Trattoria Carina

2201 Spruce St, Philadelphia
(215) 732-5818

Recent Reviews

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Portia Melita

All of the staff were extremely attentive. We sat outside (late November) and it was warm-ish but they kept coming out to offer to turn on the heating lamps for us.

I wish I knew our waiters name because he was great. I have celiac disease and they were very knowledgeable, let me know right off the bat they have GF replacements for all the pasta except the gnocchi. All of the sauces are safe and most everything is safe. They do not have a GF replacement for bread so if you get something like the burrata it won’t come with anything to eat it with. I was still very happy to hear I could eat most of the menu.

We got the broccolini, the gemelli (basil & pistachio pesto) which was creamy, herby, and lemon-y, and the spicy crab pasta. All of this was delicious and I would happily order it again.

The gluten free pasta was extremely well cooked, I almost wouldn’t have believed it was gluten free unless I knew they took allergies so seriously.

Trattoria Carina has my business for life after this meal. I was very pleased.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Andrew O'Neill

Girlfriend and I went here on an anniversary. Small, but romantic atmosphere! Sit in really close proximity to the tables next to you. Service was ok, felt like we had to kind of ask them to come by each time for each order. Then food left some to be desired as the meatballs tasted very average/standard. Entrees were pretty good, rigatoni alla vodka was delicious!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Evelin

The food was very delish 😋 Everything came out pretty quickly too Our server Eliseo was very attentive and great at recommending dishes.

Dalton

We like to bring our own wine bottle (no cork fee!) and enjoy something new on the menu each time. Love the pasta and appetizers, and the ambience is nice too!

Joshua

First time here. Very personable wait staff. Food was good. A bit slow to come out. Ambiance is so fun and playful. I didn't mind sitting there. Not the largest brunch menu but certainly good enough. I'd go back for sure.

Ozan atsız

We always used to pass by this restaurant and saw people waiting in line like crazy. We also looked at the reviews and decided to give it a try. Yes, the venue is in a nice location, but it's not the same for the atmosphere and the food.
​We ordered two main dishes and a burrata. It wasn't a complete disappointment, but there was no 'wow factor'; it wasn't anything special. Frankly, paying this much for a place like this is not reasonable at all. We paid nearly $100, and that was without any drinks. In my opinion, this price is way too high for this kind of establishment. The tables are also very cramped.
​When it comes to the food: I said I wanted to try their signature dish. The waiter was helpful, thankfully. First, the burrata arrived. It was fine, but I'm not sure if it was worth $18. I could have made it at home with more ingredients. They served it with 4 small slices of bread. We asked for extra bread, and they added it to the bill for $2. It's the first time I've ever experienced that.
​Then the ricotta ravioli came. It was swimming in oil. It was a very heavy pasta. It was too much for us. Honestly, if this is their best dish, I can't imagine the rest. I think it needs improvement. There was zero presentation. They just plopped it on the plate, added oil, and served it.
​Then we ordered the chicken parmesan. Oh my god, I have never encountered a dish that used parmesan so poorly. There was way too much cheese and sauce. The chicken itself was burnt, and all you could taste was the fried breadcrumbs. Honestly, the chicken was dry and flavorless. Is paying $35 for a piece of chicken covered in cheese logical? I think not at all. You can eat much better food elsewhere.
​There's no view, the atmosphere is dim and exhausting. It's a very cramped space.
​The only good thing about the place was the waitstaff and other employees. They were friendly and pleasant. Other than that, in terms of food, it's an average and overhyped place. In Turkey, with this amount of money, you could eat the best meal (with drinks included) at a place with the best view. And it would be more delicious.
​Honestly, we’ve had much better food near Rittenhouse. But we were just curious about this particular place.
​I can say this in short: It's a very overrated place.
​I've realized something in America. If there's a line or a crowd at a restaurant, it's either overhyped or genuinely very good. But in my experience, whenever I go to a place with a line, it always turns out to be average or mediocre. My rating for this place is slightly below average.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

Elizabeth Malphrus

Excellent neighborhood Italian spot!! A good mix of upscale and red-sauce type Italian dishes. Perfect Caesar salad. Super cute with the green and white awning.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Clément Fournier

The pricing was reasonable for the quality of food and service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Christian

Great spot for Italian food that is cozy and quaint. Staff were super nice and inviting. Good all around. The tiramisu was A+++

Alex Mydla

Bad experience, the waitress couldn't handle her tables, this lady came to our table a few times and didn't come back for a while, then she forgot to bring few things, we waited forever, and then she never brought my drink, if this waitress can't handle a certain number of tables then do NOT give them to her.

Food: 3

Service: 1

Claire

Trattoria Carina is such a gem in Philly! The food was absolutely delicious — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly portioned. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, the kind of place that feels both upscale and comfortable at the same time. Our server was warm and attentive without being overbearing, and everything from start to finish was just spot on. The pasta dishes were especially amazing — you can really taste the care in every bite. Highly recommend for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. I'll definitely be back!

Todd Snyder

Exceptional homemade Italian cuisine in a quaint Spruce Street corner spot that will take your taste buds on a trip around the world from Philly! With a cool cat, Chef Theo, at the helm in the kitchen, the teamwork to deliver amazing flavors accompanied by flawless, friendly service from Amanda and crew made this busy Saturday night dinner presentation one we'll always remember! When you're ready to treat yourself and those you love to something truly special make a reservation!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Sausage Rigatoni, Spicy Crab Pasta, Caesar Salad, Ricotta Gnocchi

Taylor

10/10 no notes... but I'll give some anyway. This is my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia (I don't even know if it's a best kept secret anymore because everyone knows about it). They have the best pasta, the best appetizers, the best ambience. I leave so full and so happy every time. I order the cacio y pepe every single time and my husband always gets the chicken parm (it is HUGE and so delicious). I truly look forward to every time I go to eat here. 

Kaila

Trattoria Carina is one of my favorite Italian spots in Philly. I would recommend it to anyone!

Madison

This place blew my friends and I away the service, food, and ambiance couldn't have been better. Such a gem tucked away in the cutest neighborhood. I also had some of the best cocktails and chicken parm of my life!

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