Delco College Dine-Around: Villanova University

From small liberal arts colleges to community colleges to large universities, Delco is home to an incredible array of higher education institutions. Perhaps you’re a local visiting one of these colleges or universities for a lecture or sports game, or coming in from out of town to tour with your child, or as a prospective student yourself. Whatever brings you here to Delco — welcome! We’re excited for you to get a little more familiar with our tight-knit communities, and of course, we’re here to set you up with some great food recommendations.

It’s often the case that where there are colleges, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. This is certainly true of the area in and around Villanova University, a private Catholic research university situated on a bucolic campus on the Philadelphia Main Line in Villanova, PA. The student body of over 10,000 undergrad and graduate students, and large faculty population, need spots to relax and refuel, as do fans from out of the area who come in to catch athletics games, especially the University’s high-ranking Division I Wildcats basketball teams. 

Heading to or hanging out in Villanova University? Here’s where to find delicious food and drinks all throughout the day.

 

Breakfast & Brunch

Start the day on a high note with nutritious picks, like fresh-pressed juice, smoothies, and smoothie bowls from Goodness Bowls. This fast-casual spot offers so many varieties of produce-packed bowls, like acai bowls, green bowls and coconut bowls, each topped with fruit, granola, drizzles of honey or Nutella and so much more. To power up for a long day, we like the Chunky Monkey, a specialty bowl with a blend of frozen banana base, cacao powder, whey chocolate protein, peanut butter and coconut milk, topped with granola, bananas, strawberries, mango, kiwi and antioxidant-rich cacao nibs. 

775 E. Lancaster Ave. #120, Villanova; (484) 380-2353.

 

For a classic bacon-and-eggs breakfast or lazy brunch, head to Minella’s Diner, just a few miles down Lancaster Avenue from Villanova, in the charming small town of Wayne. This family-owned restaurant (just one of many excellent diners in Delco) has been in business since 1971, serving up a huge menu of familiar favorites from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Breakfast is served all day, including every kind of omelet, breakfast sandwich and tasty carb you can imagine! There’s also a full coffee and espresso menu, as well as a bar, if you fancy a mimosa or bloody mary with brunch!

320 Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 687-1575.

 

Prefer to kick mornings off with a cappuccino and a pastry? Swing by Rosie’s Coffee, a tiny little cafe tucked into the Villanova train station on the north side of campus, for espresso drinks or hot or iced coffee or tea, and grab-and-go food options, including bagels, smoothies, avocado toast and croissants. Note: Rosie’s is closed on Sundays. 

308 N. Spring Mill Rd., Villanova; (267) 253-1249.

Lunch

Midday meals can be tricky if you’re looking for something between fast food and a high-end restaurant. Christopher’s A Neighborhood Place, a comfy spot in Wayne, is the ideal middle ground: The environment is casual and chill, with a menu stacked with high-quality dishes, fun cocktails and a tap list featuring craft beer. If you’re headed there with friends, grab a seat at the bar and share a plate of nachos or potato skins before tucking into one of the pub’s hearty sandwiches. There are plenty of larger tables if you stop in with your family or a larger group, too! Other lunch options include chili and soups, salads, steamed mussels and burgers. 

108 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne; (610) 687-6558.

 

Satisfy your pizza cravings at Pietro’s in Radnor, just about a mile from Villanova. Appetizing Italian-inspired dishes are the specialty here, including brick oven pizza, savory pastas and well-composed entrees, with a great wine and cocktail list to match. One of the best times to stop into Pietro’s is for lunch; every weekday from noon to 4, it offers a special lunch menu with nearly all food options priced at $16. This includes juicy sandwiches like chicken parm and caprese (all served with truffle fries), fresh Mediterranean-style salads and a selection of pasta mains.

236 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor; (484) 367-7072. 

 

Happy Hour

Located right in the heart of Villanova’s campus, The Refectory is a beautiful space with a refined menu and a friendly vibe. This is a lovely stop any time of day — brunch and lunch are also served — but the happy hour is especially tops. Offered every day from 4 to 6 p.m. at the bar and on the patio, happy hour specials include a selection of $8 wines, $8 cocktails, $6 craft beer as well as a menu of elevated snacks, like raw oysters, burger sliders and buffalo chicken flatbread, just $7 each. Note: The Refectory’s happy hour is not offered during Villanova Men’s Basketball home games. 

862 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova; (610) 519-5786.

 

Food and drinks with vibrant Greek flair are what’s on offer at Estia in Radnor. Wind down from your day with selections from this taverna’s inspired happy hour, offered Sunday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the bar and hightops in the bar area. There is a lot to choose from, including discounted beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails (we like the fizzy, elderflower-scented Hugo Spritz). On the snacks side, there are plentiful seafood options, like salmon tartar and fried calamari, as well as regional specialties, like spanakopita and stuffed grape leaves. 

222 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor; (484) 581-7124. 

 

Dinner

Tucked off the main drag, find 333 Belrose Bar & Grill, a stylish spot and one of our top picks for steaks and seafood in Delco. And the locals agree! Popular dishes include the filet, the crab cakes and the seared salmon salad, though it’s hard to go wrong with anything from the classically curated menu. Pair your meal with a selection from the restaurant’s fine wine list, with bottles from across the globe including Marlborough, New Zealand, Alsace, France and Napa Valley, California.  

333 Belrose Ln., Wayne; (610) 293-1000.

 

Last year, celebrity chef Jose Garces opened a location of Amada in Wayne, a suburban counterpart to his beloved original restaurant in Philly. Serving Andalusian tapas and a stellar Spanish-focused wine list in a chic dining room, this is a fabulous spot for a celebratory meal. You’re in great hands with the Tapas y Vinos small plates tasting menu, offered Sunday through Thursday: $49 per person for a selection of fancy and filling snacks (ham croquettes, garlic shrimp, chicken skewers, patatas bravas), plus $20 pitchers of sangria and half-priced wines. Or, stick with the a la carte menu to explore the sumptuous selection of cured Spanish meats and cheeses, traditional tapas, meats and seafood from the grill, epic plates of paella to share with the table and much more.

555 E. Lancaster Ave., Lower Level 100, Wayne; (484) 429-2158.

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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. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach 

 

Featured photo courtesy of Refectory