I am looking for advice on a restaurant in Philadelphia. We are looking for an italian/pasta restaurant to accomodate 21 people. Six of us are running the Philly Marathon and families included in dinner plan. We are staying downtown. Does anyone know of a good restaurant? I realize this could be a difficult if not impossible feat.

We are looking for something good, not fast food.

Thanks for the help.

MIke

Good luck on the Marathon! Not so hard, actually -- try Ralph's downtown, or Upstares at Varelli's -- right in the center of center city, good, bountiful pasta. Another one is Pietros, which is pizza and pasta, on Walnut Street near Rittenhouse Square.

My vote is for Ralph's. My favorite restaurant in Philly.

Good luck in the Marathon! I agree w/the other posters - Ralph's is terrific (make certain to mention running marathon when making reservation). Another italian restaurant is Upstares at Varalli (located in center city and open on Sunday). Check out their website:
www.varalliusa.com/upstares.html

Thanks for the feedback.

We ate at Ralph's last year and like it very much. However, when we called for a Res., they would not even consider 21 of us.
We have also eaten at Upstairs @ Veralli, but have not called yet. I don't remember, but wasn't Ustairs somewhat formal? With the size of our group and some adolescents, I am not sure this is the best choice. Would you agree?

For Sunday my wife and I are going to stay over and go to dinner ourselves and celebrate. I heard that The Striped Bass is very good...What do you think?

Thanks again for all of the help. Much appreciated.

Ah, that's a great choice. Striped Bass has great seafood and a good selection of landlubber food too. You'll enjoy it.

Varalli's has added a less formal section called Sotto Varalli's. That might meet your needs. You might also try Crinetti's on South Broad -- very informal, reasonable, but might have trouble accommodating 21.

I don't think Pietro's on Walnut St would have trouble accommodating 21. It has a big back section, and is fairly loud and not particularly fancy. http://philadelphia.citysearch.com/redirect?id=8949848

Striped Bass is fantastic -- excellent choice!