Cozy Up in Delco’s Romantic Restaurants

In the middle of the dreary winter, we’ll take any excuse to shake up the usual routine. There’s nothing quite like a night out with your spouse, partner or crush to add some sparks and excitement to your week! While the old-school version of a “romantic restaurant” meant white table cloths, formal service and an eye-popping total on the bill, these days cozy, intimate restaurants come in all shapes and sizes. 

There are so many perfect date night spots right here in Delco — whether you prefer posh and polished, or comfy and casual, there are plenty of restaurants that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion when you want to treat your special someone to a lovely dining experience. Here are a handful to try:

 

 

Fava Ristorante Italiano

This absolute gem in Concord Township offers a stylish backdrop for your next date night. The seasonally inspired dinner menu is full of delicious shareables (think flatbreads, cheese and prosciutto boards, and fritto misto), as well as fresh twists on Italian favorites, like pappardelle with bison ragu, and chicken marsala with sautéed mushrooms and a marsala wine demi sauce. Cocktail fans will love the beverage selection, which includes handcrafted specialties, like the spiced mezcal margarita and espresso martini. The extensive wine list is not to be missed, and be sure to save room for dessert! Fava is open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m, Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 to 9 p.m. Happy hour is offered each day, and brunch is served on the weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are encouraged.  

1102 Baltimore Pike, Suite #101, Glen Mills, (484)-840-8603.

 

 

 

 

Village Vine

Wine lovers, this one’s for you! This unique wine bar and bistro in Swarthmore is just the place to explore interesting wines from all across the world. Dive into Village Vine’s beverage list, and try a glass of dry, fizzy Lambrusco, or a rich and luscious Malbec, or something from the cocktail or beer list! Clink glasses over tempting small plates from the food menu, like oysters on-the-half-shell, radicchio and citrus salad, or baked spinach dip. Brunch is available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. (snacks and drinks only on Fridays and Saturdays between 2:30 and 5 p.m.). Reservations are suggested.

6 Park Avenue, Swarthmore; (484) 471-3997.

 

 

 

New Leaf

With its colorful ingredients, delicate flavors and beautiful plating, sushi is the ultimate date-night food! If you love sushi and Asian fusion, check out New Leaf in Broomall (there are outposts in Manayunk and Yardley, as well). Its sleek, modern interior and comfy booths are a nice place to warm up with a pot of tea and order a feast! Choose from snacky street food, like crab rangoon, rock shrimp tempura and steamed BBQ pork buns; cozy soups and noodle dishes; hearty entrees; or see what the sushi bar has to offer. For a treat, try a few of New Leaf’s special rolls, like the Green Lady (cucumber, avocado, scallion, striped bass, mint and lime) or the Jumbo Lobster Tail Tempura roll with cucumber and caviar. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11:30-10:30 p.m. Reservations suggested on weekends. 

2916 West Chester Pike, Broomall, (610) 353-8888.

For more of our favorite sushi spots in Delco, head here!

 

 

 

The New American Bistro

Delco is home to lots of great BYOBS, like this wonderful, family-owned establishment in Folsom. The unpretentious vibe makes for a relaxing atmosphere, and the scratch-made menu offers one delicious option after another: creamy bisques, housemade pasta, crisp salads and savory entrees. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and substitutions are welcome every night but Saturday. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested.

217 Morton Ave., Folsom, (484) 497-8111. 

 

 

 

Lariele Wood Fired Square Pie

If casual  — and budget-friendly — is what you’re after, pizza makes for a fun, satisfying night out. But you can’t take your date to any old pizza joint! Lairele in Media is the happy medium between approachable and elevated, with quality ingredients, creative toppings and the bold charred flavor of a wood-fired oven. In addition to plenty of yummy pizza (try the Prosciutto Arugula), there are ample Italian-inspired starters and entrees, like meatballs in Sunday gravy, stuffed shells and chicken parm. Lariele is a BYOB, so feel free to bring along a bottle of vino or a beer from your favorite Delco brewery! Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. Reservations encouraged.

111 West State Street, Media, (610) 744-1077.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo courtesy of Fava Ristorante Italiano