Video by Carter Hiyama
Two and a half decades of influential, unforgettable Italian cuisine on Spruce Street.
Since opening in 1998, acclaimed Chef Marc Vetri has built a fine dining experience rooted in Italian tradition, while constantly pushing the boundaries of flavor, craft, and hospitality.
Tucked inside a historic Philadelphia townhouse, Chef Vetri’s multi-course menu is a reflection of Italian sensibility—honoring tradition, highlighting seasonal local ingredients, and showcasing refined technique. Some of the standout dishes include spinach gnocchi in sage brown butter, house-milled polenta, and seasonal pastas that evolve with each visit.
But it’s not just the food or the history that defines Vetri Cucina—it’s the hospitality. Chef Vetri and his team have created a space where intention is felt in every detail. The hand-pulled espressos before each service aren’t just a ritual—they’re a reflection of care, a moment to center, connect, and honor the experience of gathering. This deep commitment to craft and community is what makes Vetri Cucina so special.
Video by Carter Hiyama
Look around the restaurant and you’ll find more details made by hand. Chef Vetri started hand-painting menus in October 2001, and his first creation still hangs on the wall today as a framed reminder of how the tradition began.
What started as a thoughtful gesture of hospitality—creating a 4-course menu for guests who didn’t have time for the full tasting—evolved into a tradition of imperfect, abstract forks that now serve as a signature on every menu.
It reflects the same attention to detail that defines the legendary Philly Cucina’s craft: Precise, personal, and deeply intentional.
It’s never just about the food for Chef Vetri. It’s about creating an experience where everything, even the menu in your hand, tells a story. Because when you care about the small things, it sets the precedent for everything that follows.
After 25+ years, Vetri Cucina remains one of the most respected restaurants because every detail—from the pastas to the paper—still matters today.
