PHLReview
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Tulip Pasta & Wine Bar
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Philadelphia doesn’t need another Italian restaurant. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, a little vodka rigatoni–we’ve got it covered.
But lucky for us, in a city with countless other Italian restaurants, there aren’t any quite like Tulip.
You’ve probably already heard about this Fishtown spot. A collaboration between Wayvine Vineyards and the team behind Attico and Messina Social Club, it strikes a perfect balance between being upscale enough for a special occasion, casual enough for a weeknight bowl of pasta, and hip enough to impress your annoying friends from Brooklyn. Funky modern wallpaper lines the narrow dining space, while oversized paper chandeliers hang overhead. The 40-seater is brightly lit but feels intimate, especially if you snag a seat at the chef's counter.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
The place is buzzing with everyone from duos on date nights to four tops of friends. A Tribe Called Quest plays while you debate what to order. Will it be the Big Eye tuna crudo? Or the charcoal-grilled broccolini with bagna cauda?
Let’s make it easy. Start with the perfectly olive-oiled focaccia and creamy house-made stracciatella. You’re also going to want the mushroom arancini that’s crisp, dense, and doughy all at once. No matter which small plates you start with, don’t skip the sweet and savory Chesapeake Bay crab ravioli with honeynut squash and crab butter. The Cacio e Peperoncini is another favorite–waves of al dente mafalde are tossed with an addictive blend of dry and pickled peppers, aged pecorino, and just a touch of heat.
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Not to be outshone by the food are the excellent cocktails, like the refreshing Secondary Gimlet (made with Pinot Noir serum and a very fake-looking but very real miniature grape cluster garnish). The wine list looks nothing like the one you’ll find at your local red-sauce joint—it’s entirely from Pennsylvania’s Wayvine Vineyards and every bottle is $60 or less.
You’ll have to plan ahead and get a reservation well in advance if you’re going with a group (though there’s almost always a spot for one at the chef’s counter). Unlike another classic Italian spot or more Jawn Morgan billboards, Philly could desperately use more of this–a completely original take on the neighborhood osteria, featuring local cheese, seafood, produce, and wine–not a chicken parm in sight.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
House Made Stracciatella
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Mushroom Arancini
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Chesapeake Bay Crab Ravioli
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Pappardelle
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Gnudi
photo credit: Gab Bonghi
Linguini & Mussels