13 Must-Try Pennsylvania Restaurants Where Chicken Parmesan Steals The Show
Few dishes command a table quite like chicken parmesan. That golden crust crackles under a fork, rich tomato sauce pools around the edges, and melted mozzarella stretches just enough to make everyone glance over.
In Pennsylvania, this Italian American classic is more than comfort food. It is a headliner, a menu star, a plate that arrives with applause.
Across the state, talented chefs turn simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Crispy cutlets layered with bubbling cheese, house made marinara simmered to perfection, and pasta twirled just right create a combination that feels both familiar and celebratory.
It is red sauce royalty, oven baked bliss, and the kind of meal that earns a standing ovation without saying a word. One chilly evening, I ordered chicken parmesan on a whim at a neighborhood spot.
Steam curled into the air, and the first bite was pure harmony. I did not say much during that meal.
I was too busy savoring every forkful, quietly convinced I had just found my new favorite comfort dish in Pennsylvania.
1. Ralph’s Italian Restaurant (760 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147)
Walking past the red awning at 760 S. 9th Street feels like stepping through a time portal to 1900.
Ralph’s holds the title of oldest Italian restaurant in America, and their chicken parmesan tastes like four generations of family secrets piled onto one plate.
The breading stays impossibly crispy even under a blanket of bubbling cheese. Inside, exposed brick walls and vintage photographs create an atmosphere that screams authentic South Philly.
Their homemade marinara sauce carries just enough garlic to make you dangerous in close conversations. I once watched a table of eight grown adults fight over the last piece, and nobody apologized.
The restaurant’s narrow dining room fills up fast on weekends, so reservations are basically mandatory unless you enjoy standing outside for an hour.
Their eggplant rollatini runs a close second to the chicken parm in popularity.
2. Villa di Roma (936 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147)
Just two blocks down from Ralph’s at 936 S. 9th Street sits another South Philly legend that refuses to mess with perfection.
Villa di Roma pounds their chicken cutlets thin enough to read a newspaper through, which means maximum crispy surface area for that golden crust.
Their cheese blend includes a secret third ingredient that nobody on staff will reveal even under intense questioning.
The dining room features classic red checkered tablecloths and enough family photos to fill three albums.
Regulars swear by their Sunday gravy, but the chicken parm available every single day keeps the place packed. Each portion could easily feed two normal humans or one very determined college student.
Fun fact: The restaurant has occupied the same building since 1964, and the original pizza oven still cranks out perfect pies.
Their garlic bread comes automatically with every entree, which should be illegal in all fifty states because it ruins your appetite.
3. Giuseppe & Sons (1523 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102)
Center City dining gets a sophisticated upgrade at 1523 Sansom Street, where Giuseppe & Sons proves chicken parm belongs in fancy restaurants too.
Their version features San Marzano tomatoes imported directly from Italy, and yes, you can absolutely taste the difference.
The chicken gets pounded, breaded, and fried to order, which means waiting an extra ten minutes but gaining a crispy coating that shatters like glass.
Exposed ductwork and Edison bulbs give the space an industrial chic vibe that somehow works perfectly with red sauce classics.
I brought my skeptical cousin here last month, and she literally licked her plate when she thought nobody was looking. Their fresh mozzarella gets delivered daily from a local cheese maker in South Philly.
The restaurant also offers a lunch special that includes their famous chicken parm at a reduced price. Their tiramisu has won multiple local awards and pairs beautifully with strong espresso.
4. Little Nonna’s (1234 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Tucked into 1234 Locust Street, this charming spot channels every Italian grandmother’s kitchen into one adorable dining room.
Little Nonna’s treats their chicken parmesan like a religious experience, using a three-step breading process that creates layers of texture.
Fresh basil gets torn by hand and scattered over the top right before serving, adding a pop of color and flavor.
Warm wood tones and soft lighting make every table feel like a private dinner party at someone’s house. The portions here lean generous without crossing into absurd territory, leaving just enough room for their legendary panna cotta.
Their marinara sauce simmers for six hours minimum, developing a depth that bottled sauce could never achieve.
The restaurant name honors the owner’s actual grandmother, whose recipes form the backbone of the entire menu.
Their chicken parm sandwich at lunch turns the dinner entree into a handheld masterpiece that requires approximately seventeen napkins.
5. Trattoria Carina (2201 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103)
Rittenhouse Square’s dining scene gets a major boost from this gem at 2201 Spruce Street, where the chicken parm arrives looking almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Trattoria Carina uses organic chicken breasts that get butterflied and stuffed with fresh herbs before the breading process even starts.
Their house-made mozzarella melts into creamy pools that mix perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the minimalist dining room with natural light during lunch service.
The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs work their magic, which somehow makes the food taste even better.
Their pasta gets made fresh every morning in small batches, and the fettuccine side option pairs beautifully with the chicken.
I accidentally ordered this on a first date once, and the cheese pull situation got so out of control that we both just started laughing.
Their seasonal vegetable sides rotate based on what’s fresh at local farmers markets.
6. Ristorante Pesto (1915 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148)
South Broad Street at number 1915 houses a favorite that’s been feeding families for years, no fuss required.
Ristorante Pesto takes a no-nonsense approach to chicken parmesan, which means massive portions, reasonable prices, and flavors that hit exactly right every single time.
Their cutlets get hand-breaded using a recipe that predates the internet by several decades. The dining room features comfortable booths and tableside service that feels refreshingly old school.
Their chicken parm comes with your choice of pasta, and the rigatoni option soaks up the extra sauce like an edible sponge.
The restaurant’s brick facade and neon sign make it easy to spot from blocks away.
Local high school students flood the place after football games, which tells you everything about the prices and portion sizes.
Their veal parmigiana uses the same preparation method and competes fiercely with the chicken version for menu supremacy.
The garlic knots arrive warm and brushed with herb butter that should probably be illegal.
7. Angelo’s Pizzeria (736 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147)
Sandwiched between produce stands and specialty shops at 736 S. 9th Street, Angelo’s proves that pizzerias can absolutely nail chicken parm too.
Their version gets finished in the same brick oven that bakes their famous pies, adding a subtle smoky flavor that regular frying can’t match.
The cheese develops these crispy brown edges that crunch when you bite down.
Checkered floors and vintage Coca-Cola signs create a casual atmosphere perfect for grabbing lunch during Italian Market shopping trips.
I’ve literally never seen this place empty, even on random Tuesday afternoons in February. Their chicken cutlet extends beyond the edges of the plate, which seems physically impossible but happens anyway.
The shop opened in 2019, and owner Danny DiGiampietro moved it over from Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Expect pizza, cheesesteaks, and cutlets made to order, with a no frills approach that keeps lines moving steadily today. The cannoli for dessert comes stuffed to order so the shell stays crispy.
8. DiAnoia’s Eatery (2549 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)
Pittsburgh’s Strip District welcomes serious eaters at 2549 Penn Avenue, where DiAnoia’s Eatery combines old-world techniques with new-world energy.
Their chicken parmigiana features a panko and breadcrumb mixture that creates an extra crunchy coating.
Fresh mozzarella gets sliced thick and layered generously over the top, melting into gooey perfection under the broiler.
The bright, airy space features white subway tiles and reclaimed wood that feels both modern and timeless. Their open kitchen design lets you smell the garlic and oregano from every corner of the dining room.
The restaurant makes their pasta fresh daily, and the bucatini option with chicken parm is borderline life-changing.
Owner Dave Anoia named the place after his grandmother, whose cooking inspired the entire concept. Their weekend brunch includes a chicken parm sandwich that locals line up for religiously.
The tiramisu comes served in a mason jar, which sounds gimmicky but somehow works perfectly. Their espresso program rivals dedicated coffee shops in quality and consistency.
9. Pizzaiolo Primo Market Square (8 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)
Downtown Pittsburgh’s Market Square gets a taste of Italy at number 8, where Pizzaiolo Primo serves up chicken parm that makes office workers extend their lunch breaks indefinitely.
Their cutlets get double-breaded for extra crunch, then topped with a marinara sauce that balances sweet tomatoes with just enough acidity.
The mozzarella and provolone blend creates strings of cheese that require strategic fork work. Large windows overlook the bustling square, making people-watching almost as entertaining as the food.
The exposed brick interior and pendant lighting create an upscale casual vibe perfect for business lunches or date nights. Their lunch portion comes smaller than dinner but still satisfies completely.
The restaurant’s location in the heart of downtown makes it a popular spot for pre-theater dining. Their eggplant parmigiana follows the same preparation style and appeals to vegetarian friends.
The house salad with balsamic vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich chicken dish. Fun fact: The building dates back to the 1800s and once housed a printing press.
10. Alla Famiglia (804 E Warrington Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15210)
South Side slopes lead to 804 E Warrington Avenue, where Alla Famiglia translates to “to the family” and actually means it.
Their chicken parmigiana arrives on platters meant for sharing, though sharing feels like a terrible idea once you taste it.
The breading incorporates parmesan cheese directly into the coating, creating a savory crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t touch.
Dark wood furniture and vintage Italian posters transport diners straight to a Roman trattoria.
The family-owned restaurant has been serving the neighborhood for over two decades, building a loyal following that spans multiple generations.
I watched a grandmother here teach her grandson the proper cheese-pull technique, which felt like witnessing an important cultural tradition.
Their homemade gnocchi makes an excellent side dish that soaks up extra marinara sauce beautifully. The restaurant offers family-style dining options where everyone shares multiple entrees.
Their bread service includes warm focaccia with olive oil and balsamic for dipping. The lemon cake provides a citrusy finish to the rich meal.
11. Gabriella Italian Ristorante (3907 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109)
Harrisburg’s dining scene shines at 3907 Jonestown Road, where Gabriella Italian Ristorante elevates chicken parm to fine dining status.
Their version features airline chicken breast, which means the wing bone stays attached for dramatic presentation.
Fresh buffalo mozzarella imported from specialty suppliers melts differently than regular mozzarella, creating a creamier texture that coats your tongue.
White tablecloths and crystal stemware signal that this isn’t your typical red sauce joint. The dining room’s soft lighting and classical music create an atmosphere perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Their chicken parm gets plated individually with artistic sauce swirls and fresh basil leaves arranged just so.
The restaurant’s menu includes numerous classic Italian favorites that pair beautifully with the tomato-based dishes.
Their Caesar salad gets prepared tableside with a show that includes raw eggs and anchovies.
The chef trained in northern Italy before returning to Pennsylvania to open this restaurant. Their chocolate lava cake flows like molten happiness when you crack it open.
12. Casa Bella (330 W Market Street, Scranton, PA 18508)
Downtown Scranton’s Market Street houses a gem at number 330 that locals have treasured since 2006.
Casa Bella approaches chicken parmigiana with the kind of respect usually reserved for milestone celebrations.
Their cutlets get pounded to uniform thickness, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout. The marinara sauce recipe leans classic, and the kitchen keeps it steady, batch after batch, year after year.
Warm terracotta walls and Italian landscape paintings create a cozy atmosphere that feels like dining in someone’s home.
The restaurant’s corner location features large windows that flood the space with afternoon sunlight. Their portions lean toward generous, with most diners taking home enough for tomorrow’s lunch.
I once tried to finish an entire order here and had to admit defeat with three bites remaining. Their wedding soup makes an excellent starter that doesn’t fill you up too much before the main event.
The restaurant offers gluten-free pasta options for those with dietary restrictions. Their cannoli shells get fried fresh daily and filled only after you order.
13. Ricardo’s Restaurant (2112 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511)
Erie’s East Lake Road at 2112 delivers chicken parmigiana with a side of lake views at Ricardo’s Restaurant.
Their take on the classic includes a secret ingredient in the breading that adds subtle sweetness to each bite.
The chicken gets sourced from local farms when possible, supporting regional agriculture while ensuring quality. Their mozzarella melts into a golden blanket that stretches for days.
Large windows showcase views of the surrounding area, and the casual atmosphere welcomes families with kids and couples on date night equally.
The restaurant opened in 1948, surviving ups and downs through warm flavors that keep guests returning. Their marinara sauce carries hints of fresh oregano that brighten the entire dish.
The lunch menu offers a smaller chicken parm portion at a reduced price point perfect for midday meals. Their minestrone soup changes slightly with the seasons based on available vegetables.
Fun fact: Ricardo and Louis opened it in 1948, and it feels like a stop today. Their spumoni ice cream provides a refreshing finish after the hearty chicken parm.