The Italian Market

The story

The Italian Market is the product of South Philadelphia's Italian immigrant community, which settled densely in this neighborhood beginning in the 1880s. Vendors began selling from pushcarts on 9th Street, and the market grew organically as more families arrived and established businesses. Unlike Reading Terminal Market's formal indoor structure, the Italian Market is entirely outdoors — open-air stalls line both sides of 9th Street, with vendors operating under canvas awnings regardless of weather.

The market runs along 9th Street from Washington Avenue south to Mifflin Street, with the heart of the action between Christian and Mifflin. The blocks have evolved over the decades — there are now Mexican, Vietnamese, and other vendors alongside the original Italian ones — but the market's core character remains South Philly Italian.

Di Bruno Bros.

The single most essential stop in the Italian Market. Founded in 1939 by Danny and Joe Di Bruno, the shop has grown from a modest corner store into an internationally recognized authority on cheese and charcuterie. The original 9th Street location retains its neighborhood shop character while stocking an encyclopedic selection of imported and domestic cheeses, cured meats, olives, and prepared foods.

Fante's Kitchen Shop

One of America's truly great kitchen supply stores, operating at the same address since 1906. If you cook seriously, this is a required stop — the selection of Italian and European kitchen equipment is extraordinary, the prices are fair, and the staff actually know what everything is for.