Mama-San
Now all settled in at the former Buena Onda space, Mama-San is the tasty handiwork of the ever-expanding WIN Hospitality group. Its elevated Japanese-inspired dining concept epitomizes culinary artistry with a modern flair—sushi rolls, customizable poke bowls, noodle dishes and innovative cocktails. The restaurant’s design merges clean, timeless lines with contemporary art—and the comfy seating is a plus. 226 N. Radnor Chester Road, Radnor.
Meet the Chef

With over a decade of culinary experience at WIN Hospitality, Agus Lukito specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine and sushi, combining traditional techniques with innovative flavors.
Carina Sorella

This “darling sister” of Center City’s Trattoria Carina has a casually sophisticated feel courtesy of Philly’s Shophouse Design, with padded booths, Bentwood-style chairs, and plenty of windows and mirrors. All the pasta and seafood dishes are worth a try, as are the Margherita, pear and hot-honeyed spicy soppressata pizzas. Brunch is a must. 866 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 596-9166.
Meet the Chef

South Jersey native Joe Kaminski’s culinary journey began with a cross-country move to California, where he attended the now-defunct International Culinary Center and later honed his craft in a few Michelin-starred establishments. Returning to the East Coast, he continued his rise, first as a sous chef at Stephen Starr’s Parc and later as executive sous chef at Fishtown’s award-winning Lebanese restaurant and market, Suraya.
The Jockey Tavern

The Mangan family has shown a real knack for reinventing its brewery brand. This classy revamp of the last remaining McKenzie Brewhouse embraces a playful equestrian theme. The kitchen boasts the best tomahawk pork chop in the area, with roasted apples, sautéed spinach and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. The bar offers over 20 bourbons and ryes, plus eight craft beers brewed at nearby Will’s + Bill’s in Berwyn. 240 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, (610) 296-2222.
Meet the Owner

A graduate of Cornell University’s esteemed hospitality management program, Bill Mangan oversees all the menus in his restaurants and personally trained the Jockey Tavern kitchen staff.
Departure Restaurant & Lounge

Co-owners Rory and Krystal Hirst have transformed a former bank building into an utterly unique dining destination with a mid-century airport lounge atmosphere. Think sexy, low-level lighting, plush velvet banquettes and high-backed cushioned chairs. The first-class tapas plates—sliders, dumplings, soups, salads—are all under $20. Intriguing cocktails like the Paper Plane and the London Fog play off the aviation theme. 2 S. Orange St., Media, (610) 502-3833.
Meet the Chef

With over two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, JJ Morgan has made the most of his degree in hospitality management from Widener University. He’s worked at both corporate and privately owned restaurants.
Fond BYOB

Lee Styer and Jessie Prawlucki-Styer bring their Euro-centric BYOB experience from East Passyunk to the ’burbs with this brunch-and-dinner spot tucked away in a tiny strip mall. The surprisingly vibey and romantic space seats 40, with a small, seasonal alfresco area to the side. Beautifully plated lunch options include smoked salmon, roasted mushroom soup, crispy short rib and lamb kofta. For dinner, try the chicken-liver mousse, crispy short rib rillettes, tuna crudo and seared foie gras. 21 N. Providence Road, Wallingford, (484) 445-2108.
Meet the Chefs


Jessie Prawlucki-Styer and Lee Styer met in 2003 as students at New York’s Culinary Institute of America. The couple worked for Georges Perrier at Le Bec-Fin before opening a Philly iteration of Fond in 2009. That has since morphed into the Dutch.
Hiramasa Japanese Restaurant

Hiramasa is the latest stunner from third-generation restaurateur Sam Li, who’s already enjoying success with his Osushi locations in Ardmore and Wayne. Once a Panera Bread franchise, this prime strip-mall space is now a sleek Delco approximation of the upscale Asian experience found at Nectar in Berwyn. The menu features an impressive sushi bar lineup, plus a focused selection of grill and wok dishes. For the indecisive, there’s the kaiseki set—freshly grilled beef, shrimp or chicken, with a tempura assortment, wagyu beef gyoza, chef’s choice sashimi and cucumber kimchi. Try the fantastic Golden Lotus Martini, topped with Prosecco. 3554 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (484) 420-4023.

Meet the Chef

A native of China, Leo Lin is an executive sushi chef who studied and worked in Japan for four years before coming to America in 2016.
Izzy’s

Managing partner Peter Martin (Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft, Ardmore Music Hall) keeps things moody and intimate at this authentic Japanese pub-style eatery. Menu highlights include seaweed salad, trout handrolls, vegan miso soup, and soft bao buns filled with pork belly, shrimp, tofu, fried chicken or brisket. The bar offers a selection of sake, Japanese brews and whiskies, plus authentic syrups and bitters. 35 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 952-0631.
Meet the Chef

Biff Gottehrer is the director of culinary and hospitality at the Refectory in Villanova and currently leads the kitchens at Ripplewood, Ardmore Music Hall and 118 North in Wayne. He’s worked at the Dandelion, El Vez and other top Philadelphia restaurants.
La Baja BYOB

Taking his inspiration from Mexico’s border towns, James Beard finalist Dionicio Jiménez brings a colorful fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian flavors to the region. Menu highlights include the blue shrimp ceviche, roasted quail, a chili-crusted ribeye, and the poblano tres leches cake. Well worth the drive. 9 N. Main St., Ambler, (610) 288-3809.
Meet the Chef

Vetri alum Dionicio Jiménez helped with the opening of Xochitl and El Rey before launching Cantina La Martina, his first solo venture, in 2022. By last year, Jiménez had added four food concession trolleys to his Philly portfolio. La Baja marks his first suburban venture.
White Dog Cafe Chester Springs

The historic farmhouse that for 50 years housed Vickers Restaurant is now enjoying a second life as the latest White Dog Cafe. Seasonally focused standouts include crispy cauliflower, perfectly prepared New York strip steak frites, and a spicy lamb Bolognese. We love the oval-shaped Stable Bar, which is glamorous without losing the neighborhood vibe. 181 Gordon Drive, Exton, (610) 827-9000.
Meet the Chef

Elliot Williams successfully executed the opening of multiple restaurants across four states over a 10-year span. After a stint as culinary director for a New England-based restaurant group, he returned to the Philadelphia area, joining Fearless Restaurants.
The Noble Goat

This slick bar-restaurant concept comes courtesy of Bryan and Andrea Sikora (Hearth Kitchen, Merchant Bar, La Fia Bistro). Located in the new River Station complex near the center of Downingtown, the contemporary European-style space features a 60-seat dining room and a 15-seat bar (BYOB pending liquor license). Next spring brings two extensive patios and an alfresco lounge with a fire pit. The menu offers a mix of sharable small plates (glazed pork ribs, wood-grilled octopus), larger entrées (duck cassoulet, pan-seared rainbow trout), and an array of hearth-baked pizzas. 200 River Station Blvd., Downingtown, (484) 364-4369.
Meet the Chef

A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Bryan Sikora began his career in 2001. Six years later, he launched the venerable Talula’s Table with Aimee Olexy. His numerous honors include the StarChefs Rising Star Award and a James Beard semifinalist showing for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic.