You’re walking down Walnut Street, the wind is whipping off the Delaware, and honestly, you just want to feel like you’re somewhere else. Somewhere warmer. Somewhere with more lemon trees and less SEPTA noise. That’s usually when people find themselves heading toward the second floor of a corner building in Old City. Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti Philadelphia isn’t new. It’s been a staple for years, but in a city where restaurants open and close faster than you can grab a cheesesteak, there’s something weirdly impressive about a place that manages to keep its vibe without feeling like a dusty relic.
It’s bright. Even on a gray Philly Tuesday, the interior is this explosion of Mediterranean blue and white that feels sort of like a vacation—or at least a very high-end lobby in Sorrento.
Aldo Lamberti is a name you probably know if you’ve spent any time eating in the Delaware Valley. He’s the guy behind Caffe Aldo Lamberti in Cherry Hill, but Positano Coast is his love letter to the Amalfi Coast. It’s less "red sauce and meatballs" and more "crudo and cold Prosecco." People come here for the atmosphere, sure, but they stay because the kitchen actually knows what to do with a piece of fish.
The Old City Vibe Shift
Old City has a specific energy. It’s historic, it’s touristy, but it’s also where locals go when they want to feel a little fancy without the Rittenhouse Square price tag. Positano Coast sits right at 2nd and Walnut, which is basically the gateway to the neighborhood.
What’s interesting is how they’ve handled the space. It’s massive. Most Philly restaurants are cramped little BYOBs where you’re basically sitting in the lap of the person at the next table. Not here. You’ve got high ceilings, a sprawling bar, and those outdoor "Sopras" (the balconies) that are basically the most coveted real estate in the city when the weather hits 70 degrees.
What’s Actually on the Plate?
Let’s talk food because pretty decor only gets you so far. The menu is heavily seafood-focused. If you aren't a fan of things that swim, you might feel a little limited, though they do a solid steak and some pasta dishes that hold their own.
The Mustard Crusted Scallops are basically the MVP here. They’re served with a leek and potato puree that is silkier than it has any right to be. It’s one of those dishes that has been on the menu forever because if they took it off, people would probably riot.
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Small Plates and Big Flavors
One thing that confuses people about Positano Coast is the "crudo" section. Think of it as Italian sashimi. It’s raw, high-quality fish dressed simply. The tuna crudo with a little lemon and olive oil? It’s perfect. It’s light. It’s exactly what you want when you’re three drinks deep into a long lunch.
Then you have the Zucchini Crabcake. It’s a bit of a departure from the heavy, breaded Maryland style you find elsewhere. It’s mostly jumbo lump crab held together with shredded zucchini. It feels healthier, which is a lie because you’re probably going to eat three of them, but it’s a delicious lie.
The pasta is made in-house. That matters. When you eat the Linguine with Clams, you can tell the difference between something that came out of a box and something that was rolled out that morning. It’s got that "al dente" bite that most places miss because they’re in too much of a rush.
The Sunday Brunch Situation
Brunch in Philly is a blood sport. If you don’t have a reservation, you’re usually standing on a sidewalk for forty minutes. Positano Coast is a massive operation, so while it gets packed, it doesn't always feel like a mosh pit.
They do a Lemon Ricotta Pancake that is surprisingly airy. Most ricotta pancakes are like lead weights in your stomach, but these are different. And the Sangria? They sell it by the carafe. It’s dangerous. You go in for a quick bite and suddenly it’s 3:00 PM and you’re considering buying a flight to Italy.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It isn't just the food. Honestly, it's the hospitality. The Lamberti family runs their restaurants with a specific kind of old-school professionalism. The servers actually know the wine list. They know where the fish was caught.
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There’s also the "Sopra" lounge. In a city where rooftop bars are often overcrowded and pretentious, the outdoor space at Positano Coast feels a bit more refined. It’s great for people-watching on Walnut Street. You see the tourists wandering toward Liberty Bell and the locals heading to the waterfront.
The Happy Hour Secret
If you want the Positano experience without dropping $150 on dinner, go for Happy Hour. It’s usually Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. They do deals on cocktails and small bites like the Mediterranean fries or the calamari.
The calamari isn't that rubbery stuff you get at a pizza shop. It’s tender. It’s lightly fried. It actually tastes like squid, not just breading.
Navigating the Wine List
The wine list is almost exclusively Italian. This is where you might need a little help from the staff. Sure, you can order a Pinot Grigio and be fine, but they have some incredible Greco di Tufo and Falanghina options that pair way better with the seafood.
Italy has thousands of grape varieties. Don't be the person who only orders what they recognize. Ask for something from the Campania region. It’s where Positano actually is, and the volcanic soil there produces wines that have this salty, mineral finish that makes seafood pop.
Misconceptions About Positano Coast
Some people think it’s "too corporate" because it’s part of a larger restaurant group. That’s a mistake. While Aldo Lamberti owns several spots, Positano Coast feels distinct. It doesn't have that "cookie-cutter" vibe you get from national chains.
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Another misconception? That it’s only for special occasions. While it’s a popular spot for rehearsal dinners and birthdays—they have some great private event spaces—it’s actually a pretty chill spot for a weeknight dinner if you sit at the bar. The bartenders are pros. They can make a proper Negroni, which is the true test of any Italian establishment.
Technical Details for Your Visit
If you’re planning to go, keep a few things in mind. Parking in Old City is a nightmare. Don’t even try to find a spot on the street. Use the garage right across the street or just take an Uber.
The dress code is "smart casual." You don't need a suit, but maybe leave the gym shorts at home. It’s a place where people like to look good, especially on weekend nights.
Location: 212 Walnut St, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 238-0499
Pro Tip: If you’re going for dinner on a Friday or Saturday, book your table at least a week in advance. The balcony tables fill up fast.
Actionable Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your visit to Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti Philadelphia, follow these steps:
- Request a Balcony Table: When you make your Resy or OpenTable reservation, put in a request for the "Sopra" or balcony seating. Even in cooler months, they often have heaters, and the view is half the experience.
- Skip the Heavy Entrees Once: Try doing a "tapas-style" dinner. Order 4-5 items from the crudo and small plates sections instead of one big pasta or steak. You get to taste more of what the kitchen is actually good at.
- Check the Seasonal Specials: The kitchen rotates fish based on what’s fresh. If there’s a whole roasted fish on special, get it. They fileted it tableside usually, and it’s always better than the standard menu items.
- Sunday Brunch Strategy: Go early (around 11:30 AM) to avoid the loudest crowds, or go late (around 1:30 PM) if you want to lean into the "party" vibe of the Old City brunch scene.
- Order the Limoncello: It’s house-made. It’s the traditional way to end a meal on the Amalfi Coast, and it helps digest all that pasta.
Positano Coast manages to bridge the gap between "expensive night out" and "reliable local favorite." It’s a bit of theater, a bit of culinary skill, and a lot of blue paint. Whether you're there for the mustard scallops or just a glass of wine on the balcony, it’s one of the few places in Philadelphia that consistently delivers on its promise of a quick escape to the Mediterranean.