With its white tablecloths, black leather seats, and a rogues gallery of The Godfather and The Sopranos photos displayed on the walls, Raff’s Fine Italian Cuisine in Ardmore serves familiar Italian fare in a cinematic atmosphere that could be straight out of a mob movie, writes Caroline O’Halloran for the Savvy Main Line.
Featuring high ceilings and seating for 100, the room is filled with mafioso music that helps to reinforce its speakeasy vibe. A booze-free bar tucked into a rear corner serves solo diners and overflow guests.
The restaurant, named for chef and owner Raffael Kupa, who also operates Buona Vita in Somers Point and La Fontana Della Città in Center City, brings to its Ardmore location a menu of classic Italian dishes such as parmigiana, primavera, and marsala, alongside signature preparations.
Highlights include the Polla Alla Romana with prosciutto and spinach, the Linguini Pescatore, and the Veal Saltimbocca.
Although it is an Italian restaurant, Raff’s is owned and staffed largely by Albanians. As Mediterranean neighbors, the two countries share both natural cultural and culinary overlaps.
Read more about Raff’s Fine Italian Cuisine in Ardmore in the Savvy Main Line.
