This 70-year-old family pizzeria in Bristol serves Bucks County's original tomato pie, a tangy-sweet old-fashioned slice topped with parmesan and spices. The full Italian menu spans veal parmesan to linguine with clams.
This 70-year-old family pizzeria in Bristol serves Bucks County's original tomato pie, a tangy-sweet old-fashioned slice topped with parmesan and spices. The full Italian menu spans veal parmesan to linguine with clams.
The old-fashioned tomato pie has been the signature at Cesare's since founder John "Cesare" Petolillo opened in Florence, New Jersey in 1947, making it Bucks County's original tomato pie according to the restaurant. One reviewer described the tomato sauce as "perfectly acidic/sweet" and praised how it "pairs amazingly well with the Parmesan and spices that they add on top," calling it "one of my new favorite pizza slices now." Photos show large pizzas on metal trays with rustic, homemade presentation and generous toppings including mushroom and cheese combinations. Another guest highlighted the thin-crust pizza as their usual order, calling the food "very delicious" and noting they take it home. The Monday night $8 pizza special draws crowds, though one reviewer noted that guests who don't finish their pizzas may be charged full price for one pie, so arrive hungry or plan to take leftovers. The pizza menu remains simple and focused, staying true to Cesare's original 1940s formula while the dining room has expanded to serve full Italian entrees.
The signature dish since 1947, praised by reviewers for its perfectly acidic-sweet tomato sauce that pairs amazingly well with parmesan and spices on top—one reviewer called it one of their new favorite pizza slices
Multiple reviewers specifically highlighted this dish, with one rating the overall food 10/10 and photos showing generous portions with spaghetti and marinara sauce
Described as amazing by a reviewer who enjoyed it as part of an old-world Italian menu; the restaurant uses milk-fed veal according to their own sourcing claims
Beyond the signature tomato pie, Cesare's has built a full-service Italian menu featuring traditional preparations. Multiple reviewers specifically praised the chicken parmesan, with photos showing the dish served with spaghetti and marinara sauce on metal surfaces with generous cheese and sauce coverage. One guest called the veal parmesan and chicken piccata "amazing," noting they enjoyed bruschetta and pasta as openers paired with red wine and described the menu as "old world." According to the restaurant, the kitchen uses milk-fed veal and prepares both imported and homemade pasta, along with homemade soups and salad dressings. French onion soup appears in photos topped with melted cheese in traditional presentation. The linguine with clams appears on the menu, though one reviewer received mussels instead and experienced freshness issues. The restaurant expanded its original simple menu of pizzas, steak sandwiches, and hoagies starting in 1984, with founder John "Cesare" Petolillo carefully adding each item to ensure it met his standards for quality before the menu grew to its current full Italian scope.
Cesare's has been continuously owned and operated by the Petolillo family since 1947, making it one of the longest-running family restaurants in Bucks County. According to the restaurant, John "Cesare" Petolillo started the business in Florence, New Jersey in 1947, moved to Bristol Boro in 1949, and opened a second location in Levittown in 1964 while keeping the menu simple and focused on what he did best. In 1984, Cesare's expanded the Bristol location with a new facility, and under John "Cesare's" leadership and guidance, the menu slowly increased with each item vetted for exceptional quality. Though John "Cesare" has since passed away, the restaurant notes that his goals and ideas live on through the family's approach of "combining part of the past with part of the present." This continuity shows in the restaurant's reputation—with 1,008 Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars, Cesare's has maintained a loyal following across multiple generations of Bucks County diners who appreciate the traditional Italian-American approach and family atmosphere.
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Yes, Cesare's Ristorante offers free lot parking and free street parking.
Yes, Cesare's Ristorante accepts reservations. Call ahead to reserve your table.
Cesare's Ristorante is open: Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM.
Yes, Cesare's Ristorante is a great choice for large groups and parties.
Yes, Cesare's Ristorante is family-friendly and offers a kids menu.
Yes, Cesare's Ristorante offers takeout.
Yes, Cesare's Ristorante has wheelchair accessible entrance, accessible seating and accessible parking.
Cesare's Ristorante accepts major credit cards.
Cesare's Ristorante is known for serving Bucks County's original tomato pie, a specialty the Petolillo family has prepared since 1947. According to the restaurant, founder John "Cesare" Petolillo started the business in Florence, New Jersey and moved to Bristol in 1949, building a reputation for the old-fashioned pie with its tangy-sweet tomato sauce topped with parmesan and spices. Reviewers consistently praise this signature dish, with one calling the sauce "perfectly acidic/sweet" and naming it one of their new favorite pizza slices. Beyond pizza, Cesare's has expanded to a full Italian menu featuring traditional dishes like veal parmesan, chicken piccata, and homemade pasta, all while maintaining the family's commitment to quality that has lasted over seven decades.
Yes, Cesare's offers an $8 pizza special on Monday nights that draws regular crowds looking for a deal on their signature tomato pie. However, one reviewer noted that guests who order the Monday special but don't finish their pizzas may be charged full price for one pizza, so it's important to order only what you can eat or be prepared to take leftovers home. The restaurant is open Monday from 11 AM to 10 PM, giving diners a full window to take advantage of the special. Given the moderate price range of $15-30 per person for regular menu items, the Monday pizza special represents significant savings for budget-conscious diners or families looking to sample the restaurant's signature dish at a lower price point.
The old-fashioned tomato pie remains the signature dish, with one reviewer specifically recommending it and praising the perfectly balanced tomato sauce that pairs well with the parmesan and spices on top. Multiple guests highlighted the chicken parmesan as exceptional, with photos showing generous portions served with spaghetti and marinara sauce. One reviewer called the veal parmesan and chicken piccata "amazing" and enjoyed them alongside bruschetta and pasta openers paired with red wine. According to the restaurant, the kitchen uses milk-fed veal and prepares both imported and homemade pasta, with all soups and salad dressings made in-house. The thin-crust pizza also draws regular orders from guests who take it home, and French onion soup appears on the menu with traditional melted cheese topping.
Cesare's has been operating in Bristol, Pennsylvania since 1949, when founder John "Cesare" Petolillo moved the business from its original 1947 location in Florence, New Jersey. According to the restaurant, the Petolillo family has continuously owned and operated Cesare's for over 70 years, making it one of the longest-running family restaurants in Bucks County. In 1964, Cesare's opened a second location in Levittown while maintaining the Bristol restaurant, and in 1984 expanded the Bristol location with a new, larger facility. Though founder John "Cesare" has since passed away, the restaurant notes that his goals and ideas continue to guide the business, with the family's approach of combining traditional methods with contemporary service still defining the restaurant today.
Yes, Cesare's works well for both date nights and celebrations, with multiple reviewers specifically praising the dining room atmosphere and attentive service for special occasions. One guest described an "amazing dining room" with "excellent wait staff," while another called it a "delightful restaurant" with "attentive staff" and an "old world menu" featuring traditional Italian dishes. Photos show tables set with tan tablecloths and stemmed wine glasses filled with red wine, creating a classic ambiance suitable for romantic dinners or anniversary celebrations. The restaurant is specifically noted as good for anniversary and celebration dining, with a full menu of traditional entrees like veal parmesan and chicken piccata that go beyond the casual pizza focus. With moderate pricing of $15-30 per person and hours running until 10 PM most nights, Cesare's offers an accessible yet elevated dining experience for special occasions in Bristol.
Yes, Cesare's serves pizza for takeout, with one reviewer noting they "usually get a thin crust pizza and take it home" and calling the food "very delicious." The restaurant operates as both a pizzeria and full-service Italian restaurant, making it versatile for quick counter-service takeout or sit-down dining in the dining room. Photos show pizzas served on metal trays with rustic presentation and generous toppings, and the thin-crust style appears popular among regular customers who prefer to enjoy it at home. With hours running 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Saturday and 3 PM to 10 PM on Sunday, Cesare's accommodates both lunch and dinner takeout orders. The restaurant can be reached at 215-788-3831 to place takeout orders or ask about availability of specific menu items for pickup.
Have more questions about Cesare's Ristorante? Feel free to contact them directly.
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💡 These are general recommendations. Actual conditions may vary. Check Cesare's Ristorante's hours and call ahead during peak times.
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The dining room at Cesare's draws consistent positive mentions for its traditional ambiance and attentive service. One reviewer described an "amazing dining room" with "excellent wait staff" and rated the food "10/10," while another praised the "delightful restaurant" with "attentive staff." Photos show tables set with tan and beige tablecloths and stemmed wine glasses filled with red wine, suggesting a classic family-dining environment suitable for celebrations and date nights. The exterior features a brick facade with red doors and traditional signage that gives the restaurant an established, inviting street presence on Radcliffe Street in Bristol. Multiple reviewers specifically called out the staff, with one noting the "amazing and definitely friendly" team and another praising the "awesome" maitre d' as a "great guy." The restaurant operates as a casual dining venue and pizzeria suitable for multiple occasions, from quick lunch bites of thin-crust pizza to anniversary dinners featuring veal and chicken entrees, making it versatile for both counter-service takeout and full-service family gatherings.
Cesare's Ristorante is located at 1407 Radcliffe Street in Bristol and operates Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM, with Sunday hours running 3 PM to 10 PM. The restaurant falls into a moderate price range of $15-30 per person, making it accessible for family dining and group gatherings without special-occasion pricing. Monday nights feature an $8 pizza special that draws crowds, though one reviewer noted that guests who order the special but don't finish their pizzas may be charged full price for one, so plan accordingly if ordering multiple pies. The restaurant serves both quick-service customers looking for thin-crust pizza to take home and sit-down diners enjoying full Italian entrees in the dining room. According to the restaurant, the kitchen prepares homemade soups, salad dressings, and pasta daily, with both imported and house-made pasta options available. The phone number is 215-788-3831 for questions about availability or large group accommodations, as Cesare's is noted as suitable for groups and family-friendly dining across multiple occasions from casual lunches to anniversary celebrations.
