Lark
Twin elevators whisk diners to this seventh-floor restaurant overlooking the Schuylkill River, with Manayunk hugging the banks on the other side. The outdoor deck provides the best views outside the city. Inside, mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows capture stunning glimpses. 611 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd, (484) 434-8766, larkpa.com.
La Porta Ristorante
The Tuscan fries are a longtime customer favorite at this charming out-of-the-way tavern. Deep-fried russet potatoes are tossed with roasted eggplant and peppers, then topped with garlic aioli and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. 1192 Middletown Road, Media, (610) 358-5104, laportarestaurant.com.
Teresa’s Cafe and Next Door Bar
124 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 293-9909, teresas-cafe.com
Gemelli Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Cafe
12 W. Market St., West Chester, (484) 557 8482, gemelligelato.com
Sorelle Cucina
Ready-to-grab creative creations at this family-owned gem include mushroom Florentine lasagna with white sauce, mac-and-cheese cups, and Italian wedding soup. Jarred sauces, tapenade and pesto are also available. 30 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (484) 994-9316, sorellecucina.com.
The Refectory
Seeing as the Refectory is in the heart of the Villanova University campus, getting a seat at the bar can be a challenge during the school year. For the rest of us, summer is the time to sample a $7 happy hour menu featuring oysters, mini-burger sliders, Mahi tacos, deviled eggs and flatbreads. The bar offers a few under-$10 co*cktails, plus discounted beer and wine. 862 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, (610) 519-5786, refectorynova.com.
Tavola Restaurant + Bar
400 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, (610) 543-2100, tavolas.com
The Couch Tomato Café
31 W. Gay St., West Chester, (484) 887-0241, thecouchtomato.com
Pomod’oro Pizza and Italian Restaurant
200 Chestnut St., Downingtown, (610) 873-0405, pomodorodowningtown.com
Chester Springs Creamery
521 E. Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs, (610) 363-8500, chesterspringscreamery.com
Saffron Indian Kitchen
Consistent quality and flavor make Saffron our go-to. The butter chicken and tikka masala are superior standards, along with a spicy lamb vindaloo and shrimp biryani. Or make a dinner out of hearty apps like the vegetable samosa (turnovers stuffed with diced potatoes and peas) and gobi manchurian (battered cauliflower pieces cooked in a sweet-and-sour sauce). And don’t forget the naan. 145 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, (484) 278-4112, saffronofphilly.com.
Teikoku Restaurant
5492 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 644-8270, teikokurestaurant.com
Critics’ Choice: co*cktails
Two Fourteen
Two Fourteen’s classic and seasonal craft co*cktails here are consistently engaging and pair well with chef Michael Hackett’s plates. We love the spicy, seasonal Wild Fire. And beverage director Jeremy Winkler is always happy to share the ins and outs of spirits, syrups and garnishes. 214 W. State St., Media, (724) 904-9139, twofourteenrestaurant.com.
Critics’ Choice: Key Lime Pie
Catherine’s Restaurant
A bit of fresh coconut in the crust makes this version stand out. Savor a summer evening with a slice in the garden patio out back. 1701 W. Doe Run Road, Kennett Square, (610) 347-2227, catherinesrestaurant.com.
Korean Cuisine
Bam Bam Kitchen
31 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (484) 844-7827, order.bambamkitchen.com
Kosher Cuisine
Hymie’s
342 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, (610) 668-3354, hymies.com
Late-Night Menu
Appetites on Main
286 Main St., Exton, (610) 594-2030, appetitesonmain.com
Local Purveyor
The Farm at Doe Run
Available in local stores. Unionville, facebook.com/thefarmatdoerun.
Critics’ Choice: Local Purveyor
Birchrun Hills Farm
We’re fans of the farm’s year-round Friday happy hour event that brings other local purveyors together with the general public to sip and socialize. Cheeses, breads and snacks are available for purchase, and the neighboring Le Garage Winery serves its current blends. What a perfect way to start the weekend. 1020 Davis Lane, Chester Springs, (484) 798-4023, birchrunhillsfarm.com.
Locally Sourced Produce
Gentile’s Fruit Market
252 Mary Jane Lane, Newtown Square, (610) 356-9755, gentileproduce.com
Lunch
Brick & Brew
31 E. Eagle Road, Havertown, (484) 455-7250, bricknbrewpub.com
Critics’ Choice: Mac and Cheese
La Cabra Brewing Smokehouse
If mac and cheese had its own national holiday, this is where we’d celebrate. Four decadent versions of the ultimate comfort food are served here. Gouda cheese provides the smokey bump to regular, brisket, pulled-pork and truffle-infused varieties. 810 Glenbrook Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 526-2337, lacabrabrewing-smokehouse.com.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Estia Taverna
222 N. Radnor Chester Road, Wayne, (484) 581-7124, estiarestaurant.com
Critics’ Choice: Mediterranean Cuisine
Damas Mediterranean Grill
Locals swear by this counter-service joint and its shawarma, kebabs, hummus, muhammara and tzatziki—all fresh and flavorful. The falafel packs a serious crunch, and the baklava (pistachio or walnut) has just the right honeyed sweetness. Note: No BYOB. 260 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, (484) 873-3835, damasgrill.com.
Critics’ Choice: Mexican Cakes
Deisy’s Cake Shop
Working out of Panaderia Estrella bakery, pastry chef Deisy Tapia offers some sweet lessons in authenticity with Spanish names like Beso De Angel, Choco Queso and Arroz Con Leche. The traditional milk cakes are round or square. Call in advance to secure six-, eight- or 10-inch sizes. 315 W. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 444-1419, panaderiaestrella.com.
Mexican Cuisine
Taco Mar
122 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 455-1400, tacomar.com
Critics’ Choice: Mexican Cuisine
Fridas Mexican Grill
For almost two years, Fridas has been stationed in the food court of the near-vacant Exton Mall. Don’t let the location fool you. The made-to-order menu means a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it. The slow-cooked beef brisket tacos melt in the mouth. Any burrito is a sound choice, and don’t leave without a churro to go. 276 Exton Square Mall, Exton, (484) 703-9502.
Critics’ Choice: Mocktails
The Volstead by Unity
“Zero-proof nights lead to perfect mornings.” It’s a fitting mantra for this funky two-story eatery. A creative all-vegan menu complements mocktails like the two-toned Pineapple Margarita, the Dark and Stormy and the Pimm’s Pathway Cup. The space is moody and romantic, and the service is friendly and professional. Note: You must be 21 for mocktails. 4371 Main St., Manayunk, (267) 437-3194, volsteadzeroproof.com.
Critics’ Choice: Mezzen Night
Avlos Greek Cuisine
Looking for a fresh way to socialize? Try one of the ticketed Mezzen Night dinners, where everyone sits at long tables and shares family-style authentic Greek cuisine. The menu varies with each seating, and Avlos donates a portion of sales to a local nonprofit organization. 258 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (610) 455-4110, avlosgr.com.
Critics’ Choice: Mousse
Butterscotch Pastry Shop
Full disclosure: Our milk-chocolate mousse hearts coated in chocolate ganache never made it to their Valentine’s Day recipients. (Oops.) No need to wait until February: Butterscotch Pastry Shop’s peanut butter mousse tarts (drizzled with chocolate ganache) are downright addictive. 1406 Hollow Road, Birchrunville, (610) 827-0900, butterscotchpastry.com.
Muffins
The Bakery House
See our Q&A on page 40. 604 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-4139, thebakeryhouse.net.
New Brewery
Ship Bottom Brewery, Blendery & Barrel House
5 Park Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 467-5804, shipbottombrewery.com
Critics’ Choice: New Brewery
VK Brewing
Bringing new life to the former Ship Inn, this veteran-owned establishment pours local brews and a few of its own, with help from Stolen Sun Craft Brewing & Roasting Co. They’re in the process of building an on-site brewery in an outbuilding on the property, and it just may be fermenting now. 693 E. Lincoln Hwy., Exton, (484) 873-3199, vkbrewing.com.
New Restaurant
Rivertown Taps
226 Bridge St., Phoenixville, rivertowntaps.com
Critics’ Choice: New Restaurant
The Record Kitchen + Bar
Lending some oomph to Coatesville’s recent resurgence, the team behind East Falls’ Black Squirrel Pub and Haunt, Foghorn & Fletcher and In Riva has refashioned the city’s former newspaper facility into a quirky and inviting eatery and watering hole. Craft co*cktails sport newsprint-themed names, and the kitchen turns out excellent fire-roasted pizzas and a focused selection of elevated entrees. Also see our review on page 87. 206 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville, (484) 784-5483, therecordcoatesville.com.
Critics’ Choice: New Vegan Concept
Ground Provisions
Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, owners of Philadelphia’s Vedge, have delivered their vegan vision to the hills of Chester County. Located in what was once the Inn Keepers Kitchen, Ground Provision doubles as a cute country store and a spot to hold eight-seat vegan tastings. Wine pairings and a full bar are also available. 1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, (610) 355-4411, groundprovisionspa.com.
Critics’ Choice: Over-the-Top Burger
The Firemen Burger, Hook and Ladder Skybar & Kitchen
Located in an impeccably redone 19th-century fire station, Hook and Ladder touts its signature $99 Firemen Burger. The bottom layer is a Wagyu beef patty wrapped in edible gold leaf. Then comes the massive onion ring and, yes, a poached lobster tail. Other accouterments include truffle aioli, shaved truffle and a cheddar-and-béchamel sauce, all on a brioche bun. Sound excessive? Take a gander at this month’s cover and judge for yourself. 46 Fayette St., Conshohocken, (484) 351-6522, hookandladderskybar.com.
Critics’ Choice: Salads and Bowls
Homeroom
This elevated breakfast and lunch cafe offers healthy lunch salads and bowls, locally procured ingredients. We love the avocado and mushroom grain, the squash and kale with pine nuts, and the radicchio with Bulgarian feta. 358 Righters Mill Road, Gladwyne, (610) 615-5985, homeroomgladwyne.com.
Oysters
Greystone Oyster Bar
7 N. Church St., West Chester, (610) 241-3369, greystoneoysterbarwc.com
Critics’ Choice: Paella
Amada Radnor
Jose Garces’ superb—and shareable—paella comes two ways. The Valenciana combines chicken, rabbit, bomba rice, judion beans and Spanish saffron. Seafood fans will love the summery marisco, with monkfish, prawns, calamari and co*ckles. 555 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (484) 429-2158, amadarestaurant.com.
Critics’ Choice: Panna Cotta
Bar Lucca
The panna cotta is next level at this popular Conshy eatery. Variations include lime, Meyer lemon, blueberry, lavender and strawberry, and the presentation almost makes this imaginative version of the traditional cooked-cream dessert almost too pretty to eat. Almost. 729 E. Hector St., Conshohocken, (610) 825-2700, barluccarestaurant.com.
Pastry Chef
Christie Weldon, The Master’s Baker
319 W. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 436-9888, themastersbaker.com
Pizza
Anthony’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
127 W. King St., Malvern, (610) 647-7400, anthonysmalvern.com
Poke Bowls
Azie on Main
789 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, (610) 527-5700, azieonmain.com
Critcs’ Choice: Power Lunch
Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
The rotating lunch menu at Davio’s includes an appetizer, an entree and a dessert for $32. Among the recent options: watermelon gazpacho, heirloom tomatoes with mozzarella, and crispy free-range chicken with farro. And you’ll be in and out in less than an hour. 200 Main St., King of Prussia, (610) 337-4810, davios.com.
Private Dining Space
Autograph Brasserie
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 964-2588, autographbrasserie.com
Critics’ Choice: Ramen
Kumamon Ramen
This new spot is an eyeful thanks to its vibrant anime murals. As for the ramen, its rich bone broth is laden with tender proteins and fresh veggies. Among the 14 different varieties, the thick seafood ramen is a standout. 348 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, (610) 808-6468, kumamonramen.com.
Restaurant Beer Selection
Brick & Brew
31 E. Eagle Road, Havertown, (484) 455-7250, bricknbrewpub.com
Critics’ Choice: Restaurant Concept
Twenty One Pips
Named after the number of dots on a six-sided die, Twenty One Pips has over 600 games in its library. Game-tenders help you explore your interests, whether it’s strategy-based games like Catan, party games like Blank Slate, or family-friendly options like Trouble and Connect Four. Fittingly, the menu is playful and the co*cktails fun. 24 Cricket Ave., Ardmore, (610) 228-2711, twentyonepips.com.
Critics’ Choice: Restaurant Reinvention
Joey Chops
Aside from a name change, Justin Weathers and Joe Monnich have given their former Stove & Tap location an interior makeover and a substantial menu upgrade. The steakhouse theme is an extremely popular one in our region right now—and Joey Chops nails it, with hand-cut steaks, skillet sides, soups, salads and more. For those craving something from the sea, there’s a raw bar, tableside tuna tartare and a rich salmon Wellington. 245 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (484) 450-8890, joeychops.com.
Salads
The Couch Tomato Café
31 W. Gay St., West Chester, (484) 887-0241, thecouchtomato.com
Sandwiches
A Cut Above Deli
3523 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 353-4543, acutabovedeli.com
Seafood Restaurant
Ludwig’s Grill & Oyster Bar
2904 Conestoga Road, Glenmoore, (610) 458-5336, ludwigsoysterbar.com
Seasonal Beer Garden
Levante Brewing
208 Carter Drive, Suite 2, West Chester, (484) 999-8761, levantebrewing.com
Seasonal Cuisine
White Dog Cafe
200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-3700, whitedog.com
Critics’ Choice: Short Ribs
Hood’s BBQ
There’s a lot to love at Hood’s. But if we had to pick one thing, we’d go with the impossibly tender, slow-cooked short ribs topped with Kennett Square mushrooms. 1664 W. Doe Run Road, Kennett Square, (610) 347-1670, hoodsbbq.com.
Critics’ Choice: Show of Support for Women Winemakers
Local Wine & Kitchen
We love wine—and we love restaurants that support female winemakers. Local does it’s part by offering glasses from Italy’s Giorgia Marchesini and Alessandra Casini Bindi Sergardi, California’s Ondine Chattan, New Yorker Nancy Irelan, and New Zealander Wendy Stuckey. 39 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 896-4740, localwineandkitchen.com.
Sommelier
Irene Moretti, Tavola Restaurant + Bar
400 W. Sproul Road, Springfield, (610) 543-2100, tavolas.com
Critics’ Choice: Specialty Desserts
Rye BYOB
Ryan Sulikowski’s superior yet straightforward desserts include a cheesecake brûlée (two soft, petite cheesecakes alongside two scoops of house-made ice cream) and a gooey pecan bun. His coffee-based affogato is relentlessly authentic. 112 W. State St., Media, (610) 263-7832, ryebyob.com.
Critics’ Choice: Specialty Hot Dogs
Harry’s Neighborhood Place
There’s a reason why Harry’s is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. On average, the Lymberis family split-grills 1,000 hot dogs a week at their bar, restaurant and deli in the historic Sadsburyville Hotel building. The signature dog is topped with mustard, ground beef and finely chopped onions.
2949 W. Lincoln Hwy., Sadsburyville, (610) 857-2331, harryshotdogs.com.
Critics’ Choice: Specialty Seafood
Hill’s Quality Seafood Markets
Granted, it’s really all about the seafood at Hill’s. But this local institution also has an impressive selection of dips and sauces to pair with any catch—bang-bang sauce, cucumber-dill dip, garlic lime aioli, smoked trout dip and of course, a signature co*cktail sauce. 402 W. Baltimore Ave., Media, (610) 566-3788, hillsqualityseafood.com.
Sports Bar
P.J. Whelihan’s Pub + Restaurant
853 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 873-1311, pjspub.com
Steakhouse
Pietro’s Prime
125 W. Market St., West Chester, (484) 760-6100, pietrosprime.com
Sushi
Kooma
123 N. Church St., West Chester, (610) 430-8980, koomafusion.com
Critics’ Choice: Sushi
Nectar
Part of the attraction of sushi is the presentation. Nectar’s Kenny Huang celebrates this concept like no other chef on the Main Line, elevating sushi to an edible art form with bamboo and shiso leaves, multidimensional layers and colors, and a downright painterly application of sauces. 1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, (610) 725-9000, tastenectar.com.
Sweets Shop
Éclat Chocolate
24 S. High St., West Chester, (610) 692-5206, eclatchocolate.com
Tacos
El Limon
103 Spring Mill Ave., Conshohocken, (610) 567-0120, ellimontaquerias.com
Critics’ Choice: Tacos & Margaritas
Taqueria Amor
We recommend this vibrant taqueria anytime—but especially during weekday happy hour, with its discounts on margaritas, draft beer, tacos and guacamole. Pair a blood-orange margarita with the grilled mahi or chipotle-steak tacos—and thank us later. 4410 Main St, Manayunk, (267) 331-5874, taqueriaamor.com.
Critics’ Choice: Takeout Beer
Pinocchio’s Restaurant and Beer Garden To Go
Delaware County’s first bottle shop, Pinocchio’s offers a thousand different beers from more than 200 American craft and international breweries. Build a six-pack of rare finds, or take home a growler (or crowler) to go with your pizza from next door. 131 E. Baltimore Ave., Media, (610) 566-7767, pinbeer.com.
Takeout Menu
Ron’s Original Bar & Grille
74 E. Uwchlan Ave., Exton, (610) 594-9900, ronsoriginal.com
Takeout Pizza
Pizza West Chester
136 E. Market St., West Chester, @pizzawestchester
Critics’ Choice: Taste of the Islands
Manje Caribbean
Gwendolyn Gabriel is shaking things up in downtown West Chester with her jerk chicken dishes, oxtail platters and aromatic butternut squash soup. The Jamaican ginger beer is also worth a try. 237 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 241-1852, manjecaribbean.com.
Thai Cuisine
Tai Me Up
301 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (484) 302-5141, taimeup.com
Critics’ Choice: Thai Cuisine
Coco Thai Bistro
There’s no wait staff here. But with food this good, you’ll get past the smartphone menus. Among our favorites: the vegetable dumplings, spicy edamame and chicken satay. Also try the Pad Thai and the drunken noodles. 231 Haverford Ave., Narberth, (610) 667-7634, cocobistro.com.
Critics’ Choice: Unique Brunch
Sabrina’s Café
Themed specials make Sabrina’s popular with late risers. This past February, a Valentine’s Day romantic-comedy special featured the Crazy Stupid Poppyseed Wrap and Bridget Jones Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. For the recent Super Mario Bros. theme, diners geeked out on Yoshi’s Elvis-Inspired Waffle, Bowser’s Jerk Chicken Rice Bowl and Pauline’s Chicken Paillard. 50 E. Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, (484) 412-8790, sabrinascafe.com.
Critics’ Choice: Unique Menu
Station Taproom
The Thai red curry (with house-made naan) tops the list of must-tries at this quirky but cozy neighborhood tavern. Not far behind are the shrimp and grits, hot chicken mac and cheese, and a signature tamale pie with Weybrook Farm beef. 207 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (484) 593-0560, stationtaproom.com.
Critics’ Choice: Veal Parmesan
Osteria Ama
Anisa Bardha and chef Genti Mataj achieve a nice balance of casual dining and upscale elegance with their solid repertoire of Italian dishes. Pounded thin and lightly breaded, the veal Parm tops the list. 100 Ridge Road, Suite 24, Chadds Ford, (484) 800-8676, osteriaama-cf.com.
Critics’ Choice: Vegan Options
The Greyhound Café
This low-key all-vegan eatery has been keeping things plant-based since 2017. Owner Joseph Solar continues his devotion to ethical, healthy cuisine with creative and fun takes on pasta, Texican dishes and an award-winning impossible burger. There’s even a menu for kids. 81 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (610) 240-0222, thegreyhoundcafe.com.
Vegetarian Cuisine
Roots Cafe
133 E. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 455-0100, rootscafewc.com
Wait Staff
Brick & Brew
31 E. Eagle Road, Havertown, (484) 455-7250, bricknbrewpub.com
Critics’ Choice: Wait Staff
The Refectory
Among the many solid front-of-house teams in the area, we’re particularly high on the Refectory’s well-oiled bunch. Their servers make the dining experience personable and effortless with their eye contact, smiles and menu knowledge. You’ll never feel rushed. 862 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, (610) 519-5786, refectorynova.com.
Critics’ Choice: Way to Eat Kobe Beef
The Blue Elephant
At WIN Signature Restaurants’ latest showpiece in Wayne, you can prepare your own thin slices of Wagyu beef atop a hot stone right at the your table. The sizzle is sexy. 110 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (484) 580-6142, blueelephantwayne.com.
Wine Selection
Autograph Brasserie
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 964-2588, autographbrasserie.com
Critics’ Choice: Wine & Cheese Pairings
R Five Wines
At this elevated yet approachable walk-in wine-tasting venue, R Five’s West Coast brand pairs perfectly with local cheeses from the Farm at Doe Run and Birchrun Hills Farm. 206 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (484) 364-4504, rfivewines.com.
Critics’ Choice: Winery
Penns Woods Winery
Capitalizing on over 40 years of expertise from winemaker and importer Gino Razzia, this family-owned winery offers some of the most highly regarded pours in the state. Its slate of events is always full, whether it’s live music on the lawn on weekends, wine dinners at local restaurants or craft workshops. 124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 459-0808, pennswoodswinery.com.
Wings
Brick & Brew
31 E. Eagle Road, Havertown, (484) 455-7250, bricknbrewpub.com
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