La Viola is celebrating 25 years in business, and locals are invited to join the family-owned restaurant for a celebratory meal to mark the occasion.
The BYOB was conceived when siblings Ram and Jerry Hima came to the City of Brotherly Love from Albania in the 90s, and soon after, the brothers took various jobs in the kitchens of local restaurants, learning the ins and outs of what it would take to run a business. The Himas took inspiration from their time chopping vegetables at Tiramisu, learning old-school charm at Dante & Luigi’s, studying upscale seafood service at McCormick & Schmick’s, and soaking in history at the Old Original Bookbinder’s before setting their sights on their current locale.
In 2000, the brothers found a rundown storefront for rent in the city’s Rittenhouse neighborhood that later became La Viola Bistro (where it remains to this day.) The namesake also gained a sister location across the street – La Viola Ovest (West) – in 2006, after the original locale became more popular.
The restaurant focuses on authentic dishes from the Abruzzo region of Italy, with a regular and seasonal menu always being served up to keep its offerings fresh. To celebrate its anniversary, effective immediately, both locations are now offering a $25 three-course menu available Sunday through Thursday during lunch service from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and during happy hour (which takes place from 5 to 7 p.m.)
The celebratory experience is available until Oct. 15, and begins with an option of Prima, including insalata Caesar, Mozzarella al Basilico, or Zuppetta di Cozze. Main Course options span Ravioli alla Viola, Pollo Pomodoro, Vitello alla Viola, or Penne al’ Oriolo (which was named after Dominick Oriolo, who helped the Hima Brothers when La Viola opened its first location). Dolci options include tiramisu, cannoli cake, or tartufo ice cream.
“For the past 25 years, our family has poured everything into this restaurant, and it’s become so much more than just a business — it’s our heart and our home,” said second generation operator Hafize Hima. “This special $25 menu is our way of saying thank you to every person who’s supported us along the way. Whether you’ve been coming here for decades or you’re walking in for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you this fall and celebrate this milestone together.”
To find out more and to make a reservation for La Viola (253 S. 16th St.) or La Viola Ovest (252 S. 16th St.), visit laviolaphiladelphia.com
