Sophia Scarboro (283)

Credits: Eyes Habit — Home

South Philly has been the heart of Italian food since Italian immigrants began coming to Philadelphia in the 1880s. Though many students at Central love to venture into Center City and the surrounding areas, many neglect the rich culture in South Philadelphia, which is right off of the subway. From the Italian Market and fresh Italian pastries to homemade authentic Italian bites, South Philly has much to offer. To help the Italian cuisine of South Philly be recognized by the students of Central, here is a list of my top picks for Central students and families to explore in South Philadelphia. 

Credits: myphillyalive.com

A Quick Bite: Angelo’s Pizzeria 

Looking for a quick bite on the way home from school? Angelo’s Pizzeria on Fitzwater and 9th Street is the perfect place to go! They have a wide variety of pizzas, spanning from the basics to uniquely delicious creations. They provide a large variety of sandwiches, including their own speciality, if you’re not in the pizza-y mood. The shop also offers different cheesesteaks and hoagies with their homemade bread. If you’re craving a quick slice, try the Pietro with mozzarella, ricotta, heirloom tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichokes, arugula, and arugula pesto or the Scoochamenz with roasted long hots, hot sausage, red onion, and topped with Mike’s Hot Honey. For their sandwiches, make sure to try The Pops hoagie with prosciutto, soppressata, dry-cured capicola, mortadella, and sharp provolone.

Credits: onlyinyourstate.com

Old-Fashioned Italian Feast: Ralph’s Italian Restaurant

Are you looking to experience the comfort of an old-fashioned, family-oriented Italian feast? Look no further, for Ralph’s Italian on Catharine and 9th Street is the perfect spot. As it is the oldest family-owned restaurant in the country, they have perfected Francesco Dispigno’s authentic Italian recipes over generations. The ambiance immerses you into what it would be like to have a celebratory dinner at your nonna’s house, creating a cozy, yet sophisticated, atmosphere. They have a wide variety of options from traditional Italian antipasto, comforting pastina soups, homemade Italian pasta dishes, to veal and seafood platters. I advise you to try their Mediterranean salad, hearts of artichoke on a bed of lettuce, and their original blush sauce Gnocchi. 

Credits: philadelphianeighborhoods.com

Perfect Eagles Game Seats: LaScala’s Birra

Eagles games are a central part of Philadelphians’ culture, prevalent on Fridays at Central when students and staff wear their midnight green gear to show their support for the Eagles. LaScala Birra, located on East Passyunk and 12th Street, is the perfect place for families to sit and enjoy the game. With bar food that has the perfect Italian twist, this is the ideal spot for any sports-viewer. The menu contains a wide selection, with something for everyone to try. My recommendations include the Fuggedaboutit fries with spicy Calabrian chili paste, topped with smoked mozzarella and hot cherry peppers to start, paired with the fried burrata, and finish off the night with the South Philly stromboli with chicken cutlet, mozzarella, broccoli rabe, and hot cherry peppers. 

Credits: tripadvisor.com

Half-Day Sweetness: Isgro’s Pastries 

Half-days provide the greatest joys and some of the best memories for Central students. Rather than rushing to finish homework after school, many students run to the subway to explore the city with their friends. To make these special days even sweeter, take a trip to Isgro’s Pastries on Christian and 10th Street! This establishment makes a large variety of authentic Italian pastries, cannolis, biscotti, and cookies. Each pastry is freshly handmade every day, making it the perfect bite to add some sugar back into the stressful weeks at Central High School. My recommendations include the homemade family recipe cannolis, the pesca con crema (peach pastry), and the mixed biscotti box to take home with you for the weekend to share with your family.