As The Triangle approaches its first centennial, Philadelphia’s oldest family-owned bakery is celebrating an even sweeter milestone. Since opening its doors in 1904, Isgro Pastries has been quietly perfecting the art of Italian sweets, churning out small batches of handmade desserts that generations have come to crave. Founder Mario Isgro brought his pastry prowess from Italy, planting roots in the Italian Market and quickly earning a reputation for impossibly fresh cannoli, traditional Italian cookies, and a display case that tempts all with irresistible dolci. More than a century later, the ovens are still warm, and the legacy lives on.
Today, Mario’s grandson Gus Sarno, the fourth generation to run the bakery, is at the helm. Having grown up behind the counter, Gus continues the family tradition with the same pride and prestige that built Isgro’s name as a cornerstone Philadelphia panetteria. His sons, Michael and A.J., help keep the operation thriving: A.J. himself has Drexel spirit in his veins as a former Drexel dragon.
While the streets, the crowds, and the city have evolved, Isgro has remained steadfastly true to its roots. That unwavering commitment to quality is one of the many reasons why customers keep coming back. On weekends, the line spills out the door, a mix of locals who grew up with Isgro birthday cakes and visitors eager to try the legendary torrone.
The accolades are many, and rightly so; throughout the years, they have won countless awards. Most recently, in 2024, they were nominated for the Outstanding Bakery award by the James Beard Foundation. You cannot live in Philadelphia without trying some of their bestsellers. The chocolate chip ricotta cookie is a standout and tops the list of Philly desserts. Their cannoli are another crowd-pleaser. From traditional ricotta to more nuanced chocolate, individually they are hand-filled to order and dusted with powdered sugar. Creamy, decadent, and sweet, each satisfying crunch leaves you wanting more. Legend has it that only three people in the world know this secret family recipe, and one bite is enough to understand why.
Getting there from Drexel’s campus is a worthwhile venture. Take the L to 11th Street, then enjoy a leisurely 20-minute walk to Christian Street, a peaceful stroll that passes Seger Park and the Philadelphia Magic Gardens along the way. When you spot the bold red, white, and green sign, you will know you have arrived. As soon as you step inside, you will find yourself in sweet-treat heaven: crisp sfogliatelle, pillowy donuts, melt-in-your-mouth rainbow cookies; the options are plentiful! It is a delicious dilemma where no matter what you pick, you will leave happy.
So, as The Triangle marks a milestone birthday, what better way to celebrate than with mouthwatering sweets, each crafted with love, tradition, and more than 100 years of history baked into every bite.