Philadelphia’s Center City welcomes a new culinary destination that transports diners straight to the bustling bars of Milan. Bar Cicci, located on Sansom Street, opened this week as an all‑day aperitivo café, delivering the Italian tradition of pre‑dinner drinks and small bites to local residents.
Owner’s Vision
Owner Ellen Yin describes the concept as “a little love, a little bite.” The name “cicci” is the plural of “cicco,” a term she uses to convey the modest, flavorful morsels known in Italy as cicchetti. Yin says she wants patrons to feel as if they have stepped into an Italian bar, away from the stress of daily life.
Traditional Aperitivo Offerings
Bar Cicci’s menu reflects the classic aperitivo ritual. Guests can begin with a range of beverages—from a crisp martini to an espresso or a “shakerato,” an Italian iced coffee made by shaking hot espresso, simple syrup and ice in a cocktail shaker. The bar also serves a signature “cannoli cruffin,” which stuffs cannoli cream inside a croissant‑like dough.
For the small bites, Yin reports more than twenty varieties, including prosciutto, assorted cured meats, cheeses, and inventive creations such as pistachio‑filled cornetti and mortadella‑stuffed pastries. She notes that the selection is robust enough to compose an entire dinner if desired.
Morning and Lunch Options
Morning visitors can enjoy traditional Italian coffee paired with a cornetto, the Italian counterpart to a croissant, offered with fillings like pistachio, mortadella, or the sweet cream‑filled “maritozzo.” Around lunchtime, the menu expands to include sandwiches and additional savory snacks, maintaining the aperitivo spirit throughout the day.
Inspiration from Italy
The concept stems from Yin’s recent travels to Venice and Milan, where she and her team embarked on a “cicchetti tour.” Inspired by the vibrant bar culture they experienced, they returned to Philadelphia with a vision to recreate the colorful, convivial atmosphere of Italian cafés.
Bar Cicci’s décor and service aim to mirror the lively, social environment of Italy’s pre‑dinner gatherings, encouraging conversation and community connection. By offering both classic and inventive dishes, the venue seeks to appeal to longtime fans of Italian cuisine as well as newcomers eager to explore the aperitivo tradition.
Community Impact
Beyond its culinary offerings, Bar Cicci adds to Center City’s growing roster of dining establishments that prioritize experience and cultural authenticity. The opening provides new employment opportunities and contributes to the neighborhood’s economic vitality, aligning with Philadelphia’s broader efforts to support local businesses and enrich the city’s cultural landscape.
Whether stopping by for a quick espresso, a leisurely afternoon snack, or an evening drink, Philadelphians now have a convenient spot to enjoy the timeless Italian ritual of aperitivo without leaving the city.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
