Bella Vista, located south of Washington Square West from 6th Street to Broad Street from the southern side of South Street to Washington Avenue, offers a popular destination. Home to the Italian Market, an old world-style street bazaar where you can find fresh mozzarella, exotic spices, rare cuts of meat, Sarcone’s Bakery and the best Vietnamese food in town, the area is where many claim the best values in Center City can be found. Area residences are an eclectic mix of original, rehabbed and new as well as Philadelphia’s own "trinity" homes. The tree-lined streets are accented with pocket parks, new hip restaurants and old favorites like the Saloon and Dante & Luigi’s.

Continuing traditions in Bella Vista include: Isgro’s Pasticceria, Philadelphia’s oldest family-owned business established in 1904 by Maria & Crucificia Isgro, located at 1009 Christian Street and providing over 100 years of baking quality pastries! Their motto holds true “Times Change...Tradition Remains”. They have lovingly served Philadelphia’s families as well as stage and screen icons like Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti and Mario Lanza…just to name a few! Termini Bros was created in 1921 by two brothers from Sicily whose tireless work ethic created an empire steeped in tradition & quality supporting multiple generations. A cornerstone of the Italian Market is Esposito’s Meats with over 100 years and 4 generations of Espositos continuing the meat business. Stop by and visit: Ralph’s Restaurant, DiBruno’s Cheeses, Cannuli’s Meats, Lorenzo’s Pizza, Fante’s Gourmet & Kitchen Wares Shop and Superior Pasta Company. And don’t forget to try out Pat’s King of Steaks since 1930 or Geno’s Steaks and decide for yourself who rules the world of steak sandwiches, “wit or witout”!

A solid neighborhood with a strong community association, Bella Vista is the first choice for many who seek a strong sense of community with its annual festivals including the Italian Market and Bella Vista Festivals as well as its Arts & Cultural events - public concerts, coffeehouses, Mew Gallery, and Fleisher Art Memorial.