As one of the most historically significant cities in America, Philadelphia is also known for its rich history and legacy of Italian immigrants. Home to the second-largest Italian population in the United States, the city of brotherly love is filled with Italian institutions rooted in enduring stories of Italian immigrant founders. The next time you’re in Philadelphia, immerse yourself in Italian flavors and culture at the oldest Italian establishments that are still alive and well today.
St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church (1852)
Established in 1852 by Bishop John Neumann, St. Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Church was the first Italian Catholic church in the United States. Most of the original parishioners were northern Italian immigrants who immigrated to Philadelphia in the 18th century. Church leaders viewed the establishment of an Italian church as a way to strengthen the Catholic community as well as help immigrants assimilate to life in America. In 2000, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia merged St. Mary Magdalene and St. Paul's Parish, known today as the soul in the heart of the Italian market.
Ralph’s Restaurant (1900)
Francesco Dispigno opened Ralph’s restaurant in 1900 after immigrating to the United States and pouring his life savings into his first location on 901 Montrose Street. After much success, he relocated to South 9th Street. When Francesco passed away in the 1930s, his son Ralph took over the family business. Currently, Ralph’s is known to serve families and celebrities alike, with patrons such as Frank Sinatra and Taylor Swift. The restaurant is run by its fourth generation and maintains an enduring legacy.
9th Street Curb Market (1915)
Operating since 1915, the 9th Street Curb Market opened to cater to the new Italian community and has remained in the area to this day, with many of the present businesses tracing their origins to the first decade of the 20th century. You will hear the locals in Philly call it “the Italian market” since it’s located in the heart of the city’s Italian community.
Tacconelli Pizzeria (1921)
Giovanni Tacconelli immigrated to the United States in 1918 and wanted a piece of the American dream by opening his own bakery. With some new friends, he built a small brick oven that grew his bread-making business until the onset of World War II. In 1946, he turned to a recipe taught by his mother and began making tomato pies. Ultimately, this led him to open an old-school pizza joint still owned and operated by the fifth generation of Tacconelli’s.
Marra’s Cucina Italiana (1927)
Salvatore and Chiarna Marra immigrated to Philadelphia from Naples in 1920 with no savings and a big dream. For nearly 100 years, this well-known trattoria, famous for its amazing brick-oven-baked pizza, has been owned and operated by four generations of the Marra and D’Adamo families. Walk into this old-fashioned Philadelphia Italian restaurant that Philly food critics don’t even know about.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.