Bursting with the culinary arts, the Main Line area’s foodie scene continues to expand each year. With the dregs of the pandemic finally in the rearview, Philadelphia’s suburban restaurant scene has exploded like a supernova in recent years.
While we listed our top new restaurants from 2023 earlier this month, it’s time to look ahead to see what offerings are in store for the Main Line region in 2024.
Al Pastor Havertown
13 W Benedict Ave., Havertown
Exton favorite Al Pastor is expanding with a new location coming to Havertown. Though there’s no set date for the grand opening, we can be sure that the eatery is moving closer to launch as it has started searching for employees via social media. Known for its refreshingly sweet margaritas and near-daily specials, this is one restaurant Havertown residents will want to check out when it opens.
Kismet Bagels Luncheonette
801 Montgomery Ave., Penn Valley
Only open as of February 14, this casual breakfast and lunch spot is full of heart and soul. Serving homemade bagels as well as sandwiches, patty melts, donuts and more, Kismet Bagels Luncheonette is the fourth Kismet location and the first around the Main Line. With customers packed like sardines for the lunch rush and a 2 p.m. close, Kismet promises extended hours are coming soon.
OSushi Wayne
613 W Lancaster Ave., Wayne
Already established in Ardmore and Marlton, NJ, OSushi expanded to Wayne in January of 2024 with its familiar stylish interior and traditional Japanese menu. Tartare, sushi, nigiri, hand rolls, dumplings and more feature on this intriguing menu from what’s sure to one day become a Main Line area restaurant staple.
Rooney’s at Dilworthtown
225 Brintons Bridge Rd., West Chester
Though news has been hard to come by since Rooney’s was first announced in November, we can confirm that plans have been updated for a mid-summer opening. This eatery from the owners of Turks Head Sauce brings the popular menu from the food truck to a sit-down breakfast, brunch and lunch spot behind the old Dilworthtown Inn. Owner Brian Rogers aims to be a part of the revitalization of the area that was once home to the historic inn.
Serum Kitchen and Taphouse
142 E Market St., West Chester
In the works since May 2023, West Chester’s Serum Kitchen and Taphouse comes from the beloved Imprint Beer Company. Known for fruity sours and pastry stouts, the company’s downtown West Chester location will feature recipes from Chef Carlos Centeno per an interview with North Penn Now in 2022. Centano has been a chef with Starr Restaurants since 2007. Like Al Pastor Havertown, a launch date seems imminent as the eatery has begun hiring employees.
Testa Rossa
Shoppes at Brinton Lake, Glen Mills
We covered Fearless Restaurant’s latest eatery in detail last month, but this entry into the catalog will offer Italian-American dining in a fun, casual setting. With a planned summer 2024 opening, Testa Rossa can’t come soon enough.
So certain of its success, Fearless Restaurants has already planned a second Testa Rossa location for Wayne at 523 W. Lancaster Avenue, replaced a shuttered Bertucci’s, though the timeline is considerably further behind for this location. Rosalie Chef Merick Devine is anticipated to run culinary operations at both restaurants.
9 Prime
9 N High St., West Chester
Open as of February 11, 9 Prime in West Chester may prove to be one of the Main Line area’s preeminent steakhouses. Located in a 19th-century neoclassical bank, 9 Prime boasts an upscale atmosphere and menu bursting with dishes full of character like the ‘nduja mussels, wet-aged 18 oz. Delmonico steak and miso-glazed black cod. Hosting 370 seats across two levels, a summer dining terrace with a retractable glass roof and a soon-to-open speakeasy basement lounge, 9 Prime brings to West Chester the sort of extravagant dining the city has lacked.
