Christine and Nick Kondra’s four-year-old Cornerstone Bistro & Artisanal Market roves some fairly diverse culinary territory. Its gourmet shop dispenses the perfect cup of La Colombe coffee —or a spot of tea hand-picked from a tin. A refrigerated case with pungent wedges of the area’s best cheeses beckons, and gift baskets are piled high with dried pastas and jars of sauces. The inventory at the front of the house also includes a selection of hard-to-find wines and craft beers.
Behind the 14-seat chef’s counter, wood-grilled meats and fish are prepared as diners look on. Nick is all about the classics, crafting a timeless menu with starters like chicken liver mousse, bluefish pâté and plenty of oysters. Among the mainstays are an unequalled Parmesan-encrusted pork chop and a bucatini laden with Kennett Square mushrooms.
Other selections range from a simple and delicious farmhouse burger to an elevated four-course Chef’s Experience tasting menu ($75 per person). “We’re sharers of experiences—about the farmers and curators we feature at our monthly oyster, game, wine and chef dinners, and throughout our marketplace,” says Christine.
That generous philosophy has earned Cornerstone recognition beyond the region, including a 2019 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award. Think if it as downtown Wayne’s most intimate dinner party—and it happens nightly.
1 West Ave., Wayne, (610) 688-1888,
