Watch CBS News

Top Lasagna In Philadelphia

The classic Italian lasagna is made with layers of fresh pasta and ragu (meat sauce), bechamel (white sauce) and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. While this might be how the dish originated, it's not uncommon to see the oven-baked comfort favorite made with a variety of additional ingredients and different sauces. Ranging from traditional recipes to more unique versions, the spots listed here offer the best lasagna in Philadelphia.

Kensington Quarters
1310 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(267) 314-5086
www.kensingtonquarters.com

Kensington Quarters opened in late October as a new addition to the Fishtown neighborhood. The unique concept from Michael Pasquarello and Bryan Mayer and with Executive Chef Damon Menapace is a combination of butcher shop, restaurant and classroom. The upstairs loft serves as an event space or classroom where butchering classes and guest chef lectures are held. Downstairs, guests enjoy drinks and fresh food made with local ingredients free of antibiotics, hormones, GMO crops, pesticides and steroids. The menu is composed of small plates, starches, grains and salads, entrees and desserts. The $16 lasagna features collard greens, pigs feet and mozzarella for a completely unexpected (yet incredibly flavorful) version of the classic dish.

Market at Maglio's
3632 S. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 465-3902
www.magliofoods.com

Maglio Sausage Company has been a Philadelphia tradition since the mid 1940s, producing high-quality sausage items and traditional Italian dishes. In early December, the family-owned and operated business opened its new market in South Philadelphia. Here, you can find a wide selection of specialty sausages, cured meats, artisanal cheeses, fresh breads and delicious prepared Italian foods to take home. The President of Maglio Sausage Co., Anthony Maglio Jr., puts a spin on his father's traditional sausage lasagna by serving a healthier version made with zucchini instead of noodles.


Modo Mio

161 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 203-8707
www.modomiorestaurant.com

At this friendly Northern Liberties BYOB, Chef McAndrews draws inspiration from different regions in Italy. The lasagna verde is a standout dish consisting of layered spinach pasta sheets, mozzarella, plum tomato and lots of ricotta. When ordered a la carte, it will set you back $14. But anyone who has dined at Modo Mio will tell you that the four-course "Menu Turista" for $35 is the way to go. The cash-only spot is on the small side, so reservations are highly encouraged.

Related: Top Restaurants With Handmade Pasta In Philadelphia

Paesano's
1017 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 440-0371
www.paesanosphillystyle.com

Philadelphia is a city known for great no-frills sandwich shops, and Paesano's is a prime example of this tradition. The cash-only establishment is located in the heart of South Philly and the Italian Market. While you can get classics like roasted pork with broccoli rabe and beef brisket, there are also plenty of more creative items. The "Bolognese" features crispy fried meat lasagna layered with fried egg and smoked mozzarella cheese, all on a seeded hoagie roll. This sizable sandwich costs $8.50 and can be paired with roasted potatoes for $2. Wash it all down with an orange cream soda.

Petruce et al.
1121 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 225-8232
www.petrucephilly.com

Another restaurant new in 2014, Petruce et al. is an energetic spot with a welcoming atmosphere. That warm and comforting environment is due in part to the wood-fired oven and grill at the center of the space. The menu ranges from small plates like baked artisanal bread, roasted carrots and chicken liver to large dishes including striped bass and veal breast. The $19 lasagna falls right in the middle. Baked in the wood-fired grill, the dish is composed of delicate pasta ribbons layered with rich bechamel and fresh tomato.

Related: Top Pizza In Philadelphia

The Quick Fixx
1511 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(267) 273-1066
www.thequickfixx.com

Good food, friendly service, ultra-affordable, clean and quick delivery – these are just a few of the things that keep people coming back to The Quick Fixx. With a mission of "chef-inspired cuisine at take-out pricing," the Rittenhouse spot offers homemade fresh pastas, grilled flatbreads, salads and favorites like chicken fingers and fried pierogies. At $12, the gnocchi lasagna offers a twist on the traditional dish. It's made with fluffy ricotta gnocchi and layered with meaty Bolognese and melted mozzarella cheese. A vegetarian version is also available. As a bonus, the gnocchi is a regular on the "10 Spot" cash-only lunch menu with specials available until 4 p.m. for just $10 including tax.

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer husband would love to open.
< a href=http://www.examiner.com/user-michelle-hein

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.