Photo by Ed Williams
It’s easy to stay true to these eateries, which offer some of the best options around the Main Line and western suburbs.
For BYOB Italian…
Pomod’oro Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Practically a Downingtown institution, this family-owned restaurant offers hearty Italian dishes and decadent desserts. Menu standouts include the mussels, baked stuffed mushrooms, chicken pastina, lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, shrimp scampi and frutti di mare. 200 Chestnut St., Downingtown, (610) 873-0405, pomodorodowningtown.com.
For Vegetarian Fare…
Ground Provisions
At this charming, backroads market and eatery, each plate is a work of art. Try the five-course tasting menu with a wine pairing option or take a seat on the front porch for special tapas offerings. Even carnivores will be blown away by the flavors. 1388 Old Wilmington Pike, West Chester, (610) 355-4411, groundprovisionspa.com.
For Brunch…
White Dog Cafe
This regional mainstay has three (soon to be four) Main Line locations. Each spot sources local ingredients from less than 90 miles away. Fall brunch highlights include the Kennett Square Omelet with local mushrooms, a Pennsylvania Dutch apple-pie waffle, and pumpkin-cheesecake-stuffed French toast. 200 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-3700; 379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, (610) 896-4556; 981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, (610) 822-2100; Chester Springs location coming soon; whitedog.com.
For Cheesesteaks…
Pepper Mill
No need to drive to Philadelphia for a regional classic. This low-key Chester County favorite makes a great one. 813 N. Chester Road, West Chester, (610) 692-0100.
For Sushi (& More)…
Yanako
Talk about a one-two punch. Three years ago, Moon Krapugthong relocated her beloved Yanako right next door to her award-winning Chabaa Thai Bistro on Manayunk’s Main Street. Signature dishes include sushi and rolls, tempura, noodles and curry dishes. 4345 Main St., Manayunk, (267) 297-8151, theyanako.com.
For Gelato…
Gemelli Artisanal Gelato & Dessert Café
Gemelli makes all of its award-winning gelato from scratch using local, organic, seasonal ingredients. Tasty vegan options are a plus. 12 W. Market St., West Chester, (484) 557-8482; 247 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (267) 309-3521; gemelligelato.com.
For An Alfresco Lunch…
The Landing Kitchen
Set amid the industrial surroundings of the former Pencoyd Iron Works site overlooking the banks of the Schuylkill River, this cafe’s patio is a great place to unwind or gear up. Garage doors provide a nice cross-breeze, and the menu offers enticing upscale-casual fare. Walk or bike off your meal on the nearby Pencoyd Trail to Manayunk. 617 Righters Ferry Road, Bala Cynwyd, (484) 434-8765, thelandingkitchen.com.
For Pizza…
Pizza West Chester
This no-frills nook is run by Speer and Joe Madanat, the sibling team behind the much-praised Joey’s Pizza in Thorndale. There’s no call-ahead, no reservations, no website or phone number. Hours can be found via Google and on Instagram (@pizzawestchester). Speer makes his sublime pies until the dough runs out. You’ll have to trust us on this one. 136 E. Market St., West Chester.
For a Serious Steak…
DePaul’s Table
If you’re looking for a prime cut, look no further than this sophisticated modern Italian steakhouse. The 28-day dry-aged bone-in tomahawk ribeye is a showstopper big enough to share. 7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 589-0500, depaulstable.com.
