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Cucina Forte

768 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147-2839 (Bella Vista/ Queen Village)
215-238-0778
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Ranked #78 of 2,348 restaurants in Philadelphia
Price range: $15 - $27
Cuisines: Italian
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Groups, Business, Local cuisine, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Dinner, Reservations
Neighbourhood: Bella Vista/ Queen Village
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36 reviews from our community

94% Recommend
    23
    11
    1
    1
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
42 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
76 helpful votes 76 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

It was nearly 12 years ago when I first heard about the amazing gnocci made by Maria Forte. So light it floats in the sauce I was told. So, on a business trip in 2001 to Philly I decided I had to try it. And was I glad I did. (Also discovered the fine cooking of David Ansill on that... More

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See 15 more reviews by Ricky R for Philadelphia
Colonia,NJ
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

We were in Philly for our son's graduation. We found Cucina Forte on TA. The place is small, a bit loud but a fun atmosphere. BYO with good prices and great food!!! I had a veal chop special, which was one of the best veal dishes I ever had at a restaurant. The staff was very friendly and the overall... More

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Philadelphia, PA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
10 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

This Quaint BYOB Had Been A Regular Place For Us To Eat For Years. It Keeps Getting Better. This Past Thursday Night Was Exceptional. Six Friends Met For Dinner, Each Bringin A Bottle of Wine. Marie IsThe Owner Of The Restaurant, Who Often Comes Out And Greats Her Guests. Her "Dream Soup" Is To Die For. Her Homemade Pastas Are... More

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Crossville, Tennessee
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2013

We were visiting in Philly and staying in the Bella Vista neighborhood. We looked at several reviews and chose Cucina above the rest and could have not been more pleased. They have a beautiful, yet cozy dining area. The staff was fantastic. We had some spinach gnocchi, they are famous for it, with Gorgonzola sauce. This was a bit strong... More

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Bel Air, Maryland
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2013

We adventured to Cucina Forte as a result of reviews on TripAdvisor. We shared gnocchi as a starter,both spinach and ricotta in Gorgonzola sauce...excellent. Starters were followed by Zuppa de Pesce and Veal involtini. The Zuppa was very good, unfortunately the veal was overcooked and at best was mediocre. The atmosphere was very good, the Waite staff excellent. Tiramisu did... More

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Holland, PA
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
47 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 42 cities Reviews in 42 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2013

Although there are many fine Italian restaurants in the Philly suburbs there is something about a great Italian restaurant in South Philly to remind you of what makes this kind of place worth travelling to. Named after the owners, Cucina Forte is a BYO that serves up authentic food in a simple but cozy atmosphere that will leave you satisfied... More

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See 4 more reviews by Gustoguy for Philadelphia
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2013

We endeavored to Cucina Forte at the recommendation of our local foodie friends. It didn't disappoint! First, everything was made to order, so if you didn't like an ingredient or wanted to add something, they had no problems with it. I went with the lobster ravioli w/shrimp, in a cream sauce. Literally, it was the best ravioli I've ever had.... More

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east coast us
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 January 2013

Background music by Sinatra and Martin and food by a 74 year old owner/chef who prepares her food with a combination of love and experience. The atmosphere is relaxed but attentive. The list of specials in extensive and varied. The gnocchi is the best I'd ever had--light as air with great sauces. Osso buco was very good and a large... More

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Florida
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
29 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 November 2012

My wife and I dined at Cucina Forte on a Thursday evening. It is located in a residential section of South Philadelphia. The restaurant is family owned and our server was very proud of the quality of food served. The atmosphere is casual and energetic. While there several Italian dishes available on the menu, we opted for some red table... More

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See 13 more reviews by bjmiller51 for Philadelphia
Phila
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
27 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 September 2012

Appetizers were good. Portebello mushroom with crabmeat in a gorgonzola cheese sauce was delicious. Gnocchi was fabulous. Servers were attentive and we sat there for a awhile after dinner talking as many other diners did with no one trying to rush us out. Parking was difficult. Two apps two entrees under $100 with tip. It's BYOB too.

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See 9 more reviews by denjolu for Philadelphia

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