Page 116 - MLT December

epicure
Restaurant Listings
A guide to area restaurants compiled by Main Line Today’s editors. Advertisers are guaranteed placement. All others are included at the discretion of the editorial staff. For expanded dining listings, visit www.mainlinetoday.com.
Jasper’s Westside West Conshohocken $$$
The second iteration of Jasper’s Backyard offers the same cool neighborhood vibe and elevated American bar food. Small plates include crispy pork-belly bites and signature sandwiches. A flatiron steak and herb-roasted chicken are among the standout dinner classics. 101 Ford St., (484) 368-3529, www.jasperswestside.com.
The Bercy Ardmore $$$$
Joe Monnich and Justin Weathers’ vivacious French- style brasserie makes the most of an Ardmore landmark. Its approachable bistro menu includes standouts
like tuna tartare Napoleon and a Duroc pork chop.
7 Lancaster Ave., (610) 589-0500, www.thebercy.com.
EpicureanGarage ChesterSprings $$
Veteran chef Lee Krasley re-stakes his culinary territory in the western suburbs with local farm-grown comfort food like poutine, burgers, cayenne-honey- dipped fried chicken and waffles, and his famous meatloaf. 570 Simpson Drive, (610) 615-5189, www.epicureangarage.com.
La Fava Restaurant and Bar Glen Mills $$$
Glen Mills’ newest culinary entrant offers a menu
of authentic Mediterranean-accented dishes like chargrilled Spanish octopus tendrils, grilled langostino and some of the best pastas around. 1102 Baltimore Pike, (484) 840-8603, lafavaglenmills.com.
La Padella Media $$$
Nick and Kayla Amoroso’s welcoming neighborhood restaurant and bar specializes in modernized Italian- American classics like thick-cut veal Parmesan and bone-in Marsala. The seafood is top-notch, too.
100 State Road, (484) 445-4445, lapadellamedia.com.
Lavi BYOB Ardmore $$$
Best friends and Cheltenham High School grads Khadijah Bush and chef Aziza Young have created a snug South Ardmore gem defined by its seasonally intuitive cuisine. Highlights include the shrimp and grits and an oh-so-tender short rib. BYOB 1531 W. Wynnewood Road, (484) 413-2779, www.lavibyob.com.
La Verona Kennett Square $$
Among the menu standouts at this Kennett favorite
are antipasti classics like bruschetta and mussels marinara, along with escargot and other French staples. The house-made pastas are exemplary—in particular, the spinach-and-mushroom ravioli with sun- dried tomato pesto. 114 State St., (610) 444-2244, www.laveronapa.com.
Louette’sBYO Phoenixville $$
Louette’s international array of creative small plates are the centerpiece of a menu that changes almost daily— save for delicious constants like charred broccolini with marcona almonds and goat cheese. 106 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (484) 924-9906, louettesbyo.com.
Lunch Box Gladwyne $$
This tiny eatery dishes up simple breakfast and lunch items like pancakes and chicken salad. The real draw, though, is its monthly six-course “Tide to Table” dinners, featuring an array of fresh seafood. BYOB
951 Youngs Ford Road, (610) 642-9608.
Main & Vine Villanova $$$$
Just a stone’s throw from Villanova University,
this Northern California-style bistro is no student hangout—but it should impress discerning parents. Chef Charles Vogt excels at tuna tataki, truffled Camembert, bucatini with baby clams, and other sumptuous fare. 789 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, (484) 380-3688, www.mainandvinebistro.com.
Nick Filet Paoli $
Great Valley High School graduate Nick Kline’s eatery ups the ante on quick-service cuisine, heaping fresh filet mignon onto an Amoroso Kaiser roll. It’s available in three sizes: the six-ounce Nick Filet, the nine-ounce Big Nick and the 16-ounce Mount Saint Nick. 111 E. Lancaster Ave., (484) 318-8545, www.nickfilet.com.
Nui Nui Kitchen Phoenixville $$
Nui Kullana’s revamped Asian fusion eatery boasts
a polished interior and a communal dining area.
The menu roams Asia, with its poke bowls, Pad Thai, curry dishes and standouts like General Tso’s Chilean sea bass. 301 Bridge St., (484) 302-5141, www.nuinuikitchen.com.
Opa Taverna West Chester $$
At this prime corner spot in downtown West Chester,
the Mediterranean coastline is evoked in everything from the citrusy hummus to the ample gyro platters. The lamb chops also shine, as does the fish—much of it flown in from Greece. 40 E. Gay St., (610) 696-4100, opatavernaphilly.com.
Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft Ardmore $$$
A speakeasy-inspired tavern that’s equal parts hippie nostalgia and hipster flair. Impeccably crafted comfort fare includes pretzeled Parker House rolls with truffle butter, fries awash in a decadently cheesy sea of fotina-cheddar and brisket chunks, and a heavenly charred octopus. 29 E. Lancaster Ave., (610) 486-7477, www.ripplewoodbar.com.
Slow Hand West Chester $$
Retro vibes abound at this two-story gem, which serves a locally sourced, ever-revolving selection of elevated bar food. Highlights include Nashville hot wings and slider-like Belly Bombers. 30 N. Church St., (484) 999-8638, www.slowhand-wc.com.
Sedona Taphouse Phoenixville $$$
An expansive patio, well-executed Southwest Arizona cuisine and over 250 beer options give this classy franchise an indie feel. You can’t lose with the bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapeños, succulent burgers and superb tacos. 131 Bridge St., (484) 302- 5714, sedonataphouse.com.
Songsan Korean BBQ Ardmore $$$
This intimate Rittenhouse Place space has just 12 tables, where diners can prepare their own combo platters of marinated center-cut short ribs or spicy chicken, thinly sliced pork belly, tender beef brisket on an electric grill. 66 Rittenhouse Place, (610) 642-3184.
AMERICAN & CONTINENTAL
333 Belrose Bar & Grill Radnor $$
Carlo deMarco’s seasonal, sophisticated New American cuisine is made with the best local products and ingredients. 333 Belrose Lane, (610) 293-1000, www.333belrose.com.
A Taste of Britain Café and Tea Room Wayne $
Enjoy afternoon tea, served all day. Or choose from
a selection of homemade sandwiches, desserts and more. BYOB Eagle Village Shops, 503 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 971-0390, atasteofbritaininwayne.com.
Avenue Kitchen Glen Mills $$
The menu at this hip eatery trends toward simpler fare and uncomplicated ingredients, yet it still delivers a polished, chic ambiance. 509 Wilmington West Chester Pike, (484) 800-8070, www.avekitchen.com.
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KEY
Most entrées less than $10 Most entrées $10-$15 Most entrées $15-$25 Most entrées more than $25
RECENTLY REVIEWED
A&M Factory Malvern $
This über-healthy, eco-conscious new breakfast-and- lunch spot serves an imaginative organic, gluten-free and grain-free menu. Signature items include a hearty breakfast burrito, a filling vegan scramble and a colorful and delicious smoothie bowl, plus creative wraps, salads and smoothies for lunch. 360 Lancaster Ave., (484) 318-7537, www.theamfactory.com.
Andiario West Chester $$$
Reservations are a must at this acclaimed newbie, which has just 34 seats. An open kitchen gives diners a behind-the-scenes look at the sumptuous offerings—everything from guinea hen to decadent pastas to a delicate Pocono trout. 106 W. Gay,
(484) 887-0919, andiario.com.
Anthony’s Cucina Fresca Downingtown $$$
Chef Danilo Angelucci and his wife, Katherine, preside over a welcoming trattoria that serves delicious antipasto, tempting meat-and-cheese boards, handmade pizza, build-your-own pastas, and hearty entrées like veal, filet mignon and
baked salmon. 78 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 873-5544, anthonyscucinafresca.com.
Avola Kitchen + Bar Malvern $$
Highlights from Avola’s well-crafted menu include undeniably Greek Shrimp Saganaki and gnocchetti with tender braised lamb in a rich red wine and caper sauce. 625 N. Morehall Road, (484) 328-8584, www.avolakitchenandbar.com.
Bua Loy Devon $$$
Chef Bualoy Phengmisouk serves authentic Laotian and Thai dishes that are flavorful and affordable. Standouts include the hand-drawn tapioca noodles, satays, curries and stir-fries. 300 W. Lancaster Ave., (610) 341-8162, www.bauloycuisine.com.
ByrsaBistro GlenMills$$$
This hidden gem calls an 1888 mansion home, where the husband-and-wife team of Ahmed and Christine Chraga wow diners with traditional paella, fragrant chicken tagine, seafood linguini, cavatelli and lamb. The restaurant has a full liquor license, but offers BYOB with no corkage fee. 128 Glen Mills Road,
(610) 444-3277, byrsabistro.com.
Dolce Zola West Chester $$$
Pastas are the real standout at dolce Zola. Especially good are the angel hair and tonnarelli, with hearty sauces like ragu, Bolognese, bacon-flecked carbonara and jalapeño-infused puttanesca. 134 E. Gay St.,
(484) 887-0760, www.dolcezola.com.
114 December 2019 | www.mainlinetoday.com