Dante & Luigi's

Open since 1899, this is Philadelphia’s oldest Italian restaurant. Between the white table cloths, chandeliers, black and white photos, and dining rooms in the converted townhouses, you’ll feel the old-school charm each time you come here. The South Philly spot uses that experience to whip up some top-notch pasta like gnocchi romano, fettuccini filetto with filet mignon and sun-dried tomatoes, and a baked lasagna that’s the best in town. And even though the interiors look fancy with paintings on the wall that look like they belongat a museum, you can eat here without dropping some serious money—none of the entrees cost more than $30).

photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO