About Us - Ristorante Pesto, Philadelphia Dining Johnny's Cafe

the varallo family ABOUT PESTO

Our History

Whether you’re craving simple marinara sauce or lusting for the finest pasta, South Philadelphia has one of the largest numbers of top-notch Italian restaurants in the U.S. Ristorante Pesto is one at the top of that list.

This exquisite restaurant is operated and owned by one of South Philly’s established restaurant families, the Varallos, who still remember how food tasted in Italy. And they capture those flavors here at Pesto.

Giovanni Varallo owns Pesto with his wife, Concetta. Giovanni and Maria Varallo-Facenda are the chefs. The restaurant opened March 2003 and has been going strong ever since.

Pesto Experience

The kitchen produces a large menu of unique veal, pasta and seafood dishes. The homemade gnocchi are made of potatoes with a glazed cream pesto sauce. Plus, a house specialty is the Portabella alla Parmigiana. It’s portabella mushrooms prepared in a rose sauce topped with parmesan and mozzarella cheese along with lump crabmeat. And, if that doesn’t get your mouth watering, the veal chop stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese heals all wounds. But for the most part, all of Pesto’s dishes are something to be said for.

If family tradition with great food and atmosphere is what you crave, then Ristorante Pesto is definitely the place for you. Stop in and see for yourself.

Best in Country

TripAdvisor

2021 Traveler's Choice Award Winner - ranked No. 5 for U.S. Everyday Eats Restaurant Award - Best Family Restaurant & Best Food & Service!>

Michael C.

West Bridgewater, MA

Our Airbnb host recommended this gem and it was one of the best dinner experiences to date. Food was beyond amazing and the service even better. Can't wait to visit my daughter next year and visit for dinner.

Zagat

Philadelphia

Fans of this rustic-chic Italian in an East Passyunk Crossing brownstone “promise you won't leave hungry”, as there's “always something extra coming out of the kitchen” – all of it “excellent”; it's run by an “outstanding” chef-owne

Joseph P.

Philadelphia, PA

Try this place. It is simply fantastic. The food is great. The owners are very warm and engaging. The service is excellent. By far the best dining experience I have had in Philly.

NBC Foodies

Philadelphia

Homemade Italian cooking just like you'd expect at home is what you'll get at this South Philly hot spot. Ristorante Pesto does an incredible job of turning food into art. The food makes you feel like you are right there in Italy.

South Philly Review

Philadelphia

Gnocchi here are absolute perfection. They are made with potatoes and were so light and creamy, they melted in my mouth. Just savoring the gnocchi at this family place is worth a visit.

Angie V.

Saint Johns, FL

As always, when traveling find that special local place that prepares food from the heart. I accomplished just that! Ristorante Pesto is a family owed/operated business known to the locals of Philadelphia.

2021 TRAVELER'S CHOICE AWARD

Ristorante Pesto has been voted the #5 for BEST EVERYDAY EATS Restaurant in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com. We promise to provide excellent food and service to our customers.

Visit us on TripAdvisor