Judging by its crowded dining room and raving online reviews, you would think Pepperoncini Sotto Restaurant and Bar has been in Phoenixville for three years rather than three months.
Their flagship restaurant has been serving top-quality fare for six years in Conshohocken, so it’s no wonder that their second restaurant is equally as successful. After one bite of the incredible food and a glass of wine from their abundant collection, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
While most restaurant owners might be turned off by a basement location, owners Paul DiBona, Dan Duffy, and Tom Defruscio pulled it off with style and flair. As you walk down the stairs to the entrance of their Phoenixville Pepperoncini, you are surrounded by beautiful paintings of the Italian countryside.
Their immense menu is filled with Italian comfort foods that are made entirely from scratch and with the freshest ingredients. Their food is also very affordable and goes way beyond pizza and pastas—every night the chef creates a unique soup, bruschetta (like wild mushrooms or pesto topped with artichokes and red peppers), puff pastry, small plate, and two entrees in addition to their weekday specials.
I recently had the opportunity to get a taste of Pepperoncini’s most popular menu items. My meal kicked off with the Shrimp Pepperoncini (pieces of shrimp wrapped in crispy proscuitto di parma with hot peppers and a horseradish cream sauce) and the Polpette (two large meatballs simmered in homemade marinara sauce).
If you choose to go with a small plate dish, I recommend the Tortelloni Sfatto (a tender braised pork shoulder accompanied with large cheese-stuffed shells) or the Lobster Ravioli (Chef Paul’s favorite to make and eat) covered in a blissful basil cream sauce.
The Chicken San Nicola offers the best of land and the sea—a sauteed chicken breast topped with crab meat and shrimp in a garlicky white wine sauce. And no meal would be complete without dessert, so be sure to sink your spoon into their melt-in-your-mouth Chocolate Mousse Pyramid, which has a caramel ganache foundation.
Whether you choose from one of their thin crust pizzas, mouthwatering entrees, or explore more of the menu with small plates and appetizers, you will leave Pepperoncini Sotto satisfied and already planning your next visit.
Their wine list is filled with some of the best wines from Italy and California, many of which are hard to find around here. Every member of their staff is well-versed in their collection of wines and more than willing to help you find the perfect pairings.
Pepperoncini Sotto is not just about world-class dining in a romantic and comfortable atmosphere, it is also a great place for socializing, with nightly drink specials, weekday happy hour from 5:00-7:00 p.m., $5 Phillies specials, and live bands and DJs on the weekends.
Just in time for summer, diners can savor delicious dishes and libations alfresco in Pepperoncini Sotto’s outdoor patio. For an authentic Italian experience in the heart of Phoenixville, look no further than Pepperoncini Sotto at 184 Bridge Street.
