PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia dining scene is about to get a highly anticipated infusion of Northern Italian culture. James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin and her acclaimed High Street Hospitality Group are gearing up for the August 18 soft opening of Bar Cicci (pronounced: CHEE-chee), a new neighborhood café and aperitivo bar set to debut along Rittenhouse's vibrant culinary corridor.
Inspired by Yin's extensive travels through Milan and Venice, Bar Cicci is designed to capture the daily rituals of Italian life. The concept functions as an all-day destination, encouraging guests to embrace the European rhythm of returning throughout the day—whether it's lingering over a morning espresso, grabbing a midday bite, or settling in for evening conversation over spritzes.
A Menu that Transitions with the Day
Helmed by High Street Hospitality Group Culinary Director Christina McKeough, the menu at Bar Cicci is a thoughtful reflection of its all-day format.
Morning & Daytime Fare: The early hours focus on expertly crafted espresso paired with a seasonally rotating selection of house-baked pastries and daytime specialties. Standout items to look forward to include:
- Cannoli Cruffin: A creative and decadent pastry fusion.
- Budino di Riso: A comforting Italian rice pudding.
- Savory Bites: Authentic Pizza Bianca and Sfilatino.
The Aperitivo Hour: As the afternoon fades into evening, the café seamlessly shifts into a buzzing aperitivo bar. The evening menu highlights the Venetian tradition of cicchetti (small snacks and side dishes), featuring carefully curated plates of cheeses, seasonal vegetables, fresh fish, and freshly sliced salumi.
To complement the evening fare, the beverage program offers a robust selection of wine, classic spritzes, and Negronis. For those looking for a bolder sip, the Martini Sporco is sure to become a fast favorite—a savory, umami-forward vodka martini garnished with a pickled onion and anchovy.
With its focus on high-quality ingredients, traditional Italian hospitality, and an inviting atmosphere, Bar Cicci is poised to be a standout addition to the city's food and drink landscape.
Bar Cicci officially begins its soft-opening phase on Tuesday, August 18.
