Suggestions
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Bread And Butter
Brown Butter Tart
Trout
Rigatoni Amatriciana
About
ILLATA
Welcome to ILLATA, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 2241 Grays Ferry Ave. As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I can confidently say that this sanctuary of flavor has brought much-deserved hype and joy to local diners. The ambiance, especially on those crisp late October evenings, sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.
Upon entering ILLATA, guests are met with a warm greeting that instantly elevates the dining experience. The attentive service strikes a beautiful balance—ensuring that your needs are met without overwhelming your mealtime. ILLATA's staff is knowledgeable, offering genuine recommendations that reflect the integrity of the menu.
The dishes at ILLATA are a celebration of bold and focused flavors. Take, for example, the mussels; if the menu boasts mussels, you can expect to savor the essence of the sea in every bite. The gnudi, a soft, flavorful pillow, effortlessly transports you to a state of culinary bliss. And we can't overlook the perfectly cooked cod that leaves a lasting impression. But the chicory salad has a way of stealing the spotlight—it’s a dish that surprises with each forkful, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to elevating raw ingredients.
Among the standout offerings, the carrot dish captivates with its unexpected richness, reminiscent of a savory carrot cake. Every component is masterfully assembled, revealing delightful flavors that unfold as you savor each bite. Diners also rave about the kohlrabi salad, a vibrant symphony of sweetness and saltiness, cleverly layered to surprise your palate with every morsel.
No meal at ILLATA is complete without a taste of their exquisite desserts. The chocolate cake is often hailed as one of the best, striking a perfect balance between indulgence and lightness. The rhubarb tart competes handily with its delicate harmony of flavors. Each dessert is a testament to ILLATA's dedication to crafting a memorable end to your dining journey.
In summary, ILLATA is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that fosters connection—from the intimate atmosphere to the thoughtfully curated menu. Prepare to be amazed by the amalgamation of flavors and the warm service that will make you want to savor it all over again. Don’t miss out—reserve your table today and embark on a delightful culinary adventure!
“ The hype for Illata was well deserved! The late October evening was perfect for the outdoor table. Very warm greeting set the mood for the entire meal. Service was attentive without being cloying. Recommendations were given when asked without the I love everything stock response. The food was very clean, focused and flavorful. If the menu said mussels, you tasted mussels. The gnudi was like a soft pillow of flavor. Pasta with clams...we took a bite and ordered another one. The cod was cooked perfectly. However, surprising all of us, the dish that made us go wow the most was the chicory salad. Not a dud on the menu. ”
“ An amazing Philly dining experience. We ordered everything on the menu and couldn't a single dish we didn't like. Everything was creatively planned out and was super fresh. The steak was phenomenally cooked and the mussels were another one of our favorites. The chocolate cake at the end may have stolen the show; one of the best desserts I've ever had. Book your reservation now! ”
“ Kohlrabi salad looked ridiculous, but it ate like a bomb — gorgeously sweet and deceptively funky and salty and crisp and restrained, all at the same time. It was an arrangement meant to unfold in pieces — a nip at the outside first, then that shocking kick of citric sweetness, then, hidden in the middle of it all, this mound of explosively funked-up, fish-sauce-y, dark and vicious XO sauce. It laid me flat, I swear. ”
“ We had such a fantastic experience at Illata in Philadelphia! From start to finish, everything felt special, and a big part of that was our amazing waitress, Mary — she was attentive, warm, and really elevated the whole evening with her thoughtful service. The menu offered some unexpected surprises, and the standout for us was the carrot dish. It was hands down the highlight of the night — it almost felt like a savory take on carrot cake, rich and flavorful in the most delightful way. The trout was a pleasant surprise too; it leaned more toward the texture and richness of salmon, and honestly, it was one of the best fish dishes we’ve had in a while. And we can’t forget the desserts — they absolutely blew us away. The rhubarb tart was perfectly balanced, and the chocolate cake was decadent without being too heavy. A perfect ending to a memorable meal! We’ll definitely be back — already booked our next reservation. ”
“ We celebrated our anniversary weekend at Illata. We felt so welcomed from the time we entered the door. We sat in an intimate area to dine. Starting with the oysters was an excellent choice with their fresh bread. The tortellini was so amazing! The NY strip steak melted in our mouths. We ended with the dessert that left us speechless! I highly recommend this fantastic restaurant! ”
“ Easily one of my favorite meals I’ve had in the city. Each dish was incredible, the waitress was so sweet and loved the intimate ambiance. The brown butter tart is truly one of the best desserts in Philly. The chicken schnitzel and pesto rigatoni were incredible as well. Do yourself a favor and make the reservation now. ”
“ Went to Illata to celebrate a birthday, and it was an amazing experience. The dinner was fantastic, with a great selection of fresh vegetables and seafood. My personal favorites were the mussels and the dorade—both were exceptional! The only thing I would suggest is to consider reducing the noise level in the restaurant, such as installing sound-absorbing materials. ”
“ The staff, starting with Maggie, are amazing. The food matches the brightness of the staff. The broth for the tortellini was arguably the best broth we've ever tasted. Each dish was spectacular, and the attention to detail and ability to extract flavors from each ingredient is superb. We look forward to returning very soon! ”