Ralph's is owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Dispigno family, insuring that you will receive the same great food and high quality service that has been a Ralph's tradition for over 100 years!

Francesco and Catherine lived the American Dream. They arrived with their three-year-old son at New York 's Ellis Island in 1893 from their home in Naples and made their way to Philadelphia . They settled in a growing Italian community in the neighborhood where Ralph's Restaurant is still located. In 1900 they took every cent they owned and rented a building that would house their new restaurant for the next 15 years.

Theodore Roosevelt was but the first of a long-line of celebrities who have made Ralph's their Philadelphia destination. Located at our current address, 760 S. 9th Street , since 1915, we have hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Lena Horne, Tony Bennett, Tom LaSorda, Joey Giardello, Rocky Marciano, Sergio Franci, Al Martino, Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Keaton, Heather Locklear, Dom DeLuise and countless others. Philadelphia luminaries from Connie Mack to Mayor Frank Rizzo have found Ralph's just the right place for dinner.

In 1986 Fior D'Italia, a restaurant located in San Francisco, commissioned a research project that proved, beyond doubt, that they were the nation's oldest, founded in 1886, but we are both the second oldest of all Italian restaurants in America and the nation's oldest Italian restaurant owned and operated by the same family!

We are honored that you are joining us today to make "A Little History".

MANGIA!