Isgro Pastries

Introduction / Overview

For over a century, the aroma of butter, sugar, and old-world tradition has wafted down Christian Street, drawing generations of Pennsylvanians to one cherished destination: Isgro Pastries. Established in 1904 by Sicilian immigrant Mario Isgro, this historic pasticceria has grown from a humble neighborhood bake shop into a James Beard–nominated landmark right off the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia. Now managed by the fourth generation of the family, Isgro Pastries is far more than just a bakery; it is a living piece of Philadelphia's cultural and culinary history, a true testament to the enduring appeal of handmade, small-batch Italian sweets.

Isgro Pastries has perfected the art of indulgence, offering an array of Italian-American classics and custom creations. While the counters are filled with a colorful collection of irresistible cakes, cookies, and pastries, the undisputed superstar remains the award-winning cannoli. Customers often testify that these cannoli—crisp-shelled and fresh-filled with traditional ricotta, vanilla, or chocolate cream—are arguably the best outside of Italy. The passionate commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bite, as the family still uses time-honored techniques, like cutting cannoli shells on a century-old Carrara marble table.

The dedication to their craft is matched only by their loyalty to the community. Isgro’s story is one of consistent quality, where the recipes remain closely guarded family secrets, ensuring that the rum cakes, pignoli cookies, and sfogliatelle taste exactly as they did a hundred years ago. The bakery operates with a 'take-a-number' charm and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every quick visit feel like a special pilgrimage. For Pennsylvania residents, Isgro Pastries is the go-to spot for everything from a daily treat to spectacular custom wedding cakes, embodying the passion and precision baked into the Italian way of life.

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Location and Accessibility

Isgro Pastries is situated in the heart of Philadelphia's vibrant and food-centric Italian Market neighborhood, a historic and bustling destination in South Philly. The exact location is:

1009 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

The bakery's location near the Italian Market makes it a cornerstone of the neighborhood's culinary scene. Customers planning a visit should be prepared for a busy, lively environment typical of this famous area. Accessibility information for local Pennsylvania users includes the following:

• Parking: Customers can typically find free street parking, though as with any popular urban area, this can be competitive.
• Transit: The location is highly accessible via Philadelphia's public transportation network.
• Planning: Due to its popularity, the bakery can experience lines, and it is often best for a quick visit, but the exceptional quality of the sweets makes any wait worthwhile.

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Services Offered

Isgro Pastries is a full-service pasticceria, offering a comprehensive range of options for every occasion, big or small. Their commitment to convenience for local and distant customers includes:

• In-Store Shopping: The main retail experience, where customers can select from the wide array of fresh pastries, cookies, and cakes on display.
• Custom Cakes and Wedding Cakes: Offering both classic and custom-designed cakes for all major events, including signature flavors like All-Butter Pound Cake and Lemon Pound Cake. To-go tastings are offered to assist with the planning process.
• Takeout: All items, from single cannoli to trays of cookies, are available for quick and convenient takeout.
• Delivery and Onsite Services: Delivery and onsite services are available, accommodating large orders for events and ensuring seamless service.
• In-Store Pickup: Customers can easily pick up pre-ordered custom cakes, wedding cakes, and other large orders.
• Nationwide Shipping: Select made-to-order classics, including the legendary cannoli, are available to be shipped anywhere in the U.S. via services like Goldbelly, allowing Pennsylvanians to share their favorite local treats.

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Features / Highlights

• Legendary Cannoli: The top-selling item, made from a secret family recipe. Shells are fried until bubbly and crunchy, then fresh-filled to order with traditional ricotta and chocolate chips, vanilla cream, or rich chocolate cream.
• Historic Legacy: A fourth-generation, family-owned institution operating since 1904 from its original Christian Street location, recognized as an Italian Market landmark.
• Award-Winning Cookies: Renowned for their Italian cookies, especially the best-selling, pillowy, and delicate Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies, alongside classics like Pignoli, Sfogliatelle, and Almond Macaroons.
• Handmade, Old-World Craftsmanship: Products are made in small batches using traditional methods, including the use of Mario Isgro’s original Carrara marble table for cutting cannoli shells.
• Diverse Cake Selection: Beyond custom creations, the menu includes specialty cakes such as Italian Rum Cake, Tiramisu Cake, Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, and the unique Chocolate Strawberry Banana Mousse Cake.
• Payments: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a quick checkout.
• Community Focus: Engages in community giving, supporting local organizations like St. Paul’s church and Little League teams.

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Contact Information

To experience a piece of Philadelphia history or to discuss your next custom cake order, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1009 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Phone: (215) 923-3092

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What is Worth Choosing

For Pennsylvania residents and visitors alike, choosing Isgro Pastries is an immersion into a tradition of excellence that few other bakeries can claim. The primary reason to visit, as countless patrons attest, is the world-class cannoli. These are not mass-produced; they are an icon, fresh-filled to ensure the shell remains perfectly crisp and the filling is at its creamiest peak. As one connoisseur customer noted, Isgro's cannoli often surpass those found in Italy itself.

Beyond the cannoli, Isgro Pastries shines as the definitive source for authentic Italian cookies and pastries. Their Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cookies are a best-seller, celebrated for their moist, delicate texture. Whether you are stocking up for a holiday gathering or seeking the perfect accompaniment to an espresso, the quality of their biscotti, sfogliatelle, and butter cookies is unmatched, embodying the phrase, “the best Italian cookies I’ve ever had in my life.”

The bakery's enduring legacy—over 120 years of continuous family operation—means that every purchase supports a cornerstone of the Italian Market community. It’s a place where you receive a genuine, old-world experience, from the classic setting to the friendly service. When you are looking for a dessert to make a lasting impression, whether it’s an intricately designed wedding cake or a box of iconic pastries, Isgro Pastries provides a consistently exceptional, high-quality, and deeply authentic taste of Italy right here in Pennsylvania.

Isgro Pastries

1009 Christian St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA