Bastia Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Fishtown

Bastia, a leisurely cafe by day and coastal Mediterranean restaurant by night at Hotel Anna & Bel in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, will open to the public on August 15.

Interior of Bastia in Fishtown.Photo byBirch Thomas

A partnership between celebrated chef and restaurateur Tyler Akin of Form-Function Hospitality and Foyer Project, Bastia draws culinary inspiration from the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, anchored by the coastal cuisines of Corsica and Sardinia.

Bastia celebrates the cuisines of the Mediterranean, pulling inspiration from the shores of Corsica and Sardinia. Chef-Partner Tyler Akin (he/him) forges his point of view from his ongoing tenure as Chef-Partner at the renowned French brasserie Le Cavalier at the historic HOTEL DU PONT, his previous ownership of Res Ipsa in Philadelphia–recognized as one of Bon Appétit’s "Best New Restaurants in America"– and his time cooking at DC’s beloved Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Komi.

The food at Bastia in Fishtown.Photo byBirch Thomas

Akin’s deep immersion in French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines is underscored by his extensive travels throughout these regions, including a recent trip in January to Corsica and Sardinia. During his travels, he immersed himself in the vibrant atmosphere of the islands, strolling through the fish and bottarga vendors at the San Benedetto Market and delving into the art of sheep’s milk cheese-making.

“Our talented team is eager to explore some less-familiar corners of the Mediterranean and chart a course that feels fresh,” shared Akin. “With food and drinks alike, we want to take our guests off the beaten path just a bit and dive into the bright, nuanced flavors of these rugged and beautiful islands.”

To complement Bastia’s food, Akin has teamed up with Beverage Director Benjamin Kirk (they/them) to develop a drinks menu brimming with breezy and playful riffs on classic aperitivos and cocktails. Ben brings a dynamic lens to the bar, having worked at acclaimed establishments Cure, Morcilla, and Bar Marco in Pittsburgh before their recent role as Beverage Manager at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons in Philadelphia. Ben’s background and creativity shine through in their Bastia creations, anchored by a back bar spotlighting small-batch spirits and natural wine labels from the coastal Mediterranean regions like Sardinia and the Greek Isles.

Bastia’s bar program is sustainably focused. It leverages kitchen byproducts to minimize waste and implements super juices to yield eight times as much juice per fruit. Traditional Corsican and Sardinian ingredients like citrus and chestnuts round out the beverage list’s connection to the Mediterranean.

Bastia is currently accepting reservations ahead of its August 15 opening. From Wednesday to Sunday, Bastia will open its bar at 4 PM and serve dinner from 5 to 10 PM. Brunch will be served from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday breakfast and lunch will be available in the weeks to follow.

Bastia is located at 1401 E. Susquehanna Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19125.

Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning freelance food and travel news reporter who champions the food and drink scenes of the greater Mid-Atlantic region and occasionally beyond. She is a USAToday 10Best Food & Travel Expert, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier, and founder of So Good PR. Email Marilyn at phillygrub@gmail.com with food and travel news.