Caffe Casta Diva
227 S 20th St,Apt 1, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Caffe Casta Diva Menu
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Antipasti
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Insalata
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Pasta
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Pesce
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Carne
Healthy Meal suggestions for Caffe Casta Diva
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Antipasti
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Insalata
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Pasta
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Pesce
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Carne
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Address :
227 S 20th St,Apt 1
Philadelphia, PA, 19103 - Phone (215) 496-9677
- Website https://www.castadivabyob.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Ben E.
The salumi platter was delicious, unbelievable salami. My girlfriend got the gnocchi which was as good as it gets while I got the crespelle, essentially a manicotti dish with ricotta, spinach and tomato sauce. Everything was perfect. Definitely make reservations, also be prepared to sit next to other parties as it's a little cramped. Still, good date restaurant.
(4)Dustin M.
A classy but cozy BYO with a nice and relaxed atmosphere. We were seated in the very back by the kitchen which made feel less cramped than what some other posters had mentioned. Highlights of the meal included the artichoke & parmesean salad and chicken with tuffle jus. We'll definitely be back soon.
(4)Josh Q.
Nice, standard Italian fare but nothing special. I thought the spaghetti plates were very ordinary. I enjoyed the overall dinner experience, but it had as much, if not more, to do with the BYO drinks and company as it did with the food itself.
(2)Franklyn C.
Heard this was a pretty good Philly BYOB, and figured we would head down and check it out. Overall, thought the food was good, but were not that impressed with the service or the menu. We'd heard that the veal chop and the cannoli were the two stand-out items, and when we ordered them, we were dismayed to discover that they were completely out of both items. Flavors were pretty standard for an upscale Mediterranean place, but I wouldn't say exceptional or on par with Melograno, Osteria, or Audrey Claire.
(4)Justin S.
Very good, clean Italian food. A really nice neighborhood BYO for when you want to go out, but don't want anything too formal. The wait staff is really super friendly.
(4)Nancy K.
My husband and I just returned home from a very brief "dinner" here. The atmosphere and service were fine at first, the artichoke appetizer mediocre, my crepes with spinach and ricotta tasty but like warm, and then the cockroach made its way across the back of the banquette directly behind me. I jumped up and told the waitress while my husband killed it and she responded "sorry" while not at all surprised. Unfinished dinner, no coffee or dessert, no plans to return.
(1)Sam A.
Caffe Casta Diva (227 S 20th St) has quickly become one of our favorite BYOBs in the city. The food is always fresh and very enjoyable and it's one of the few places in the area where you can sit down for dinner at 7:30 and not feel pressured to leave until you are ready. The portions are well sized and desserts are off the charts - can't miss Tiramisu and Cannolis. I recommend anything they're serving. I've enjoyed their grilled octopus, fresh pasta, and perfectly prepared fish on the many visits. Their service is solid, but one of the rare traits is that they don't bring you a check until you ask for it. So, if you're going out with friends and just want to chat, you can show up at 7:30 and not leave until you want to (just bring enough wine to enjoy). For more reviews: bit.ly/gWIQBv
(5)Caitlin C.
A small Italian restaurant just north of Rittenhouse Square. There are Christmas lights decorating the tress outide (and about two tables for the warmer months). The inside houses only a handful of tables, so make reservations. This place can get loud and the quarters are tight - but it still is a very romantic place. The best part? Great Italian food for really really reasonable Center City prices.
(5)chelsea B.
Amazing dinner made by Steve on Friday night. Cozy atmosphere with mouth watering appetizers and entrees. Get the tomato mozzarella salad and the Troffie or the bolognese, or the scallops with gnocchi. Everything was sooooo good. The food here is special.
(5)H I.
I recently dined at Casta Diva. The service was very cold and unfriendly. I won't say it was rude, but it was strangely nothing. It did not enhance our meal in any way. The food was very good. We got almost no information or suggestions from our waitress, so we luckily made good choices. At the end of the meal, I was presented with the check in a typical check folder that had the American Express logo. When I put down my American Express card, I was told they only accept cash. I had a party of 7 and did not have enough cash. It was pretty embarrassing since I was hosting the dinner. My son had to run a couple doors down to a cash station. I told the gentleman (I'm not sure if he was the manager or a waiter) that they need to warn people about the cash-only policy. He said they always do. Well, I called for my reservation and they did not tell me. I thought hard about this and can't remember ever being in a cash only restaurant. Very strange. So, bottom line, would I go back? No. The food was very good, but there are lots of great restaurants in Philly. I would rather go somewhere that will treat me with friendly service and appreciates my business. Also, since I don't usually carry lots of cash with me, I think I'll take a pass. My advice to Casta Diva, don't be such a "diva"-be more friendly and accept credit cards. It will pay off in the end.
(3)Dee W.
BYOB. Cash only. Quiet, intimate atmosphere. Wait staff was very attentive and polite. The dry age NY strip and ricotta gnocchi were delish.
(4)Dave C.
Great little BYO. Remember cash only. This place reminded me of my grandmother's house... just down home, well made Italian food. Sauteed calamari in spicy tomato sauce and shaved artichoke salad were delicious. Waitstaff was friendly and attentive.
(4)Caroline B.
Low-key, elegant restaurant. Had the pappardelle with wild boar and mushroom ragu, which was fantastic. Tender, juicy, and hearty. Would definitely come back.
(4)Kate V.
Amazing food, cozy and romantic...reservations reccomded for typically busy nights! Ask for the window seats for great people watching.
(5)Lauren G.
I think this is the best Italian restaurant in Center City. The food is fantastic! My favorites are the shaved artichoke, the whole-wheat fettuccine with mushrooms, the salmon and the steak (if it's a special!) Service was friendly. The atmosphere is great, livelier on weekends. They make stellar cappuccinos!
(5)kaizar C.
Pretty delicious Philly Italian. Need to come back for a more full review.
(4)Frank S.
Nice and friendly italian BYOB. Cash only!!! Food is pretty good and rather authentic. The whole place has an opera theme, with opera posters on the walls and operas playing. That makes the crowd pretty mixed, it seems like everyone, young and old from the neighborhood likes to go there. Less frequented in winter, according to the owner all regulars went for Florida to keep playing golf. No cheesy stories, just really nice atmosphere and good food... Close to giving the 5th star...
(4)Anne R.
I love this place. Try to make reservations in advance even on a week night because it's a little small. I've gone there for basically a private tasting type menu event and had the tiramisu, steak entree, gnocchi and the salad with beets and everything was excellent. I then went back expecting to do the recession special- they have a limited menu for that which actually had a pretty good selection I just really wanted to get their steak again because it was so amazing the previous time. So I got their caprese salad and steak special and both were fantastic. I also got their cannoli to go which was good tho not as amazing. Will try to make it back again soon
(5)matthew l.
Named after the operatic composition by Bellini, this small attractive and romantic renovated rowhouse enjoys a steady and loyal constituency of well heeled Rittenhouse Square Dorchester/brownstone residents who come both during the week or on the weekend when the family visits. Two expansions added little more than two four tops but there is a little more elbow room now. The former chemical engineer turned autodidact chef turns out lovely pastas, excellent veal chop, boar and game as well as the mandatory pork and chicken dishes. Ambiance conducive to elegant and quiet dinner but that mood can be difficult to capture when the room is teeming with patrons, which is to say every Friday and Saturday. A best bet for a twosome would be to request one of the newer tables near the back and during the week if possible. A definite maybe for Valentine's Day!
(4)Sharon G.
Average, but decent Italian food. Lacking something, but not sure what. There is better Italian in this city.
(3)Edward A.
Great, great BYOB spot. Service was unbelievably attentive to detail. The host was very accompanying and certainly went above and beyond with his suggestions. The food itself was on point. Their spinach tagliatelle had a very good interplay of flavors between the veal, spinach-strung pasta, and pecorino cheese. More importantly, the portion sizes here are just right - a light but filling meal. Highly recommended. Suggest following it up with a stroll through nearby Rittenhouse Park.
(5)Julie N.
Visited Caffe Casta Diva for an impromptu dinner with the bestie and had yet another lovely meal here! We had a short wait, but overall it wasn't too bad considering we didn't have reservations. We started with the Caesar salad and it was absolutely delicious. The croutons and dressing are made in house, just FYI. I had the orecchiette and my girl had the tagliatelle. Both were delicious. Usually I don't eat pasta at restaurants, but there's no way I could recreate what Casta Diva does. Service throughout the night was attentive and friendly. Drinks were refilled often. We were so busy eating and catching up that we didn't realize that we were coming up on closing time and not once were we rushed. Solid restaurant for a great meal around Rittenhouse.
(4)Miriam T.
wow - just wonderful! The Calamari is not fried (a refreshing presentation) and the broth it's served in, briny herby tomato, amazing. We had to sop it up with the bread before we let the plate go! I had ricotta gnocchi with pancetta and peas in a light gorganzola sauce - once again and a fantastic sauce - not too heavy, so no feeling guilty about the creamy cheese based sauce. Also had the beet goat cheese salad. I am a beet fanatic, and this was the best beet salad I've ever had. Thanks for the great dinner!
(5)Nancy M.
first visit to this lovely restaurant this week, and it won't be my last. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. The beet and artichoke appetizers were fabulous. We had pasta and Bronzino entrees--also superb. Attentive and unobtrusive service. Prices are reasonable for the quality. BYOB and cash only. Don't miss this gem!
(5)Brian I.
Accidentally found this place when our reservation got screwed up elsewhere. And really happy we did - once we addressed the BYOB and cash things. Lovely little place with great service and even better food. Dishes were great to look at and tasted even better. Wish I could remember what we had but will be back when I am in Philly again.
(5)Majlinda K.
Excellent place to go and have an awesome Italian meal. Best part? Its BYOB (and you won't have to worry about cork fees like certain other places have started doing in philly). We were here with a big group and they were really accommodating. For my entrée I got the salmon with the potatoes and it was fresh and yummy. Everyone else at the table seemed to be enjoying their food as well. I also had a taste of the truffle pasta that my friend got and I highly recommend it if you want a vegetarian dish. The truffle tasted delicious and it wasn't too overpowering. Good place for large groups or a date night.
(4)Han L.
My first dining experience in Philadelphia was at Caffe Casta Diva. My friend and fellow yelper Min Y. took me here because he lives down the street and he and his lady had a great dining experience previously. Moreover, it's BYOB, so The restaurant seems very quaint from the outside. It's quite intimate and romantic on the inside. The menu is simple but seemed very appetizing. We ordered calamari as the appetizer. I believe my friend ordered the pappardelle, but I don't see it on their online menu. I originally ordered the peking duck breast, but was informed the chef was unhappy with the quality of the duck and the disk would be prepared with chicken breast instead. I was ok with the decision. The calamari was good but slightly too salty for me. I thought the presentation of my dish could have been better. Everything looked brown, from the chicken to the charred carrots. The chicken was dry. The dish tasted very one-dimensional. The pappardelle dish fared better. However, I have had fresher pasta. Needless to say, even my friend thought the food was not up to par with his last visit. He raved about the branzino here! I trust my friend's words and believe we probably came on a bad night. Our server was friendly and attentive. He was memorable. He had a soft, soothing cadence to his speech.
(3)Shaina F.
Wow, this was incredible. I came as a recommendation by a friend and was not disappointed! We changed our reservation from 4 to 6 people last minute on a Saturday night and they accommodated us no problem. First, it smelled INCREDIBLE when we walked in, beyond amazing. The food was delicious, and the presentation was gorgeous! I got the Trofie dish, which was curled pasta with mushrooms, pecorino, and truffle oil and was outstanding, and everyone else enjoyed their meal just as much. I would 100% come back here in a heart beat, and it was BYO! Not the cheapest one I've been to but the food quality was beyond expectations, so there is no doubt it was worth it. I'm in love!
(5)Vy D.
With a wine bottle bag in our hand, we decided to take a leap of faith hoping we'll stumble upon a lovely BYOB on a beautiful autumn night in the city. GRAZIE YELP! After several unsuccessful attempts, we struck foodie gold when we found this tiny, charming Italian cafe/restaurant in the heart of Rittenhouse. We instantly fell in love with Casta Diva for its locally sourced ingredients and essential Italian offerings such as homemade pastas, acacia, deserts, succulent veal dishes, delightful fish dishes and robust salads. Although packed to max capacity, somehow the server managed to squeezed us two seats! The atmosphere was very romantic and relaxing (Not loud at all). It's a great spot to get to know each others on a first date. The food was simply fantastic. We opted for the orechiette pasta with sausages and Ricotta gnocchi with pancetta (Italian bacon). Everything definitely tasted so fresh and homemade. The pasta literally melted in our mouth. Service was exceptional. Only complaint was that entrees are $20-30. That would be perfect for the quality of food prepared if they accept cards. But they don't so that makes it one of the most expensive BYOBs I've been to (Most people don't carry that much cash). Excited to come back here again one day. I just need to remember to bring more cash so I don't have to run to the nearest 711.
(4)Min Y.
A nice, cozy restaurant that would be perfect for dates or a nicer dinner with friends. Located near Rittenhouse Square, it gives a good intimate feeling throughout the dinner. Important: this place is cash only, BYOB. We had a special appetizer: fire roasted red peppers with anchovies. That was delicious, and I found myself looking for the recipe for future use. Also ordered: one pasta dish (the name escapes me, sorry) and the Branzino. The Branzino was really tasty, very crispy and flavorful. The service is very friendly, and all the waitstaff are attentive and knowledgeable. I will definitely come back here, though I have to admit it is pretty pricey so it's not going to be somewhere I can come too often.
(4)Danielle L.
So let me start off by saying if you are looking for a trendy place and happening atmosphere this isn't the place to go. Having said that, what this place is great for is a romantic, quite atmosphere with an authentic Italian flare. The pasta dishes are unreal, calamari was great(not fried) and the artichokes are a must have! And it's byob, even better.
(5)Ron C.
I have wanted to try this restaurant for years, but for some reason or another it never happened until recently - and I'm sorry I waited so long! It is a small, simple yet well-appointed place that is cozy and intimate but not crowded or cramped. Diners tended more toward the middle-aged/older Rittenhouse (but not fossilized!) crowd than young/hip, so much more on the staid than the trendy end of the restaurant spectrum. The food was excellent. Calamari app was nicely cooked - tender without any of the rubbery texture that careless cooking leads to. The Bronzino was especially outstanding - delicious fresh fish with perfect crispy skin over a wonderful saffron broth. The trophie pasta was equally satisfying with just the right hint of truffle without being overpowering. Poached pear desert was great. The only disappointment was the cannoli - soggy, not very flavorful - Philadelphia is the wrong place to fall down in the cannoli department! Servers were pleasant and service was good, although it was understaffed for the number of tables. As a BYO, this is solid good value for above-average food - $120 for 2 inclusive of tax & tip for a shared app, 2 entrees, 2 desserts. Definitely worth a trip back!
(4)Cynthia X.
Lovely place! Came for a small group dinner for a school club, so dinner was subsidized. Otherwise, the place can get pricey, running over $30 for pasta. It's BYOB though! I tried their daily special handmade pasta, which was delicious! I would give this place 4 stars, except its pricey and the weird service. They wouldn't let us order until our entire party arrived! (Though we were already seated). Also, they wouldn't let us order appetizers first! We had to order it together with the main course... Inflexible. Ugh.
(3)Doina N.
Byob restaurants are great but this place is one of the greatest in our city. I love it. Have had dinner here about five times and every time I have enjoyed delicious, filling, tasty food. On my last visit, I had the duck breast - cooked to perfection. My favorite deserts are tiramisu and poached pear. If you know how to distinguish good food from average, then this is the right place.
(5)Diana K.
This was a great dinner for a large group of people. We were probably way too loud for the small restaurant, but the server was very accomodating and our food arrived without any delay. I ordered the truffle pasta, which had a great mushroom flavor. The portion size was perfect for me, too. We love BYOB's and this was another great one. They need to start accepting credit cards!
(4)Edon S.
Excellent! I have been here twice and have enjoyed every part of each meal. The duck breast entree and cheese plate appetizer will keep me coming back for years to come. The service is superb (had the same server twice, unfortunately I forget his name) . They are able to satisfy patrons with even the most difficult of food restrictions, such as myself, which is greatly appreciated.
(5)Daniel L.
Really excellent food! Started with an olive & ricotta plate and a special artichoke puree soup. Both were awesome. The olives had some lemon and orange zest which went really well together. The ricotta was freshly made and had a great texture. The artichoke puree soup was really good, loved the grilled artichoke garnish. I had the veal bolognese and my wife had the wild boar mushroom pappardelle. The veal bolognese was good, very meaty, maybe a little too meaty (not going to knock Casta Diva for a personal preference). Still good. The wild boar mushroom pappardelle was super delicious! It also had cipollini onions and a very strong truffle scent and taste. I am so getting this again. Service was good - we arrived very early, 5:15, so pretty much had the place to ourselves. Waitress and server were very attentive (obviously). Cash only, BYO. Attire I would say between casual and dressy. Our meal (2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 pellogrino) came out to roughly $75 not including gratuity. There were so many other things I wanted to try, like the branzino, the salman, the peking duck, and the steak.
(5)Stephen B.
This was my 4th visit and they always do a great job. The pasta is fresh, and so is the fish. The service is always right on point.
(5)Brandon K.
This was my second time here and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My first visit was a few weeks ago for my father's birthday. The service was prompt and very professional. The atmosphere is quaint and elegant. My girlfriend and I both had the ricotta gnocci and pancetta which was amazing. My father had the pasta and a veal meat sauce and my step mother had the pork tenderloin which was on special and melted in your mouth. Both times I went we had the beet salad which was very good. My second visit 2 of us had the NY Strip which was cooked perfectly and the other 2 had the gnocci. I definitely recommend Casta Diva.
(4)Ron H.
This little gem of a local BYOB may be a local stop but has destination worthy food. The bread is a herbed loaf baked in house and served nice and warm. The Calamari is served in a light tomato broth. Light and mild flavors without the usual rubbery like texture. Heirloom beet salad might be the best thing on the menu. Multiple types and preparations of beets served as chunks, shaved sliced, and everything in between. Sits on top of goat cheese and greens, it's a hearty enough portion to share between a few people, or use as a light meal for yourself. Assorted salumi plate has the same meats you'd expect at any other Italian restaurant, a nice portion and a good start for your meal. The mozzarella app is served with not enough slices of proscuitto and a few spears of grilled asparagus...but none of that matters as the mozzarella outshines everything else on the plate. The Spinach tagliatelle was the best thing on the menu. We tried 4 different pasta dishes and once you've tried these light spinach noodles on top of a veal and pancetta sauce, you won't want to finish anything else. The service was attentive while the interior was clean and simple.
(4)Lainey S.
This is a sweet place with good seating and the food was pretty good. It wasn't too loud. BYO feature is nice, too. Good for groups! Get the cheese plate appetizer and you won't be sorry :-)
(4)Aaliyah P.
My crew and I caused a slight scene so the reason for 4 stars instead of 3 is because we still received remarkable service with all the evenings hiccups. I do have to say i was not overly impressed with the food but maybe should have ordered a pasta dish instead. A friend and i shared the branzino with frutti de mare , the artichoke salad and brussels sprouts. The artichoke salad was good it came dressed in a flavorful vinaigrette along side some radishes. The sprouts stole the show they weren't roasted which is what im used to but they were seasoned well and possibly cooked in bacon fat or something equally as good.the branzino was mediocre at best but was plenty for the two of us to share. We capped our meal with two double espressos. I may return to try a pasta dish in the event im in the neighborhood and looking for a BYOB thats cash only
(4)Holly T.
This restaurant was excellent. The food was divine and the service was top-notch. We actually joined a party of 4 and the restaurant easily accommodated an extra couple. Dessert looked scrumptious although we did not try it. I would definitely come back again!
(5)Ken M.
Food was good, expensive, but very disappointed after eating 3 courses and spending a lot of money, Management asked us to leave 10 minutes after we finished dessert because they needed the table. Are you kidding me?! I'll never go here again.
(1)Gabrielle W.
I should have known better when I wanted to go to an Italian restaurant last night at 6:30pm and this was the only place that had a reservation at 8:30pm. To make a long story short, we didn't get seated until 9 because the hostess/waitress thought we were a party of 4 despite being able to see on the reservation that we were a party of 2. My husband also verbally confirmed we were a party of 2. The worst part about it is there was a 2 top available when we got there but since she thought we were a party of 4..she was waiting for a 4 top to open up. So we waited a half hour for a table that was empty when we arrived. Seriously. We ordered an appetizer which was ok and then waited over an hour (after we got our appetizers) to get 2 pasta dishes. 2 tables that came in about a half hour after us got served their entree and dessert before we got our main course. Unbelievable. I assume she forgot to put in our main course orders in which happens I get it..but no apology for the wait at all and she never offered a complimentary dessert or coffee. I would also like to note that the pasta dishes are between $20 and $25 per dish which is on the higher end of the spectrum. I will gladly pay those prices but the restaurant better come correct with the food AND service which clearly they did not. I would not recommend this restaurant.
(2)Chicky C.
I've been going to Casta Diva since it opened. It is by far the best BYOB in the city. The food is amazing and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. I've brought family ,friends and guests from out of town and they all agree it's the best. The ambiance and music is always nice. The owner is also a great guy. I would recommend this place to everyone for any reason, first date, anniversary, or just a nice dinner for no good reason. Love it.
(5)Therese M.
After consulting Yelp for a nearby byob, I was able to make a last minute reservation at Casta Diva for dinner on a Saturday night back in February. It is a small space (think cute and cozy), so prepare to be seated close to other tables if you don't have a large party. We were seated upon arrival (a few minutes early) and noticed that almost every table was filled. It stayed that way throughout our dinner. The portions were just the right size. We split an appetizer and 2 entrees between the 2 of us: - Calamari: Grilled, not fried, and served in a spicy red sauce. I love grilled calamari and this did not disappoint. The sauce gave the dish a lot of flavor. - Scallops: Tender and nicely charred. The scallops were definitely my favorite dish of the night. They were served with braised short ribs, gnocchi, and root vegetables. - Duck: Cooked medium. The duck was nicely prepared and served w/sweet potato gnocchi and root vegetables. Also a solid choice. Be prepared that this place cash only. It is a little pricier compared to some of the other byob's in the area, but worth it. I'd definitely come back.
(4)Tyler L.
Finally, finally, finally I checked this place out. I've walked by this little guy like 1,000 times and for some reason I never stopped in. Pretty interesting...I caught an early dinner (like 6:30) on a Friday night...you would have thought I was in a Florida retirement community...I was the youngest person in there by like 30 years...it didn't ruin the atmosphere, just thought it was weird. The place is small and should definitely be cozier than it is. It is too bleak in there, not enough warm colors (all gray and felt like a W Hotel lobby, good to look at, but not welcoming). I will say this, if they made it feel a little more rustic in there (warmer colors, etc), this place would be awesome. To the food. Buttertown food. Spinach Taliatelle = warm feeling all over my body. I will definitely come back to try some more off this menu. The food here definitely is worth the trip. Other notes: Cash only, apparently go later in the evening (or bring your AARP card), and it is BYO.
(4)Jeanne M.
Absolutely loved this place. The food was outstanding. Had a wonderful artichoke appetizer - the flavors melded wonderfully. The veal bolognese was delicious as was the paparadelle with wild boar sauce. Looking forward to going there again. The atmosphere and service were excellent.
(5)Mary S.
Delicious fresh food! BYO, always good.... And small, intimate space...ask for window seat, very comfy. Overall, we loved it!!!
(4)Vicki S.
We had reservations but still waited over 15 minutes and the hostess was not honest about how long the wait would be. After waiting for a while, we asked how long the wait was. She told us she was clearing a table soon but another 5 minutes later, we asked someone else how long it would be when he told us that the table we were waiting for just ordered dessert... Which would have meant another half hour wait. Not sure why they would overbook and not be honest about the wait time. Anyway, we definitely did not stick around... Pretty disappointed because normally the food is delicious but not worth a 45 minute wait WITH reservations.
(1)J W.
This is one of the better BYOBs that I have been to Philly. Some of my other favorites are bit more cramped and loud (but still great), so it's nice to have a quieter place once in a while. I went here with my girlfriend on a weeknight and it was busy but not over-crowded. Highlights of the meal were: Appetizer: grilled calamari, a welcome change from the usual fried Entree: wild board pasta Dessert: poached pear (her choice, the espresso creme brulee that I tried was not as good) Overall, a great BYOB!
(5)Christine D.
Excellent neighborhood BYOB. We started with the pappardelle with cingale (wild boar) and not only was it delicious, but the portion was more than enough for two people. My duck was cooked to perfection and the branzino was delicate, flaky and succulent. Service was great - understated and not obtrusive. Very much looking forward to returning!
(5)Thomas G.
Unexceptional and average. Our calamari appetizer was chewy and the sauce watery. The tagliatelle was a bit gummy. As is customary in virtually every restaurant, the specials were over-priced and did not contain any ingredients that were particularly special in a seasonal or cost sense. We also overheard our waitress list the specials to a table next to us and noted she omitted one when telling us, a dish which one of our party would have enjoyed despite the price. Finally, we had to ask the staff to turn down the music twice. Frankly, I am tired of restaurants whose staff play music they prefer and at a volume that is unnecessarily loud. Even were the food exceptional this self-centered behavior ruins an evening out, but when the food is average the noisy self-indulgence lingers.
(2)Karen F.
Had a memorable meal with top-notch service from Ella at Casta Diva tonight. My good friend and I both had the beet salad to start (so delicious and fresh). She had the salmon with crispy skin and red wine sauce. (A generous piece - or "portion") I enjoyed the salmon tartare stuffed cannaloni app as an entree. La Colombe coffee and our own BYO wines sealed the deal. A great night with stellar food. The only downer? Cash only. Wish I'd known that before we went.
(4)Sherene J.
Went there again independently and was once again so impressed by the mains of branzino, duck and pork chops (from daily specials) we had ordered. The starters of ricotta cheese and asparagus puree were also incredibly special. Service was attentive and prompt, and astoundingly, this relatively undiscovered establishment was still only half full during a time that most Philly restaurants were bursting at the seams (huge convention in town...). The wine we brought along matched well with our meal. The only thing to note is - if you need a receipt to claim expenses from your company, note that this place only offers a hand-written receipt. And it accepts only cash.
(5)Brittini S.
For a romantic celebratory dinner, a better place I could not choose. Caffe Casta Diva satisfied all of the things on our wish list for our anniversary dinner. My boyfriend and I dined on a Saturday night with a great bottle of Multepuciano red. We started with the caeser salad and calamari to share. The calamari was spicey and cooked perfectly. The caesar was dressed very nicely - not too heavy. For the main event, my boyfriend had the filet special which did not disappoint (short rib ravioli, garlic spinach and a foie gras delight on top). I went with the classic tagliatelle bolognese which was divine and just what the doctor ordered. For dessert, we shared the canoli which was enough for 4 to share. Overall, a very delightful and memorable meal. Don't forget your cash!
(5)Jennifer M.
Nicely done, Caffe Casta Diva! Friend and I were looking for a quaint Italian BYOB that we've never tried before. Yelp comes to the rescue! Just a few minutes from Rittenhouse Square, and we're transported to a small and cozy place to dine. Make sure you're not talking about your personal secrets because space is tight! Unless you like to make friends with strangers, then by all means, get comfortable. We started off with the Beef Carpaccio with baby arugula and shaved parmigiano-reggiano cheese. Very cleaned-that-plate good! Fresh arugula and a hefty serving of cheese. Simple, yet elegant. Our two entrees were the Spinach pasta with beef, pork & veal bolognese and the Orecchiette with broccoli rabe, house made sausage, and tomatoes. Both dishes were OUTSTANDING! We couldn't even finish a conversation since we were too busy enjoying each bite of pasta. The portions were so perfect that we were able to order dessert. That rarely happens for me! Must have been our lucky night because a chocolate espresso creme brulee appeared on the dessert menu. CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO CREME BRULEE! How could this dinner get any better? It had a nice crisp sugary topping that tried to protect the creamy goodness of chocolate and hints of coffee. Nope, my spoon was going to break that barrier. There was no way that this dessert would be survive. There were a few raspberries that helped break up each rich and decadent bite. Of course, moments later, the creme brulee disappeared as easily as it was savored. Definitely the best part of our meal! Everything about this place was fantastic, and the service was on point. I think there was a waiter that regularly filled our glasses with water. Huge fan! Cash only, but there's a PNC ATM nearby. Cannot wait to go back!
(4)Jules G.
Had a 5 course dinner on Wedneaday. Great food, service was fast even though place got crowded very fast. I love this place....
(5)RT R.
The food here is excellent - it really is a hidden gem. My friend was vegetarian and the beets, artichoke, and the mushroom pasta did not disappoint. The pasta was amazing - we had never had such a flavorful dish. I also ordered the salmon - very well flavored and a generous serving, but nothing spectacular!
(4)David A.
Just ok. I don't hear well and noise level on Friday night made it difficult to enjoy the dining. The service was friendly and efficient but the food was just not memorable. Shared two appetizers. The eggplant wrapped around asparagus with melted cheese was good but the red sauce was bland and lacked character. The sautéed calamari was pretty boring as well. For my entree I had scallops with risotto. This was a big letdown. Scallops were fishy, really big and not enjoyable. The risotto was very creamy and ordinary. Oh well. Has potential but just not anything special. And it's a BYO that is not cheap with the tab at $100 for two people.
(3)Erin R.
The food was quite good, however the service left much to be desired. Our server was extremely unwelcoming and made us feel like we were an imposition to him. Also, it is cash only, which is annoying.
(3)Justin C.
Great experience! Went with my girlfriend on a Saturday night. We had the beef carpaccio which was delicious. We both got the soup, which was similar to Italian wedding, tasty but not as good as mom's. I ordered the wild boar cinghiale which was served over polenta cakes, it was a huge portion and very tasty, though I kind of wished it was served with pasta not polenta. My girlfriend ordered the scallops which were perfectly cooked! It came with roasted root veggies which were very good, and braised short rib which I enjoyed as she thought it was a little too fatty. It is a small place, BUT you don't feel like you're sitting on top of the next table. Definitely worth trying!
(4)Alie A.
Oh my God the truffles... Get the Trofie pasta dish. Fancy little BYOB near Rittenhouse. Try to snag a window seat and get some people watching in while you indulge in the best table bread I've ever had and delicious and inviting Italian cuisine. The scallops are a winner as well, but for the love of God get the Trofie.
(4)Jessica S.
I loved this place. We got the calamari as an app and I loved that it was sauteed and not fried. Also, I had the duck which was amazing. This is one of my new favorite BYOS.
(5)Beth R.
This is a really nice BYOB option in the Rittenhouse area. They had a special menu for Valentine's day, but I recognized some of the items from the regular menu as of the last time I was here over a year ago. We shared the duck confit with arugula appetizer, and then I continued to indulge my love of duck with the duck breast in a cherry glaze entree. Since there was no duck themed dessert (haha), we had the tiramisu, which was a little different from your typical tiramisu. I thought it was quite good, especially the mascarpone cheese in the middle. Comparing to some of the nearby options, it's small so do get reservations on a weekend night. Ambiance is elegant and cozy. Prices are pretty normal for this area (entrees around $25 - on par with Audrey Claire, and a little less than Matyson). Warning - they are cash only.
(4)Meghan D.
I came here with my girlfriends for a girls dinner, and we all had a nice time. There were a few small complaints among our group, but that's bound to happen with a party of 8. The food was good, but not great, and I think everyone in our party enjoyed their meal.
(3)Hannah M.
I love byob restaurants, and this one is one of the best! Like most byobs, it's small and intimate, but unlike others, the acoustics in the room are great so you're able to have a good conversation without having to yell across the table. The portions are not huge and not too small; this is a great date spot. Also, the menu changes relatively frequently, making it interesting to go back to again and again.
(5)Brian L.
Went to dinner with my dad/sister, excited for some Italian food (we generally go out and eat Chinese...I know cliche!). Came here hearing how good it was. Got here, the ambiance is nice, everyone seems to be having a good time (but quiet). Get seated, and looked over the menu. There isn't a wide selection, but it's fine for a small type place. I ordered the mussels for an app, and the branzino for entree - I'm not usually a seafood eater, but my sister was saying how good branzino is, as she had it twice this week! I said, sure! She knows I don't like fish, but said I should give it a shot. The mussels were underwhelming. It unshelled and in a tomato soup like base. Again, I'm not a seafood guru, but I've eaten mussels before where I enjoyed them, this I just ate like it was cereal. Warm, tomato soup cereal where the corn flakes are mussels. The branzino came out - pretty good portion, I got 2 filets, 3 slices of potato, and some spinach. The spinach was awesome, if I had a plate of that I would've been happy. The potatoes were ok, tasted like a potato. The branzino tasted like nothing - maybe that's what it is supposed to taste like? Not sure, but it felt like I was eating fish without any flavor. Not being a fish fan, I guess that's ok...but what am I paying for? My dad/sister got the 3 course - (2 choices of app, 2 choices of entree, full dessert menu) for $30, which isn't bad - it's like restaurant week here (but only Tues-Thurs). I didn't have their salad/entree, but ate some of the tiramisu. Ok, I ate it all. But it was good. Looks diff than your average tiramisu, but still tasted good. A bit stronger on the kahlua flavor, but I was definitely ok with that. The service was professional. Not friendly, not mean, professional. Overall, it was an ok time. I wish I got the pasta, but no regrets. I can't say I'll give this place another shot unless someone else mentions to go there. It is a byob, so that's good. Maybe getting wasted will make it yummier. In summation, meh, I've experienced better. I also do not think this place is $$, it is $$$. Each app runs $8-9, entree runs $19-$27. For 3 people, 2 prix fixe, 1 app/entree costs $100+, fyi.
(2)Danielle O.
Had the Spinach Tagliatelle. Home made spinach pasta ribbons smothered with beef, pork and veal bolognese, with Fonduta cheese on top. Mix it up and savor the wonderful melody of flavors. Also the Ricotta Gnocchi. Home make pasta potato and ricotta dumplings in a light gorgonzola cream sauce and sweet sweet peas topped with crispy Pancetta. Just delicious. Also, we had the Fresh Mozzarella with Organic Heirloom tomatoes from Lancaster PA with fresh basil and sweet onions. Tomatoes were light and sweet, and the fresh home made mozzarella, was creamy and slightly salty. Service was amazing. The chef even came out to our table to say hello. BYOB and cash only. Not a problem Definitely going back
(5)Grace S.
I have walked by here often on my way to Brown Betty or Audrey Claire and thought it would be ridiculously expensive--but it's not! Turns out it's a BYO and one of the well-regarded Italian restaurants in town with reasonably-priced food. The restaurant is elevated and they have beautiful decor inside. Our server reminded me of an older Italian guy in a Brooklyn pizza shop from the way he acted and talked, but he was very professional and good. We had the caesar salad (Insalata Giulio Cesare) and octopus special as starters. Both were delicious although I wish their portions were slightly bigger. The caesar salad was on par with delicious caesar salads at top steakhouses. We had 2 different pasta dishes for our main course but I thought both were not that memorable. You could tell they were homemade and they were flavorful, but I found the sauces a bit boring. We were seated right next to the window and it was a nice view. I really like the feel of the restaurant even though it's narrow and I usually don't like "railway"-style apartments or restaurants. And I noticed that most of the people dining there were senior citizens. Younger people came later but I found it interesting that this place seems so fancy on the inside and outside (similar to Rouge or one of the more trendier places in Rittenhouse) but it seems to have a pretty low-key clientele.
(3)Noheli T.
Casta Diva was on my list of places to try and I was not disappointed! I went for my graduation dinner and the food was amazing! For appetizers we ordered the calamari, cheese quintet, and assorted salumi. All of the appetizers were fresh and delicious. For entrees we ordered the spinach tagliatelle, branzino, crispy skin wild salmon, the new york strip steak, and the cinghiale. There was not one complaint around the table! All of the food was wonderfully prepared and the service was spot on. The only mix up that we had is that when they say BYOB they really mean it and don't sell any alcohol so we had to run out and buy some wine once we got there. Other than that I will definitely be back!
(5)Dan C.
Went here on a Saturday as a late Valentines day celebration. Fortunately had a reservation which I was able to make the night before. Without a reservation it probably would have been impossible to get a table. It's quite a small restaurant. The menu is tiny, with about 5 or 6 pasta dishes, 2 fish and 2 meat dishes and some apps and salads. We opted for calamari as an appetizers. The portion was on the smaller end, but some of the best calamari I've had. It was all the little rings, and they were nearly melt in your mouth. The complimentary bread was also excellent. For our main courses, I had the wild boar pasta. I think if I go back I will get something else. Not that it wasn't good, it just didn't blow me away. The boar itself was similar to pulled pork and was quite tasty, but the pasta left a little to be desired. GF had a special, the lobster and sun dried tomato pasta. Very tasty, very very rich and buttery. So good, but definitely not for those on any sort of diet. Bonus points for BYOB. Service took awhile to take our order, but food arrived quickly. 2 average price meals and an app. + tax & tip ran $75. On the pricey side, but not unreasonable for the quality and location. Cash only.
(4)Corey I.
Excellent place for fine Italian cuisine. Great atmosphere: cozy, warm, and inviting. Have been going here for years with family. A family favorite. So many fond memories of eating here in years past. More recently, I introduced a good friend of mine to this place and she absolutely LOVED it! :) That evening, she had the veal and I had the branzino; both were superb! The salads we had were fabulous as well. I've honestly NEVER had a bad meal here in all the times I've eaten at this place. I can't recommend this place highly enough. Would give it six stars if I could. :) If you want a fun and sophisticated night out, this is the place to go. Before you go, I'd recommend stopping by an ATM, since they only accept cash. They are also BYOB. Those are the only two things I'd wish they'd change. Very knowledgeable and pleasant staff. In fact, the patrons are just as nice as the staff. One time, my dad forgot to bring cash (as most places these days will accept credit cards!) and the people at the next table overheard and kindly offered to loan him the money to cover the meal, so he wouldn't have to go out and search the streets for a nearby ATM; they didn't even know us! My dad wrote them a check and thanked them profusely. The last time I was there, the couple next to us struck up a friendly conversation with us, and we traded tips about other good local establishments to visit. Both the place and the people have a great vibe. :-D
(5)Sean G.
We had another wonderful experience at Caffe Casta Diva last night... The Salumi Platter is great. Wish it came with some cheeses to make it a meat & cheese platter. (See Mercato's Menu) The New York Strip was cooked perfectly. The potatoes with the steak were fried slices and lacked a little flavor. The Scallops were unbelievable. Four large scallops on a bed of truffle infused Risotto. I can't stop thinking about the dish into the next day. BYOB! Cash only :-( Definitely go support Caffe Casta Diva. You'll need to make reservations.
(5)James N.
Outstading! Our favorite neighborhood BYO italian. Nice intimate atmosphere. Fantastic homemade pasta, although just about anything on the menu is just great. Not always easy to get a table, and service can sometimes be slightly rushed but no complaints. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Michael O.
Had a very pleasant experience here on a Saturday night. Had made a reservation and was seated immediately. The atmosphere is cozy and comfy. Nobody minds you feeling and chatting like you're in the family dining room, and the BYOB helps keep the conversation rolling. The food we tried was the antipasto-with several meats, a delicious cheese and olives. Very tasty and easily shared. While I'm thinking of it, even though this place is not cheap, you are given very fair portions. The sweet potato gnocchi was delicious as was the pasta with homemade italian sausage. Both very distinct flavors-something I look for-FLAVOR. Some restaurants have all sorts of descriptors and then hand you a plate of bland. Not the case here, very good and flavorful. The staff was polite and attentive, they all seemed to collectively look after the patrons and it worked for us.
(4)m m.
Although the food was good, i am giving this a 1 star review because we were treated so poorly. Also, I was lied to buy the owner, which makes me even more angry. We ate here several months ago, I waited to write this review in hopes that the owner/chef would contact me, as he promised, but, it is now 5 months or so later, no word from him, so, I think it's safe to say he will NOT be contacting me, as promised, so, I am writing my review. I am the type of person that, if I say that I will do something, I do it...If I say it, I do it... not the case here. When we ate here, we were bombarded with a VERY LOUD, obnoxious & drunk table of about 20 people. We could not even hear ourselves talk. I was with my husband, aunt & uncle, we could not hear & it ruined out dining experience. I don't enjoy screaming my conversations across the table. I asked the server to ask the table to keep it down. Apparently, they had been there for a while... needless to say, one of the diners at that table accosted me & was very rude. It really tainted the evening. The owner did come by the table, apologized & then told us that the large, LOUD table had been there for 3 hours & he had hoped they would be gone by the time other diners arrived. Didn't happen. Hw was nice, however, here is where I get ticked off. He offered to "treat us" to our next meal there, even asked for my email which he then realized was in the system because I booked with OpenTable. Do me a favor, unless you are going to do it, don't say it. I feel duped & taken advantage of. I will never dine here again because of the poor treatment. Vey disappointed..... There are small restaurants that actually appreciate our business. DON'T LIE TO PEOPLE.
(1)Kelli S.
Such a great little tucked away BYOB that I'm so thankful to stumble upon. They're grilled calamari was enough for me to go back again the next week. Everything from the appetizers to dessert was delicious. Don't know how this place isn't constantly crowded but works out well for me!
(4)Shaunna A.
Caffe Casta Diva served me the best scallops I've ever had, and I've tried a lot of scallops in Philadelphia! They were cooked perfectly. My husband had the pappardelle wild boar mushroom ragu and was very pleased as well. Delicious meals. The restaurant is a little small and was packed when we went so reservations are most likely needed on weekend nights.
(5)Emaan M.
One my all time favorite places to eat in Philly and definitely the best BYOB in the rittenhouse area. Everything that i've ever eaten there has been delicious. Chef/Owner is a doll, pursuing his cooking passion instead of following his education in engineering. Quite the hardworker! Recently being discovered by younger crowds thus making a reservation is ideal. The shrimp risotto dish is my favorite, and the tiramisu is a must have. Go eat at this lovely restaurant as often as you can! I want to make sure its in business for years to come so whenever I'm able to get back to Philly, its certain to be there.
(5)Miller W.
I wouldn't go back. We were scrambling for a reservation lsat minute on a Saturday night and this pace was available. Let's just say it was available for a reason. Service- Is horrible. It is BYOB. Our server didn't pour our wine.. just opened it and ran. Food- Decent. The branzino was pretty good. Not a huge portion.. but was decent. Calamari was dismal. Everything else was forgettable. No one of the 5 in our party was impressed. The best part was the cappuccino. Granted they serve La Columbe and it is cheaper there.. but definitely the best part of the meal For the price, there is much better to be had. I go out every week and Casta is in the lower 20% of restaurants I frequent.
(2)M B.
After doing a search for "large party, BYOB" on yelp, I booked this restaurant based on the reviews and was not disappointed. The place was very accommodating of our large group. The food and service were excellent. Highly recommend! Very reasonable walk from suburban station.
(5)Bobby P.
This is yet another great Italian byo battling it out for supremacy in the Rittenhouse arena. Although probably not a front runner in that campaign, they did accept our large party kind of taking over the place for a solid 2.5 hours on a weekend night, so they definitely get props for that. Here's a quick rundown: The diver scallops were impossibly tender, with perfect searing. They were served on top of risotto and asparagus that brought it all together nicely. The fig with prosciutto and gorgonzola appetizer is one of my all-time favorite flavor trios. Someone needs to mass produce this in a more convenient form so I can have it all the time - perhaps some kind of energy bar? I also sampled the fiance's branzino, which was perfectly flaky and had a buttery flavor with mild hints of thyme.
(4)pauline l.
This is a great place for date night: much, much better than La Viola, because the tables are not nearly as loud and the restaurant is not nearly as crowded. The comments on prices being reasonable are a little bit misleading -- they're definitely reasonable for the quality of the food, but entrees are definitely more in the $20-30 range, more on the upper half of the two-dollar sign category. For my dinner, I had an oricchiette with spicy Italian sausage and broccoli rabe. I found the flavoring and texture of the food to be interesting and well-executed. Call ahead to make reservations: they'll usually have tables available, but if you're planning to have a long, lingering dinner, it's better to make sure that the table will be available as long as you need it.
(4)Caitlin M.
We had a wonderful meal here this past Saturday while we were visiting Philly. Delicious bread to start, and then both our meals...oh my goodness! We had the steak and the trofie pasta dish (mushrooms, walnuts, truffles, etc.). Both were excellent. We ended the night with dessert, which was also delicious. The only slight downside (and I'm not even docking a star, because it was not a big deal) but it took a while for us to get our check. There were only 3 waiters that I saw (also playing the role of hostess and bus boy), so it was understandable why there would be a delay. The rest of the service was top notch. Would definitely recommend!
(5)