Melograno
2201 Spruce Street
(215) 875-8116
Sneak into Sink or Swim and pass on the $2 weenie this Wednesday, because you'll need every penny to afford some of the best Italian fare this side of the Atlantic. It's well worth the 40 bones you'll drop on a three course meal at Melograno, but be prepared to wait 30-40 minutes for a table; the restaurant doesn't take reservations.
The garden motif, with strands of berries (not edible) and flowers (not to be removed for your date) instantly transports you away from the cheesesteak capital you know and love. It's unclear how Gianluca Demontis and his wife/maitre'd manage to pump out such amazing looking, smelling and tasting food from the cart sized open kitchen, but they do.
The menu sounds so appetizing, you'll wish you had Mom and Pop's platinum so you could gorge yourself on one of everything. At the very least, be sure to order the antipasto for two ($12), walnut and current stuffed quail ($20) and tiramisu ($6). We also endorse the Sea Bass with garlic mashed potatoes ($22) and the Chocolate Souffle ($7) -- even chugs of eight dollar wine can't spoil your meal.
So trade in that $600 ticket to Rome. A six dollar cab ride to 22nd and Spruce is all you need to get the full Italian dining experience.
