Caffe Valentino stands out as a charming Italian restaurant in Philadelphia, where guests experience a blend of delightful cuisine and warm hospitality. Nestled at 1245 S 3rd St, this eatery has garnered a love-it-or-hate-it response from patrons, though many, like Andrea H and Tiffany Tavarez, fall firmly into the 'love it' category. Visitors rave about the fresh, generously portioned dishes, with tantalizing recommendations including their wood-fired pizza, chicken parm, and a variety of pastas and salads that capture the essence of Italian cooking.
The ambiance at Caffe Valentino enhances the dining experience, described as cozy and inviting. Many reviews highlight the attentiveness of the staff, who go the extra mile to ensure comfort and satisfaction, even accommodating large parties unexpectedly, as noted by Katie Carnahan.
Owner and chef Cosimo is frequently celebrated for crafting each dish with love, using specialty ingredients from Italy. With its BYOB policy and a recent renovation for larger group gatherings, Caffe Valentino creates a familial dining atmosphere that resonates with guests, making it a hidden gem that locals cherish and visitors must experience.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Planning
Accepts reservations
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Photos
Reviews For Caffe Valentino
Andrea H
Jun 11,2025
Reading these reviews is very strange. People either love this place or hate it. I'm in the Love It category, although I don't have any experience with the apparently awful owner because he wasn't there. The wait staff were friendly and just attentive enough, the food was plentiful and delicious, and the atmosphere was very nice. It was also clean - I have to wonder about a review that includes information about leaking pipes in the kitchen. I don't inspect the kitchen when I'm dining out. We had two salads that we very nice, an appetizer special that was tasty and not overpriced even though it was not a menu item, and we all got different pasta dishes that were generous and excellent. Only one of the four of us had room for dessert; she asked for extra chocolate chips on her cannoli and her wish was fulfilled. I'll definitely return here.
Tiffany Tavarez
Jun 2,2025
Hands down my favorite Italian restaurant. The food is remarkable and always fresh. Specialty products from Italy along with some changing specials so be sure to ask! Cosimo - owner and chef - makes his meals with pure love. It is BYOB. Also recently renovated to accommodate large groups though couples and solo diners are no problem. Service is great too. Going to Caffe Valentino is visiting family.
Katie Carnahan
May 26,2025
They were beyond accomodating! We had a big party show up unannounced and they brought us tables and chairs for us to sit outside. They brought us a tray of ice for our drinks and kept asking us if we needed anything else. They were hospitable, courteous and helpful. And the pizza was delicious!
Giovanna Corridoni Martosella
May 22,2025
This place is a hidden gem. I moved to Pennsport just about a year and a half ago, Cafe V is right around the corner and is my go-to spot. Food is great - you can't go wrong whether you are in the mood to share a pizza or find a place for a dinner date. I've eaten most things on the menu by now and can't say I've found anything I haven't liked! Service is friendly and atmosphere is relaxing.
David Flynn
Apr 26,2025
Ate here with my family for a nice birthday dinner. The service was very friendly and our host really went out of his way to accommodate us and make us comfortable. We ordered the antipasto which was an enormous plate, the selection was delicious. They have a nice selection of Italian food and wood fired pizza. I ordered the chicken parm which was fried nicely and came with brussel sprouts which I enjoyed, and I don't even like brussel sprouts! I would definitely come back again.
Anthony Hikes
Apr 6,2025
Had an absolutely wonderful experience here for my graduation dinner. The staff and owners at Caffe Valentino were extremely accommodating to our large group and the food was phenomenal. Fresh Italian food! Definitely a must stop in South Philly.
Patrick Manning
Apr 2,2025
When you walk in, its like the owner & chef were expecting you & are genuinely happy to see you. It's like you're walking into a family member's kitchen. That is the start to a great dinner! The food is always fresh, and, as a vegetarian, it's always easy to find something delicious & interesting -- it's not.just eggplant parmigiana all the time like most places. Its BYOB, but you can get beer across the street if you.forget. one of my favorite places -- I.just wish we could get a babysitter more easily so we could go.more often!
Mike Di Gennaro
Mar 26,2025
My husband and I planed a cousins party there and everyone had a great time. From the owner to the staff (Sammy, Jenny, and Tommy) all made you feel like family. Food was great and the place is so quaint and beautiful. Highly recommend this restaurant. One of my favorites
Reviews For Caffe Valentino