Le Virtu - Philadelphia, PA

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I decided to try out a new restaurant for date night in East Passyunk that has been buzzing with rave reviews. Le Virtu, a charming Italian restaurant, is inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Abruzzo, emphasizing the authenticity of the region's farmers and fishermen. The name "Le Virtu" itself pays homage to a traditional minestrone soup prepared on the first of May in Abruzzo. With high expectations, fueled by the promise of amazing Italian cuisine (our fav!), we couldn't wait to experience it for ourselves.

As we approached the restaurant, we were greeted by a vast, inviting patio adorned with beautiful flowers, plants, and herbs. The friendly host promptly escorted us to our table, and as we had previously made a reservation for outdoor dining, we were relieved to find our table thoughtfully placed beside a heating lamp to keep us warm throughout our meal.

Our dining experience began with a welcome from our waitress, who offered to guide us through their carefully curated wine list, put together by Chris, a knowledgeable manager at the restaurant. We chose a light-bodied, crisp red wine produced just outside of Rome.

Looking through the starters, I saw that they offered fried olives and knew we just had to try! These were also no ordinary fried olives. Stuffed with a combination of pork, chicken, and beef, they were served with slices of fresh lemon, which made them so fresh and tasty! To accompany the olives, we were treated to a bread service featuring fresh focaccia and sourdough. Complimentary bread service is one of the top 5 ways to my heart, so I was already a very happy girl.

All the entrees looked so good that deciding was a challenge. My boyfriend, Nolan, opted for the evening's special – homemade potato gnocchi with a hearty ragu, red sauce, and Pecorino cheese. I chose the Timballo alla Teramana, Le Virtu's take on lasagna, composed of homemade pasta crepes, ground beef, spinach, ricotta, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Both dishes were exceptional, but the true highlight of our meal came when Chris presented us with a special pasta dish- Cappellacci dei Briganti. I can honestly say I've never encountered pasta quite as delicious or adorable. Handmade in the shape of tiny briganti hats, this dish featured mushrooms, rosemary from their garden, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Despite being stuffed, we had to order dessert. We decided on the homemade tiramisu, and it was the perfect way to conclude our meal. Creamy, sweet, and with just the right balance of coffee flavor, it left a lasting impression.

I think it’s safe to say that Le Virtu unquestionably lived up to its considerable hype. Whether you're planning your next date night or a night out with friends, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this spot a try. It's an experience that transports you to Italy without the need for a lengthy plane ride!