A Tradition of Italian Excellence Since 1950
For over 70 years, we’ve been serving authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients and timeless recipes.
The Beginning of a Family Tradition
In 1923, Nazzereno Romano left his home in Italy, seeking a new life in America. Having worked as a stone mason on projects like Villanova University and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, he eventually found himself in South Philadelphia during the Great Depression. Nat, as he was known, turned to making and selling square tomato pies from a waggon cart along Washington Street. With a simple recipe of cooked marinara sauce and no cheese, his South Philly Tomato Pies quickly became a local favorite.
Opening the First Pizzeria
After the sudden passing of his wife, Josephine, in 1939, Nat moved to Essington, PA, with his children, Pete and Ceil. On December 1, 1944, he opened the Essington Pizzeria. At the time, pizza was still unfamiliar to the area, but Nat’s tomato pies quickly gained a loyal following. His humble shop became a neighborhood staple, and Nat was soon known around town as “Mr. Pizzeria.”
The Birth of a Culinary Icon
In 1950, Nat unknowingly made history when he created the first-ever Stromboli sandwich. Made with dough stuffed with meats, cheese, and sauce, then folded and baked to perfection, this savory creation became an instant hit. Its popularity spread beyond Essington, earning national and international recognition. The Travel Channel, NBC’s Today Show, and local Philly media all celebrated Romano’s as the “Birthplace of Stromboli,” making the restaurant a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Growing Through Generations
What started as a small pizzeria grew into Romano’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant—a family-owned and operated business now in its fourth generation. For over 80 years, Romano’s has remained true to its roots, serving authentic Italian-American dishes, homemade sauces, and, of course, the world-famous Stromboli sandwich. The restaurant is still BYOB, offering a warm and welcoming space where families and friends gather over plates of pasta, pizza, hoagies, and more.
Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence
In 2024, Romano’s was honored by Herr’s Chips as the winner of their “Flavored by Philly” contest, celebrating the restaurant’s rich culinary legacy. Featured on FOX29, WPVI, CBS3, and WMMR’s Preston & Steve Show, Romano’s received widespread media attention, marking its milestone anniversary in style.