11 Delicious Things To Eat & Drink in the Italian Market
The best dishes, drinks and snacks from this quintessential slice of South Philly...
If you’re wandering through the quiet Philadelphia neighborhood of Bella Vista, you’re likely to stumble into the liveliness of the Italian Market .
At this quintessential slice of South Philly — located on 9th Street from Christian Street to Federal Street — visitors are greeted by vendors selling produce from stalls in the streets (Remember the classic scenes from the Rocky franchise?), butcher shops with cuts of meat adorning the windows and the smell of worldly dishes, from al pastor tacos to fresh seafood.
One of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country, the Italian Market dates back to the 1880s, when an Italian immigrant opened a boarding house on South 9th Street. These days, culture and cuisine offerings have expanded beyond Italy to include Mexican, Vietnamese, and Korean restaurants. Award-winning restaurants and neighborhood favorites have solidified the market as a can’t-miss foodie destination.
The Italian Market is a huge draw for locals and visitors alike thanks to its wealth of merchants and food establishments, all conveniently located within multiple SEPTA bus stops and a short walk from the Broad and Federal Streets stop on the Broad Street Line. (You might want to think twice about driving — parking spots are sparse.)
Because there are so many delectable dining experiences, it’s nice to have some guidance on where to begin. That’s where we come in! This list of the 11 most essential dishes is a non-comprehensive primer of the best the Italian Market has to offer. Come hungry — and thank us later.
Perhaps best known for her Italian Market-based taco shop South Philly Barbacoa, chef/owner/ James Beard Award winner Cristina Martinez expanded her delicious empire with Casa Mexico , which opened in 2020. Any menu item is sure to be a winner, but the pibil pork tacos, marinated in citrus, peppers and spices, then slowly roasted, are moist and packed with flavor.
Listen: We know the Cheesesteak Capital of Pat’s and Geno’s is right there , but many locals would advise you to get your cheesy, meaty fill at a spot like Angelo’s . The pizzeria whips up a mean pie, but their cheesesteak is the epitome of perfection: finely sliced steak, cheese (choices including Cooper Sharp, American, provolone or Cheez Whiz) on a housemade roll. Be prepared for a wait — and to pay with cash.
Brunchers, rejoice! For a spin on the popular eggs benedict, Queer Eye- approved Alma del Mar ( featured in season 5 of the hit Netflix show) loads the poached egg-English muffin dish with lobster meat. Don’t forget the home fries for dipping in leftover hollandaise sauce.
A relative newcomer to the neighborhood — it opened in late 2020 — Biederman’s Specialty Foods is a New York-style Jewish deli with nearly a dozen varieties of sliced salmon. The showstopper is the pastrami-spiced smoked salmon to top off a bagel with cream cheese.
The Italian Market is known for its fresh ingredients, and Anastasi Seafood offers the freshest catches for delivery or carryout. Sometimes you just need oysters for dinner and don’t feel like braving the crowds of other seafood spots. Here, you can just grab ’em and go.
This authentic Mexican eatery , with plenty of blue decor accents, serves all the essentials — ceviche, flautas, huarache, tortas, alambres — but it’s the blue tacos that steal the show. Served on blue corn tortillas, the pastor is topped with pineapple, bell peppers, cooked onions, melted Oaxaca cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Start your day off with a substantial hand-held courtesy of Gleaners Cafe . Tucked behind delightfully weathered doors, the cash-only coffee shop serves The Painkiller , a sandwich named after a Judas Priest song featuring scrambled eggs, cheddar and spicy ketchup on a bagel.
No culinary traveler’s trip would be complete without some caffeine. Inspired by authentic Italian cafes, the vibe at Anthony’s Italian Coffee House is relaxed and the house-made chocolates are aplenty. To get the full European experience, grab an espresso and a seat outside and take in the sights of the neighborhood.
Marc Vetri’s intimate pasta bar prominently features an old-school neon sign and a 220-pound solid-brass cash register, but the frequently changing menu of fresh pasta dishes are the main attraction. The ricotta gnocchi is rich, buttery and decadent.
The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
