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Some eateries become renowned for their menu items only, but at Ristorante Pesto, 1915 S. Broad St., food forms a triumvirate of amenities with a welcoming ambience and a pervasive sense of camaraderie. For the third time since 2010, the 11-year-old establishment has delighted enough diners to merit the top Italian restaurant title.
“We really appreciate the people and operate with the same mentality we had when we opened, which is that we’re always trying to make them feel at home,” Concetta Varallo, who owns the East Passyunk Crossing location with her husband, John, said. “We’re very humble and grateful.”
Her beau, who recently won placement in the book roundup “Best Chefs America,” and their daughter, Maria Facenda, make great use of their southern Italian lineage to please patrons with numerous pasta dishes. John, who touts delivering consistent, sizeable portions as a culinary principle, also prides himself on their dessert options, including a cherished cheesecake courtesy of his mother-in-law Elvira Feudale’s recipe.
“We love the closeness we have with them,” the Girard Estate occupant said. “They feel like our family.”
Proving their bottom line does not always register as its top concern, the Varallo clan often gives away items to gauge what people like and to honor their choosing Pesto from South Philly’s impressive roster of Italian restaurants. Believing in immaculate presentation, too, the family feels each dish must reflect respect for the art of cooking and diners’ desires not only for satiety but also camaraderie. Concetta, whose father, Vincenzo, died Jan. 23 and to whom she dedicates this honor, finds herself especially grateful that their visitors, her adopted relatives, have commended Pesto.
“Any recognition means a great deal to us,” she said. “I wish I could thank each voter individually.”
Scannicchio’s plated a second-place finish, and Ralph’s found room for the third course.
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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