Have you been to Bacio yet? They took over the space at 700 Bethlehem Pike in Erdenheim last summer. (You know the one - Fingers, Roberto's, Leila's, Southern Bell...) 

​​​​​​​As big fans of Bacio in Mt. Airy, we were excited to welcome the restaurant to Springfield!  We spent a few hours there the other night enjoying an excellent meal and the lively company of Jay Saponaro and his staff while getting the full scoop on what Bacio is all about.

About Bacio

Jay is 100% Italian. His family is from the island of Ischia off of Naples and south of Rome. His grandparents emigrated from Italy in the late 1800s due to a Volcano eruption in their town. He was born and raised in South Philadelphia to parents who also were born and raised in South Philly.

His love of cooking and entertaining was formed as a child when he helped prepare meals and set the table. Entertaining and large gatherings were commonplace in his home.

Jay started in the restaurant business as a dishwasher in1978 when he was 16 years old in Brigantine, NJ. With the help of family he bought the restaurant where he worked when he was 19. It was a successful venture. He had it for five years. He moved to Philly in 1991 and got involved with real estate. Having always loved cooking he was drawn back in 2006 when he rented a space on Mt. Pleasant in Mt. Airy and opened Bacio. He was there until 2017 when the owners decided to sell the building. His new location is a great fit allowing him to introduce his cooking to new customers in Springfield while still serving his Mount Airy devotees. He’s fortunate - some of his customers come to eat a few times a week.

Bacio offers an excellent variety of seafood, pasta, chicken and vegetarian options. Many of his dishes are old family recipes passed down generation to generation - meat and cheese lasagnas, raviolis, ricotta pie, tiramisu, and broccoli raab to name a few. Jay is also inspired by new recipes and techniques. Everything is made to order and homemade - even the amazing desserts. Customers can expect to stay awhile as their meal is prepared. It is Jay's hope that people embrace the Italian tradition of slow eating and enjoy their dining experience.

He thinks the key to good Italian cooking is how one buys ingredients. He shops everyday on 9th Street in South Philly - buying everything fresh and in season from fish and meat to vegetables and fruit.

It is a BYOB so bring your own wine or if you like you can also order Cardinal Hollow wine and a good selection of Pennsylvania beer and spirits.

Jay is thrilled to be in the neighborhood and wants to make the people of Springfield happy. The restaurant is charming, comfortable, and warm. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. On the night we went Tim and James were our servers and they were awesome. Mike was on the ready with bread and water. We even met Nick the dishwasher who was celebrating his 17th birthday. All of the staff were friendly, engaging, and responsive.

Details

• Reservations are easy to be made through Open Table.
• BYOB or PA wine, beer, spirits available
• They are open six days a week at 5pm.
• Mondays are closed but can be open for private events up to 40 people
• Open for parties of 20 at anytime or on days opened can host parties up to 40 if out by 5. Family style catered meals available
• Jay is planning a Friday summer series beginning in June for happy hour on Friday night with live music - stay tuned for details

Give Jay a call - he is happy to talk to anyone about their special event needs (215) 248-2740.

What Do You Love Most About the Neighborhood?

The people in Springfield have been friendly and welcoming. We are excited to be a part of this vibrant community!