Nestled in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Murph’s stands out as a unique culinary gem, offering an unexpected yet delightful fusion of Irish pub charm and authentic Italian cuisine. This isn’t your typical pub fare; at Murph’s, you can pair a perfectly poured Guinness with a plate of handcrafted pasta, a testament to the city’s diverse food scene and the magic that happens when culinary worlds collide. This unexpected pairing is not just possible at Murph’s; it’s wholeheartedly encouraged.
The heart and soul behind Murph’s Italian kitchen is Chef Francesco Bellastelli. Hailing from Puglia, the picturesque heel of Italy’s boot, Francesco’s journey brought him to Philadelphia to be with his wife and her family. For the past five years, he has been the culinary force at Murph’s, crafting dishes that transport diners straight to the Italian countryside. Interestingly, Francesco’s connection to Murph’s began not in the kitchen, but at the bar. As he recounts (through his wife’s translation from Italian), “My neighbor, my wife’s cousin, and I were at Murph’s having a drink. They were regulars. I got hungry and wanted to eat, but the bar didn’t serve food.” This simple craving sparked an idea. He continues, “We eventually talked to one of the owners, and he said he had an empty kitchen downstairs and asked if I would be interested in renting it.”
This serendipitous conversation in 2014 led to a blossoming partnership between Francesco and Murph’s owners, Theresa and Greg Walton. The Waltons, with their open-minded approach, provided Francesco with the space to create, and in turn, gained a new wave of patrons drawn by the allure of authentic Italian Food In Philly. For Francesco, it was an opportunity to share the flavors of his beloved Puglia, serving up dishes like creamy burrata, delicate orecchiette, and zesty octopus salad within the cozy confines of an Irish pub.
“In the beginning, I think people would get confused,” Francesco reflects on the initial reactions of patrons encountering ravioli in an Irish pub setting. “But now they come for the Italian food and drinks.” Murph’s has evolved into a destination where the unexpected pairing is the main draw. Francesco expresses his gratitude, “I feel very fortunate that it has been so popular, and that I found Theresa and Greg. Without their open-mindedness, this probably wouldn’t have worked.” Indeed, the success of Murph’s is a testament to the Walton’s willingness to embrace the unconventional and Francesco’s culinary talent. Of course, the foundation of this success lies in the exceptional food itself.
Six days a week, Francesco dedicates himself to his craft, working tirelessly from morning until late night to prepare both classic and signature dishes. Seafood manicotti, the undisputed star of the menu, and Amatriciana, a personal favorite of the chef, are among the dishes that keep customers coming back for more. The food at Murph’s is characterized by its unpretentious nature; it’s about honest flavors and generous portions, served without the fuss of fine dining. And while rooted in Italian tradition, Francesco isn’t afraid to playfully blend his heritage with his Philly surroundings. On St. Patrick’s Day, he creatively merges Italian and Irish flavors by crafting ham and cabbage arancini, a delicious nod to both his roots and Murph’s Irish identity.
In a city celebrated for its diverse and dynamic food scene, Murph’s offers an experience that is both comforting and surprising. Where else in Philly can you savor exquisite Italian food while seated near a lamp shaped like Elvis Presley in a welcoming Irish pub atmosphere? Murph’s is a true embodiment of Philadelphia’s eclectic spirit, proving that sometimes the most delightful culinary experiences are found in the most unexpected places. For those seeking unique and delicious food in Philly, Murph’s is a must-visit destination.
