Finding the best restaurant in Philadelphia means discovering Barbuzzo, where Mediterranean tapas meet coal-fired pizza in a hip, frenetic atmosphere.
This Avenue of the Arts South location at 110 S 13th Street earned a 4.3-star rating on Yelp with over 3,400 reviews, serving Italian-inspired small plates since opening.
The Salted Caramel Budino with 583 reviews became legendary as the must-order dessert that wraps up memorable meals.
The Barbuzzo success comes from chef-owners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney, who created multiple acclaimed restaurants throughout Philadelphia.
What Makes Barbuzzo the Best Restaurant in Philadelphia
The secret to earning the title of best restaurant in Philadelphia lies in combining tapas-style Mediterranean small plates with coal-fired pizzas in energetic settings.
The Roasted Beet Salad with 274 reviews showcases creative vegetable preparations that elevate simple ingredients through technique and flavor combinations.
At $11-23 for most dishes, the pricing reflects quality ingredients and skilled preparation while encouraging guests to order multiple shareable plates.
The open exhibition counter allows watching food preparation, building trust through transparency and adding entertainment value.
The rustic, hip interior with metal chairs and low lighting creates trendy atmosphere perfect for date nights and group celebrations.
Happy hour Monday-Friday 5-7 PM at the bar and outside tables provides accessible entry point to experience Barbuzzo’s quality.
Signature Dishes That Built the Reputation
The Pan-seared Gnocchi with 168 reviews demonstrates pasta mastery through proper technique creating crispy exteriors with pillowy interiors.
One Peacham reviewer specifically praised scallops in rich braised fennel sauce over squid ink square noodles as “absolutely fabulous.”
The pork ragu with broccoli rabe at just $23 earned rave reviews for quality pasta dishes at prices that make fine dining accessible.
The Whipped Ricotta with 135 reviews arrives with bread creating simple perfection that multiple reviewers call amazing.
The Caciocavallo Stuffed Meatballs showcase Italian technique with cheese-stuffed preparations earning consistent mentions as delicious.
These signature items prove Barbuzzo executes both simple classics and creative innovations at high levels.
The Best Restaurant in Philadelphia Story
Chef-owners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney launched Barbuzzo as part of their restaurant empire throughout Philadelphia.
The duo created multiple acclaimed concepts including Bud & Marilyn’s, Little Nonna’s, Verde, and Marcie Blaine along the same corridor.
Barbuzzo established their reputation for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with tapas-style service encouraging sharing and exploration.
Building Avenue of the Arts Destination
The location at 110 S 13th Street on Avenue of the Arts South positioned Barbuzzo near theaters and cultural attractions.
The proximity to venues makes this ideal pre-show or post-show dining destination for arts patrons.
The coal-fired pizza oven allows reaching temperatures that create proper char and texture impossible with standard ovens.
The open kitchen design with exhibition counter creates theater around food preparation itself.
Watching chefs work the coal-fired oven and assemble dishes adds entertainment value beyond just eating.
This transparency builds trust while showcasing the skill and care going into each plate.
Why Philadelphia Loves Barbuzzo
The loud, charged-up atmosphere creates energy that makes dining feel like events rather than just meals.
One Vermont reviewer notes “you can’t go wrong here—just don’t expect calm and serene, the place is loud and charged up.”
The hip, frenetic vibe attracts crowds seeking lively dining experiences perfect for celebrations and nights out.
The reservation system through OpenTable allows securing tables for popular times, though walk-ins find space at the bar.
The outdoor seating provides alternatives during pleasant weather, with happy hour available at outside tables.
The consistently busy restaurant proves demand remains strong year-round, validating the concept and execution.
Philadelphia’s Favorite Best Restaurant in Philadelphia Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Salted Caramel Budino: The legendary dessert with 583 reviews wraps up meals perfectly at $11. The Italian pudding features salted caramel creating sweet-salty balance. Multiple reviewers call this incredible and a must-order. One New York Elite reviewer found it yummy though slightly too sweet. This represents proper Italian dessert technique executed with quality ingredients. The consistency earns this spot as most reviewed menu item. 🍮
- Roasted Beet Salad: Creative vegetable preparation with 274 reviews showcases technique elevating simple ingredients at $14. The kale and beet combination provides nutritious, flavorful option. One Vermont reviewer praised this as “great kale & beet salad.” The Mediterranean seasonings add complexity. Good for those wanting lighter options alongside rich pizzas and pastas. 🥗
- Pan-seared Gnocchi: Proper technique creates crispy exteriors with pillowy interiors earning 168 reviews at $21. The pan-searing adds textural contrast impossible with boiled-only preparations. One Mission Viejo Elite reviewer called this “amazingly delicious.” The gnocchi demonstrates pasta mastery. This proves Barbuzzo excels beyond pizza, executing complex Italian techniques. 🥔
- Uovo Pizza: Coal-fired pizza with egg creates runny yolk that enriches each bite, earning 176 reviews at $23. The coal-fired preparation reaches temperatures creating proper char and texture. The egg adds richness transforming pizza into substantial meal. Good for those wanting adventurous pizza beyond standard toppings. 🍳
- Margherita Pizza: Classic simplicity with 98 reviews proves fundamentals matter at $19. The coal-fired crust, quality tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create traditional combination. One Mickleton Elite reviewer praised this on happy hour menu as “very good.” Available during happy hour makes quality pizza accessible. This represents proper Neapolitan-style execution. 🍕
- Whipped Ricotta: Simple perfection with 135 reviews at $16 showcases quality ingredients needing minimal preparation. The ricotta arrives whipped with fig topping creating sweet-savory balance. One New York Elite reviewer called this yummy, though noting similarity to cream cheese. The bread pairing makes this shareable appetizer essential. Multiple reviewers declare the bread with ricotta “amazing.” 🧀
Creative Appetizers
- Butternut Squash Arancini: Seasonal risotto balls with 42 reviews at $13 showcase Italian technique with creative fillings. One Philadelphia Elite reviewer called these good though “not the BEST arancini I’ve ever had.” The crispy exterior and creamy interior demonstrate proper preparation. One New York Elite reviewer declared arancini their favorite, calling them “hot crispy and good flavor.” 🎃
- Caciocavallo Stuffed Meatballs: Cheese-stuffed meatballs demonstrate Italian technique creating molten centers. The caciocavallo adds sharp flavor complementing seasoned meat. Good for those wanting substantial appetizers. These showcase traditional preparations executed with skill. 🍖
- Papas Fritas: Spanish-style fried potatoes with aioli earn praise as PERFECT according to one Philadelphia Elite reviewer. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior create ideal texture. One Palm Beach Gardens Elite reviewer noted these were “perfectly crispy with wonderful not overpowering aioli style sauce.” These represent Mediterranean influences beyond Italian. 🥔
- Grilled Octopus: Mediterranean seafood preparation with 108 reviews demonstrates skill handling delicate proteins. One Palm Beach Gardens reviewer found it “very good, just a bit too saucy.” The grilling creates char while maintaining tenderness. Good for adventurous eaters wanting seafood options. 🐙
Pasta Excellence
- Tonnarelli Nero: Squid ink pasta with scallops in braised fennel sauce showcases creative combinations. One Vermont reviewer called this “absolutely fabulous, and new to us.” The squid ink provides visual drama and subtle briny flavor. The fennel sauce adds Mediterranean character. 🦑
- Pork Ragu with Broccoli Rabe: Traditional Italian preparation at $23 earns recognition as “absolutely fabulous” from Vermont reviewer. The slow-braised pork creates rich sauce coating pasta. The broccoli rabe adds bitter notes balancing richness. This represents quality pasta dishes at accessible prices. 🐖
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies Avenue of the Arts South at 110 S 13th Street near theaters and cultural venues.
Inside, rustic hip interior with metal chairs, low lighting, and trendy design creates modern Italian vibe.
Loud, energetic atmosphere with charged-up crowds creates frenetic energy perfect for celebrations.
The open exhibition counter allows watching chefs work, adding entertainment through visible food preparation.
Outdoor seating provides alternatives during pleasant weather, with happy hour available at outside tables.
The cozy yet bustling space fills quickly during peak hours, creating intimate atmosphere despite crowds.
Service receives mixed reviews, with some praising attentive staff while others note challenges during slammed periods.
The crush of crowds during busy times forces waiters to literally push through, impacting service speed.
Happy hour 5-7 PM Monday-Friday at bar and outside tables provides less crowded dining option.
Reservations through OpenTable recommended for dinner, especially weekends and pre-theater times.
The proximity to theaters makes timing important, with pre-show crowds creating rushes.
Hours run 5-10 PM weeknights, until 11 PM Friday, with weekend lunch service 12-4 PM Saturday-Sunday.
Bottom Line
Visit Barbuzzo for the best restaurant in Philadelphia featuring Mediterranean tapas meeting coal-fired pizza, legendary salted caramel budino wrapping up meals perfectly, creative pasta dishes like squid ink noodles with scallops, and hip frenetic atmosphere on Avenue of the Arts.
Chef-owners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney created destination dining that proves tapas-style Italian succeeds. 🌟
Address: Barbuzzo
110 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 (Avenue of the Arts South)
📞 (215) 546-9300
🕔 Mon-Thu: 5-10 PM | Fri: 5-11 PM | Sat: 12-11 PM (Lunch 12-4) | Sun: 12-10 PM (Lunch 12-4) Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 5-7 PM (bar & outside only)