2018 Dining Retrospective: 8 Restaurants that Opened and 3 that Closed

The Main Line area saw an abundance of new dining options last year—and a few closures.

What Opened:

Andiario

An instant stand out in West Chester, this new BYO from co-owners chef Anthony Andiario and Maria van Schaijik, is everything a suburban restaurant should be. Diners buzz about beef carpaccio, chicken liver mousse and pan-seared trout. House made pasta is tender and flavorful and dusted with local cheeses. Relax at extra-wide cloth-draped tables with soft seats and relish a vibe that is both frantically urban, yet poetically intimate.

106 W. Gay St., West Chester.

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Read our review of Andiario here.

Avola Kitchen and Bar

This Mediterranean-inspired farm-to-table restaurant focuses on locally sourced produce, crafted cocktails, global wines and craft beers. Conceptualized by the team that brought us Twenty9 Restaurant & Bar, Stephens on State and Lariele Wood Fired Square Pie, diners can indulge in tapas-style dishes, homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and fresh charcuterie cut tableside. The interior is sleek, calming and naturally lit with a welcoming fireplace, making it a perfect spot for chatting with friends, coworkers or that special someone.

625 N. Morehall Road, Malvern.

The Bercy

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This classically inspired brasserie from Stephen Starr alums Joe Monnich and Justin Weathers feels like an extravagant trip to Paris. Balongue Design transformed the former Haverford Trust Building into a timeless and casually chic neighborhood establishment. Serving lunch, weekday breakfast, weekend brunch and all-day dining and cafe options, the menu features fresh homemade pastas, steakhouse style cuts, plus a raw bar with daily selections of fresh oysters and seafood. Mixologists behind the stunning U-shaped bar offer quality wines and a cocktail program that puts a modern spin on classic French and sparkling cocktails.

7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore.

Read our review of The Bercy here.

Eddie V’s

The latest addition to King of Prussia’s dining scene, upscale Eddie V’s is known for its premium selection of seasonal seafood and delectable prime center-cut steaks, a top-notch oyster bar and Petrossian caviar. Creative cocktails get a twist, like the lemon rosemary spritz, Gatsby sour or the “Hope Diamond” made with Grey Goose vodka, Combier Pamplemousse rose liqueur, lemon, butterfly tea and a slow-melting deep purple diamond ice cube.

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670 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia.

Lavi BYOB

The name of Ardmore’s newest BYO is inspired by the French phrase la vie. The enthusiastic team of high school friends Khadijah (Kay) Bush and chef Aziza (Zee) Young breathe life into this mellow, jazz-infused spot with warm earthtones and natural wooden decor. Supporting local farms, the menu is fresh, creative and emphasizes new American cuisine with items like truffle mac and cheese, fried zucchini spirals, crispy fried chicken and vegan scallop stir fry.

1531 W. Wynnewood Road, Ardmore.

North Italia

This modern Italian concept from Arizona-based James Beard nominee, Sam Fox, opened in October for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Hand-made pasta and pizza are the focus of the rotating seasonal menu, which offers delectable seafood and beef dishes, as well. Impressive cocktails, reserve wines and local craft beers pair well with small plates, salads and entrées. The modern and stylish atmosphere of the 7,000 square-foot space features an open floor plan with an exhibition kitchen.

350 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia.

Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft

Affectionately called “The Ripp,” this new craft-focused joint considers itself a throwback gastropub. Elevated pub fare includes seared scallops with oxtail marmalade, beer-battered Icelandic cod, braised short rib in a Dr. Pepper glaze and gourmet burgers. A full service bar mixes things up with the Buzzed Bunny—Dewar’s Scotch, fresh carrot juice, ginger, lemon and a rosemary spritz.

29 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore.

Read our review of Ripplewood here.

Verbena BYOB

The February reopening of the former La Madera in the quaint borough of Kennett Square has chef Scott Morozin at the helm, orchestrating an elevated dining experience. Offering refined American cuisine in the intimate 40-seat restaurant, Morozin’s work-of-art presentations are indicative of the meaningful flavors that lie within. Look for seasonal offerings that include roasted local mushroom soup, ribeye beef tartare, gunpowder tea-glazed skate and stuffed duroc pork loin.

102 E. State St., Kennett Square.

What Closed:

Bella Vista at Eagleview

The Italian-American trattoria debuted in 2016; it was closed and expanded into neighboring modern Mexican-themed Al Pastor this year by the dynamic team of Justin Weathers and Joe Monnich.

EatNic Urban Farmhouse Eatery

The Paoli establishment closed its doors in May. Founded by local entrepreneur John Scardapane, the creative breakfast, lunch and dinner spot owner cited both personal health concerns along with too much area competition as his reasons for shuttering.

La Piña Cantina

This Chadds Ford restaurant closed shop in late summer after initially wowing with a modern Mexican menu and spicy tequila cocktails.


Related: 9 New Restaurants Around the Main Line

Our Best of the Main Line Elimination Ballot is open through February 22!