Best of the Best: Media

Morning: Bittersweet Kitchen

18 S. Orange St.
610-566-1660 / EatAtBittersweet.com

For over a decade, Delco locals have gathered for breakfast at this cozy spot on Orange Street. Expect a bit of a wait, especially on weekends, so order a coffee or cold brew to go and take a stroll down State Street in the meantime. Decadent crème brûlée pancakes with a burnt sugar top and challah French toast stuffed with cream cheese and topped with bourbon-caramel sauce and bananas are to die for. More of a savory person? Opt for the Bittersweet breakfast (eggs, buttermilk biscuit, potatoes), huevos rancheros, avocado toast or their rotating omelet selection. Be sure to take home a fresh-baked pastry for later!

Noon: Fellini Cafe

106 W. State St.
610-892-7616 / FellinisCafe.com

Though this beloved family trattoria is best known for family dinners, date nights and celebrations, its lunch selections deserve just as much attention. Fellini’s offers one of Media’s best midday deals: a $15 combo with soup or salad plus your choice of more than two dozen pasta dishes — penne Bolognese, fettucine alfredo, rigatoni alla vodka and much, much more. You’ll also find lunch-sized portions of classic Italian entrees, wood-fired paninis, sandwiches and all the traditional antipasti. Portions are generous, flavors are spot-on, and whatever you do, don’t skip the housemade bruschetta.

Noon: Brick & Brew

26 W. State St.
484-443-8441 / BrickNBrewPub.com

For a lively noontime meetup with friends, you can’t beat this vibrant gastropub in the heart of State Street. Warm woods, industrial touches and a friendly, bustling vibe make it an easy place to linger over lunch. Start with a few crowd-pleasing apps — Bavarian pretzel sticks, confit wings, birria eggrolls — before exploring a menu that’s both comforting and creative. Take your pick of flavorful handhelds like the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich or French onion grilled cheese, hand-tossed pizzas, tacos and hearty salads, or build your own half-pound burger. Pair it all with a local craft beer or a signature house cocktail.

Night: Ariano

114 S. Olive St.
610-892-6944 / ArianoMedia.com

Tucked down a quiet side street, Ariano’s terra cotta, stucco-clad façade feels more Mediterranean than downtown Media. Inside, hand-hammered copper tables, a dramatic curved bar and striking second-floor ceiling mural set the scene for rustic Italian cooking. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, Ariano also serves Old World-inspired entrees — chicken parmigiana, bruschetta-topped salmon, short rib Bolognese over risotto — and housemade pastas, including brown butter ricotta gnocchi and spicy crab vodka. Don’t miss standout apps like crab-stuffed arancini or littleneck clams served in a bread bowl. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail and finish with gelato made onsite — even better as an affogato.

Happy Hour: Azie

217 W. State St.
610-566-4750 / Azie-Restaurant.com

For a Happy Hour with serious flair — and a setting to match — Azie is your spot. Every day from 4 to 6 at the sleek front lounge and bar, sip $7 specials like the Azie Blue (blueberry vodka, mint, lemonade), saketinis, margaritas, mixed drinks or select wines, along with $5 drafts and bottles. Pair your drink with discounted bites: umami fries with seaweed aioli, pork or veggie dumplings, classic fried rice, sushi rolls or the $14 temaki trio — three signature sushi hand rolls, spicy tuna crunch, salmon avocado and shrimp tempura. And dream of warmer evenings on the rooftop deck …

Happy Hour: Departure

2 S. Orange St.
610-502-3833 / DepartureDelco.com

A newcomer to Media’s Happy Hour circuit, Departure opened in fall 2024 and instantly stood out. Housed in a former bank across from the Delaware County Courthouse, it’s been reimagined as a chic global dining spot with airport lounge vibes — right down to the vintage-style arrival/departure board. Weekdays from 4 to 6, enjoy drink specials and cleverly named signature cocktails (The Takeoff, The Contrail, The Northern Lights) alongside jet-setting small plates like hummus, tabbouleh, tandoori chicken dumplings, carne asada and jerk shrimp. Come warmer months, head to The Runway, the outdoor bar buzzing with live music and Philly sports on flatscreens.

Gem: Desert Rose

305 W. State St.
484-442-8012 / DesertRoseMediaPA.com

Locals know that the unassuming storefront beneath a blue awning hides one of State Street’s true gems. This husband-and-wife-owned BYOB has built a loyal following for its authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern street food — and for the warm hospitality that keeps regulars coming back. Choose from towering chicken shawarma, overstuffed falafel sandwiches, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, comforting shakshuka and rotating specials — with a side of fresh-baked pita and silky housemade hummus, of course. Online reviewers even insist Desert Rose serves the best cheesesteaks in Delco. With plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, it’s a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions, too.

Gem: The Towne House

117 Veterans Sq.
484-445-2041 / TowneHousePA.com

A true Delco mainstay, the Towne House has welcomed generations of diners since 1951 — and its recent revival has brought new life to this beloved landmark. The sprawling, multi-concept space includes a main dining room, tavern, cocktail lounge, event space and seasonal patio, each with its own vibe. Dinner favorites range from overnight Guinness short ribs and classic shepherd’s pie to signature burgers — from all-American to seasonal game and bone marrow wagyu. Shareables like grilled lollipop lamb chops and the local charcuterie board round out the menu. Whether it’s brunch, a special gathering or an evening of live music, the Towne House proves why it’s a Delco classic.