In the midst of the onslaught of new and trendy restaurants, Marra's continues to be a reliable and unpretentious old neighborhood haunt. Opportunities for authentic Italian pizza don't come around all that often, so take a chance and indulge in some of Marra's sumptuous down home meals.
Located far enough away from the grind of University City and the trends of Rittenhouse Square, Marra's Italian restaurant is an old style family eatery that blends warm hearty Italian cooking with authentic ambience. As you walk in, you are overwhelmed by red vinyl booths, which you can't help but just sink into. Portraits of Italy on the walls and all things Italian, including old photos, set the stage for the type of old school Italian experience you are about to have. As soon as you sink into that booth, the service won't let you get up until you have both filled your stomach and enjoyed all the restaurant has to offer.
The food is by no means "new-Italian." Rather, the most popular salad, the house salad ($4), is made with roasted peppers, olives, tomatoes and other vegetables. Not exactly fancy, but it does the trick. The most popular dish, as promised, is the pizza ($9.50 for a large). With a thin crust and a bevy of toppings to choose from, the pizza is also accompanied by Marra's gravy, which is the restaurant's own family recipe for marinara sauce.
But where any fanciness may be lacking, the portions certainly make up for it. All dishes that come with a side of spaghetti, such as the crispy calamari and even the superb pot of marinara mussels, are absolutely enormous and could easily make a meal for two. Appetizers are certainly delicious and equally plentiful, but considering the size of the other dishes, one could easily forgo any apps for the bounty of food that is served up with warmth and a smile. Still, make sure to save some room for dessert, all of which are Italian staples. The very rich cannolis and the restaurant's most popular dessert, tiramisu (each for $4.50), complement not only a reasonable, but also a satiating meal.
In addition to the tasty traditional menu, Marra's provides an excellent house wine to accompany any and all dishes, which not only perfectly complements the Italian fare, but also makes for an enjoyable evening out. The crowd is certainly a little more eclectic than you might be used to, but there is nothing better than enjoying your pizza in the company of a crowd whose ages vary from eight to 80.
Take a break from College Pizza for a night, and see what all the fuss is about. It is well worth it to experience some "real" Italian cuisine served fresh out of the oven,with a staff that will ensure that your dining experience is worthwhile.
