Ralph’s Italian Restaurant opened in 1900 because of a dream that an immigrant family acted on. The Dispignos worked day and night to provide a place for their hard working neighbors to come for a good meal. Francesco named the restaurant after his son, Ralph, who left school at the age of 15 to help out with the family business. Known as America’s oldest family-owned restaurant, Ralph’s still stands today in its South Philly location of 760 South 9th Street.
The depression and prohibition would have been enough to wipe out a less hearty family but not the Dispignos, they kept working, kept offering the same quality of food and service that they always had and their city-wide customer base responded with their support and kept them going.
Ralph’s general manager Ronnie Trombino is told by an old time customer of the days when Ralph would serve wine to his “good customers” in coffee cups during the time of prohibition. Read more about the history of Ralph’s HERE.
On one of my many trips to PA for business, I went to Ralph’s with a couple of friends to see what all of the hype was about. With a Zagat rating of 23, it was a shoe in for a delicious choice for dinner. Unfortunately I had a bit of a stomach ache, so my review is based on my friends’ comments 🙂
The interior was quaint, maybe 20 tables in total. They offer valet for $8, which I think is worth it considering the parking situation in the area. The menu was filled with delicious options…and I was sitting there trying to think of what I can have that would not upset my stomach. What a bummer. We ordered mussels in a red sauce and I did have a handful of those – they were delicious and a nice size! Collectively we ordered the eggplant parm, sausage and peppers and I was the lame one ordering pasta primavera. I tried to order it with the sauce on the side but the waiter commented with, “We need something to cook it in.” Valid statement – so I ordered it mild instead of the standard spicy red sauce.
It was very delicious and I wish I felt better because I would have totally ordered something more exciting. Everyone seemed to like their meals and the bottle of pinot noir. Dessert was a slice of cannoli cake – very good (I had to have a little bite)!
I feel like I missed out on the traditional fare so I definitely want to come back next time around!
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