If there’s one thing we’ve noticed about Mainliners, it’s that they always want the best. And they’re pretty sure they know what the best is, too—especially when it comes to food. We listened to our informants wax jubilant over everything from a tasting menu at Malvern’s Alba to a simple buttery croissant at Narberth’s Le Petit Mitron—and we did (a great deal more than) our fair share of eating, too. So, in no particular order and with no claims of objectivity, we give you our 50 favorite meals on the Main Line.

SUSANNA FOO GOURMET KITCHEN
Dumplings are a transcultural comfort food, but Susanna Foo elevates them to new heights with her mouthwatering dumpling sampler: wild mushroom and chicken, shrimp and Chinese chive, vegetable and classic pork pot stickers. 555 E. Lancaster Ave., Radnor, 610-688-8808

BLUEFIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Just say the words “Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll” and we’re on I-76 to this sushi destination. But our favorite is the Marlee: the crunchy spicy yellowtail roll with spicy sauce, roe and more tuna on top. 1017 Germantown Pk., Plymouth Meeting, 610-277-3917

LA COLLINA
The old-school crowd knows where to find the best Dover sole in town. It’s filleted tableside, then topped with a butter sauce so rich you’ll be panting by the time you’re ready for your tartufo. 37-41 Ashland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 610-668-1780

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE AND WINE BAR
Cholesterol, be damned. Start with the lobster tempura with jalapeño and soy-ginger dipping sauces. Then go for the prime rib-eye: aged up to four weeks, broiled and perfectly seasoned. Add the creamy, jalapeño-studded Fleming’s potatoes, and food coma, here we come. 555 E. Lancaster Ave., Radnor, 610-688-9463

CARMINE’S CREOLE CAFÉ
Our favorite taste of New Orleans starts with crispy sea scallops with black currant and balsamic reduction, followed by the blackened fish with molasses pecan sauce over sweet potato mash. 818 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-9100

CLASSIC DINER
The comfort food is worth the long wait at this Main Line foodie magnet: We love the nine types of eggs Benedict, especially the one loaded with fresh lump crab meat. 352 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, 610-725-0515

RESTAURANT ALBA
The menu at this cozy Malvern BYOB changes with the seasons. But if we can get it, we yearn for wood-grilled octopus appetizer, followed by the Mediterranean sea bass with pureed vegetables, wilted spinach and pancetta and a crab-and-chickpea fritter. 7 W. King St., Malvern, 610-644-4009

OLD GUARDHOUSE INN
When we’re craving old-school dining, there’s no place like chef Albert Breuers’ Guardhouse, for a cup of rich snapper soup served with sherry, followed by “the best” fried oysters with fennel and apple slaw. 953 Youngsford Rd., Gladwyne, 610-649-9708

YANGMING
Choose the perfectly prepared Peking duck—you won’t be sorry. Thankfully, you can get a half-order of the rich, crispy meat, carved tableside. 1051 Conestoga Rd., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-3200

TALULA’S TABLE
Book a year in advance for the over-the-top eight-course tasting menus that change daily at Bryan Sikora and Aimee Olexy’s chef’s table, or stop in for gourmet takeaway items like goat cheese gnocchi and Provencal fish soup that you can heat and serve at home—no reservation required. 102 W. State St., Kennett Square, 610-444-8255

DU JOUR
The best meals at Du Jour start with juicy gossip and end with a scoop of creamy Capogiro gelato. Beyond that, our favorites are the fresh Caesar salad or the grilled chicken and artichoke flatbread pizza. 379 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 610-896-4556

BRAVO
Talking pizza is dangerous territory: after all, everyone has his favorite slice. A steaming hot, crispy, cheesy, greasy, so-big-you-have-to-fold-it, don’t-you-dare-call-it-”plain” slice from Bravo just happens to be ours. Heaven on a paper plate? Maybe so. 273 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 610-660-0668

SAVONA
Sure, old-fashioned Dover sole is the signature dish here. But we love chef Andrew Masciangelo’s more contemporary fare: Start with the yellowfin tuna Provencal, topped with eco-friendly and incredibly delicious seaweed caviar and crispy parsley, then order the delicate Cabernet-stained black cod, with a savory cauliflower and baby fennel puree. 100 Old Gulph Rd., Gulph Mills, 610-520-1200

MARGOT BYOB
Goat cheese and beet salads have become ubiquitous on upscale menus lately. But we’re addicted to Margot’s version: pan-seared goat cheese, beets, baby arugula and fresh lemon and olive oil. Order it with the famous sweet potato pancakes, served with caramelized apples and chipotle and chive sour creams. 232 Woodbine Ave., Narberth, 610-660-0160

GEORGES’
When we head to Georges Perrier’s Main Line hangout, we go for one thing: the Black Angus burger served with toppings like Blue Affinee, caramelized onions, fried egg, bacon or gruyere. The best burger on the Main Line? We’re lovin’ it. 503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-964-2588

JAKE’S
Crab cakes are a fine-dining staple, but we love Jake’s version: jumbo lump crab meat served with local beans, crisp yams and a basil emulsion. Chase it with an over-the-top ice cream-stuffed cookie taco—made from a sugary deep-fried tortilla—for total foodie bliss. 4365 Main St., Manayunk, 215-483-0444

STELLA BLU + GYPSY SALOON
The four most powerful words in the English language might be these: Lobster macaroni ‘n’ cheese. And at both romantic Stella Blu and the more casual Gypsy Saloon, chef Ralph Pallarino creates the ultimate blend of luxury and comfort food: a rich concoction made with three cheeses, Italian breadcrumbs and fresh lobster meat. Stella Blu: 101 Ford St., West Conshohocken, 610-825-7060. Gypsy Saloon: 128 Ford St., 610-828-8494

BLACKFISH
Blackfish seems to specialize in revelatory combinations like foie gras terrine with mission figs, toasted brioche and cinnamon. But don’t miss our fave: the bouillabaisse of local fish poached in saffron broth with crusty bread and rouille. 119 Fayette St., Conshohocken, 610-397-0888

MERIDITH’S
Homemade cinnamon buns alone are a treat—but Meridith’s coats them in cinnamon egg batter, fries them to a golden crisp and tops them with cinnamon butter and maple syrup for some of the most decadent French toast around. 10 Leopard Rd., Berwyn, 610-251-0265

OASIS CAFE
If a major part of your dining experience is how you feel after you’ve finished, this raw food destination ranks among the best. Try the flax wrap with avocado, cashew crème and crunchy carrots and zucchini, served extra spicy, plus a raw mixed berry smoothie for a refreshingly light lunch. 134 Lancaster Ave., Frazer, 610-647-9797

NECTAR
We could probably eat sushi for every meal. But when we want to take it to the next level, we go for chef Patrick Feury’s King Kong Roll, a killer wrap of seaweed, rice, grilled filet mignon and Nova Scotia lobster crusted with sea salt, garlic and chilies. 1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, 610-725-9000

LA COLOMBE
You already knew they had the best coffee. But the La Colombe on Main Street also has amazing paninis—we adore the veggie one, loaded with aromatic fennel, pesto and mozzarella, grilled to gooey perfection. 4360 Main St., Manayunk, 215-483-4580

SAMURAI JAPANESE
We love the authentic Samurai sushi, but our real obsession is the Vietnamese roll, packed with spicy tuna, avocado, lettuce and crisp rice noodles in a rice paper wrapper. 1201 W. Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, 610-525-8000

HA LONG BAY
This low-key BYOB brings authentic Vietnamese to the burbs: Try the grilled shrimp or beef vermicelli bowls with chili-studded sweet fish sauce, herbs and pickled vegetables over soft rice noodles. 816 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-525-8881

MAIA
We admit it. We secretly fantasize about return trips to Maia—specifically for the lobster tail and claw with purple potatoes and creamy truffle mousseline. It’s one of the pricier dishes on the Main Line, but worth every penny. 789 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 610-527-4888

RESTAURANT THREE01
Chicken is definitely the star at this new hotel restaurant helmed by a former Blackfish chef de cuisine. Start with the chicken liver pate with rustic crostini, then dig in to the roasted poussin served with charred mini Brussels sprout and caramelized onion in savory sauce diable. 301 W. Dekalb Pk., King of Prussia, 610-337-1200

THE NEW TAVERN
This Main Line institution is more than just a bustling neighborhood meet-and-greet: The Tavern’s perfectly seasoned and broiled rack of lamb proves the kitchen here is still at the top of its game. 261 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-9100

ARDMORE STATION CAFÉ
It’s hard to go back to ordinary French toast after you’ve tried the stuffed variety at this friendly neighborhood cafe. Rich, gooey options include s’mores, peanut butter and banana between thick slices of golden toast. 6 Station Rd., Ardmore, 610-642-3889

HYMIE’S MERION DELI
We could make a meal out of the pickle bar alone at this classic Jewish-style deli. But give us a cup of the cabbage soup plus the gargantuan Shlemiel—a turkey special with cole slaw and Russian dressing—and we’re kvelling. 342 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, 610-664-3544

333 BELROSE
Our favorite calamari appetizer ever comes fried to a crisp with salt, pepper, green pumpkinseed aioli and crunchy jalapeño chips. We’d also break our diets for the country-style short ribs, with buttery mashed potatoes and fat boy onion rings. 333 Belrose Ln., Radnor, 610-293-1000

POND + BISTRO CASSIS
Chef Abde Dahrouch knows how to take a perfectly roasted filet mignon and give it a boost: His version, served over braised short ribs cannelloni with sweet peas and burgundy wine sauce, is not to be missed. 175 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, 610-293-9411

DEREK’S
Seared tuna, done to perfection, is culinary magic. Derek Davis has the touch: his perfectly seared tuna steak, crusted with ginger and black sesame and served with edamame, a sweet honey-ponzu reduction and fried wontons, merits the trip to Manayunk. 4411 Main St., Manayunk, 215-483-9400

AUSPICIOUS
When we’re craving Chinese with a twist, we head to Auspicious BYOB for a heaping plate of walnut and honey prawns, served battered and honey-glazed with candied walnuts and steamed rice. 11 Cricket Ave., Ardmore, 610-642-1858

SANG KEE
When it’s chilly out, there’s nothing like peering down through a cloud of fragrant steam into an oversize soup bowl of roasted duck wontons, savory chicken broth, thick rice noodles and greens. This just might be the ultimate comfort food. 339 E. Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, 610-658-0618

MCSHEA’S
One of the Main Line’s best-kept secrets, McShea’s offers options like beer-battered fish and chips with malt vinegar shoestring fries that are far from your average pub grub. Our guilty obsession: the shepherd’s pie. 242 Haverford Ave., Narberth, 610-667-0510

TANGO
Tango’s top-selling dish by a long shot, the chicken chopped Cobb, is more entrée than simple salad, with Iceberg lettuce, diced chicken, blue cheese, avocado, tomato, bacon, egg and ranch dressing. 39 Morris Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-9500

GILMORE’S
Le Bec Fin alumnus Peter Gilmore still makes one of the best crab cakes around, with lump crab meat, shrimp mousse, scallions and a rich lemon beurre blanc. Finish your meal with the mandatory chocolate mousse candy apple. 133 E. Gay St., West Chester, 610-431-2800

JASPER
Chef Nick DiFonzo’s tiny kitchen churns out some of our favorite dishes: We love the mushroom duxelle crepe appetizer with fried leeks, and the gorgeous entrée of pan-roasted duck breast with hearty braised rabbit ragout and sun-dried tomato parmesan bread pudding. 78 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, 610-269-7776

COSIMO
The charcuterie and cheeses alone are worth a visit to this Malvern wine bar, but don’t miss the pork tenderloin with barbecue sauce, sweet potato hash and spiced apple puree, a Southern-accented favorite. 209 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, 610-647-1233

MAJOLICA
Chef Andrew Deery’s menu of seasonal, local offerings offers something new each time we visit this acclaimed BYOB. But we love the fresh fish dishes, like the arctic char, served with a fresh herb salad, mustard and celeriac pave. 258 Bridge St., Phoenixville, 610-917-0962

DILWORTHTOWN INN
Our ultimate romantic dinner in these cozy dining rooms starts with a classic Caesar salad for two, lovingly prepared tableside, and continues with the jumbo lump crab crêpe, redolent with ginger, celeriac rémoulade and mustard foam. 1390 Old Wilmington Pk., West Chester, 610-399-1390

NORTHBROOK MARKETPLACE
One of the most novel dining experiences on the Main Line is at Northbrook’s massive 22-seat chef’s table, where diners are served eight-course dinners inspired by local market goods: dishes like sweet potato soup, striped bass with pumpkin risotto and braised short ribs with porcinis, fried quail egg, caper mojo and blue cheese sauce. 1805 Unionville-Wawaset Rd., West Chester, 610-793-1210

KHAJURAHO INDIA
We thank Krishna every time we head to the restaurant that proves you don’t need to head downtown for great Indian. We love the deep-fried hot peppers, the rich navratan korma vegetables in a creamy, nutty gravy, and flatbread stuffed with fresh homemade cheese. 12 Greenfield Ave., Ardmore, 610-896-7200

MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
You don’t find Persian-Mediterranean fusion fare on every corner, but it’s worth seeking out here. We love the Ghormeh Sabzi, a unique dish made with chicken breast or lamb with dried lime, cilantro, leeks and spices. 870 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-525-2627

BIRCHRUNVILLE STORE CAFÉ
The menu changes daily at Chef Francis Trzeciak’s intimate BYOB, but for the perfect meal, go for one of his mid-week, six-course tasting menus, with offerings like Caesar salad wrapped in prosciutto with truffle dressing, and lobster ragout with rock shrimp and Champagne-wasabi emulsion. 1403 Hollow Rd., Birchrunville, 610-827-9002

SPRING MILL CAFÉ
French Provincial cuisine with North African accents makes this charming BYOB one of the area’s hidden gems. We love the brunch especially: brioche with berries, cassis and cream, and the caviar-crème fraîche omelet, not to mention Moroccan-style chicken in a phyllo pastry. 164 Barren Hill Rd., Conshohocken, 610-828-2550

TERESA’S NEXT DOOR
Give us a glass of Lindemans Framboise or an obscure Belgian brew, plus a pile of Drunken mussels cooked with beer and chorizo, and a side of double-fried frites with chile aioli, and we’ve found a beer-geek’s heaven in the ‘burbs. 124-126 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, 610-293-0119

NUDY’S
This unfortunately named breakfast and lunch spot is popular enough to have sprouted a mini-chain, with locations in Phoenixville and Frazier. Go for the banana walnut pancakes or the smoked salmon omelet and leave stuffed. 292 E. Conestoga Rd., Wayne, 610-687-1345

LE PETIT MITRON
Among life’s simple pleasures, breakfast from this neighborhood patisserie owned by a couple of French expatriates is one of our favorites. A freshly baked, impossibly light, flaky, buttery croissant or pain au chocolate is the perfect companion to morning coffee. 207 Haverford Ave., Narberth, 484-562-0500

AL DAR
We could make a meal just from the toasty pita points and olive oil they put on every table, but the deliciously simple grilled calamari, followed by the peasant (fattoush) salad, sprinkled with sumac, lemon juice and olive oil, are what keep us coming back to this Middle Eastern staple. 281 Montgomery Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 610-667-1245

1. [...] the full article click here. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Main Line Magazine Picks Top 50″, url: [...]

   Posted by Main Line Magazine Picks Top 50 (in In Other Food News) - WC Dish | July 7, 2009, 10:14 pm

2. Nice list- however Conshohocken, Phoenixville, West Chester, Birchrunville & Manayunk are not Main Line. Downingtown is definitely not Main Line.

   Posted by Tom | July 11, 2009, 5:06 pm

3. How come one of the great additions to Main Line Saffron Indian Kitchen was not mentioned.

   Posted by Rahul Bhatia | September 15, 2009, 11:44 am