PENNSYLVANIA – Philadelphia and its surrounding counties boast a rich Italian-American culinary heritage, filled with iconic dishes. But did you know that one of the most beloved creations, the stromboli, wasn’t born in Philly but just south in Delaware County? Romano’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Essington holds the undisputed title as the birthplace of the stromboli, a culinary landmark serving up history alongside its famous rolled sandwiches since 1944. A visit here isn’t just a meal; it’s a pilgrimage to the origin of a classic.
The Birth of an Icon (1950):
The story begins with founder Nazzareno “Nat” Romano, an Italian immigrant who started selling tomato pies from a cart in South Philly before opening his Essington pizzeria in 1944. In 1949, Nat began experimenting with a new kind of sandwich. He filled his signature Italian bread dough (not pizza dough, a key distinction) with Italian meats like ham, cotteghino, and capicola, along with American cheese and sweet bell peppers, rolled it into a log, and baked it.
This delicious creation initially lacked a name. In 1950, as the story goes, a customer suggested naming it “Stromboli,” after the recently released film starring Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini. The actors’ off-screen affair had made the movie (and the name) notorious, plastered across tabloids. Nat liked the catchy, slightly scandalous name, and the stromboli was officially born (Source: Romano’s Pizzeria history, various food history accounts).
The Stromboli Experience Today:
Visiting Romano’s today offers a chance to taste the original.
- The Original Stromboli: While the menu features various stromboli options, the “Original Sweet Stromboli” remains a highlight. It closely mirrors Nat’s first creation with ham, cotechino, capicola, American cheese, and sweet peppers. Hot pepper and pepperoni versions are also classic choices.
- Generous Portions: Be prepared—Romano’s stromboli is substantial, easily shareable, and served with their essential marinara dipping sauce (“gravy”).
- Quality: Reviewers consistently praise the taste, noting that, unlike some “birthplace” foods that have been improved upon elsewhere, Romano’s stromboli remains among the best available (“fantastic,” “amazing”).
Beyond the Stromboli: A Delco Italian Staple:
While the stromboli is the star, Romano’s is a full-fledged Italian-American restaurant with a history stretching back 80 years (as of 2024).
- Menu: They offer a wide selection of food, including round and square pizzas (including the South Philly Tomato Pie Nat started with), various pasta dishes, hoagies, grinders, cheesesteaks, burgers, wings, and appetizers.
- Atmosphere: Expect a casual, family-run, “mom-and-pop” vibe. The dining room isn’t fancy, but the walls are adorned with news clippings and photos, showcasing the restaurant’s rich history.
A Culinary Landmark:
As the oldest family-owned and operated Italian restaurant in Delaware County, now run by the third generation of Romanos, this spot near the Philadelphia airport is a true historical treasure. It’s a place where you can taste history.
Conclusion:
Romano’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it connects to culinary history. As the undisputed birthplace of the stromboli, this Essington institution delivers an authentic taste of a beloved Italian-American creation in the very place it was invented. While the full menu offers plenty of choices, the pilgrimage for the original stromboli is an experience no food lover visiting the Philadelphia area should miss. It’s a delicious journey back to 1950, one satisfying, rolled-up bite at a time.
Location:
Romano’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant 246 Wanamaker Ave Essington, PA 19029 (610) 521-9010
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