Little Nonna's, Philadelphia

Little Nonna's is a beloved Italian restaurant where red-sauce nostalgia, Southern Italian cooking, and the warmth of a neighborhood trattoria come together within one of Midtown Village's enduring dining destinations.

Set along Locust Street near South 13th Street and just steps from the Avenue of the Arts, this intimate restaurant occupies a spirited section of Center City where theaters, cocktail bars, independent restaurants, and historic streets create one of Philadelphia's most dynamic dining districts. Candlelit tables fill quickly as plates of pasta weave through the room, conversations spill from the dining room into the courtyard, and the aroma of garlic, simmering tomato sauce, and baked cheeses settles into every corner. The restaurant captures the feeling of a family gathering elevated by professional execution.

Little Nonna's is best known for chef Marcie Turney's interpretation of Southern Italian-American comfort food, drawing inspiration from the recipes, traditions, and flavors that shaped generations of neighborhood Italian cooking.

House-made meatballs arrive deeply seasoned and tender, slow-simmered tomato sauces cling to ribbons of fresh pasta, and chicken parmesan emerges bubbling beneath a blanket of molten cheese and rich red sauce. The menu celebrates the dishes that have anchored Italian-American family tables for decades, executed with carefully sourced ingredients and contemporary culinary precision. Each bite balances familiarity with refinement, allowing classic recipes to feel both comforting and memorable. The experience is rooted in the enduring appeal of food designed to bring people together around the table.

Little Nonna's is an ideal dinner destination following an afternoon spent exploring Center City's cultural and entertainment districts.

Begin by exploring the Avenue of the Arts and the surrounding blocks of Midtown Village, where boutiques, galleries, cafΓ©s, and theaters create one of Philadelphia's most walkable neighborhoods. Continue toward Washington Square for a quieter interlude among one of the city's historic green spaces before returning to the district as evening activity begins to build. Settle into Little Nonna's for a leisurely dinner before catching a performance at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts or continuing the evening through the surrounding nightlife scene. The neighborhood thrives after dark, making the restaurant a natural anchor for an evening built around food, culture, and conversation.

MAKE IT REAL

Foresyte Travel reveals places that feel extraordinary long before you arrive.
Experience premium editorial crafted for luxury travelers.

SEARCH

GET THE APP

Read the Latest:

Daytime aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip with Bellagio Fountains and major resorts.

Itinerary Inspiration

Perfect weekend in Las Vegas

Read now
Illuminated water fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas

Fascinations

Fun facts about Las Vegas

Read now
<< Back to news page
Right Menu Icon