Bistro on Bridge
What to order: Tortilla chips smothered in Asian-inspired barbecued duck and dollops of wasabi sour cream; salmon bites dressed in ginger-and-peanut sauce, atop crispy wontons; crunchy risotto balls slathered in pesto aioli. The chicken wings have inspired their own cult following. 210 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (610) 935-7141, www.bistroonbridge.com.
Limoncello Ristorante 
What to order: Heaping bowls of clams drenched in chardonnay and hot-sausage crumbles; flash-fried calamari fritti with garlic aioli; the internationally sourced artisanal cheese plate. 499 E. Uwchlan Ave., Chester Springs, (610) 524-3112, www.limoncellocs.com.
Nectar
What to order: Asian and French sensibilities come together for riveting small plates like edamame dumplings with morel mushrooms, and slices of tea-smoked Skuna Bay salmon in a medley of red lentils, fresh yogurt and papadum. 1091 E. Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, (610) 725-9000, www.tastenectar.com.
Paramour
What to order: Smoked Gruyère puffs with sugared bacon dust; salmon tartare with cucumber ice; the deviled-egg trio, especially the Peppadew—each only $4 during happy hour. 139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 977-0600, www.paramourwayne.com.
Riverstone Café
What to order: Dive into the oyster bar, with selections sourced from the East and West coasts. Riverstone stocks 10 varieties daily, with hard-to-find rotating additions. 150 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, (610) 594-2233, www.riverstonecafe.com.
Pub of Penn Valley
What to order: Slow-roasted, fall-off-the-bone racks of lamb spiked with a peach-brandy glaze; corn-chip-crusted
chicken smothered with Chihuahua cheese; salmon cakes dressed in cucumber-dill sauce. 863 Montgomery Ave., Narberth, (610) 664-1901, www.pubofpennvalley.com.
Stella Rossa
What to order: Braised meatballs; fancy olives; a dreamy bruschetta topped with whipped ricotta; the brick-oven-baked Meta e Meta (half pizza, half stromboli). 20 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (610) 269-6000, www.stellarossa-ristorante.com.
Taqueria Feliz
What to order: Home-made tortillas packed with fillings like blue tilapia and cabbage slaw; and roast pork and pineapples. Or get adventurous with lamb hearts, chicken skin, and grasshopper. 4410 Main St., Manayunk, (267) 331-5874, www.taqueriafeliz.com.
