Isn’t it time you enjoyed the gorgeous grounds of Longwood Gardens this season? Breathtakingly manicured gardens, the always-changing stately conservatory, cascading falls, frolicking fountains and an expansive meadow of wildflowers that just won’t quit await you for a date with friends, family or that special someone.
After spending some time at Longwood, you deserve to sit, grab a bite and share a few ideas with your group about how to create or improve a stunning garden of your own. We’ve planted a deliciously diverse list of 10 lunch and dinner dining spots that will make your day out a memory rooted in good conversation, great food and a beverage (or two):
The Cafe at Longwood
Conveniently located onsite, the Cafe at Longwood offers three dining rooms: The Lodge, with a central fireplace and expansive views of Longwood; The Founder’s Room, honoring Longwood’s founder Pierre du Pont and his many contributions to the Gardens; and The Gallery, showcasing artwork created by students in Longwood’s Continuing Education classes. The lunchtime crowd can enjoy hot entrees, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts that truly are a step above. Nosh away as you spy hummingbirds feeding in the gardens. Lunch only. Open 7 days. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000
1906 Fine Dining Room
For a more intimate and upscale experience at Longwood, try the 1906 Fine Dining Room. Manned by power chefs Will Brown and Bruce Galloway, this restaurant provides a touch of elegance with sustainable ingredients for lunch, brunch, special prix fixe menus for concert nights and a holiday extravaganzas. The restaurant offers local wines and dessert coffees with a kick. A must-try is the cool flower-pot dessert. Reservations are recommended. Open 7 days for lunch and special evening events only. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000
The Gables at Chadds Ford
Be prepared to indulge in executive chef Dave Wenerd’s house-favorite shrimp and grits at nearby Gables at Chadds Ford. Try the chilled watermelon soup with a crab panini for lunch, or stick around and go for the whisky ginger shrimp appetizer, a wood-fired filet mignon and one of the delectable house-made desserts. An extensive craft beer, cocktail and wine list accompanies the well-presented menu in a relaxing converted fieldstone barn. Closed Mondays. 423 Baltimore Pike., Chadds Ford, (610) 388-7700
Sovana Bistro
Nestled within the rolling hills of Chester County, Sovana Bistro, under the direction of chef/owner Nick Farrell, serves up playful presentations of French-Mediterranean cuisine like a cedar-plank salmon with Israeli couscous that tastes as great as it looks. Or go more casual with an oven-crisped artisan pizza and locally sourced salad while enjoying wine pours or hand-crafted cocktails alfresco on the intimate covered terrace. An assorted cheese board from area farms is the perfect end to the perfect day. Closed Mondays. 696 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square, (610) 444-5600
Catherine’s Restaurant
If it’s nostalgic charm you’re looking for, drop in to Catherine’s Restaurant, where chef Kevin McMunn and his wife/partner Marybeth Brown have created an eclectic mix of dishes with a focus on comfort food. Enjoy a menu of goat cheese ravioli or braised short ribs in this historic converted general store located in the tiny village of Unionville. Be sure to scope out the recently redone secluded garden, which is perfect for alfresco dining over your favorite bottle of BYO vino. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 1701 Doe Run Rd., Unionville, (610) 347-2227
Hood’s BBQ & Deli
Recently renovated and cranking out some serious BBQ, Hood’s BBQ is a casual family-owned finger-licking eatery well-known for ribs, brisket, chicken and the “hoodie,” which is slow-roasted pork smothered in house-made sauce, provolone cheese and topped with slaw on a bun. The house meatloaf and “Dawn’s deviled eggs” are a must—as is tucking your napkin into your collar to make a bib. Outdoor dining on nice days is a given. Closed Mondays. 1664 W. Doe Run Rd., Unionville, (610) 347-1670
Two Stones Pub Kennett
Expect creative and casual pub fare at Two Stones Pub in the Shoppes at Longwood, just minutes from the Gardens themselves. Quench your thirst with an impressive list of rotating taps of local brew as you dive headfirst into an a pile of stacked nachos or fried mac and cheese balls. Sink your teeth into a one-of-a-kind Hudson Valley Farms foie gras burger or the crazy delish chicken and waffle salad. Incredible menu here. Outdoor dining. Open 7 days. 843 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, (610) 444-3940
Antica Italian Restaurant and BYOB
Easy to miss while speeding along Route 1 but so worth the find is the casual elegance of Antica Restaurant and BYOB in Chadds Ford. Chefs Josh Friedberg and Gent Mema (who also have Il Granaio in Delaware County) flawlessly prepare and execute an authentic Italian menu. Bring an extra bottle of your favorite prosecco and relax as you enjoy house specialties like cacio e pepe, risotto risi e bisi or gnocchi de casa. Prepare yourself for desserts to-die-for and top-notch service. Closed Mondays. 1623 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (484) 770-8631
Lily’s Asian Cuisine Sushi & Grill
It’s a struggle to find good sushi close by, but Lily’s Asian Cuisine and Sushi Grill fills the bill nicely. You’ll have to head into neighboring historic Kennett Square to relish the extensive sushi and sashimi menu. Asian fare also includes lobster rolls, hibachi, teriyaki and signature rolls with milled brown or black rice. Be sure to say “yes” to the jasmine tea. BYOB and street parking. 104 W. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 925-3700
Portabellos of Kennett Square
This classic BYOB has been a Kennett favorite for years. Owner/chef Brett Hulbert and partner Sandra Morris love this community, and it shows in their passion for bringing a beautiful plate to the table. Steak au poivre with worcestershire mushrooms or a portobello cheesesteak are standouts on this creative menu. Grab a bottle of local wine from Paradocx Vineyard, Galer Estate or Va La Vineyard to round out your meal at this exquisite downtown location. Closed Mondays. 115 W. State St., Kennett Square, (610) 925-4984
- The Gables at Chadds Ford photo: Alexandra Whitney Photography
- Two Stones Pub photo: Two Stones Pub
- Remaining photos: Ed Williams
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