New Italian Restaurant Set to Open in Old City Amid Growing Dining Scene
Genti Mataj, an Albanian-born restaurateur known for his culinary endeavors in the United States, is set to expand his business footprint in Philadelphia’s Old City. Mataj, who has successfully launched Osteria Ama in multiple locations including Chadds Ford, West Chester, and Rittenhouse Square, recently signed a ten-year lease for a new Italian restaurant, Trattoria Ponte Vecchio. This establishment will be situated at 118 Market Street, directly across from the Franklin Fountain, and is slated to open later this summer.
Having pursued a career in the restaurant industry since his early days working at Positano Coast and Spasso Italian Grill, Mataj now aims to introduce a broader menu to Ponte Vecchio. Unlike his previous establishments, this new venue will feature an array of offerings, including steaks, seafood, and classic Italian dishes, such as pizza. Notable preparations will include tableside services for Caesar salad and cacio e pepe, which will be served in a Parmesan cheese wheel, reflecting traditional Italian dining.
The interior of Ponte Vecchio will be designed to cater to different dining preferences, showcasing two unique atmospheres. One section will be characterized by a formal ambiance, complete with carpet and white tablecloths, while the other will offer a more casual setting with bare tabletops and tile flooring. Mataj emphasizes that dedication to traditional, house-made Italian cooking will be at the forefront of the restaurant’s offerings, and he intends to maintain reasonable prices—evident in his plan to keep popular dishes like Chicken Parmesan around .
In addition to food, Ponte Vecchio is set to pursue a limited liquor license in Pennsylvania, with plans to collaborate with local wineries and distilleries. The drink menu will focus on spritzes and lighter beverages, catering to a modern palate while staying true to Italian traditions.
Ponte Vecchio is part of a broader revitalization ongoing within Old City, coinciding with the completion of the Market Street Old City Improvement Project. The area is experiencing a surge in restaurant activity, with new establishments like Frame Philly, Qahwah House, and Monto on the rise, highlighting the evolving culinary landscape in this historic part of Philadelphia. Mataj’s expansion reflects a commitment to enriching the community’s dining experience, contributing to the momentum of the local dining scene.
As a well-connected figure in the industry, Mataj’s strategic decision to open Ponte Vecchio not only aims to capture the interest of locals but also to attract new visitors, further enhancing the appeal of Old City as a bustling dining destination.
