Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about dining at La Famiglia Ristorante. For any further inquiries, please contact us.
What are the origins of La Famiglia Ristorante?
La Famiglia was opened in 1976 by the Sena family inside a restored Colonial-era tea warehouse on South Front Street. Today, it remains one of Philadelphia's most respected Italian fine-dining institutions as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Who founded La Famiglia?
La Famiglia was founded by Carlo “Papa” Sena and his wife, Giuseppina "Mama" Sena, along with their children Gino, Luca, Giuseppe, Rosa, and Maurizio.
Who owns La Famiglia?
La Famiglia has been, and continues to be, owned by the Sena family. The restaurant is led by Giuseppe Sena together with his nephew, Carlo Sena — Executive Chef and General Manager — who is the son of retired co-owner Gino Sena. Together, they carry forward the legacy of Carlo “Papa” Sena and Giuseppina "Mama" Sena.
Who is the general manager of La Famiglia Ristorante?
The general manager is Carlo Sena, the grandson of founder Carlo “Papa” Sena.
Who is the executive chef?
The kitchen is led by Carlo Sena, who preserves and elevates traditional Italian recipes cherished by the Sena family.
What does "La Famiglia" mean?
It means "The Family" — a reflection of the restaurant's hospitality and tradition-driven philosophy.
What makes La Famiglia different from other Italian restaurants in Philadelphia?
Five decades of continuous family ownership, classic Italian cooking, a landmark Old City setting, refined white-tablecloth service, and a world-class wine cellar set La Famiglia apart.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made using the OpenTable Widget "Find A Table" button on lafamiglia.com or by calling 215-922-2803.
What is La Famiglia’s holiday schedule?
We are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. We celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special evening and remain open that night.
What is the largest party size La Famiglia can accommodate without a private event booking?
We typically accommodate up to 8–10 guests in the main dining room without a private event booking.
What is the dress code at La Famiglia?
The dress code is Smart Casual. We kindly ask guests to avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, or overly casual attire.
Does La Famiglia have a bar?
Yes. La Famiglia has a full-service bar offering aperitivi, digestivi, classic cocktails, and wines by the glass.
Is outdoor seating available?
Yes. During warmer months, a small number of outdoor tables may be available directly out front of the restaurant. Outdoor seating is weather-dependent and offered by request.
What are La Famiglia's signature dishes?
Guest favorites include Penne alla Famiglia, salt-crusted whole branzino (filleted tableside), and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. La Famiglia also offers a seasonal Nostalgia Menu during the summer, featuring classic dishes inspired by the restaurant's early years.
What type of cuisine does La Famiglia specialize in?
Our cuisine is Italian fine dining inspired by classic Italian traditions, especially the flavors of Naples, while also featuring dishes from Rome and other regions of Italy. Expect handmade pastas, fresh seafood, refined, sauce-driven preparations, and exceptional cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and chicken crafted with a lighter, modern touch.
Do you offer a prix-fixe or tasting menu?
We feature a prix-fixe dinner during Philadelphia Restaurant Week. Outside of these events, our menu is à la carte, though a tailored prix-fixe menu can be arranged upon request for certain occasions.
Do you accommodate gluten-free or vegetarian requests?
Yes. Many dishes can be prepared gluten-free or vegetarian. Please inform us when reserving and again upon arrival so we can best accommodate you.
Do you have a children's menu?
We do not have a printed children's menu, but simple pasta dishes may be available upon request. La Famiglia's environment is best suited for older children.
What is the focus of your wine list?
Our cellar includes over 14,000 bottles, including Italian wines from Piedmont, Tuscany, Campania, and Veneto, vintage California wines dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, rare and historic Vintage Ports, and an outstanding grappa collection. It is one of Philadelphia's most significant and historic restaurant wine cellars.
Do you offer corkage?
Yes. Corkage is $40 per bottle.
Where is La Famiglia located?
La Famiglia is located at 8 S. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, in the heart of Old City.
What are the nearest landmarks to La Famiglia?
La Famiglia is just steps from Penn's Landing, the Ritz Five Theater, the Liberty Bell and the Independence National Historical Park area. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge rises directly nearby as a major city landmark.
What are your hours of operation?
Dinner service is offered Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Do you offer parking or valet service?
Valet parking is not available. Nearby paid parking is available at the Penn's View Hotel Lot at Front & Market and the Chestnut Street Parking Lot at Front & Chestnut. Metered parking is also available throughout the immediate area.
Do you offer takeout or delivery?
Limited takeout may be available depending on the evening. La Famiglia does not currently offer delivery through third-party services.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. Gift Certificates may be purchased online at lafamiglia.com/gift-certificates.
What private dining spaces do you offer?
La Famiglia has two private dining rooms: the Private Wine Room, which accommodates up to 25 guests, and the Banquet Room, which accommodates up to 85 guests.
What types of events can be hosted at La Famiglia?
We host weddings and rehearsal dinners, along with corporate dinners, anniversaries, birthdays, family celebrations, and other memorable occasions.
How do I book a private event?
To book a private event, submit an event request at lafamiglia.com/private-events or contact vera@lafamiglia.com or 215-922-2803.
Can La Famiglia open for private events on days it is normally closed?
La Famiglia is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but we can open for private events on a case-by-case basis with advanced arrangements. A minimum spend of $5,000 is required for events held on these days.
Can I bring my own cake for a celebration?
Yes. Guests may bring a celebratory cake. A cake-plating fee of $5 per guest applies, and we ask that you inform us in advance if you plan to bring a cake.
Do you offer off-site catering?
Limited off-site options may be available for select occasions. Please contact our events team for details.
Which charitable organizations does La Famiglia support?
Giving back to Philadelphia is a core value of the Sena family. Over the years, La Famiglia has supported cystic fibrosis research, including multiple fundraising dinners hosted by Giuseppe Sena, as well as local hunger-relief and community initiatives.
Is La Famiglia involved with local community associations?
Yes. La Famiglia maintains relationships within the Old City hospitality community and supports neighborhood-focused initiatives and citywide culinary events.
Do you participate in Restaurant Week?
Yes. La Famiglia participates in Philadelphia Restaurant Week and also offers seasonal menus such as the Nostalgia Menu during select summer months.
Do you donate food or services to nonprofits?
Donation requests are reviewed individually. Organizations may email info@lafamiglia.com with details for consideration.
Has La Famiglia received any notable awards?
La Famiglia has earned distinctions from Wine Spectator, OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice, Best of Philly, the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, and many other respected dining and wine organizations.
What is a unique historical fact about La Famiglia?
La Famiglia is housed in a historic 18th-century structure believed to have been built between 1750 and 1760, long regarded as a former colonial-era tea warehouse. Beginning in 1795, it served as the printing and bookshop of early American publisher Thomas Bradford, later became the depository of the Religious Tract Society of Philadelphia in the early 1820s, and went on to house various merchants along the original waterfront. In 1976, the Sena family began the transformation of the structure into La Famiglia Ristorante—a transformation that continues to this day—defining the warm, elegant dining rooms the restaurant is known for today.
Has La Famiglia hosted notable guests?
Yes. La Famiglia has welcomed notable guests over the years, including luminaries from the worlds of business, sports, entertainment, and public life. We maintain the utmost discretion for all who dine with us.
What is the significance of the interior artwork at La Famiglia?
The dining rooms feature Renaissance-inspired murals, portraits, and fresco-style ceilings, creating the ambiance of an elegant Italian villa in Old City.
Is La Famiglia part of a restaurant group?
No. It is an independent, single-location, family-owned restaurant.
What forms of payment do you accept?
La Famiglia accepts all major credit cards and cash. Personal checks are not accepted.