Gran Caffe L'Aquila

Gran Caffe L'Aquila is an Italian cafe and restaurant located in the heart of Philadelphia. The cafe's interior is cozy and welcoming, with rustic decor and an authentic Italian ambiance that transports visitors to Italy.

The menu at Gran Caffe L'Aquila features a variety of Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta dishes, pizzas, and paninis. The cafe also has an extensive gelato selection, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to unique options like ricotta and fig. The coffee at Gran Caffe L'Aquila is also highly praised, with a variety of espresso-based drinks and specialty blends.

In addition to its food and drink offerings, Gran Caffe L'Aquila also has a wine bar that features a selection of Italian wines, as well as a retail section where visitors can purchase imported Italian goods.

The service at Gran Caffe L'Aquila is known for being friendly and welcoming, with a staff that is knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations to diners. The cafe also has outdoor seating options for those who prefer to enjoy their meal al fresco.

Overall, Gran Caffe L'Aquila is a charming Italian cafe and restaurant that offers delicious food, great coffee, and a warm ambiance that transports visitors to Italy. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee break, a casual lunch, or a romantic dinner, Gran Caffe L'Aquila is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Philadelphia.

All Photos were taken by Kiki

The Review

                                                             

        Meek:   Food 🥨 🥨 🥨 Service 🥨 

 Kiki:     Food 🥨 🥨 🥨  Service 🥨 

Steffi:   Food 🥨 🥨 🥨 Service 🥨 

When we visited Philly Gran Caffe L'Aquila unfortunately, our experience was less than satisfactory. The slow and inattentive service was frustrating, as I had to wait quite a while for my order to be taken and then even longer for my food to arrive.

To make matters worse, a couple was sitting near us who were loud and obnoxious after receiving champagne for their engagement. Despite their disruptive behavior, the manager did not ask them to keep it down, which made for an unpleasant dining atmosphere.

As for the food, I have to say that the Fazoli was nasty and not worth the money. On the other hand, the Chianti was decent and went well with my meal. I also tried the Gelato mustard, which was quite interesting and added a unique flavor to my dish. 

 At least their Americanos are good, but not much else. 

I want to mention a few more food items that I tried during my visit. The Italian rice balls were okay, with a crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy center. While they weren't outstanding, they were still a decent appetizer option.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed the lamb skewers. They were well-seasoned and cooked to perfection, with a juicy and tender texture that made for a satisfying main dish. While there were some hits and misses with the food, the lamb skewers were definitely a standout item that I would recommend trying.

Overall, while the food had some hits and misses, the service and disruptive atmosphere, unfortunately, left a bad taste in our mouths. I hope that the Philadelphia version of Gran Caffe L'Aquila can improve its service and manage disruptive customers in the future. 

NOTE: Gran Caffe L'Aquila, situated on Piazza Duomo in the capital city of the Abruzzo region, was a renowned cafe that gained recognition as the cafe of the year for all of Italy in 2007. However, its illustrious history took a tragic turn when the devastating earthquake of 2009 struck, causing severe damage to the city, including the beloved Gran Caffe L'Aquila.

As we settled into our seats, excitement filled the air. The cafe was abuzz with conversations, laughter, and the clinking of cups. Little did we know that an adjacent couple would unknowingly become the protagonists of our narrative. Their exuberance and boisterous chatter quickly caught our attention, causing us to wonder whether they were aware of the volume at which they spoke.

Although physically separated from us by a mere table, the couple's obnoxious conversation made it feel as though they were sitting right beside us. Despite this unexpected proximity, we decided to embrace the situation and make the most of our time at the Gran Aquilla Cafe. After all, the charm of this cozy café lies in its ability to create an environment where people from different walks of life can come together. Well, at least it should have.

The house Chianti was not bad.

Rather than allowing ourselves to be annoyed by the couple's enthusiasm, we chose to adopt a more accommodating mindset. It was an opportunity to practice patience, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse range of experiences that coexist within a shared space. We realized that the vibrant ambiance of the Gran Aquilla Cafe attracts individuals with various preferences and personalities, all seeking solace or connection in their own unique ways.

The Gran Aquilla Cafe turned out to be a frustrating situation into a reminder of the joys of human interaction can be ANNOYING. We were overall not impressed.  Steffi, could go back for an Americano or two and maybe try the gelato but not much else.

                                         

For all blog posts, we will be using a rating system for pretzels:

🥨 sucks

🥨 🥨 kinda sucks

🥨 🥨 🥨 they "aight"

🥨 🥨 🥨 🥨 tasty

🥨 🥨 🥨 🥨 🥨 yum yummy

🥓 Keto-Friendly

🥦🧀 Vegetarian Friendly

🍎🥬 Vegan/WFPB (Whole Food Plant Based)