At 261 South 17th Street in Center City, most who walk through the door are there for a sweet treat in the form of a gelato, but now, the space called Vita has debuted something a bit more savory and intimate behind closed doors.
An Italian restaurant is now housed in the space, with access only through a Ferrari red refrigerator door situated to the left of the gelato case. Vita itself is about 375 square feet, but owners/husband-and-wife team Massimo and Ana Boni had big plans when they realized the venue’s previous owner left a “hole in the wall” to be filled.
That resulted in the entrepreneurs conceiving a full-fledged restaurant with a dining room and bar, garden seating, a private dining area, and more. As a release notes, the restaurant, which has a liquor license along with a lively twist on a speakeasy vibe, will open to the public on Thursday, May 30.
“Getting the gelateria ready was a lot of work, and the planning and remodeling that went into transforming a restaurant space this big has been really intense,” said Massimo in a statement. “We’ve put a ton of hours into perfecting this space and making it our own with a vision we’ve had since the day we decided to open a restaurant. We’re excited to finally let our guests see what’s behind the red door.”
Reservations (no walk-ins at this time) will be available on Resy, and although the gelateria hours will remain the same for now (Tuesday through Sunday beginning at noon), the restaurant at Vita will operate Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.
The bar/eatery describes its opening menu as a playful balance of respecting tradition and spirited interpretations including a sprinkle of “life”, Vita style. Patrons will also be getting a taste of the gelato aspect of the business in the form of spiked sorbetto and gelato cocktails, which will evolve seasonally. Executive Chef Juan Luis Urdaneta will be manning the kitchen, with previous experience opening award-winning taco shops in Colombia, and a space called Flora, an Italian restaurant in Bogota, Colombia.
“Everything from the handwritten logo, the hands-on hospitality, and the homemade pasta is what makes the space come to life,” added Massimo.
The new concept will offer a variety of starters (priced at $8-$18), fresh pasta dishes ($21 to $26), and entrees ($32 to $42). Highlights include homemade focaccia, Stracciatella, a spicy Caesar salad, Nonna’s meatballs, Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, plus, “whimsical” interpretations on Bottoni and Balanzoni. Entrees standouts on the other hand include Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Chicken al Mattone, and a Sea Bass Puttanesca.
And at the bar? Patrons can find local spirits, upscale cocktails, plus wine selections from various regions of Italy, including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Venice. As for dessert, Vita’s gelato program has been led by Matthew Cocco since Day 1, and he will also play a vital role in the restaurant, the release also notes.
“Matt creates all of our gelato, and he is truly a master at his craft. He is an integral part of our entire operation, from the gelateria to the restaurant, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him,” said Ana in a statement.
“We also wouldn’t be as successful without the community’s reaction to our arrival, which has far exceeded our expectations, since we opened during the colder months last fall and winter. We’re so grateful for our relationship with the community, and we are excited to continue to see it growing each and every day with what Vita, in all its forms, has to offer.”
To learn more about the gelateria and restaurant, visit vitainphilly.com
