Vita in Rittenhouse Is Unveiling a New Italian Restaurant With an Alfresco Garden Hidden Behind This Red Fridge

Last October husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Massimo and Ana Boni opened the gelato shop Vita (261 S 17th) , which translates to “life” in Italian. Since Vita’s opening, the tiny 375-square foot space included a Ferrari red refrigerator door situated to the left of the gelato case, without anyone except the partners and their staff really knowing the significance the door will play in the business’ future.

Now, the Vita team is ready to showcase what’s behind the door — a full-fledged Italian restaurant featuring a stunning dining room and bar, garden seating, a private dining room, and more. The restaurant, which has a liquor license along with a lively twist on a speakeasy vibe, will open to the public on Thursday, May 30th. “Getting the gelateria ready was a lot of work, and the planning and remodeling that went into transforming a restaurant space this big has been really intense,” said Massimo. “We’ve put a ton of hours into perfecting this space and making it our own with a vision we’ve had since the day we decided to open a restaurant. We’re excited to finally let our guests see what’s behind the red door.”

While the gelateria hours will remain the same for now (Tuesday through Sunday beginning at noon), the restaurant at Vita will operate Thursdays from 5 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m. It will be available by reservations only which can be booked on Resy starting May 24th. The menu is a playful balance of respecting tradition and spirited interpretations including a sprinkle of “life”, Vita style. Vita also recently introduced a handful of spiked sorbetto and gelato cocktails, which will evolve seasonally.

Juan Luis Urdaneta has been tapped as the Executive Chef. Born in Venezuela, Urdaneta opened a number of award-winning taco shops in Colombia, and more notably, Flora, an Italian restaurant in Bogota, Colombia before moving to the U.S. Introduced through a friend of a friend of the Boni’s, Urdaneta moved to Philadelphia for this opportunity this spring.

Vita’s menu balances a respect for Italian tradition and the playful interpretation of some classics. “Everything from the handwritten logo, the hands-on hospitality, and the homemade pasta is what makes the space come to life,” noted Massimo. Starters are priced between $8 and $18, house-made fresh pasta dishes are $21 to $26, and entrees range from $32 to $42. Starters include homemade focaccia; Stracciatella; a spicy Caesar salad; and Nonna’s meatballs. Pasta dishes incorporate classical Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, as well as whimsical interpretations on Bottoni and Balanzoni. Entrees include Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Chicken al Mattone, and a Sea Bass Puttanesca.

The bar features a variety of locally crafted spirits, sophisticated cocktails, and wine selections from various regions of Italy, including Piedmont, Tuscany, and Venice.

Vita’s gelato program has been led by Matthew Cocco since Day 1, and he will also play a vital role in the restaurant. “Matt creates all of our gelato, and he is truly a master at his craft,” said Ana. “He is an integral part of our entire operation, from the gelateria to the restaurant, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him. We also wouldn’t be as successful without the community’s reaction to our arrival, which has far exceeded our expectations, since we opened during the colder months last fall and winter. We’re so grateful for our relationship with the community, and we are excited to continue to see it growing each and every day with what Vita, in all its forms, has to offer.”