded bite. Desapite the small size, the restaurant was not as noisy as I expected. I'll definitely return.

Had a Monday evening dinner at this cozy, informal restaurant with very good food. Service was great. The chef periodically came out and talked with the patrons. Patrons often talked to each other. The atmosphere was fun. The food was delectable. Desserts were simple and delicious. And the moderate price was the cherry on the Sundae. Go if you can.

We had a party of 4 people with a reservation at 730PM. However, when we arrived, there was a line inside and out. Apparently there was a large party inside that would not leave. We waited over a half hour before getting our table. That didn't start the evening off on the right foot. It took a while before we could order. We ordered a salad and the Melanzane to start. Both were very good. We then were served our dinner in a reasonable amount of time as well. All our dishes, the Oso Bucco ravioli, chicken and Seafood Mediterranean were delicious. However, when the chef came out to say greet some regulars, one of our dining partners reached out to get his attention to simply tell him how good the food was! Apparently he took exception to this gesture and deeply offended all of our party,. Subsequently a shouting match ensued with profane verbal attacks. This is not a way to manage a business. The "brother running the front tried to smooth over the situation but deeply failed. The place is small and you make friends with your neighbors very quickly. It is equally loud at times. While the food was good, we would never go back.

The food is special. You taste Italy in the recipes and ingredients. The owner chefs make the experience a fun evening. You feel like a regular on your first visit. BYOB a big plus. Small and somewhat crowded but the atmosphere and caring service overcome this "small" issue. Varied menu, specials, and all totally satisfying. Reservations a must.

This is a small restaurant in a converted town house. Unfortunately, the dining room is cramped with the tables crowded together. The furniture has seen better days, and the walls are lack lustre. The menu could be interesting, but the burata and eggplant starters were so-so. The seafood pasta with black and white pasta mixed sounded interesting, but the execution was mediocre. Was it Saturday night the raison d'être? Service was OK, but not changing the silverware between courses is a no-no.

I visited Porcini with a group of friends for a graduation dinner. Reservations were made in advance to accommodate our large party. The website stated that it would be restaurant week during the time of our visit however when we called, we were told that was a mistake but we would be given the holiday menu with family style options for the same price. When we arrived, our host had no idea about our arrangements and hesitated before checking. Finally he agreed to bring us appetizers and dessert and allowed us each to choose an entree. Not what we were promised,but we were ok with it. Unfortunately we were only given four of each appetizer for our party of six. Leaving two people sharing what was already small portions. When our appetizer plates were removed the wait staff placed our dirty silverware on the table instead of bringing out a new set. The entree portion was nice but the meal did not meet our expectations. My pasta dish lacked flavor and honestly was just not great. On a high note, the dessert was pretty tasty. I had great expectations for this restaurant but I have to say I will not be returning.

I haven't been to Porcini in years and remembered it was wonderful. I was not disappointed, A small BYOB with very helpful staff who work in tight quarters. I had the paparadelli with mushrooms and it was so good, the caesar salad was light and delicious. My only objection to Porcini's is the noise level.

Out for a Friday night dinner with 5 friends. 2 floor row-house Italian BYOB on Sansom. Our group was seated on the 2nd floor which was a cozy, intimate space, Not loud but a nice buzz. Good menu selection for small restaurant. Pleasant, efficient service by multiple servers. All food ordered was good including veal, seafood and pasta. We had starters, entrees and desserts - the bill with tip was about $40/person.

We made a reservation at Porcini via OpenTable and our hotel concierge confirmed it. We were greeted by a disinterested, unwelcoming host who told us our table would not be ready for 20-30 minutes. He said, "That's just the way it is." The implied message was "take it or leave it." We left. This was, by far, the worst service we've ever encountered at one of Philly's many enjoyable BYO's. The good news is that our concierge got us a reservation at a great BYO just a few blocks away. It was superb. No need to squeeze into Porcini's tiny, noisy room when there are so many more welcoming options around town.

The food is outstanding -- completely fresh and authentic. The restaurant is quite small - cozy but also very loud when guests are enjoying themselves. The menu isn't overly extensive but most diners will find plenty to pick from. Props for the ravioli and the bolognese. The tiramisu for dessert was perfect. Major complaint that the wine glasses were terrible for a BYOB and the server did a terrible job of presentation / pouring. Someone needs to do some education for the staff in that regards.

This is a small restaurant sitting not much more than 30 people and it is very busy, so make reservations. It is also a BYOB restaurant. But, the food is very good and the ambience is fantastic. it is Italy at its best: warm, welcoming, relaxed. You feel like you are part of the family. We had the veal Marsala and the fettuccine bolognese and both were excellent and the portions generous. Best of all, don't miss the "Mille feuilles" for dessert, it is sinfully divine ( in this case, the two qualifiers go well together)

This tiny authentic Italian restaurant has been our go to for many many years! Whether our friends come back “home” for a visit or we have an actual reunion planned we always include Porcinis. The food has been great for many many years - consistently- serving classical Italian dishes as well as a few favorites. If you like big chain Italian - this place is not for you. If you want to feel like you are sitting in the Sansone living room while the brothers create a culinary masterpiece, this is your spot. First timers beware: most people who go here know the Sansone brothers - so every night is a reunion. BYOB in the city - it doesn’t get any better than PORCINIS

Over the years I've had many special occasion meals at Porcini - every time we visit we are reminded how great this restaurant is. Over 20 years I've enjoyed probably 15 dinners and each one better than the next. Doesn't matter what you choose from the menu for your meal, but DO NOT leave this establishment without tasting the mille-feuille. It will simply blow you away. Can not wait to return. 10 top this past weekend and it's all anyone could talk about - service top notch and food you remember forever.

I reviewed this place a few years back and was impressed with the offerings. I know others have complained about how loud it is or how small it is and so on, but it is not more loud or smaller than many other places in town. And, you just cannot get meat filled ravioli elsewhere. This place is still way up there for "house made" pasta and especially the ravioli. For starters, I had the layered eggplant dish. It is not exactly eggplant parm, but it is similar. I defy anyone to tell me of a restaurant that has a better rendition of this dish. The sauce alone outclasses all others that I have tried. I had to have the veal shank stuffed ravioli again...I know, boring. But, again, it is the best I have had in the City. And again, the sauce is superb. Sweet, but not sweetened, tomato gravy just like you wish you could make. Not cheap, but not outrageous either. I will go back again even though it is small and loud. Good value as a byob as well.

This BYOB has delicious food but it is located in a house that has been converted to a restaurant. Those with mobility issues may have difficulty getting to the restrooms because it means you will have to either go down a very narrow and steep set of stairs to the basement or climb up narrow and steep stairs to the second floor.

A very tiny, but charming little restaurant. The pasta was excellent, the service is very friendly. We had a reservation - probably a good thing, since it is so small.

My husband and I were in town for a long weekend and met friends for dinner at Porcini. We chose this restaurant as it is BYOB. The restaurant is tiny but the food was delicious. I had a scallop special which was serviced with risotto with asparagus. Delicious. Mh husband's short ribs were equally tasty. We all enjoyed our meals. The service was not rushed but was attentive. My only negative is that the room is a little "tight". I would definitely go back the next time we are in town.

ultimate fave italian byob. but it's a tight fit in there!

Location: center city between 21st and 22nd on Sansom. Price: $$$ staff: Amazing - Owner chatting with the patrons made it a home feel. cleanliness: Top notch small location which keeps the food fresh and the experience unique. would I return: In a heart beat food quality?: AMAZING Bring your own Wine.

From the friendly greeting right through dessert a very fine Italian dining experience. My two teenage boys devoured the pastas and the cannoli was the best I've had. Shells from Sicily and Ricotta from Tuscany, no wonder! Go with at least 3 people so you can get a 4 top table and not be dining with the couple whose table is separated by a couple inches.

Visiting Philadelphia, we found this restaurant online before we left. It's a BYOB place, which is the case with a lot of Philly restaurants. Don't know why. But you have to, if you're a tourist, go to the State Liquor Stores to buy your wine or alcohol. After an hour of searching, we completed that task. Store is large and has great selections of wine.. Back to the restaurant. It was small quarters and of course the noise level is high, but the food, which we came in for was very good. We enjoyed grilled calamari and broccoli rabe as appetizers. The spaghetti Bolognese and veal dish were excellent. No corkage fee and pleasant people waiting on you. The place was very crowded as every table was filled and there was a steady stream of customers waiting to come in proving that it was a popular spot.

The food was excellent, but the overall experience was not what we expected. We had a 5pm reservation and we arrived at the restaurant at 4:45pm. It was dark and closed so we weren't even sure if it was opening up. The owner finally showed up at 4:50pm and asked us to wait until 5pm so he could "set up". Once inside, the appearance and atmosphere was a little run down. We were the only ones in the restaurant for the first half hour and two staff members were loud and cursing at each other for a solid 15 minutes. The response we got from the owner was "this happens all the time". We had another engagement at 6:30pm in the area so we probably would have left if we weren't crunched for time. As I said earlier, the food presentation and taste was good so that salvaged the experience. My main recommendation would be to tone down the theatrics in front of patrons.

The whole dining experience was just awkward and so uncomfortable! The space is a shoebox, diners are literally on top of each other, waiter/owner (David) was loud and seemingly ready to yell at anyone who he felt wasn't enjoying this dining experience. Plus, very expensive for a byob and small portions. The food was fine. Who would enjoy this tense atmosphere, with an owner staring and always using his outdoor voice in a 15x15 space.

The best Italian restaurant in Philadelphia, by far. From the exceptionally delicious food, ultra-fresh ingredients, and white-glove service, Porcini sets the bar for what the intimate fine dining experience should look like. Phenomenal food and service every time! They exhibit the highest standards in terms of food quality and level of service. David, one of the owners, is one of the nicest people I have ever met, he always greets you, makes you feel comfortable as if you are at his home, makes sure everything is up to their high-quality standards and that you are pleased, and is just a very warm person. I would give Porcini 10 stars if I could!! A true hidden gem!

The restaurant was pretty small like everyone says but it didn't bother me. I was very uncomfortable in the area we were sat at because there was a heat vent there and it was pumping on me the whole time, I was dying. I got the artichokes for an appetizer which were amazing. Milanese for my entree and it was really good as well. Owner was very friendly! Waitress could have been a little more friendly. Probably won't return because we are from jersey and there's a lot Of other places to try.

Excellent place - BYOB. David the owner/waiter is great. Good conversation, numerous and great knowledge of the menu. I don’t think you can go wrong - but I highly recommend the cannelloni, ravioli and veal. The dessert with Italian custard and cream .... hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. I will come back every time I am in Philly. Absolutely amazing establishment

This place was disappointing in so many ways. It's been here forever, but don't let that fool you, it's bad! Everyone who works there is relatively rude the host, if you want to call him that, acts like it's his living room and you weren't invited. The food mediocre at best small portions, relatively tasteless. Don't waste your money or your time.

Was looking for a place for our dinner group, that was close to our Center City hotel, which was on Market Street. After surveying the " local food landscape" (various websites and gluttonous pontificators) I floated the idea of Italian. Eyebrows rose at the suggestion, but ah my friends that is where the fun begins. I had read the reviews and knew that "joy" awaited us. Porcini's, being an Italian restaurant, could be in South Philly, but it's closer to Rittenhouse Square on Sansom Street. We wandered over to Porcini's having secured a reservation for four. Entering the restaurant we wondered aloud, how the "expletive" are we ever going to fit in here? It's a narrow, softly lit, undersized dining room. In a word, it was perfect environment for Italian food. Intimate is an understatement, but your reward awaits you. You'll be greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable wait staff, quoted the evening's specials while surveying the offerings of the menu. While it is a limited menu, what is listed is executed to perfection. Porcini's knows a thing about cooking, specifically Italian cooking. Everything was fresh, delicious and creative. We shared appetizers and our meals, each gathering a forkful of goodness from the various plates at our table. Favorites? Marsala di Vitello. An excellent dish served with an equivalently excellent sauce. It is a dip your bread, lick your fingers worthy kind of sauce. The flavor lingers like good post coital relations. The Bucatini alla Carbonara was also one of our favorites. The culinary creativity, intimate setting and warm personality of Porcini's conspires to make your visit a memorable one. The other "nice to have" about Porcini's, it's a BYOB. If you like well thought out food, you'll like Porcini's. If you like Italian, you'll love Porcini's.

We thought we were off to a rocky start. We walked in looking for an Italian restaurent. This place had 10 small tables with only one occupied (it was only 6:30 on a Wednesday night). As soon as we sat down the waiter swept the wine glasses of the table. We hadn't realized it was BYOB. My wife went off to find a wine store (and got lost looking for one). In the meantime I sat waiting with my son for 30 minutes with the owner talking to the other couple. When my wife finally got back the waiter quickly opened the wine and we had an excellent meal (note re other reviews I didn't think the portions were tiny so maybe they responded to other posts). Service was extremely quick. By 7:30 the place was completely full with the owner obviously knowing a number of the patrons. I think you would be unlikely to get in without a reservation anytime after 6:30. Because they don't have a liquor permit the overall bill was much lower than it might have otherwise been

We arrived early at this very small restaurant and were immediately ushered away from the first floor dining room, up a dank stairway with a carpet that needed replacement and walls that needed fresh paint. Turning at the top of the stairs to another, smaller dining room we were seated at a table for four -- there were no others customers in the entire restaurant. But the food! Linen table cloth, simple and enticing menu, and simply wonderful food with friendly, courteous staff. There were four of us, and honestly, every dish was exquisite. By the time we left, the place was full -- upstairs and down. Highly recommended!

great good, service, atmosphere was very romantic. Don't let the BYOB scare you away. It is a must while in Philly!

The best food if you like Italian and even if you dont!! The owners serve cook and entertain you the entire Meal. Couldn't eat for two days after I left. Soon to have outdoor seating. If your lucky enough to get a reservation

David and Steve are just the most wonderful and amazing guys I know - They make me feel like I have never left Philadelphia! The food is just to die for and their menu is stellar - I loved the Osso Bucco Ravioli and as they said JENN IS HERE SPECIAL ORDER COMING - they didn't disappoint making their gnocci in the blush sauce - and the dessert OH MY...Anytime anyone is in the city this BYOB is the place to go! I love you guys and I may be back for my job....

We visited Porcini and were impressed by it's creative menu and quality of food. The wine selection was impressive for a restaurant it's size. Our service was efficient and pleasant. It is a bit noisy and crowded as it is a very small space, but the food is delicious.

We visited Philly recently and our family took us to Porcini Restaurant. The owner greeted us and spend some time with us as well. We loved the meal as well as friendly service and attention. We understand that you have to book this one ahead of time. It is highly recommended.

Great service and staff. Nocchi melted in your mouth, and branzino was delicious. Chef was very accomodating to changes in menu. Lively crowd in a cozy atmosphere. Would definitely go there again.

Friends coming from Kansas City and wanted to go to their favorite restaurant. Called to confirm tonight only to find that they lost our reservation (which we made on May 18th). The person on the phone was rude and refused to accommodate appropriately. We have a large party of 18 people and they said that they MIGHT be able to help us and seat 6 people each at 3 tables. Keep your damn food, I am sure that we can find another italian restaurant in Philly.

We had a large party of 9. Very nice service but extremely slow service. Seemed like hours between courses. Now about the food. Chicken Parm good but tasteless sauce. Breaded chicken medallions instead of traditional chicken breasts. The carbonara was touted by our server as the “best” in the city. Overly sauced and very average — certainly not the best by a long shot. The snapper special was very eh! Did not taste fresh or good. Only meal that was very good was the shellfish pasta special. Appetizers were good and enjoyed the cannoli Downside: The restaurant itself is falling apart and in our judgment a complete health - safety hazard. Don’t know how it passes inspection. It is literally falling apart on the inside. There are narrow steep attic type steps to the upstairs dining with worn out dirty carpet. The single bathroom upstairs is a tiny very old, dirty and musty toilet room with a covered up bathtub former area with no workable lock - dingy abd dirty —— Disgusting is how I would describe it. The Space is in desperate need of a proper renovation. Some adjustment to the food taste profile and this restaurant could be wonderful.

We have visited Porcini multiple times, and have always enjoyed it. This small, historic house has been converted to a restaurant, and we have enjoyed everything on each visit. The staff is attentive and polite, and we have had several interactions with the owner, who really seems to love his job and wants to make sure that everyone has an excellent experience there. This is a BYOB, so be sure to pick up a bottle of wine or two if you would like to have it with dinner. Great atmosphere, especially good for an intimate dinner with wonderful food and service.

Made reservations for five at this neighborhood restaurant. We had never visited before, so had no idea it was so tiny. When we arrived, we were told to go back outside the door and wait. Then we were seated right next to the door at two tables; one sized well for four people and another tiny round bar table added on for the other person/people. Everyone who went by either hit us on the head or dragged our tablecloth with them as they were going past. Very annoying. We enjoy a cozy little place, but this was not even close. It was way too cramped to accommodate the people they were serving, the way it was arranged. Our reservation was for only 7:30 and they were already out of many items on their linited menu(!) By the way, the tables were not filled. Appetizer portions were small and only good, not great. Entrees ranged from very good (canneloni, and shrimp plus scallop fettucini) to just OK (gnocchi with old-tasting Italian sausage) The busboy was awesome and kept bringing us more bread! It was extremely difficult to visit with the rest of our party, even though we were only five. Host/waiter was a bit condescending and difficult. Of course we were not regulars either, but we are a friendly bunch! With so many to choose from in this area, we could definitely do better. Will not return.

My favorite local restaurant, and one frequented by the locals. It is small, and the chatter can get quite loud, but for me that just adds to the charm. The typical Philly BYO. The pasts dishes here are amazing, and unlike some other places the pasta tastes like it is fresh made. The seating is sometimes limited but there are some places nearby that you can go to get a drink if you have a wait (whiskey bar, tinto and noble spring to mind). I noticed that the portion sizes are criticized by some. If you want massive portions try Chili's down the street, and feel free to leave the BYO scene for those who enjoy good food and a lively atmosphere. The portions are good size, and allow you to have an appetizer and entree, without ballooning to the size of a beached whale.

We came here during restaurant week. When booking on Open Table I requested a table a little out of the way. When we arrived the place was packed like sardines. The hostess told us to sit at a tiny table right next to the front door. When we sat down my husbands chair was in the way of door so that incoming patrons could not come in. Besides that, it was freezing. The owner noticed our dismay and told the hostess to move us to a larger table right outside of the kitchen. The problem was that my husband could not get to his chair without a few folks from the adjacent table getting up from their seats. We didn’t even sit down as he refused to be packed in. We saw the owner on 5he way out. He seemed very nice. I don’t understand why you would want your guests to be uncomfortable. We left and had a good meal elsewhere.

One of the best Italian restaurants in the city! Love the brothers who own it, best waitstaff, delicious fresh pastas, succulent seafood, great ambiance. Have been coming here for years and it is one of my all time favorite spots. Have an outstanding meal and experience every time! The Consiglieri

Some of the best Italian food in Philly. This small gem serves perfectly prepared dishes that totally please. Grilled Carciofi, and red snapper with calamari, shrimp, clams and mussels was fantastic. Bring a nice red wine to this BYOB and enjoy an authentic Italian dinner with several delicious dessert choices to finish the experience. Service is friendly and not intrusive,

A return visit to Porcini's with friends did not disappoint. While Philly has numerous fine BYO Italian restaurants, Porcini is consistently authentic in its food, service and decor. Ravioli OssoBucco with red sauce was so flavorful I was tempted to ask for another plate-ful. The caesar salad was dressed perfectly, although an option for a side of anchovies would have been welcomed. My date's chicken was lightly breaded, and friend's veal marsala was tender, but a bit short on mushrooms. And the puffed pastry dessert was a treat that evoked smiles from all six of us.

While in Philadelphia on a business trip my husband and I went into Porcini's Restaurant. The food, service and hospitality of the staff and owners is absolutely amazing! Everything was perfectly cooked and flavored for a truly mouth watering experience! I have never wanted a meal to last forever as much as I did this one. We both found ourselves savoring the taste long after the food passed through our mouths. The owners (two brothers) make you feel like family, taking the time out of the kitchen to visit with you and have real conversations. The personability of the staff and owners, taste of the food and reasonable prices makes this a restaurant one we would make a special trip to Philadelphia for! This food made me remember what good home made Italian cooking really is! No more chain Italian restaurants for us! It is obvious why it made Zagat's 2008 Top Italian Restaurant list! If you are looking for an amazing restaurant with incredible home made food, reasonable prices, personality and old time friendliness - visit Porcini's in Philadelphia - it is in a class all its own! A+++++++++++++++++++++

OK. The place is tiny but cozy. If it were to be full that night we were there, maybe the story would have been different. David had time to chat with us, was very personable, made us feel like home from the start. The food is good, but literally three bites. For those prices, people should reconsider when they think Porcini an amazing place. Its homemade, but nothing really makes you want to go there twice. I for one have a rule: if I do not remember what I ate / how it tasted in two weeks since Ive tried it, I must not have loved it that much. Its a shame since it came highly recommended, but somehow... there are better places really. No zing.

Wonderful meal expertly prepared. We ordered from the restaurant week pre set menu and enjoyed every choice. Simple food obviously prepared with the utmost care and attention. Owners were extremely gracious and welcoming. We will be back.

Visited here with friends that live in Philly. Small place with large charm and great food. I had spaghetti and sauce it was delicious. For my taste it is top star rating!

This is a small and tight restaurant, that could probably use a bit of a make over. But the food was SO good (I started with the Funghi Nero app - INCREDIBLE; my husband had the Tomato and Basil Bruchetta which was good). I had the Mushroom Ravioli entree and my husband had the Rigatoni with Sweet Italian Sausage - both entrees were sanely sized (not gigantic, not teeny tiny) and full of interesting flavor combinations. DELICIOUS. Bread was served with olive oil and a home made ricotta cheese (so creamy). Service was not rushed and the host (one of the owners, maybe?) was jovial and conversive and attentive. Definitely felt like you were over at your Cousin Anthony's for dinner... The price for a center city BYOB was totally reasonable.

We were a family group of eight adults. We had a 5:45 pm Saturday night reservation and were seated on the second floor of an old house that given it's physical condition should be gutted and rebuilt. The stairs to the second floor are dangerous and covered with old dirty carpet. There is a light with the line attached with electrical tape. There were two other groups of ten to twelve people on the second floor. Our group was sandwiched in between. There wasn't even room for the wait staff to walk and they had to pass plates to guests to pass around. Our table was pushed against the wall not leaving room for me to slide my legs under the table because another member of our party at the end of the table was against the wall. The floor was so sloped I felt that the chair was going to fall over. The worst part of the physical setting was the NOISE. I couldn't even understand what was being said by a member of our party who was five feet away. At times the noise it would equal standing next to a very loud motorcycle. When I arrived I spoke to the waitress and requested plain buttered spaghetti with some shrimp. I had looked at the menu on line and knew that I would not be able to eat the various authentic Italian dishes. I can't handle garlic and tomato sauce etc. She said that would be fine. The waitress brought articokes, then tomato covered with cheese and an egg plant appetizer in addition to the bread with ricotta cheese in olive oil which was first served. Her service was terrific. All of the members of our group enjoyed all of the appetizers. The main dishes were served with my plain dish being served five minutes after the others. The spaghetti was very hard. It tasted like it had only been half cooked. I SENT IT BACK and five minutes later it was still hard , not hot and did not have the butter on it I requested. I had to request butter but it would not melt because the spaghetti was barely warm. I didn't eat much and even the shrimp were cold. The best part of the meal was the birthday cake which we brought in. There is no excuse for cold plain spaghetti and the terrible noise. Several cloth panels spaced around on the walls would help absorb the sound. Everyone else in our group said their main course was great. Good food is diminished by a poor environment.

LOVED it. The Margarita Pizza is amazing, so was Vodka Rigatoni. Very friendly staff. Sat indoors with windows slid open to sidewalk seating.

We came to Porcini's by strolling around downtown during our trip to Philadelphia. It was right at 5 PM, opening time and we were welcomed in. We didn't know what a wonderful experience awaited us. Since we were the only customers there, we felt we had a private dining experience. The co-owners and chefs Steve and Dave were so friendly and funny! Our waitress Petra was also very nice and treated us well. The food was amazing!!! We had the Caesar Salad, shrimp scampi, fettuccine bolongnese, and the ravioli. The sauces were rich and delicious. They also gave us a tasty pastry dessert on the house. This was one of the best dining experiences we have had. Thank you, Porcini!

I have reviewed Porcini before but this time it was for a rehearsal dinner in their private dining room on the second floor. We worked directly with Chef Steven to create the menu and typically, everything we had was delicious! Chef Steven began the evening by personally explaining to our group of 28 how he was going to prepare each item that would be served. Not only was that very interesting and made us feel special, but it also made us appreciate the care he puts into finding the freshest ingredients for everything he serves. We had specifically requested the salmon and seafood ravioli (hand rolled) and everyone raved about them. Also, my father in law loved the St. Peter's fish and I received great reports about the canelloni as well. The salad (Caesar's and mixed greens with pear, walnuts and vinaigrette) were excellent and the appetizers (including porcini mushrooms) and dessert were unique and delicous. Typically for Porcini, the room was noisy but that meant everyone was having a great time! We stayed until after 10 p.m. and Dave and Steven did not complain a bit. My son, the groom, and his fiance hugged Dave on the way out because it was such a special evening! I can't wait to return to our favorite Philadelphia restaurant.

We ate at Porcini earlier this evening and spent walk back to our hotel exchanging superlatives about our experience. Steve and David were gracious hosts. We felt like we were invited into their home to share their love of Italian food and hospitality. We travel quite a bit and found Porcini to be one of the best restaurant experiences we have had outside of Europe. I know that sounds over the top (and I thought about deleting the sentence), but we are not prone to exaggeration. The food was lovingly prepared. I grew up outside New York and have travelled through Italy. I remain in a quandary as to whether Porcini reminds me more of great neighborhood Italian restaurants in New York or of the quaint trattorias in Italy. What a wonderful quandary. For the first time in our traveling, and with all of the other choices in this town, we have actually thought about returning before heading home in a few days.

I have been here about 3 times. The food is always great. Very authentic preparations with excellent ingredients. Pasta specials are usually the best choice, but I have never had anything that wasn't very good. A BYOB, which is a plus to me. Friendly and relaxed. However it is usually really crowded and noisy. You will know the people at the next table. I find this kind of fun, but if you are looking for a quiet, romantic, evening this probably isn't the place. I've only been there on Saturday night, so weekdays may be calmer. Reservations are a must at peak hours.

My wife and I have been to Porcini on many occasions. Each time we come we are greeted by the owner with a hug and kiss for my wife and a hardy handshake for me. We always feel like family whenever we go. The place is very small and cramped but the food more than makes up for the lack of room. The food is always fresh and cooked I to perfection. The co-owner chef also interviews other local chefs and puts it on their website. I found his interviews very informative and would recommend that you check them out. Definitely one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Philly.

Very small but Very loud! Food was ok, but nothing to write home about. They don't tell you how much the specials are & soak you! Staff is very loud!

I used to go to Porcini a lot when I was in graduate school in Philadelphia. We returned for the first time in ages on a beautiful spring Friday night. Soooo-*everyone* was out. Porcini was packed. And this is important because it is very small, so packed really means you are like a sardine in a tin can. We were wedged in a table for two, much too close to our neighbors. Despite our proximity, it was extremely difficult to have a conversation. It is like a big, noisy Italian family. The food was terrific-just like going to your Italian grandmother's (you know, the one who can actually cook). My husband had a ceasar salad and the Filetto (an appetizer) and said both were very good. I had the Bolognese, which was delicious. Looking forward to returning-but hopefully during the week so it is a bit quieter. (P.S. I gave the atmosphere a three only because of the noise. The restaurant is a charming little Italian trattoria.)

Porcini is our favorite local dinner place and we hope to be considered regulars soon. It's is owned and operated by two brothers and I love how personable and attentive they are. We are always greeted at the door by David with a handshake, hug and a big smile and great to see you! And you can usually see Steven in the front of the house by the end of the night too! The ambiance is very quaint and tiny but in an adorable and very familial way. Everyone feels like family and that's how you are treated. Reservations are helpful but waiting on Sansom street is pretty and not too bad either. The food is absolutely out of this world delicious. I often have a hard time getting something different because of how much I'm craving whatever I had last time (typically the ravioli in pecorino sauce) but when I try other peoples dishes I realize I absolutely cannot go wrong. The bolognese, oso bucco, caprese, creme pastry are all to die for. I've really never tasted anything here without uttering the words "that's delicious!" Immediately after. We love Porcini and cannot wait to go back as frequently as possible!

What a wonderful "find" near our Center City hotel on a recent visit! It's a classic Philly BYOB, a small place, with tables that couldn't be closer together, and a friendly staff and chef happily chatting up the customers, which adds a nice buzz to the atmosphere. We dined early on a Saturday night and were glad we had made reservations: every table was spoken for and repeat customers were happily awaiting their turn to be seated as we left. My Osso Bucco Ravioli was incredibly great (surprisingly light too), and my husband and son enjoyed everything they ordered too. For dessert, three of us shared a perfect mille feuille pastry oozing with creamy deliciousness. a perfect sweet finish to a memorable meal!

This is one of those Italian restaurants that makes you feel like you are in an Italian family home. The food is all homemade and the owners and staff are so welcoming. It is also BYOB which I really love because we could bring our favorite wines to pair with their awesome food. I didn't want dinner to end. Don't miss this place!

Walking to this tiny restaurant from our hotel was fun and short....and as we entered we were sooooo warmly welcomed by the manager, promptly seated, and then the evening began. Wonderful appetizers, and followed by a menu of several choices, all of which really looked enticing. Four of us in our party and we had such an excellent time, served such wonderful food, and our server......well, he was just sooooo warm and friendly!!!! I do not hesitate to HIGHLY recommend this little Italian restaurant and I heartily recommend that you order any dish with the wonderful tomato sauce. All food is prepared daily, including the pasta and sauces........WONDERFUL!!!! Do not miss this little place....but, I would recommend that you make reservations as it is quite small and, therefore.....nice and cozy. ENJOY!!!

I recommended anything with mushrooms and their sauces are out of this world! Cozy place with great staff. Hidden gem

An unexpected, wonderful find while visiting Philadelphia. Minutes from Art museum, etc. Maitre'd David was most gracious in finding us a table at our requested time. Chef Steven and the rest of the crew made us feel at home in this high-quality, cozy establishment. Our family had the Cannelloni, Salmon, Rigatoni, and Ravioli. Sauces and Pasta were homemade and excellent!! Highly recommended. -Mark

we have been here twice, the last time being in December. The wait was crazy! there was no room anywhere to wait, and i was not trying to wait outside in the cold! so we are literally stuffed in a small hallway or by the door. And no offense but if you are someone who is overweight or on the bigger side, you can not sit comfortably in the restaurant, you are literally sitting on top of one another, and you may even knock some glasses over trying to get around or squeeze by. so however if you can deal with all of this, you will not be disappointed!! this is some of the best food i have ever tasted!!! my boyfriend who is an extremaly picky eater who likes everything bland, is in love with this place!!! the pasta you can tell is homemade!! if its not, i really need to find out where they are getting it cause its like nothing i have tasted before!!!! im getting excited just thinking about how the food tastes! We found this place on accident two years ago, we were going to show at the comedy club across the street and were looking for some where to eat, saw it and said lets try this!!! and ever since then we have been in love!!!! i havent had a bad meal yet!!!

We barely sat down and the hostess/waitress wanted our order. It could have been a 15 minute dinner if we'd let her have it her way! And, btw, how about holding down the chatter between the owner, chef, busboys, and other staff. They were talking so loudly in the very tiny dining room...kind of having their own party while we were paying to listen. The food was average, but the service and noisy staff made the evening a let down.

Tiny restaurant, we went early and had a reservation. 2 appetizers (the mushrooms and a salad) and 3 pastas for the 3 of us to share. Every dish was excellent. We wished we'd had a higher portion of vegetables but we were full of great tastes. Hard to imagine the noise level when the place is full - but it was just fine for us. Intimate, sweet, good service, and very comfortable. $100 for 3 without alcohol but with dessert.

The food here was superb. The very freshest ingredients, and many aspects of the menu are home made e.g. the pasta. This is all reflective of genuine Italian cuisine. They are incredibly generous with bread, ricotta cheese and olive oil for the table. The ricotta tasted like it was home made! The noise level was very high, however, great atmosphere. As it is BYO the restaurant is reasonably good value. Very small and intimate setting. Owner and staff a little quirky - best to go along with it and you won't be disappointed.

I was a little disappointed overall. Had heard great things and was excited to try the signature pasta mushroom dish. It was blah and 2 from our party ordered it. The owner was pretty rude when we let him know and abruptly took the plates away with barely an apology or asking if we wanted something else. The rest of the food was delicious which is why i still gave it a 4 star but i was turned off by the owner and will probably not return here.

Only 15 tables, and it was packed at 8:00 on a Friday. Only had to wait about 10 minutes though. If you're claustrophobic, you might not enjoy the place; it's that tiny. However, beginning with bread dipped in olive oil and asiago cheese, the parade of wonders commenced. Very nice mixed green salad with pears and romano(?) cheese, followed by a pasta dish to die for: fresh green and white linguini in a sinfully rich pecorino cheese sauce with pancetta, that we split as an appetizer. My partner got the chicken stuffed with cheese which he'd get agai; I got branzino, soft and tender in a delicate white wine/butter sauce. Everything tasted fresh. Serving sizes were just right; as others have commented, the portions aren't huge, but neither are they nouvelle-skimpy. Around 9ish, there was a considerable line outside, but no one was deterred from waiting, even out in the cold. Obviously, this place has a loyal following. I'd recommend it, but by the same token, I don't want it to get so popular, I have to wait longer next time I come. Our waitress, who couldn't be more attentive despite the crowd, also told us they offer a less-expensive, more traditional Italian dinner Monday-Thursday, when it's not nearly as crowded. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

This place has been at same location for many years. It is across from THE ROXY, our best Art Theatre screening foreign and independent films. Two brothers own and run the place serving good Italian food. It is VERY CRAMPED and the last two times I ws there I had to participate in passing food to the next table.

This Italian BYOB scores a "must eat here" review. The restaurant is located in an area of old Philadelphia buildings. White table cloths and a warm greeting set the scene. Our table selected Caesar salad, an arugula salad with goat cheese and Tuscan garlic bread for starters. Entrees were the evening special, salmon over spinach and egg fettuccine in a blush sauce, and from the standard menu, ravioli Di Osso Buco and pork medallions with pistachio, honey and a balsamic drizzle. Everything was delicious and nicely presented. Dessert was a cream filled, flaky pastry. It was light and the perfect ending to our dinners. Our servers were pleasant and knowledgeable. The chef checked on us as well. We were never rushed and the decibel level was excellent. It easily allowed us to carry on a conversation with our friends. What a pleasant evening!

it was when the gathering of foodie friends descended on this tiny restaurant. Only one other table hosted 2 brave souls. The wine from our byob stash added warmth to the cozy room. The chef graciously visited with suggestions. Mussels were succulent.ravioli zaffrano my fav. Fun & delicious.

I went here on a date and was surprised that I hadn't been here previously because the food was great and the service even better!! It is a BYOB establishment and there isn't a "corking" fee - so you know we are already on our way to a GREAT REVIEW!! I went during restaurant week, so the choices were limited, but all were delicious. I enjoyed the Olive oil served with the bread and homemade pasta for my meal. Be prepared for the small space-it is a tight fit, but it is worth it for the service received and the Good Food. I would recommend to others and return for future visits.

Though the extremely tight quarters (that make Times Square on NYear'sEve look roomy) is barely OK, the arrogance and defensive attitude of one waiter/owner as well as the occasionally spoiled shellfish is a real downer! If you go, don't order the mussels! Or maybe try a different restaurant and have a happy weekend!

We started with an assortment of Appetizers. The appetizers were good, but pricey. Entrees left a lot to be desired. The sea bass special was very bland. I tasted the pasta served with other people's meals in our party. It was overcooked and bland. Atmosphere is poor. Tables are very jammed together. I prefer Italian restaurants where at least the owner or one of the waiters actually speaks some Italian to give an air of authenticity. Would not go back

We stumbled upon this quaint place during a short (and terrible) layover in downtown Philadelphia. Thank God! It was the only thing that saved that city in our opinions: friendly, welcoming hosts and chef, friendly neighborhood diners, and delicious food. It is small and cramped. For our party of two, this was not a hardship and there were only two other tables occupied at the time. The staff, food, and home-style atmosphere made us think we could have been in Europe at a small, hidden gem of a restaurant.

We celebrated our annual cousins night out last night at Porcini and let me tell you we had a blast.. There was 19 of us and we had the upstairs all to ourselves! The food was fantastic and our waiter/server/host and by the end of the night our friend was AMAZING!! Thank you kindly for accommodating us and all of our madness!! We will be back again. Michelle

Small dining room with only about a dozen tables provides an intimate setting for dinner. BYOB. Service is very good, attentive and helpful. Friendly environment clearly catering to locals and repeat diners. My first course, calamari ala griglia, the grilled baby squid was tender and the olive oil dressing flavorful but not overpowering. As a prima piatta, it’s enough for two diners to have a taste. Second course, the vitello ala marsala, was generous in portion and outstanding in taste, although a little sweet as to be expected with a marsala dish. The mushrooms were thinly sliced and tender, small slices of garlic provided a zest to the dish. It was served with roasted potatoes which had a tender but crisp edge and a few broccoli heads which were tender yet crisp. The roasted brussel sprouts, again were outstanding with a nice balsamic glaze and a nice portion as a side. As a finish, a slice of mille feuille or napoleon cake was amazing- light and not too sweet. South Philly Italian has nothing over this place!

The best part about Porcini's is the food. The homemade ravioli is amazing and the sauce is fantastic, however, if you're looking for a place with a 'wow' factor, this isn't the restaurant. There's two stories, both extremely small and crowded. I could barely hear my friends talking to me or the waitress who took our order. There's really no host station or waiting area so if you don't have a reservation you end up waiting in a crowded hallway of the crammed building. I'm not a huge wine drinker but I didn't realize that you could byob to the restaurant.

Cozy restaurant on a couple of floors in a small building in Rittenhouse square. BYOB. authentic, delicious food and varied choices. Highly recommend the artichokes appetizer and tiramisu for dessert. The pollo Milanese and ravioli di Ossobuco were so good, there was nothing left. The house special pasta was very good too. Portions are a good size. Overall, a great find at a very reasonable price. Will definitely go back

Is it very small?; yes. Is it very busy?; yes. Might you have to wait for your table; yes. Is it the most authentic Italian food west of Florence, Italy? In Philadelphia, possibly. .A very special family run BYOB with moderate pricing. You be nice: they be nice, Good for a romantic or fun dinner with guests.

This little byob is a favorite of my daughter and her husband, and after visiting, I can see why. The place is small, so I recommend making reservations. The atmosphere is upbeat, intimate, and friendly, but the real star is the food. The calamari was absolutely perfect! The menu is just creative enough, the food fresh, attractive, and authentic. The server was friendly, helpful, and efficient, what more can you ask?

We have been to this restaurant many times the past couple of years, always exceptional, Steven, chef/owner always visits our table to provide me with an up to date status of his specials. His brother David/owner is the greeter, outstanding each time we dine. The food is to die for. Highly recommend.

Three of us ate at Porcini last night; our first experience there. I had read all the reviews, so I was prepared for the small size of the place. Frankly, it is no smaller than many other small places in the city. For starters, I had grilled calamari. No great shakes there. Instead of whole calamari, it was already sliced in a salad-type presentation. It wasn't bad, but not something that was great either. For an entrée, I had the ravioli stuffed with meat and some cheese. The portion was not large, but it was very good. You don't find meat-filled ravioli very often, so I was very happy to see it on the menu. It was clearly homemade at the restaurant. The others had a salad, mozzarella salad and rigatoni with meat sauce. That serving was ample and also very good. While I have seen better service, it was not bad as some other reviews have suggested. All in all, I would recommend the restaurant and would go there again. I seems to me that many of the negative reviews came from people attending with a larger group. I would not suggest this place for a group of more than 5 or so.

Me and several friends were at Porcini Philly last night to celebrate my wife's b-day. The food and service was fantastic.Everyone was very friendly and the service was outstanding with great attention to the smallest details. Chef Steve did an excellent job. We all had appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts along with a few bottles of wine (B.Y.O.B). Each of us enjoyed everything we had - veal, chicken, fish, pasta,family style.The pasta is freshly made and the sauce is exceptional. The decor is lovely without being overdone. Prices were reasonable and portions were great. It quickly became my favorite Italian spot in Philadelphia. Salute to Porcini Philly.

Place seats about 40 people and can get a little noisey, but the food and service are great. Definitely a Center City stop, and not far from beautiful Rittenhouse Square.

This is one of the typical 'fake European' restaurants where they try to copy European food and atmosphere with not much success. The interior is really old and needs some major renovations. It is dark and the red color makes it feel a bit weird. Food was not spicy or tasty. The mozzarella tomato was plain, the grilled vegetables raw. They seem to have a wooden grill that makes meat taste good, but that's about it.

Appetizers and mains were delicious. Saved room for dessert - also tasty. Space is small, in a row house living room as noted - if there are four of you, tables close but you have your own table space. If two, your table will be just a few inches away from the next table of two. If you don't like tight spaces, perhaps this will bother you. Not very accessible and restroom is down a steep flight of stairs. That said, food delicious, service pleasant and without a hitch. We knew about the space going in, and while I generally like a bit more room from my neighbor, and this place does have the potential to be loud, vibe was relatively quiet on our Friday night visit - very nice meal.

If you are at all claustrophobic, this may not be the place for you. The night we were there the place was full, seating about 35. It was noisy and crowded. However, what it lacks in space it makes up for in friendliness, terrific service, and truly delicious food. My husband and I shared the assagio, a combination of hot and cold appetizers - it consisted of 2 pieces of steak grilled to perfection, fried calamari that were lightly breaded, asparagus, Italian ham, and eggplant parm, In addition, the complimentary bread and ricotta in olive oil was amazing. One of our sons had the Cesar salad, which he said was delicious and it was a very generous portion. For dinner I had the chicken milanese - basically a breaded chicken cutlet - sounds boring right? Well it was the best chicken cutlet I have ever had. Tender enough to cut with a fork and covered in a lemon caper sauce. I was served three cutlets and ended up giving one to my husband because I was full - but it was simply amazing. It was also served with creamy mashed potatoes and broccoli. My husband had the tiger shrimp with pasta which was also a generous portion and he said was excellent. Our sons both had the cannelloni stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese. Neither of them are crazy about spinach, but they loved the cannelloni. We also ordered garlic bread which was perfectly toasted with generous amounts of garlic and cheese. I could not think about dessert, but the kids and my husband had cannoli and a puffed pastry, which looked fabulous. The service was top rate. The owner was accommodating to everyone. The wait staff was friendly and efficient. They even offered discounted parking at the parking lot directly across the street. To sum it up, if you are looking for a quiet restaurant with time for private conversation this may not be the place for you. But if you don't mind sitting close to your fellow patrons and want a great meal, you need to check this out.

A nice little Byob tucked into Samson st. We shared a organic greens with pear and mission fig vinaigrette, very tasty. The shrimp and scallop gramolata was fabulous as was the diced shrimp fra diavo. We were so full but had to share a flaky puff pastry filled with custard and cream. Looking forward to going back but be prepared it is small and can be a little loud.

Maybe this was an unusually bad night, the Flyers having just won. But, for such a tiny restaurant's staff to engage in the same very loud shrieking as the majority of their patrons made for a miserable dining experience. Yes, the portions were large and tasty, but the grilled artichokes reeked of grease; the waitress did not assist us when there was a spill; and the other tables barely let up their shouting and screeching. We could not wait to escape.

We went to Porcini recently, but not being from Philly, did not know it was a BYOB place. That was fine, we had lots of water and didn't fill up prematurely. The tables are small and close together, but it wasn't like I needed to go anywhere while eating. I did notice while we were there the tables were moved around 3 times for families of all sizes to be able to sit together and the place was packed--reservations definitely needed. That seemed nice and inviting, people were genuinely enjoying being together. We had table bread, garlic bread, artichoke appetizer and the caprese salad, then entrees. I thought the artichokes and caprese were delicious and priced in line with other places. The garlic bread was literally dripping with garlic and parmesan. The caprese was on delicious small tomato slices that still had flavor, unlike some places where they use giant beefsteak tomatoes, which are very nice for size but have no flavor. The mozerella was superb. We had three entrees, chicken milanese and two pastas (rigatoni special and gnocchi) with sweet sausage. I was a little taken aback by how sweet the sausage was, and I thought the sauce was a bit sweet. My companions from NYC did not think the sauce was sweet, and liked the sausage. All of the desserts sounded great but we were way too full and had to take some of the pasta to go as it was. I was glad the portions weren't any larger, we had plenty to eat. I did notice that, presumably due to the crowds, our service was not slow Italian style but pretty Americanized--the food kept coming with little break in between.

My wife and I went to this gem during our stay In Philly. While small, the owner and staff make you feel welcome and comfortable. It is a BYOB and we forgot our wine. Our server brought us each a new glass of red from a private party. How thoughtful is that! My dover sole was perfectly prepared and wonderful. My wife loved her fresh parpardelle with bolognese sauce. We enjoyed the ambinece of what appeared to be a place that people return to again and again. We will.

our second time to Philly and to Porcini. There will be a third time for both. Excellent food, good service in a quiet atmosphe. We love the BYOB feature and they encourage such. To us there is no such thing as a fine Italian dinner without wine. We will be going again next spring.

We missed Porcini after the restaurant was shut down by the pandemic. We were pleased when they were able to reopen. This has been one of our favorite places in Philadelphia, a friendly neighborhood BYO with great food. The scampi and the caprese salad did not disappoint and the new presentation for the pork tenderloin was exceptional as were the baked artichokes.

I've been going to Porcini for more than a decade. This last time my oldest daughter and I ordered regular dinner entrees, while my two youngest daughters (10 and 7) ordered pasta with butter. Their plates came, and, as expected, small portions of spaghetti and rigatoni, respectively. They charged $20 EACH for the pasta dishes. $40 total. I will never eat there again.

Loved the lobster special, service was very attentive, great BYOB, The dessert was awesome! Hope to get back real soon.

This is a very friendly small bistro on a small street in center city philadelphia. Italian food, prepared with excellent ingredients. Owner greets you personally. It's BYOB. Perfect little out of the way place.

We wewnt to Philly to visit some people and 6 of us went for dinner. Quaint littlew Italian Bistro. Small but comfortable byob. The food was very good but the portion sizes were a little skimpy. The garlic bread is very good, but no regular bread was brought to the table. The specials of Eggplant Lasagna, Fish and short ribs were all great. Make a reservation or you'll have a wait.

We had reservations at 5 p.m. We arrived at 4;40 since it was a new city for us. The door was unlocked. We entered and staff obviously were upset that we were there. they were just serving themselves a huge meal and talking and laughing. After a few minutes a woman came over and said they could not seat us until 5 p.m. because they were "eating." We left and returned at 5:08. The staff was still eating and frowned when we arrived. the woman came and said, "well we will just put you here." She gave us menus and left. We could hear staff laughing and talking in the back. No one came to give us water or to take a drink order. after at least 8 minutes, we got up and left. Then we saw that the restaurant "cancelled" our reservation for us. No doubt, they were worried that we would not give a favorable review. the restaurant was tiny, the staff was as rude as I have ever seen.

We had made a reservation but when we got there the owner entirely ignored us. When we eventually were able to get him and ask, he yelled at us and told us to "get the f*** out of my restaurant!" - which we did.

We loved everything about this restaurant! They were accommodating, the food was amazing and the ambience was great! I highly recommend the filet tips appetizer and the ossobucco ravioli entree. I can't wait to go back

Stopped in for dinner on a Saturday evening and was pleasantly surprised at how good this small BYOB is. Porcini is a small place and it doesn't take long for it to fill up. Reservations are a must, if you don't want to wait. Once we were seated we were advised of the evenings specials and quickly furnished with a tasty bread basket to accompany our wine. There were four people in our party, and the bread serving just about allowed every one a slice. The olive oil for dipping was unforgettable. Service was quick and attentive. We ordered appetizers of petite beef tenderloin topped with Gorgonzola and a dish called 'Assagio' which was a combination of hot and cold appetizers. This was very good. Our entrees arrived with perfect timing. A special of spaghetti and mussels was perfect, veal medallions sautéed in Madera wine, topped with Fontina cheese was shared by all and got four thumbs up. A order of Fettuccine Bolognese was also met with rave reviews.The weakest link? Gnocchi Arrabiatta, a potato pasta dumpling in spicy San Marzano tomato sauce. Not bad at all, but it was in very tasty company. Deserts of Tiramisu and Cannoli were fine. Being a BYOB, Porcini's is very reasonably priced and the portions are perfect. It is small and they have a little tendency to 'move you along' but in a very nice way. Looking forward to our next visit.

We've been doing the Porcini dinner and Helium show combination for years. It's pretty convenient - Porcini, Helium, and parking garage are all within about a hundred foot stretch of Lombard Street. But, let's talk about the restaurant... The food is very good, solid Italian fare, and importantly quite consistent in quality. That is, you can go here and expect to have a great meal (as long as you are not expecting Stephen Starr quality). The service is always very good/attentive. The food comes out in a reasonable time and we were not rushed through dinner. When I was younger we joked that this place was for poor young people or value-minded middle-aged people. But really, it's just a great place for an easy/high-quality Italian meal where you can BYOB. We are all looking for that sometimes. And let's face it, most wine lists are sub-standard (we brought a nice Brunello - not always easy to find at restaurants and even if you do, usually quite expensive). I had the veal marsala and it was very yummy. The filetto appetizer was also excellent, and as always, so was the very garlicky garlic bread. My wife was a little disappointed in the ravioli in the osso bucco sauce (her complaint was that the raviolis were not stuffed well - very thin - not a good pasta to filling ratio). All-in-all, as expected. FYI - all of the comments about the small size/tight fit are true. If that is something that will bother you, then do not go here. We went here on the coldest night of the year and it was warm enough that at one point they had to let in some cold air to cool it down (I was as it turned out needlessly worried about it being cold in the restaurant).

Porcini was busy and humming as we waited a few minutes for our reserved table, so we were looking forward to a memorable meal. The host who I think is one of the owners, was very casual, trying to be funny in a not very professional way as he seated the several parties he had stacked up in a tiny vestibule at the bottom of the stairs. We were seated in the upstairs room, where we were one of a few small tables and one large party of around 12, so it was very noisy. The two servers upstairs did their best to accommodate everyone, but everything we ordered was just so-so. We split a pedestrian Caesar Salad, and then we shared Fettucini Bolognese. The ragu was very good but the pasta was limp and overcooked. My wife then had the Pollo Milanese, which even though the menu stated was breaded was not, and therefore certainly NOT Milanese, and just some sautéed chicken breast in a watery tomato sauce topped with some tasteless cheese. Not terrible but not good either. I wasn't that hungry so just had the Shrimp Scampi appetizer which were 5 tiny overcooked rubbery shrimp in a bland garlic butter. Any way, it wasn't the worst but we won't be going back.

This restaurant is located in an old house that seats 35 people ( closed on Sunday). The price is reasonable and the handmade pasta delicate. I highly recommend this Center City restaurant. We ate at Porcini's on a Monday at 6:00 and had no difficulty getting a reservation through Open Table. I would imagine it more difficult on a different night and at a later hour. If there is a need to wait, it would be outside. The restaurant is located in a charming old home. The owner was the waiter! He was a great host. Highly recommend Porcini's. If I lived in Philadelphia I would be a regular!

Had dinner at Porcini last night. Charming small place with tables close together. The owner seemd to know many of the patrons. We had the veal medallion "best veal she ever had" and the seafood fettucini, which included shrimp, octopus, and scallops, which was also very good. Starters were lovely too. Even with the crowd, we never felt rushed -- in fact, quite the opposite. Courses were well spaced-out and had to ask for the check. The small size of the place, the authentic and very good food, crowd, noise, and leasurely dinner all added to the charm. The bill attached to our receipt was written in Italian. If you want to return to Italy for a couple of hours, this is the place. By the way, at the end of the evening, we also felt we knew the owner. He wasn't bothersome, just warm and friendly and he cared that everything was OK. BYOB. Oh, the above photo is not this Porcini.

We went here for dinner one night and were seated in the back right of the restaurant. There was 6 of us and out table was pushed against an air conditionor cord which stuck out into our table and our friends side. Aside from the hot room and the complete lack of decor we ordered some specials for appetizers. A pasta dish came out and for 26 dollars it was the size of an appetizer portion anywhere else. We also ordered some calamari which was OK. For dinner I ordered a steak MR and it was definitely WELL. I would never send a steak back so I ate it but it just lost all of the flavor. A few of my friends ordered some pasta and chicken and sadly there was only one good review. All in all the price was very high for the portions on the plate and the decor and ambiance of the room were lousy. The waitstaff was also very slow due to 2 servers trying to feed the whole room on a Friday night. There was a manager working who just stood around talking to everybody, you think he would've chipped in and helped a little. I come from a restaurant backround and this place just needs alot of work. It baffles me how some people can find such sub-par restaurants so good. Sorry Porcini, just way too many GOOD restaurants out there.

I ate at this restaurant twice in a recent one week trip to Philadelphia, it was so good. A Monday evening and a Saturday evening. Both times it was outstanding. Monday a quieter experience. Saturday night it was packed with a very fun local crowd. The food is absolutely outstanding. Fresh, and wonderully prepared. I had the salmon dish which was cooked to perfection - lovely and moist with tasty accompaniments of asparagus and tomato puree's. The caprese salad appetizer was the best I have ever tasted. Perfect fresh mozzarella. It is a bit noisy but in a very fun way and would appeal to those who are in for a talkative evening with friends as opposed to a romatic quiet dinner.

Just finished dinner here and walked back to our hotel! What an amazing dinner and loved the place! Porcini is smallish, quaint, and very pleasant! We arrive very early for our reservation. They seated us and we studied the menu waiting for our daughter! The smells were amazing. Couldn't wait to order. We decided to order some sausage and long hots with sauce. A good sample of what was to come. We ordered garlic bread, stuffed peppers for apps. For dinner we had a bucatini, a cannelloni, and a rigatoni bolognese. All spectacular to say the least. Then for the topper we tried the cannoli and tiramisu and the waitress said you must try the Napolean. Wow! Memorable to say the least. I have never had dessert that good any where in my long life. Can't wait to visit Philly again. Porcini usually means mushroom. Now it means "best" to me! I loved this restaurant and it's little ambiance.

We had not been to Porcini since before Covid,but the welcoming atmosphere was the same. The owners make you feel very welcome. It was restaurant week,but the quality and service was the same. It is a very small space but it works. This is a neighborhood gem and has been for many,many years and an added bonus is that it is BYOB.

This place has been here for years and is still family run. It’s across the street from The Roxy a boutique movie theatre so could be convenient. However it’s very small and tables are pushed together so you might be asked to help pass plates across to the next table!

Dined here last Saturday night with a group of friends. David the owner was very welcoming and accommodating. Our party was running late and they put us at a table upstairs which was perfect - a little roomier than downstairs! Food was delicious - we ordered a bunch of appetizers and pasta entrees. Service was great - special shout out to Adz and Sarah who were very attentive. It's BYOB which I also love. Definitely recommend. Make sure to make reservations as this tiny restaurant fills up quickly.

This small, initimate is the neighborhood Italian that everyone wants in her own backyard. The salads, pasta dishes, ans main courses range from what you want on Tuesday night when you are exhausted from too hard a workday to great special celebratory fare. Procini's problem is its noise level; all it takes is one loud party. The food's so good that I say, "Come anyway, but be prepared for a lot of noise."

We had a dinner with friends (8 of us) . Each one ordered appetizer and main dish. Appetizers were tasty but very small portions . For main dishes we had ossabuca ravioli , veal Marsala, pork tenderloin, special seafood pasta and fillet minion . Out of all dishes ravioli , veal and pork was pretty good but other dishes were just average . For desert we had tiramisu and puff pasty desert which was delicious(we had 4 desert to share ). We paid around $75 per person which I think too much for this kind of food (it’s byob so we had our own alcohol). If you do go to that place I suggest to order main dishes only, as appetizers not worth to splurge on.

We just finished eating dinner at this restaurant the food is quite exceptional and authentic however one thing the waitress could care less and has a terrible attitude. She never brought us bread, filled our waters and never checked on us throughout the meal. She had a real attitude like were doing her a favor. If you can put up with an attitude then eat here if not then move on.

Our small group booked this place based on online reviews, as we were from out of town. I was very much looking forward to it – and the ambience (initially at least) did not disappoint. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s a quirky, home-spun place with lots of atmosphere. Unfortunately, that is where the positives end. We had the misfortune to be seated upstairs, alongside a party of raucous, and increasingly drunk, Christmas revellers. I politely asked them if they could be a little quieter, which they seemed to want to support, but were not quite capable of managing. Eventually, as our meal was so badly affected, I asked the management to help, and was told that it was Christmas and people were having a good time, so it was just too bad that we did not like it. The noise levels were absolutely deafening – along with much shouting and shrieking, there was loud Christmas music, supplied or supported by the management. This included a parade by a member of staff who was encouraging singing, even after we had asked that the noise levels be kept down. It was impossible to hold a conversation. All in all, staff were unprofessional on a level I have never seen before. While I can understand that it is difficult to balance everyone’s personal preferences, no customer in a restaurant should be subjected to noise levels that render conversational impossible. Putting the above aside, as presumably this is a seasonal problem, the food was at best mediocre. I would agree with earlier reviews that the porcini fettuccini was bland – a watery sauce with no taste at all, which was a real disappointment. (We were sharing, and it was the dish that most people abandoned. At least get a signature dish right.) Better, was the agnolotti, which, although stodgy, was well seasoned -- presumably the pecorino added flavor lacking in other dishes. Starters such as the artichokes and the caprese were simply fuel. The shrimp were without taste and over-cooked. The desserts – a tiramisu (unremarkable), and a mille-feuille (tasty, but a blob lacking any of the structural features you would expect) – were sub-standard. All in all, a culinary disappointment, and I would rate it far worse still on every other metric. Except for a bout of food poisoning, this is the worst restaurant experience I have had in a great many years – and I get out a lot. It’s also BYOB and my advice, should the above not put you off, is to bring plenty – you will need it.

Came recommended by some locals we met . The place is extremely small about 8 cramped tables so if you don't like eating in close quarters not for you. The food was fresh , the pasta was good but sauces nothing special. Its a BYOB establishment , no wine license ..so come with own or drink water (we did not know) . The good thing is no un-corking fee.Service was friendly and fast and they accommodated us without reservation after short wait. Not bad but I am used to a certain quality of Italian food and it quite didn't make it.

Great food, friendly service. Went with 3 co-workers and everyone enjoyed everything. Casual atmosphere.

overpriced for small portions, good but not worth it when there are so many other great places around

We went there with a reservation and had to wait almost 30 min to be sat. Its awkward because there is nowhere to wait, you are literally just in the middle of the dining room. Anyway we were sat and the food was amazing but the owner was also the waiter so service was slow All in all a good experience, ill be giving it a second chance soon

My first visit to this awesome restaurant was back in 2000 and have probably eaten here 10 times since. This particular night was my first visit in a few years (before this T.A. account was created) and Porcini is still tremendously good. Service is perfect, food is terrific and I love that they now seat upstairs and take reservations. Home made linguine was on the money - and the osso buco ravioli were outstanding. Desert was extremely good also - we ordered one of each! Thank you guys for staying authentic and down right awesome.

Had reservations for party of 11. Was seated upstairs, and had the owner (or one of the owners) as our waiter. Originally thought this might be good, but soon found out otherwise. Upon ordering, I asked if I could have the sausage and broccoli rabe dish without pasta, and he said "no". I then asked if I could get a caesar salad with some chicken on top, and he said "no". He then said, I'll take everyone else's orders while you figure out what you want. When he came back, I said I wanted something with out pasta/carbs. He said he had nothing. I then told him, give me whatever you want, I don't care. I ended up with a bland caesar salad with chicken on top. During the meal, the group was drinking a lot of water (we brought our own wine). At one point mid meal, someone asked for another pitcher of water. The owner took the pitcher, went over to a tub of ice and water that was holding the bottles of wine and dipped the pitcher in and put the pitcher on the table. One of our diners saw this and said to the owner that wasn't right. The owner then said "who the F... do you think you're talking to", the diner then gave him some grief back, they exchanged some more F-notes to each other, and the owner stormed away, later returning with a clean (?) pitcher of water (we hope). When the owner returned with the check, he went to the other end of the table to deliver. Those people didn't hear the incident, and we didn't tell them since it was a birthday celebration for one of the women. We paid the bill and added a 20% tip, despite being F-noted. Upon leaving, the owner went up to our diner and apologized, but we believe it had more to do with us paying the bill and giving a tip, which afterwards we discussed that we could have done neither due to our treatment. Another note, our bill was $45 per person (with tip), despite BYOB, and my chicken caesar salad which I could have gotten a better one at PJ Weilhan's or Houlihans for about $9.

At 6:30 on a Thursday evening Porcini was empty; by 8:00 it was packed. The tables are tight and the decor isn't impressive, but the place buzzes with an upbeat energy. Service was friendly and helpful, although not always attentive, which was okay for a relaxed dinner catching up with an old friend. The grilled calamari and octopus was an excellent start to the meal. Both the Caesar and pear salads were very good and perfectly dressed. We enjoyed the entrees, both pasta and veal. The gnocchi with sausage was particularly good. We had one dessert that knockd our socks off; the cannoli did not. Overall, dinner at Porcini was very good and a great value. We look forward to going back soon

...and a tiny space, you will be bumping elbows with the next table! The food is good and very fresh. Great eggplant/mozz apperizer, though did not like the filet minon apperizer. Pasta is good, salad was too small. Total bill (no drinks, no dessert) $75 Staff-very helpfull and nice. Noise level-loud

A small, friendly, authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of center city. The owner and staff are welcoming and friendly. The food is fresh and reasonably priced. We had some of the specials, which were all terrific.

As residents of Philadelphia, we have visited Porcini two times this year for dinner with friends. This is some of the finiest Italian food that we have had in our city - every entree was prepared to perfection. From custom prepared salad dressings to freshly prepared pastas, every dish was thoroughly enjoyed! The staff was very accommodating to customize a dish if desired. If one would like to enjoy dinner is a small intimate setting, this is the place to visit!

Food and service are like dining at family in this small center city spot. Fish, shellfish, veal and anti-pastas are excellent and so caringly prepared. You will be welcomed and feel like you belong on your first visit. Snapper, shrimp and veal dishes are our faves. Dessert coffee and some very nice wines top off a truly fine dinner. Very small ;reserve ahead.

Two senior couples on a weeknight. Tiny storefront, every table occupied. Effusive greetings from the owners, brothers, one of whom cooks and the other handles the front of the house. Pastas delicious as were the chicken dish, and fish. Prices and BYOB make for a modestly priced evening. Restroom is not handicapped accessible, requiring a trip down a steep stairway. But given the diminutive size of the place, there is no solution.

We are at porcini and when we entered the place the first thing that we noticed was it needed a cleaning. The carpet was full of grime and walls needed a cleaning. It definitely made us wonder what the kitchen looked like. Food was fresh and tasty. Not the cheapest place in town. But it was difficult to get past the dirty carpets.

It's about the size of a living room, so you'd think patrons would lower their voices a bit, but that wasn't the case.There were only a few vegetarian choices, mostly involving cheese and pasta, but the eggplant appetizer was very good, and we shared a delicious grouper dish. Everyone enjoyed their food, but we were too exhausted from trying to talk to stay for dessert.

I happened on Porcini when I was walking along Sansom Street. I was intrigued enough to come back for dinner. It's very small, not elegant at all, just a little restaurant run by two brothers. One is the chef. The other presides over the front of the house. That's the idea anyway. My experience was that the chef spent a great deal of time checking the front, which made it possible for me to go straight to the toque in negotiating variations on the menu. No problem at all. Every dish was really good, from starter to dessert. Yes, I was surprised and then delighted. The brothers keep up a steady banter that provides plenty of entertainment. The night I was there I got the last of about 10 tables and soon a line formed. It's BYOB, by the way, but there is a reasonably good state liquor store around the corner where you can get what you need. Check this place out. Call ahead.

Very good Italian food, owners> brothers very nice & accommodating. Restaurant is very, very, very SMALL; portions very small too; expensive for a BYOB. I only gave it 4 stars because the food was so good. I would probably not return due to very small portions & high prices.

Everything on the menu was amazing, but Farfalle Rustica is out of this world. It's basically homemade pasta with a light Alfredo sauce. I've never smelled a pasta dish that was more engaging. A day later I'm already dreaming of the next time we can go there. We also had the bruschetta trio, calamari and polpo, pasta with sausage, bowties with crab and the bronzino. All were prepared to perfection. Two of the dishes came with a red sauce, which was very light and fresh. One of the best I've had. For dessert the layered napoleon dish was very good, but the cannoli average. The place is small and definitely worth the wait, although we were seated in about 20 min, on a Saturday night.

This spot did nothing for me, taste wise or the cleanliness of the establishment. Pop open a bottle of ragu and ready made pasta, save the money.

We went to Porcini last night with friends from the city. Pros, good food. Cons. We had a reservation for 7:30. We did not sit down to eat until after 8 pm. The owner kept promising us it would be soon, but clearly a family of about 8 people sat and chatted after paying their bill. I watched two of the men just sitting there on their cells phones looking, while the women kept chatting away. Don't want to ask people to leave? How about after a half hour of just sitting there. I was not deterred by the close quarters or the close proximity to other tables, maybe 6 inches at the most. It was the indifference of the owner. We didn't get even bread until about 8:30. If you are having people wait for at least 30 minutes for a table, with a reservation, then bring them bread when they sit down. Don't wait for someone to read specials, they forgot us, and then wait until we had our order ready. They obviously have their regulars there who they cater to, and I believe the rest of the patrons are ignored primarily. We watched a guest have an altercation with the chef, she tapped him as he walked by to tell him how good the food was. He told her to never touch him again. It was mortifying. This chef should never come out from the kitchen, obviously had no people skills whatsoever. This is a service business, it's not just about the food! They could have done so much better.