Italian fare superb at South Philly's Saloon

When you drive from the Penn campus to Saloon, there is a great sense of anticipation.

Signs advertising parking for the South Philadelphia landmark start appearing long before you smell the garlic emanating from the Italian steakhouse.

You don't go to Saloon to dine. You go there for a dining experience.

Customers can't help but feel special inside its antique wooden walls -- perhaps it's the superior service or the fact that everyone is dressed in suits.

It's like being in a gangster movie and you're being treated like the star.

And that's before you even take a bite of food.

All patrons are treated with bread. But unlike most Italian restaurants which serve butter or oil, Saloon places a thick pesto sauce and slices of parmesan cheese on its tables -- an original yet delicious treat.

There is a long list of appetizers, which is mostly comprised of seafood. The clams casino dish, ($15) stuffed with breadcrumbs, diced celery, red peppers and bacon, was both hearty and fresh.

For those of you, like me, who don't eat seafood, the Caesar salad ($10) was good, but compared to what was to come, not great.

My entree, the filet mignon special ($32), was arguably the best steak I've ever tasted. It was crusted in peppercorns and served in a mustard sauce.

My only complaint about this dish was that I ate it too quickly.

The lobster fra diavolo ($38) received rave reviews from my guest. The spicy crustacean, served with shrimp and clams, was plentiful and delicious.

The dessert tray was intimidating, as it was hard to choose just one treat.

Therefore, I chose two -- the chocolate mousse cake ($8) and a mini cannoli. My guest had the mixed berries with whipped cream ($9).

The cake and berries were very good, yet it was the tiny cannoli which packed the most punch. Dipped in chocolate, this delightful treat was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

The espresso ($3) was also particularly potent, and provided needed energy after several glasses of Peppoli wine ($10 per glass).

Bottom line, if I had unlimited money, I might dine here every night. However, for your average college student, this is the perfect place for a free meal when parents come to town.

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