The Philadelphia Italian Market is where you can experience a long-time shopping and dining tradition that is rooted in our immigrant history. For over 100 years, the bustling outdoor market and adjacent shops have served Philadelphians. Many of the original Italian shops and restaurants are still here and this is certainly where you should come if you want top-notch homestyle meatballs and gravy in Philly.
In more recent times, immigrant demographics have changed in the neighborhood. Now you will find some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city here as well. You’ve got to try tortillas from Tortilleria San Roman!
While visiting you can expect to see lots of fruit and vegetable stalls lining the sidewalks, and an array of restaurants and shops peddling a variety of things, from homemade pasta to vintage furniture to kitchen wares.
I love coming here to stroll around and people watch, and on warm days many of the restaurants set up tables right in the street, giving the neighborhood a festive atmosphere.
The heart of Philadelphia’s Italian Market is on South 9th Street between Wharton and Fitzwater Streets. If you are coming from Center City, take the Broad Street Line to Ellsworth Federal and walk down Washington Street to 9th.
