Everybody seems to enjoy good food. And a fun night out at their favorite restaurants. And sharing their experiences of both with their families and friends. For many people, they want to be able to enjoy a nice dinner out while still being able to reach their health and wellness goals. We know that restaurant foods are often less healthy (high in calories, sodium, and fat with little fiber) with huge portions. Below are some recommendations of where to eat out on the Main Line.
Restaurants on the Main Line
Ardmore, PA
Lola’s Garden
Lola’s Garden presents a modern, chef-driven American cuisine highlighting seasonal local offerings on the Main Line. At the bar, an all-local Pennsylvania beer lineup joins an intimate selection of reds, whites, rose and sparkling wine, and an inventive cocktail menu curated with seasonal ingredients in mind. https://www.lolasgardenrestaurant.com/
Healthy Options: Blackbean Quinoa Burger, Organic Grilled Chicken Breast and the Sweet Onion Onion Soup.
DePaul’s Table
DePaul’s Table is a perfect special-occasion spot! This restaurant marries elegant service with a premier selection of steaks and fresh seafood. http://depaulstable.com.
Healthy Options: Roasted Cauliflower appetizer, Pan Seared Salmon, and Colossal Shrimp Cocktail.
Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft
Ripplewood is a throwback to a classic whiskey bar, offering innovative cocktails, thoughtful service, and refined comfort food. They are your neighborhood bar, your date night, your happy hour, your family restaurant, your night out with the girls, your go to spot to eat on the Main Line. https://www.ripplewoodbar.com/
Healthy Options: Charred Asparagus appetizer, Branzino, and the Blacked Cobia Filet.
Bryn Mawr, PA
Exit 13 Gastrobar
Originally a pizza place, the OG owners are back with a more fun and unique concept! Specializing in Italian food with international influence, they provide gastropub with retractable garage-style doors and bar stools made from Vespa seats. exit13gastrobar.com.
Healthy Options: Scarabeo Pizza (Prosciutto, Burrata, Mozzarella, Arugula, Cherry Tomato, EVOO) , Calamari Grilled, and the Salmon.
Sontuosa BYOB
Regulars rave about the truffle mushroom gnocchi, roasted cauliflower steak, and Chilean sea bass over Jerusalem artichoke purée. The flavors of the menu are inspired by Mexico, Italy, France and America. https://sontuosabyob.com/
Healthy Options: Meatball appetizer, Chicken Provencal, and the Salmon.
Dua Mediterranean Kitchen
Dua’s refreshing menu gets its creative spark from an array of Mediterranean influences. On Saturdays, you can sit at the bar to watch fresh pasta being made as you enjoy your meal. https://duarest.com/
Healthy Options: Baked Feta appetizer, Pulpo Catalan, Za’atar Chicken.
Downingtown, PA
Anthony’s Cucina Fresca
Anthony’s is a place to relax and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of Italian homestyle cooking with the freshest of ingredients on the Main Line. https://anthonyscucinafresca.com/
Healthy Options: Stuffed Figs, Prosciutto, and Marscarpone appetizer, Chicken Piccata, and San Remo Salmon.
The Social Downingtown
Enjoy delicious, scratch kitchen, New Orleans cuisine on the Main Line. Also has another location in West Chester! https://socialon30.com/
Healthy Options: Roasted Garlic Hummus, Char Grilled NY Strip Steak, Berry and Goat Cheese Salad.
R 5 Wines
The focus is on French Rhône Valley-type varietals at this tasting venue, where you can also enjoy canned and bottled beer, flatbreads, and cheeses from local farms as well as a menu from Sweet Amelia’s. http://r5wines.com; https://sweetameliasksq.com/
Healthy Options: White Bean and Kale Dip, Butter Chicken Kabab, and Coral Red Line Snapper Ceviche.
Kennett Square, PA
La Verona
If you want house made pastas or classic antipasti like bruschetta and mussels marinara- La Verona is the place for you! Located on the main drag in Kennett Square, this restaurant is perfect for date night or a celebration. https://laveronapa.com/
Healthy Options: Burrata Appetizer, Chicken Piccata, and the Mediterranean Pizza.
Hearth Kitchen
Hearth Kitchen is a seasonal Italian neighborhood restaurant, featuring wood-fired pizza, fresh handmade pasta, creative and seasonal entrees, and an amazing selection of small plates. They source their ingredients from the many local farms throughout the Brandywine Valley, which we love! https://www.hearthkennettsquare.com/
Healthy Options: Wood Grilled Spanish Rock Octopus appetizer, Seafood Paella and the Grilled Dorade.
King of Prussia, PA
Seasons 52
An awesome choice for lunch, dinner or happy hour, located by the KOP Mall. The menu consists of dishes using only the freshest, seasonal and local ingredients. They accommodate those who are gluten-free, lactose/dairy sensitive, vegetarian and vegan. https://www.seasons52.com/home
Healthy Options: Grilled Artichokes with Preserved Lemon Hummus appetizer, Maui Tuna Crunch Salad, and the Wood-Grilled Dry-Rubbed Pork Chop.
Founding Farmers
If something can be made better, smarter, healthier, that’s how Founding Farmers wants to do it. They make everything from scratch from the bread to the booze. From their buffet brunch on the weekends to dinners made of homemade pasta to their bread for sandwiches from their bakery- you can’t go wrong! https://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/
Healthy Options: Cauliflower Hummus, Spicy Ahi Tuna Poke, and the Mid Atlantic Scallops.
Malvern, PA
Avola Kitchen + Bar.
Bringing in mouthwatering old-world flavors and fresh farm ingredients. Highlights from Avola’s well-crafted menu include the Greek Shrimp Saganaki and gnocchetti with braised lamb. https://avolakitchenandbar.com/
Healthy Options: Wood Grilled Octopus appetizer, Cioppino, and the Fall Harvest Salad.
Malvern Buttery.
A rustic eatery and coffeehouse combination, Malvern Buttery offers fresh made bread, homemade sandwiches, fresh salads, quiche, coffee drinks and much more. A great weekend spot on the Main Line! https://www.malvernbuttery.com/
Healthy Options: Huli Huli Chicken Bowl, Broccoli and Cheddar Quiche, and the Autum Squash Pasta Salad.
Nectar
From farm-to-table, their array of ingredients originate from local and organic farms. Their main focus at Nectar is to use the freshest and most sustainable ingredients from produce, meats, poultry and dairy. Definitely a spot you should hit up for date night or celebration! https://tastenectar.com/
Healthy Options: Tuna Tartare appetizer, Pan Seared Wild Alaskan Halibut, and the Wok Amish Chicken and Gulf Shrimp.
Alba
The concept of Alba began as an effort to create a restaurant that not only uses high quality, locally produced foods, but also offers contemporary wholesome cuisine in a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. From homemade pastas to desserts, this is definitely on the list of somewhere to eat on the Main Line. https://www.restaurantalba.com/
Healthy Options: Warm Stuffed Medjool Dates, Wood Grilled Grass Fed Beef, and the Grilled Lamb Loin Chops.
Media, PA
Azie
Simple, flavorful dishes are served and shared while a full sushi bar provides an assortment of sushi, sashimi and nigiri options. This upscale restaurant creates a menu that allows guests to choose the dining experience they desire. Definitely a top contender on our list! https://www.azie-restaurant.com/
Healthy Options: Miso Chicken Lettuce Cup appetizer, Edamame, Farm Raised Salmon Teriyaki and Sashimi Platter.
Rye BYOB
Their menu focuses on smaller plates to give diners the opportunity to create their own dining experience. They focus on sourcing local and sustainable ingredients and work with local farmers to bring the customer the best ingredients, at the peak of their freshness. https://www.ryebyob.com/
Healthy Options: Hummus and Pita appetizer, Roasted Cauliflower, and the Pork Chop
La Belle Epoque Bistro
At this bistro, you can enjoy specialties like French onion soup, crêpes and seasonal entrées, along with craft cocktails right here on the Main Line. This menu focuses on fresh foods, grass-fed meats and scratch made hors d’oeuvres. https://labellebistro.com/
Healthy Options: Moules Marinières appetizer, Truite Amandine, and the Magret de Canard.
Wayne, PA
118 North
This popular live-music venue keeps music fans happy with poutine-inspired fries, savory burgers and more. This venue features innovative Americana cuisine and high quality cocktails and brews, as well as world class musical talent taking the stage each week. https://118northwayne.com/
Healthy Options: Bar Olives, Grilled Artichokes, and the Mahi Tacos.
Blue Elephant Wayne
The owners of Azie in Media revamped the former Matador space into an elephant-themed Asian oasis. The menu leans toward Italian, with classic Japanese and Thai ingredients. The cocktails are outstanding too! https://www.blueelephantwayne.com/
Healthy Options: Steamed Gyoza, Scallops entree, and the Poke Bowl.
Rosalie
Located in the historic Wayne Hotel, Rosalie combines rustic comfort and design with simple food to create an authentic Italian dining experience. The menu favors locally sourced, seasonal ingredients prepared daily and paired with specialty cocktails and wine. https://rosaliewayne.com/
Healthy Options: Pesce Crudo appetizer, Diver Scallops, and Due of Venison.
Amada Radnor
Iron Chef Jose Garces has brought his iconic Spanish tapas concept to the Main Line, and it doesn’t disappoint. Paellas are outstanding as well as the cocktails and desserts. https://www.amadarestaurant.com/amada-radnor/
Healthy Options: Piquillos (crab stuffed peppers), Tortilla Espanola (potato and onion omlette), and the Ensalada de Jamon.
West Chester, PA
Dolce Zola
Dolce Zola partners with both local farmers and vendors from Italy. They abide by a strict ingredient procurement standard in which scratch cooking, animal welfare, and sustainable ingredients. They also make everything in-house daily, from our semolina pasta and sauces to our desserts. https://www.dolcezola.com/
Healthy Options: Beets and Goat appetizer, Sorrentina, and the Salento.
Limoncello
Limoncello builds on the proud traditions of the Old Country – offering all of their Sicilian family recipes on the menu with love. They use only the freshest ingredients to prepare the same wonderfully flavorful centuries old dishes only Italians can make. https://www.limoncellorestaurant.com/
Healthy Options: Mussels Fra Diavolo appetizer, Berry and Goat Cheese Salad, and the Baked Eggplant Parm with Broccoli Rabe.
Stove & Tap
Stove & Tap’s food menu is ever-changing using the freshest, local ingredients prepared to perfection. Their mission is to provide their guests with a dynamic dining experience in an exciting environment filled with big flavor and big personality right here on the Main Line. https://stoveandtap-wc.com/#
Healthy Options: Salmon and Quinoa Bowl, Seared Tuna Tacos, and the Thai Shrimp Salad.
Slow Hand
Retro vibes abound at this two-story gem, which serves a locally sourced selection of elevated bar food. From Whiskey Wednesdays to live music- this Main Line spot is a great place to eat and hang out! https://www.slowhand-wc.com/
Healthy Options: Mixed Green Salad, Stuffed Bell Peppers and the Wild Mushroom Tart.
How We Can Help
Eating out and splurging on something you truly enjoy eating is okay! Feeling like you need a little more help believing that? Contact Anderson’s Nutrition! Reach out now to see if an appointment with one of our registered dietitians can help you navigate through eating out at restaurants (on the Main Line or not). Nutrition counseling is often covered by insurance and may be just what you need to jump start a healthy lifestyle for your goals!