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Our love for Fiore started back in 2021. At the time, chef-partners Justine MacNeil and Ed Crochet were creating full takeout dinners inspired by different regions of Italy. We chose Emilia-Romagna, indulging in the good balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma, and Parmigiano Reggiano that define the region. From the first bite, we were hooked.
Fast forward to today, and dinner at Fiore is as excellent as ever. We adored their original Queen Village location and were pleased to find that the move north to Kensington hasn’t changed a thing about the quality at this Italian BYOB. The pasta (and everything else) remains as incredible as ever.
Known for their pastries, they’ve been a favorite for breakfast and lunch since the new location opened in late 2023. Dinner service, which began about five months ago, is a newer addition that we enjoyed recently.
The dinner vibe is relaxed and low-key. There are just 28 seats split between tables and a couple of counter spots. The casual, mismatched furniture adds to the laid-back feeling, and the attentive service makes it feel like you’re a regular, even if it’s your first time. The open kitchen means that when we dined on a hot July night, the fans and air conditioning worked overtime, but the room was still comfortable without disturbing the ambiance.
Our meal was a parade of standout flavors. We started with cacio e pepe fritelle—pillowy, savory donuts with a slightly crisp exterior, made brighter by a tangy tomato jam. The scallop fritto misto brought golden-fried bites of scallop, potato, and onion. It was just on the edge of too salty for us but was still impossible to stop eating.
One of our favorite dishes was the squash blossoms stuffed with blue crab. The delicate parcels arrived on a bed of vinegary summer tomatoes that combined for a broth so good that we drank it straight from the bowl. Sorry not sorry.
The pasta course was a reminder of why Fiore is essential in the Philly dining scene. The bucatini with braised pork shoulder ragu and fava beans was deeply satisfying. The pasta alla Norma—fried eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata over cavatelli—was a Sicilian classic done exceptionally well.
We should have ordered even more just to take home. The steady stream of people through the door picking up their takeout showed that the neighbors here are smarter than we are.
We ended the meal with one of the gelatos that are so popular. The cherry chocolate chip flavor was a bright, refreshing finish that reminded us why dessert at Fiore should never be skipped.
Fiore isn’t trying to be flashy, and it doesn’t have to be. This is a place built on consistent execution, unpretentious atmosphere, and a commitment to excellence in every bite. Whether you’re there for a croissant at brunch or a plate of pasta at dinner, you’re in for something special.
Fiore is located at 2413 Frankford Avenue in Kensington.