Giorgio on Pine — Philadelphia, PA

March 9, 2023

The Parm Boys Overall Score: 8.4 / 10

The Vibe

We hit this spot and immediately felt the energy—the space has a great rustic aesthetic and a room full of good chatter. It’s the perfect setup to bring family, friends, or a date with absolutely zero anxiety. The door guy was expertly mean in all the right ways, adding perfect old-school character before we even sat down. The service from the staff was stellar, highlighted by the ultimate power move: they brought out free cake. Are ya kidding me?!

The Parm

This plate brings big, undeniable flavor. The sauce was fantastic—major shoutout to the kitchen on that—and they serve it with a unique side of spinach and potatoes. The most surprising part of the meal is that it actually feels healthy. You get that premium comfort food experience but leave the table without that weighed-down, overstuffed feeling. The only real drawbacks were mechanical: the presentation was a little messy, and the cutlet itself was definitely not an easy cut to slice through.

The Highs and Lows

• The Positives:

  • Fantastic, highly attentive service (plus free cake).

  • Big, memorable flavor profile that carries the dish.

  • The sauce is premium quality and completely anchors the meal.

  • A lighter execution that doesn't leave you feeling sluggish.

  • Two incredible side salads that hit the table early.

  • Great dining room atmosphere that works for any group size.

• The Negatives:

  • The ultimate heartbreak: no pasta. This easily crosses into a 9 if there are noodles on the plate.

  • A bit messy structurally, making it a tough cut to handle.

  • The high-tech pepper grinder was way too futuristic for the classic rustic theme.

Closing Thoughts

Giorgio on Pine turned in a high-caliber performance backed by great hospitality and memorable flavor. If they paired that elite sauce with some high-quality pasta, we’d be talking about a legendary 9-tier contender. Even without the noodles, this stop on the quest is a massive win.

Scoring

• Shizz's Score: 8.6/10

• Dave's Score: 8.2/10

• Matt's Score: [No Score Provided]