Something's fishy here

Posted by Diane from Lancaster, PA on 9/5/06

We were very disappointed with our experience here last Saturday. The portions are small, the dishes uninspired and the prices too high for what you get. By 8:00 this Italian restaurant had run out of 2 of the 3 red sauces on the menu. The specials that we ordered included a pasta trio that consisted of tiny portions of two pastas that are on the menu and a third gnocchi with cheese sauce. The gnocchi was very good but the special was priced the same as the highest priced pasta on the menu even though they were giving you portions of lower priced dishes. Also the sauces on the other two pastas were watery and bland. The other special we ordered was pan seared stiped bass that tasted very fishy and was not pan seared . We sent it back and were rudely handed a small plate of penne and marinara by the manager as a replacement. Additionally this restaurant touts itself as having the biggest selection of wines by the glass in the country. The wine list was very impressive, but you would think that an establishment that considers itself to be a wine bar would serve red wine in a decent glass that allows the wine to breath and the bouquet to be enjoyed, but no the wine by the glass is served in a small 5 oz. glass filled to the top with wine. Overall we had a very disappointing experience. We all left hungry. This was our first return to Philly after a long time and we were excited about it's reputation for fine dining. Unfortunately we chose the wrong restaurant.

Mama Mia! This is one of the best italian restaurants around

Posted by Caryn from Philly on 1/12/06

Not only is the atmosphere great, the food and service are top notch. My fav thing to do is sit in Il Bar- the wine bar attached to Panorama and order a flight of wine. Its been great each time I have been there. I even did a private party in their wine cellar. Again, great experience.