Richard Santore has been operating this venerable establishment in Philadelphia’s Bellavista neighborhood, bordering Center City and South Philly, for nearly 40 years. The food is classic Italian fare, served for lunch and dinner, in a dining room featuring lots of framed mirrors and old glass. Appetizers include poached pear and gorgonzola salad with roasted walnuts, baby greens, and red onion with pear vinaigrette. Fettuccini Lobster Amatriciana is a toss of house-made fettuccini with lobster, bacon, onion, fresh tomato, and pecorino cheese in tomato sauce. Daily dinner specials range from beef carpaccio drizzled with truffle essence and served with fava beans to a double veal chop marinated in white wine, pan seared and served with Yukon gold potatoes.

The Saloon Information:

• Italian, Steak menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Sun; also one week in early July. Bar. Business casual attire. Valet parking. No credit cards accepted.