PHILADELPHIA - Less than 18 months after launching the highly successful modern Italian spot Corio in University City, the veterans of Greg Vernick's restaurant empire are expanding. Chef David Feola, front-of-house professional Ryan Mulholland, and beverage specialist James Smith—collectively known as The Corio Group—have officially opened Corte Oven & Bar for dinner service at 1175 Ludlow Street in East Market.
The Concept and the Oven
In a witty twist of hospitality irony, the new restaurant takes over the former home of Mulherin's short-lived Pizza expansion, inheriting a massive wood-fired oven in the process. While Corio made a significant mark with its high-end pizzas topped with ingredients like braised rabbit and smoked cheddar, Corte is pivoting entirely. The new East Market joint serves no Pizza, instead focusing the kitchen's energy on Italian small plates, roasted vegetables, and robust wood-fired entrees.
A Wood-Fired Menu
Chef David Feola has designed the entire culinary program around the dining room's central oven. Standout small plates include wood-roasted leeks paired with a lemon aioli and vichyssoise purée, charred broccoli with chimichurri and Gruyère crisps, and bucatini with blistered tomatoes. Even the salad dressings incorporate smoky elements.
For larger plates, the menu leans into rich, savory profiles. Highlights include a Maryland crab risotto blackened with squid ink and tossed with oyster mushrooms, sea bream served in a charred tomato puttanesca, and roasted chicken flavored with capers and anchovy. Feola is also bringing over Corio's wildly popular arancini with chicory salad, alongside a full roster of dinner-service sandwiches.
Italian Spirits and Service
To cut through the rich, smoky flavors coming out of the kitchen, Beverage Manager Chris Gueye has curated a cocktail program heavily focused on Italian spirits, bitters, and vermouth. The bar will sling a heavy rotation of Negronis, martinis, and spritzes, backed by an old-world wine list featuring big-bodied reds.
Corte Oven & Bar officially opens for dinner service tonight, with lunch operations slated to launch once the team settles into the new space. Reservations are currently available.
Share This Article on Social Media