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 has served Italian-inspired small plates since opening years ago.
The Salted Caramel Budino became legendary as the must-order dessert that wraps up memorable meals perfectly every time.
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.
The Roasted Beet Salad showcases creative vegetable preparations that elevate simple ingredients through technique and flavor combinations throughout.
At $11-23 for most dishes, the pricing reflects quality ingredients while encouraging guests to order multiple shareable plates.
The Story Behind Philadelphia’s Best Restaurant
Chef-owners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney launched Barbuzzo as part of their restaurant empire throughout Philadelphia’s dining scene.
The duo created multiple acclaimed concepts, including Bud & Marilyn’s, Little Nonna’s, Verde, and Marcie Blaine, along the corridor.
Barbuzzo established its reputation for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with tapas-style service encouraging sharing and exploration throughout dining experiences.
Philadelphia’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Salted Caramel Budino: The legendary dessert wraps up meals perfectly at $11 with Italian pudding featuring salted caramel, creating a sweet-salty balance. Multiple reviewers call this incredible and a must-order, representing proper Italian dessert technique executed with quality ingredients. 🍮
- Roasted Beet Salad: Creative vegetable preparation showcases a technique that elevates simple ingredients at $14, with a kale and beet combination providing nutritious flavor. 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 at $21, with pan-searing adding textural contrast throughout. The gnocchi demonstrates pasta mastery, proving Barbuzzo excels beyond pizza by executing complex Italian techniques beautifully. 🥔
- Uovo Pizza: Coal-fired pizza with egg creates a runny yolk that enriches each bite at $23, reaching proper temperatures. The egg adds richness, transforming pizza into a substantial meal, good for those wanting adventurous pizza beyond standard toppings. 🍳
- Margherita Pizza: Classic simplicity proves fundamentals matter at $19 with coal-fired crust, quality tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Available during happy hour makes quality pizza accessible, representing proper Neapolitan-style execution throughout every preparation. 🍕
- Whipped Ricotta: Simple perfection at $16 showcases quality ingredients needing minimal preparation, with fig topping creating a sweet-savory balance. The bread pairing makes this shareable appetizer essential, with multiple reviewers declaring the bread with ricotta amazing. 🧀
Creative Appetizers and Pasta
- Butternut Squash Arancini: Seasonal risotto balls at $13 showcase Italian technique with creative fillings and a proper crispy exterior. The creamy interior demonstrates proper preparation, though execution varies, with a hot, crispy texture creating good flavor throughout. 🎃
- Papas Fritas: Spanish-style fried potatoes with aioli earn praise as perfect with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior at the ideal texture. The wonderful, not overpowering aioli-style sauce complements potatoes, representing Mediterranean influences beyond Italian throughout the menu. 🥔
- Tonnarelli Nero: Squid ink pasta with scallops in braised fennel sauce showcases creative combinations with visual drama throughout. The squid ink provides a subtle briny flavor, while the fennel sauce adds Mediterranean character to this absolutely fabulous dish. 🦑
- Pork Ragu with Broccoli Rabe: Traditional Italian preparation at $23 earns recognition with slow-braised pork creating a rich sauce coating pasta. The broccoli rabe adds bitter notes, balancing richness, representing quality pasta dishes at accessible prices throughout. 🐖
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies the Avenue of the Arts South at 110 S 13th Street, near theaters and cultural venues, perfectly positioned.
Inside, rustic hip interior with metal chairs, low lighting, and trendy design creates a modern Italian vibe throughout the space.
Loud, energetic atmosphere with charged-up crowds creates frenetic energy, perfect for celebrations and lively dining experiences.
Bottom Line
Visit Barbuzzo for the best restaurant in Philadelphia featuring Mediterranean tapas meeting coal-fired pizza with legendary salted caramel budino.
Creative pasta dishes like squid ink noodles with scallops, and a hip, frenetic atmosphere on the Avenue of the Arts are consistently.
Chef-owners Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney created destination dining that proves tapas-style Italian succeeds in Philadelphia. 🌟
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)