I like the Silver Diner, right across Rt. 38 from the mall.

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Silver Diner
2131 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

I saw them at either Claudio's or DiBruno's on 9th St. last week.

My husband and I tried Schlessinger's for lunch on Sunday and were favorably impressed. The deli is owned by Philly condo maven Alan Domb and offers a nice selection of hot and cold dishes. My husband loved his roast beef special, which was absolutely loaded with rare roast beef. I had a scrambled egg, munchee cheese, and turkey bacon wrap that was scrumptious. We shared a black & white for dessert. For us, the gold standard is Juniors', in NYC, but this was a close second - fresh, cakey, plenty of chocolate and white glaze.

As chirsh noted, portions are generous and our sandwich and wrap were quick to come to the table. There's also a complimentary pickle bar with pickled peppers, several types of cucumber pickles, and potato, health, and macaroni salad.

I hope that Schlessinger's is successful, because there are many more menu items we want to try. This place is an asset to Center City. Thanks, chirsh, for the recommendation!

My husband and I often find a place we love when we travel and return to it again and again, just like you did. We're staying in Center City this coming weekend and will try Schlesinger's, which sounds great. There are all the pizza joints you could ask for downtown but a dearth of Jewish deli's, so for us, this will be an occasion!

Cedars is a favorite of ours, too; we were just there last night. The Imam Baldi is my favorite.

Try the Italians: Melograno, Radicchio, Branzino, LaViola, Locanda del Ghittone. All are BYO; check to see who takes reservations.

You might give Orner's, in Havertown a call.

Ralph's is a run-of-the-mill red gravy joint and extremely noisy; you'd have to scream at each other to be heard. Others here have given you better suggestions. I'll add two: La Locanda Del Ghittone - BYO and they take reservations, and Mr. Martino's, in South Philly, also BYO.

Brothers Pizza & Restaurant, 700 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill, makes good soup but they suspend making it in hot weather. Keep it in mind for the days to come - eat-in or takeout.

Chloe, but unless you go late, you'll have to have dinner there, which isn't hard to take at all!

No pizza, but Melograno serves Roman-style dishes; I believe the chef is Roman.

I like them both but for this occasion recommend Salento. More to choose from on the menu, great service.

For the birthday dinner: La Famiglia - expensive and befitting a special occasion. To the other restaurants mentioned here, I'll add Salento and Radicchio, both BYO's. If you choose a BYO, call ahead to determine whether they take reservations.

You might want to hit the Reading Terminal Market for a very casual lunch on Saturday.

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La Famiglia
751 Route 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755

See Cheap Eats and Comfort Food below. Last post on that thread was 2/5/10.

So where did you go?

Cedars, Sahara for great middle eastern; Italian Trattoria at the Restaurant School for good pasta. Has anyone mentioned Campo's for sandwiches?

Here are a few, all byo: Radicchio - get there early, as they don't take reservations; Salento; Branzino; Melograno - doesn't take reservations; Caffe Casta Diva; La Locanda del Ghittone.

I recently had a similar experience at Ernesto's. My minestrone soup was absolutely devoid of flavor and the crabcake was bland. My husband did like his large serving of salmon with pesto (loves anything with pesto. We both adore the zuppa inglese - the best anywhere. If only everything else lived up to it!

Another thought - Tinto. Can't get much more romantic than sharing each other's food. A table downstairs might be just what you're looking for - dim, cozy, more intimate than the ground floor.

It's only semi-cozy, but you might try Salento. If you like Mexican, Tequilas has several rooms and they fit your description of low-lit and cozy; I like the food, too.

I was recently at La Stanza - found the food to be as good as Marra's. Their red gravy is very similar to what I grew up on.

My husband and I prefer Melograno and Salento (2216 Walnut) to Modo Mio. For our tastes, Modo Mio's flavors are a little less refined.

Termini's ships.

We like Valanni.

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Valanni
1229 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Radicchio is a big favorite of ours - authentic and reasonable. Their clam appetizer with red sauce is sublime and I think their broccoli di rape is the best anywhere.

Where is SideCar?

There is much, much more to eat in Philly, so come back soon!

Before Positano Coast, it was Pasta Blitz. Was it something else before that?

I think the restaurant at Academy House started as Gabriel's Horn.

Cedars, Sahara

Radicchio, Chloe, La Locanda del Ghiotonne

My husband and I agree - Radicchio is the kind of place we've found in Italy. I think their broccoli di rape is the best in the city. My favorite dish is one they make up for me - rotini or penne with fresh tomatoes, broccoli di rape, and crab. And of course, a side of broccoli di rape with it - just can't get enough of that stuff! My husband loves their clams and mussels in red sauce - that sauce is great for dipping our bread.

Another favorite is their crab cake appetizer, but they only have it in the spring.