A shining new star on South Philly’s fine dining scene
It’s no small feat for an Italian restaurant to make a name for itself in South Philly, an area so historically rich in Italian culture, with many famous landmark Italian eateries. Yet, Adoro Restaurant in Queen Village not only rises to the challenge — it surpasses it. Located on Passyunk Avenue, this newcomer BYOB has quickly made a name for itself as a standout dining destination since its grand opening on September 25 this year.
I love it when the inside of a restaurant is decorated to look like the outdoors, similar to Cuba Libre in Old City. Adoro’s interior imitates an Italian courtyard, with stucco walls and a small window with a paneled roof leading to the kitchen. While cozy and intimate, the white tablecloths, glassware, and exceptional service set the scene for a fine dining experience.
At the helm of Adoro is Executive Chef and Owner Florin Matranxhi, whose culinary journey spans decades and continents. Raised in a family of restaurateurs in Albania, Chef Florin perfected his craft in Naples, Italy, at Sottocoperta Taverna di Mare before making his mark in Philadelphia and beyond.
After seven years at Center City’s La Viola—a renowned Italian BYOB restaurant in Rittenhouse Square known for its authentic dishes from the Abruzzo region — and a tenure as Executive Chef at Kennett Square’s La Verona — which features Northern Italian cooking, known for its rich, butter-based sauces, handmade pasta, and a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients — Chef Florin returned to Philly to fulfill a dream of opening his own spot to showcase his passion for fine dining and dedication to authentic Italian flavors.
Every detail at Adoro speaks to Chef Florin’s commitment to quality. It starts with the bread, which arrives at the table fresh from the oven. Crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside — it’s basically perfection in a basket.
The only problem? The first basket was so good, it didn’t last nearly long enough. Luckily, a second round came to the rescue right away! Paired with the house-made dipping oil, a blend of herbs, and a touch of balsamic at the bottom, I could’ve easily made a meal of just the bread and been content to rave about this simple delight.
Next up was the calamari — a dish my partner proclaimed the best he’d ever had. The squid was expertly seasoned and fried, its crispy batter giving way to tender, flavorful squid. Often, calamari can taste more like the crust than the seafood inside, but the squid’s natural sweetness and delicate flavor shine through here.
The fried mozzarella is another standout. The difference in using fresh mozzarella is undeniable; the creamy texture and mild, milky flavor are leagues above what you might find elsewhere. The cheese is encased in a crust that offers the right amount of crunch with each bite. This dish is a must-order, served alongside a marinara dipping sauce that’s thin yet rich, with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
As for entrees, I was blown away by the chicken parmesan, accompanied by a heaping pile of homemade spaghetti and tangy red sauce. The chicken cutlet was huge, crispy, and delicious. My partner ordered the linguini pescatore, filled with clams, mussels, crab meat, and calamari, which was also exceptional.
We could not leave without dessert and thank God we still had a little room in our stomachs because the lemon mascarpone cake was the best slice I’ve ever had. The chocolate mousse cake was worth a thousand words, but I think “wow” covers it.
What truly sets Adoro apart is the freshness and upscale quality of the food. Chef Florin’s experience in Italy and the U.S. shines through in every bite, blending tradition with a touch of refinement that elevates the meal without feeling too pretentious. His decision to open in Queen Village reflects his love for the neighborhood, and his joy in bringing something special to the community. Adoro feels both welcoming and fancy, a place where you can enjoy an exceptional meal without feeling out of place (the prices are reasonable, as well).
The competition among Italian restaurants in South Philly is fierce, but Adoro does the impossible. By focusing on the details — flavor, freshness, and authenticity — Chef Florin has impressed the most scrutinizing palates and created a must-visit spot for city foodies. Judging by the crowd that started to file in as we dined, it’s clear that word is spreading fast. Reserve now while the secret is still (kind of) safe.
👉 Insider Tip: Adoro is creating a specialty New Year’s Eve menu, which you can check out on my Instagram once it’s live.
Adoro Restaurant 🥖🍝🍷
769 E Passyunk Avenue
(215) 627-1454
adorobistro.com
@adoro.restaurant on Instagram and Facebook
🤵💚🤍❤️
⭐ DINERS’ CHOICE BADGE WINNER ⭐
Earlier this year, Adoro received the OpenTable Diners’ Choice Badge. This distinction highlights Adoro’s exceptional dining experience, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. The Diners’ Choice badge is determined by feedback from diners who have made reservations through OpenTable, ensuring that only those with firsthand experience contribute to the ratings.
🗣 COMMENTS WELCOME! 🙌
What do you think? Have you been to Adoro? Do you have a favorite menu item? Or a tip for another good spot in Queen Village? Please catch up with me on Instagram @gingersliketoeat. If you enjoyed this feature, please check out last month’s column on my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city, El Mictlan in South Philly, whose inspired seasonal menus keep me coming back time and again.
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