Best of the Best: Italian/Mediterranean
Lasagnola
134 E. Gay St., West Chester
Lasagnola.com
An offshoot of dolce Zola, Lasagnola specializes in one thing — lasagna, and they make it chef-worthy. From the ghost kitchen filled with Nonna’s secret recipes and techniques, choose pickup or delivery of their one-pound portions, ranging from classic to chicken alfredo to garden harvest. Add an app and tiramisu, too, for a soul-satisfying meal.
LaScala’s Fire
44 W. Gay St., West Chester
610-773-2222 / LaScalasFire.com
At last LaScala’s Fire opened in downtown West Chester, joining other locations including Newtown Square and Villanova and offering “classic Italian American reimagined” at Jack Loew Plaza. The extensive menu includes almost 20 apps (Tuscan and Fire wings), plenty of salads, paninis, wood-fired pizzas (Tony from Gentili’s is a partner), house-made pastas and favorites (parmigianos, picattas, marsalas) along with … a sushi bar! Good drinks selections at a bar with a circle of TVs, plus Happy Hour, weekdays 3 to 6 p.m. Welcome to the Borough!
L’Olivo Trattoria
570 Wellington Sq., Exton
610-340-8115 / LOlivoTrattoria.com
Joining Eagleview’s Restaurant Row (in the former Suburban spot), L’Olivo (olive tree) adds authentic northern Italian flavors from the folks at Birchrunville Store Cafe and ButterScotch Pastry Shop — Chef Francis and Nui. Enjoy rustic flavors and creative twists from Executive Chef Jon (of Amani) with signature dishes featuring fresh-made pasta and chef’s specials including slow-cooked meats and grilled seafood. Now with a liquor license. Some say it could be the next Birchrunville-level star.
Maris
214 W. State St., Media
267-500-2979 / MarisSeafood.com
Seafood and Mediterranean flavors are what Maris (of the sea) delivers to Media’s diverse restaurant selections in the former Two Fourteen space. Local restaurateur Loïc Barnieu (La Belle Epoque, Sterling Pig) put together a menu with plenty of Greek specialties (from Greek salad to spanakopita, saganaki and more), fish (whole branzino, grilled swordfish, tuna) and raw bar along with steaks and chops. A new lighter, brighter interior with white and Mediterranean blue accents seats 75 diners, more at the bar.
Settantatré Pasta & Provisions
802 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn
610-314-0876 / SettantatrePasta73.com
Moving from Delco to a larger space in Berwyn, Settantatré (meaning 73) delighted gluten-free pasta lovers who come for Matt Gentile’s creations (tomato pie, topped focaccias get raves), made in a dedicated facility. Others come for regular pastas, sauces and extras at the store or farmers markets. Front of the house is a cafe and lunch spot — espresso and pastries, tomato pie and focaccia. A $73 monthly membership gets access to dinners, special-release foods, cooking classes and more. Inquirer’s Craig LaBan, whose daughter is allergic to gluten, named it one of his favorite gluten-free spots.