Set the scene.
Situated in the heart of Philly’s Midtown Village, Mulherin’s Pizzeria is the latest addition from Fishtown’s beloved Wm. Mulherin’s Sons. Helmed by Chef Sean McPaul, the cozy Italian pizzeria offers a selection of inventive wood-fired pizzas centered around its impressive wood-burning oven. The space features a rustic yet refined design, creating a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Styled by Method Co.’s in-house team, the pizzeria echoes the charm of its renowned sister establishment, sporting rustic, masculine saddle leather banquettes and reclaimed maple wood floors harmoniously complemented by whimsical wallpapers by Stacey Rozich. These theatrical, therianthropic designs showcase half-human, half-animal characters—foxes and bears dressed in suits, engaging in human activities like reading or sipping wine, adding a playful, artistic touch to the masculine space. Outside, a custom awning made from sage green and cream striped fabric offers year-round dining in the courtyard, surrounded by deep forest green planters.
Talk pizza to me.
Being a pizzeria in Philly—home of the famous cheesesteak—it’s no surprise that the focus here is on meat. While we could dive into a lengthy debate about Philly cheesesteaks, we’ll save that discussion for another time.
For a true taste of Philadelphia, try the Spicy Jawn. This pizza is a tribute to the city, featuring pepperoni, hot Copa, caciocavallo, sharp provolone, long hots, and tomato. If you’re a fan of hot honey, don’t miss the Sweet Jawn, which combines soppressata, mozzarella di Bufala, red pepper, fresh oregano, and a drizzle of tangy hot honey.
Those looking to lighten up their hearty meal should turn towards the Scarlet O’Hara, another one of their standout pies. It’s a white pizza, wood-fired with nduja, parsley, lemon, pecorino, and olive tapenade, providing a refreshing contrast to the meat-centric options.
What other plates are worth mentioning?
While the wood-fired pizzas are certainly a highlight, the appetizers and pasta dishes are equally deserving of your attention—so come hungry for this feast. First, try the three-piece arancini: fried rice balls filled with gooey arrabbiata and pecorino, served with a citrusy lemon aioli. You can’t go wrong with ordering burrata, and their version is complemented by pistachio pesto, white balsamic glaze, and strawberries for a touch of sweetness.
We recommend adding some greens from the ‘Garden’ section to complement the dairy-and-carb loading. The Broccolini, Little Gem Caesar, and Arugula salads all caught our eye. We opted for the classic Caesar, and it did not disappoint—the addition of watermelon radish and fennel added a classy touch to this staple dish.
If you want to go all in on the meat, ask for the Messinesi with spicy fennel sausage ragu and ricotta or the Rigatoni alla Carbonara with guanciale and black pepper.
Quick: Let’s touch on the drinks.
Visitors will be delighted with the libations available. There’s a lengthy list of cocktails, spirit-free drinks, and beers (canned, draft, and non-alcoholic), plus a curated wine selection ranging from reds and whites to sparkling and skin-contact varieties.
We opted for the spirit-free Etna’s Reprieve, a refreshing Aperol spritz-inspired drink (sans Aperol and Prosecco) served in a sizeable wine glass. Its neon orange hue is a blend of Dhos orange, vanilla, lemon, and tonic. We were also intrigued by the Lover’s Quarrel (pictured above), crafted with coconut-washed tequila, ambrosia, Campari, lemon, grapefruit, and sage, but ultimately decided to be kind to our liver.
Any last words?
Look no further than Mulherin’s Pizzeria if you’re searching for a new boozy brunch spot on a sunny day. The restaurant pairs its regular pizza and pasta menu with enticing brunch specialties, such as warm chocolate or almond croissants, French toast topped with hazelnuts and banana, and a DIY eggs Benedict where you can choose between prosciutto or smoked salmon as your protein base.
Top Takeaways
Location: East Market, Philadelphia
Address: 1175 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
Cuisine: American Italian
Price Point: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes – Resy
The vibe: A rustic yet refined Italian pizzeria nestled in the heart of Philly’s East Market neighborhood.
Our favorite thing on the menu: The Spicy Jawn pizza truly impressed us.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., while brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner is offered Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
