In Philadelphia’s Little Italy, officially called Bella Vista, the Italian Market offers a sensory feast of sights, smells, and flavors that has delighted food lovers for generations, writes Bridget Gleeson for the Islands.
One of the nation’s oldest open-air markets, also known as the South 9th Street Market, stretches for over 20 blocks. It is lined with colorful fruit stands that overflow with fresh produce, fragrant Italian bakeries, butchers, aromatic spice merchants, European-style gourmet food shops, and cozy family-run eateries. Visitors turning any corner are certain to find something delicious, unique, and memorable.
Di Bruno Bros., the landmark cheese and charcuterie shop, first opened at the Italian Market in 1939. Its welcoming staff happily offers samples of their products, ranging from bright green, briny Castelvetrano olives to bold Pecorino Romano.
The south side of the market is home to Termini Brothers Bakery. Dating back to the 1920s, this old-school, family-run Italian pastry shop makes some of the city’s finest, freshly baked biscotti and cannoli.
There are also a growing selection of vibrant Asian and Hispanic food options with places like Fiorella, Mawn, and South Philly Barbacoa, further enriching the market and making it more diverse and exciting than ever.
Read more about the sights, flavors, and vibes that can be found in Philadelphia’s Italian Market in the Islands.
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