Nestled above the zipping traffic of Route 30, along the Main Line train route, sits the seemingly quiet town of Malvern. Malvern is quaint, with a small main street lined with shops, restaurants and houses and plenty of historic value to give it culture. Years ago, it was easy to drive along King Street and blink, only to find that you’d missed town.
Not any more.
This formerly quiet town is now anything but. Teeming with growth, historic Malvern is now exploding with contemporary additions, creating the new go-to spot on the Main Line. “Eat, work, play” apartments situated above a variety of new merchants have extended the main strip of Malvern for several blocks, giving visitors even more room to explore.
We had a chance to explore the “New Malvern” and five perfectly planted food spots along King Street that need to be put on your “to-do” list immediately:
Restaurant Alba
A 10-year veteran of the Malvern scene, Restaurant Alba is the place to go for Northern Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Owners Sean and Kelly Weinberg offer customers house-made pasta, the novelty of a wood-burning grill and a wine list that is comprised of 90% Italian wines. Enjoy the indoor atmosphere, or during the warmer months, feel the breeze on the back deck. Be sure to start your meal with Alba’s small plate antipasti—it’s delicious! 7 W. King St., (610) 644-4009
Christopher’s
Christopher’s is a welcome, familiar face to the Main Line restaurant family. Many who know the original Wayne location will be thrilled to find the same menu of family-friendly American fare at this newer location in Malvern, an expanded version with an open feel and great outdoor dining. Whether you are looking for a sit-down meal or to relax at the bar, Christopher’s can accommodate. 335 E. King St., (484) 568-4127
Malvern Buttery
Just as any good day begins with coffee, no town is complete without a hip coffee shop. Malvern Buttery has a contemporary loft feel, with clean white lines, rustic wood interiors and built-in bookshelves lined with food books. Malvern Buttery offers quality coffee drinks paired with delicious melt-in-your-mouth pastries and light fare. Thanks to free Wi-Fi and long, elegant picnic-style tables, it’s the perfect alternative office. We won’t judge if you work a little longer just to have the excuse to buy another croissant. 233 E. King St., (610) 296-2534
Anthony’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Serving the Main Line since 1993, Anthony’s is the place both to bring out-of-town guests for a sit-down meal and to keep on speed-dial as your family’s takeout pizza shop. The feel at Anthony’s is casual yet refined, and it’s perfectly situated steps away from the train station, making it a great spot to grab a snack on the way to the city. We give the eggplant parmesan two thumbs up! 127 W. King St., (610) 647-7400
Kimberton Whole Foods
Offering real food with local roots, Kimberton Whole Foods has expanded to several locations since opening the Kimberton store in 1994. From organic produce and humanely raised meats to baked goods and biodynamic body care, Kimberton Whole Foods supports a natural, organic and holistic lifestyle. Enjoy the cafe, where you can stock up on both natural prepared and made-to-order items, coffee and tasty pastries. Kimberton Whole Foods makes you feel good about eating! 429 E. King Rd., (484) 324-2800
Foodie Shopping Guide
We all know food goes beyond what is consumed and is also an experience. Malvern boasts several decor and boutique shops that offer a plethora of cuisine-themed items that would make the perfect gift for any foodie:
- The Blue Octagon stocks great accessories to spruce up your dining decor game. From cookbooks and wine glasses to cutely inscribed coffee mugs, the shop has something for everyone. 335 E. King St., (610) 640-2684
- French farmhouse meets New England style at UpHome. Here you’ll find French fleur de sel and Garnier-Thiebaut table linens—sure to impress any guest. 233 E. King St. #105, (484) 318-7109
- Terra Culture represents a wide array of artists, both local and international. Stop in to see the beautiful rustic serving pieces, including sculpted silver measuring spoons and gorgeous earthen pottery salad bowls. 233 E. King St. #109, (610) 647-4180
It sounds like a day of shopping and dining is in order! Take advantage of extended business hours every 3rd Thursday, when shops and eateries stay open later. Learn more about what’s happening in Malvern at www.malvernbusiness.com.
Photos: Stephanie Anderson
