50 Best Cafes near Villanova

“First time eating Brunch in this restaurant yesterday. Not too busy. Assigned a table for two. Floor directly under my seat was wet from spilled coffee so I asked a server to wipe it which she did half heartedly and not thoroughly. Took longer for her to attend to us despite the not so busy time. Luckily another very pleasant server was kind enough to step in and promptly served us with a beautiful smile and attitude.Food was great! Original server didn’t bother to check back in with us if we needed anything else like, um, water?Came time to pay bill in front and the amount was just about right. Paid the 20 percent tip somewhat reluctantly (I think that was the minimum if I recall) and was told by the somewhat frosty and disengaged front person that the card came through only for the tip(??). Had to swipe card for second time making sure to ask lady I don’t have to tip again. Made me feel it was my fault, no apologies or anything.I would give this place 5 stars except for the front desk reception(not as welcoming as other places) and our first inattentive server. The other server who helped out was great. Food more than made up for this so, 4 stars. I would eat here again but maybe try a different location.“

“Came here today for a date with my wife. Everything was fantastic. The place is clean and bright. The prices are fair. The staff was kind and professional. Really gave us a great authentic Colombian experience. I highly recommend coming here!“

“Food was fresh, delicious, and fairly priced. Beware of the pickled jalapeños if you are sensitive to spicy food.Both their beef gyro and falafel were the best I’ve ever had. Please keep in mind that I don’t even like meat and I’ve been struggling with anorexia for decades. So it’s very difficult for me to eat anything unless it’s super fresh and extraordinarily tasty. This place is a true gem and treasure.Service was outstanding, The owner-host made us feel immediately welcomed and at ease. She let us customize our order and was very prompt with our food. She was very knowledgeable about the ingredients they use, as well.The seating area is small, but that is to be expected in this area.Overall, this was by far our favorite restaurant to visit in the Philly area.Vegetarian options: they have falafel, grape leaves, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, you name it! they offer endless customization options if you’d like, as well.Dietary restrictions: they serve halal, and they are knowledgeable about the ingredients they use.“

“I wasn't impressed the first time around, but they won me over! I came with a friend and got a basic latte which was just ok and a bit overpriced. This time I got one of their specials: the chocolate turmeric "golden ticket" per the barista's recommendation. It's delicious! The space has a hipster and industrial atmosphere that is slowly growing on me. They serve a very high quality coffee and are pet friendly.“

“Giving 5 stars because Dotty's is excellent at what they do... Even if many of the flavors are over the top and I don't actually like them. LoLI'm really loving the savory doughnuts though! I didn't think that they would be as good as they have been. :-)“

“Gather your Canada Goose and 3 carat diamond ring, because to enter this rarified coffee-lunch-shop air, you’ll need something to fit in. This place is a tremendous find, clearly with a chef from city-level fine dining. The chicken salad sandwich is fresh with an incredible array of fresh herbs in the mix and crunchy yet soft sandwich bread. You’ll surely not go wrong with a grain salad topped with chicken - super high quality meat - the difference is clear. I was also impressed by my matcha latte - not as much by the chocolate chip cookie. The grapefruit soda was also distinct with a hint of thyme and a perfect amount of sweet and bubble. I can hardly wait to return and enjoy the very best again.“

“I have had the pleasure of working with Danielle and John. Their willingness to work with us to reschedule our daughters bridal shower, due to a family emergency . Was nothing short of amazing! We are so thankful for their understanding and willingness to work with us! They are amazing owners and we are so appreciative“

“I was walking down conshy and I saw this cafe I never been to and decided to went in. The atmosphere was super cute and the owner is very sweet and recommended the brown sugar boba for me. They had tons of pastry and I couldn’t help but to get a few and try their avocado toast! Everything was delicious and definitely coming back. “

“I’m biased because I’m ethiopian myself; however, everything about Alif is hella ethiopian, hella delicious. Love their missir (lentil) samosas and i could drink a whole liter of their buna (coffee)!I come here often and will keep coming here for the food and the vibes ??☕️“

“I ordered the veggie delight with sweet potatoes and it was amazing! The vegetables and toasted everything bagel was such a satisfying start to my day. The sweet potatoes were cooked perfectly with just the right amount of crunch. I also liked that there were sweet potato skins that were so crispy and crunchy. It was like having fresh homemade chips! I recommend this place to everyone to at least try once. You will not be disappointed.“

“Went here for the first time yesterday with my friend, and I must say I felt in love! Don't be fooled by the size of the place. It may look a bit small and old, but the menu is wonderful. They have about 100 types of lassi (not just mango lassi), ranging from fruit flavor, veggie to peanut butter. We got a mango - papaya lassi, a rose lassi and a chicken chatt. It's hard to say which one was best, because they all tasted wonderful. extremely aromatic and not too sweet (Yesss!) The owner was really friendly and nice to us. We got overwhelmed by the menu, so we stood there 15mins just to study it. Lol and he just chatted to us the whole time and making great great suggestions! I haven't met such a friendly, sweet and nice owner in a very very long time. And you can tell he's sincerely nice to you. And other customers there were very sweet as well. I can't make enough recommdation about this place! Great food, good price and more than wonderful service. It was my first time there, but won't be the last.“

“A true marriage between a coffee shop and cocktail bar. They serve traditional café fare here, as well as signature flavored lattes, craft coffee drinks, and many cocktails with a coffee or tea twist. Every week, there's also a new special on the menu. They also allow guests to bring food, so you can cozy up with a drink and some bites and hang out late into the night (which we have done many times!)Vegetarian options: Almost all drinks are vegetarian, and vegan milk alternatives are available upon request.“

“This was my second time to the 4th Street Cafe and they didn't disappoint. The service was excellent and the food was amazing. Matt and his crew do a fantastic job serving their customers. Can't wait till my next visit. By the way I traveled 45 minutes to try. I would have driven 2 hrs. “

“Love the food here. We took our two-year old daughter here, and she had Ethiopian food for the first time. There were three of us. We split the vegetarian platter and meat platter and there were leftovers. Quiet, intimate setting- like eating in a friend's dining room.Kid-friendliness: High chair available.“

“Met a friend for breakfast as Apple Walnut Cafe was halfway between where I live and Swarthmore. It's a super cute diner-like atmosphere with very friendly wait staff and an extensive menu with all kinds of eggs, french toast, pancakes, and lots more. I enjoyed my blueberry pancakes and my friend enjoyed his eggs. It's a solid choice for breakfast and I look forward to trying other items on their menu in the future!“

“This is a fantastic brunch spot. Although they don't take reservations, we only had to wait a few minutes for a table to be arranged and cleaned. I ordered the crab Benedict, which featured perfectly poached eggs. The bread, thicker than a traditional English muffin, complemented the dish well. It was served with standard potatoes. The highlight was the Butter Pecan pancake with caramelized banana—possibly the best pancake I've ever had, though crispy edges would have made it even better. I also ordered orange juice, which was good but less impressive due to the pulp. Overall, I highly recommend this place for brunch and am looking forward to returning.“

“Omg I just left Toast Cafe and let me tell you........I got full...so fast lol! The food was AMAZING! NO LIE. I had the bourbon chicken and waffles..it was delicious. My husband had the whiting fish and grits...it was TOP TIER! SO simple yet SO FLAVORFUL!!! Grits was bussing! Fish was fried to perfection! The blueberry lemonade was a HIIITTT!! Definitely coming this Sunday fir brunch. Our server was so cool and down to earth, yet still very professional. We really enjoyed ourselves! It was a whole vibe. Great food and intimate setting. Keep it up Toast...we will continue spreading the word and dining!“

“Everything we tried was perfectly baked and utterly delicious. Had a variety of pastries including the best sellers : almond croissant, strawberry crème croissant. My favorite was the Greek yogurt & cherry. Can’t wait to explore more flavors and other offerings….“

“Love Muffins! We've been coming in for breakfast with our 2 young kids since they opened. Perfect spot for a family. Great food, priced fairly, friendly service, cool atmosphere. Literally the only breakfast spot we go to now. Muffins is doing everything right. Check them out!“

“Wow, what can I say besides fresh and tasty. If you eat on the healthier side, this place is a great way to treat yourself. Healthy food cost more, I think the prices are actually pretty reasonable when compared to something of lesser quality. I’m usually outta there between $10-15 but I never only get one thing haha. Try it out for yourself. You’ll feel great. Ps Highly recommend the Unicorn bowl, took a chance on it and it ended up being my favorite.“

“The only critique I would have is that they need a better roll for the steak sandwich and it needs to be gutted. Now saying that I prefer the texture on the outside of the role to be different than the inside of the role. The roll feels like I’m eating white bread with seeds. But other than that, everything is delicious. I do not want to discourage you from getting the cheesesteak because it’s so good. I’ve had it several times! Like I said just prefer a different roll. The owner is very personable and besides the food bringing you back, you want to go back because of the owner.“

“No need to go to Chinatown. Fantastic service. The Pho, the broken rice dishes, and specialty dishes are always delicious. The beef stew with egg noodles is a menu highlight. Get a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk or a smoothie or try a Rainbow Ice. You won't be disappointed except when they're closed.“

“Artesano Cafe in Manayunk is the spot to hit up for breakfast or just a coffee run. I loveeed their outdoor food truck. Their breakfast sandwich with a special maple spread is so good! I would've never thought to add that on a breakfast sandwhich. And the tater tots?! So crispy, so good. It was a decent enough day outside to sit outdoors, but their inside setup is pretty cozy too. Definitely stop by!“

“Yesterday morning, I stopped here for breakfast after seeing they offer vegan options on Happy Cow, and it hit the spot. The cafe was clean and organized. The staff were very friendly and fun, and even though there were several guests before me, I didn’t have to wait long. They have plenty of outdoor seating and a few tables inside. I got a spiced coffee with oat milk which was really tasty, and a vegan Philly muffin breakfast sandwich with hummus. I was very satisfied with the amount of food I received and the flavors. The everything Philly muffin is the way to go! I decided to grab a vegan scone on the way out which made for a delicious fika in a nearby park later. Will happily return!Vegetarian options: Can’t say much for vegetarians, but there are definitely enjoyable vegan options. Tofutti cream cheese or hummus for sandwiches, all the plant milks, and vegan baked goods.“

“What a great spot for breakfast! My mom and I stopped here on our Valley Forge area trip back home and were not disappointed! We had the half Belgian waffle and oatmeal and it was delicious! And such a great, friendly vibe! Thanks for a lovely experience!“

“I came here because Blue Owl wasn’t open today and was completely blown away by the croissants and hot chocolate. We tried every croissant they had available today (chocolate, raspberry, cherry/cheese and plain) and all were top notch. I don’t normally drink hot chocolate but decided to try it based off of other reviews and it was also insanely rich. Id highly recommend ordering one and sharing it with 2-3 people as it is really thick and rich. Prices were spot on where they should be ($3.50-$4.00 for a croissant). Inside had plenty of seating. Staff was friendly and quick.“

“The workers were super friendly! My London fog was tasty. They didn't add any sugar to it so I added my own, but I actually appreciate that because it's not fun when it's overly sweet. The sticky bun I had was heavenly. Someone put their heart and soul into making that thing. So sweet and buttery and flavorful. Atmosphere was also cute. Not overly busy, good for working. Place is kinda small, but I was thankful for an open seat. Very clean and welcoming. I would recommend!“

“Family owned and operated. It's a great hidden breakfast place. Hidden because if you're not from the area, it is hard to locate. Located behind the old Maccaroon Factory in the East end of Norristown on Ridge Pk. Once located, there is a great breakfast and lunch menu to choose from. There is an upper room that accommodates large groups.“

“Gotta give this sweet cat cafe props for a comfy atmosphere and the support the business gives to its resident feline rescues. Loved the experience of dining here. The food and coffee were all right, but a little on the pricier side. My friends and I split our bill and left at different times, so there was a little confusion about what was already paid. But luckily the paid paper receipt covering my friends' orders was discovered, otherwise I would've been stuck paying their bill. This hiccup occurred largely because the bill is paid at the front counter, and it would've been troublesome if the paper receipt was lost in the shuffle had the cafe been busier. Tip: Make sure to tell the server ahead of time who exactly is in your party and how you want the bill split to avoid any confusion. Without a digital system, it can be a little hard to split bills later, especially if people leave at different times.“

“We love Pour Richard's for many different reasons. Their coffee selection is HUGE and delicious. If you've never had anything from PR...try a different blend every day you go. It's worth it! The staff is A+ AMAZING and works their butts off. Great place to stop and grab breakfast and coffee and to get some work done before going into the office. I could write a novel on how great PR is; but if you're reading this, chances are you already know that!“

“My husband and I moved to havertown last year. We found this awesome breakfast place within walking distance from our house. little do we know,this will become our favorite breakfast joint around! The owner there always remembers us and treats us so well. The staff is friendly. The food is quick, delicious and affordable. 10/10 ✨“

“Really awesome place. Not only are they a great shop for all your bike needs, but they are apart of and provide so many community events and rides. Also, I just absolutely love the teal and pink colors they use on all their logos and t-shirts, etc - just a happy vibe that makes me wanna ride for miles!“

“I just received my quiche combo from Aneu - QVC! Popped one in the oven and it is pure perfection! So delicious and fresh. Shipping was fast. The packaging was great and the quiches were frozen and freeze wrapped. I would absolutely purchase again!“

“I want to thank you for accommodating me for my birthday celebration. The food was good and the service was great. Mom's food was late but she said it was excellent when it came. My guest were pleasantly surprised and can't stop talking about the experience. Thanks again. Eli“

“Charming Star Playroom was great, our son stayed for the entire 3 hours during the morning session and had a blast, at $13 it's a great deal to play and interact with other children within the age range of our son. The place is very clean and the staff are professional and courteous, we're planning to go back within the next week or 2 and also looking into joining one of the many events they have to offer on their website.“

“Service is excellent and you can tell this place is well run. Large plates of food for reasonable prices and many menu options. I can see why this is a local favorite. Hash browns are real potatoes and are amazing with creamed chopped beef!“

“I came in this morning for some coffee and LOVED the vibes!! The cafe is super chill with plenty of space to grab coffee, some food and get some work done. This location is inside the KOP mall for that midday retail therapy and the food court for some food that the cafe may not carry. Next time I come in I’ll try some food at Capitol One Cafe and update my review but for now the coffee and experience was great!!“

“Picked up a bag of beans after chatting with the Baristas about flavors I go for. The Rwanda beans they recommended have been a lovely addition to my morning. This was during the May street festival and they were cool & calm even with a busy crowd coming in and out of the shop.“

“My friend and I met for coffee this morning to discuss a new business idea. I bought some Delco coffee and we had almond croissants and coffee to enjoy while we talked. Both were amazing and I can’t wait to grind and brew my coffee tomorrow. What a great local business!!“

“I went here with a friend and her 2 kids who I nanny for- ages 11 months and 2. What a great place! It was very clean and there was so much fun stuff to do! They had ride-on toys, a train table, a couple slides, a nugget couch, rock wall, and much more! The kids had a blast (and so did I!) I definitely recommend Lulu's Casita)!“

“We love locally owned cafes, and this was such an amazing first experience, and will definitely be coming back! The cinnamon roll was one of the best i've ever had. The SME sandwich was really good and the BEC sandwich. Drinks were amazing and the service was very sweet and welcoming!“

“Amazing and unique menu. I talked won't be owner about getting some locations in philly. It's a bit away from where I live but I'll take the trek for their drinks and food items. The Ube latte is amazing. Great service as well“

“Confident saying - anything positive you've read/heard about Green Engine is probably 100% legit. Drinks and pasteries are fantastic. Service is always very good. Been here many times. I'd recommend: hot vanilla latte & a toasted bagel with cashew butter. Sometimes it's hard to find seating...but that's because the place is justifiably popular.“

“A small, very chill and relaxing hookah spot. They play music and have multiple tvs that play mostly sport, but if you want to watch something else they can change it for you. Like most hookah owned spots - they don't sell food or liquor. But feel free to bring them in? They only sell soda, water and hot beverage option. Very good prices for hookah in west Philly ? about $25 minimum and that's decent compared to the ones in the city.“

“That night didn't want to go out.However, my wife wanted to go and I could not let her go by herself.So I went.and to my surprise I had an awesome time. Great atmosphere, and excellent music. .Good to know there are places like that. I felt safe and it 's close to my neighborhood. I recommend to anyone who loves jazz.“

“I love this place so much and I always enjoy going here. All their food is amazing, especially the gelato! The prices are reasonable and the employees are really nice and let me borrow a charger today when my phone was dying. Highly recommend and some of the best gelato I've ever had!“

“Where to start!!! I happened to be at Upper Darby HS this morning doing a favor and decided to see what Yelp recommended near me. There were the usual (Tank and Libby's....Sabrina's....Kettle....etc), but I'm a common guy by nature and wanted to get back to my corner, neighborhood diner roots. All these fancy places starting me to talking with a Main Line accent when I grew up in New Castle.... lol.... This place showed up, and although there weren't many reviews, they were all excellent. Plus, looking at the pics, this was the vibe I was looking for. Walked in and was greeted by Patty and Marla. Within 5 minutes, they made me feel like a regular, when I had never even been there before. I ordered a cup of coffee while I checked out the menu. I NEVER would've expected such a great cup of coffee from a corner spot. It was worthy of La Colombe. For breakfast I decided to have the 2XL egg mixed grill. This included...... get this..... two scrambled eggs (i added cheese), home fries (I added peppers and onions), two slices of thick slab bacon, two pieces of sausage, two slices of ham, and one piece of scrapple and toast on the side....... All this...... for only $11.95. While I was eating this hearty, delicious meal, in walks the owner, Jason. Young man is doing the damn thing. Owns this diner and the mechanics shop across the street. Very personable. So many of our young black men are out there doing positive things like this and you don't hear about it. I'll tell you this. I live 40 minutes from here but I will support and promise to have my a** in one of those chairs at least once a month.“

“just stopped by and had one of the best cheesesteaks in Philly. I'm from Oklahoma and everyone raved about Philly cheessteaks I tried them all and they are all the same as I get in Oklahoma. That was until I crested my mouth around a Zoagies 10 out 10 stars. Not only was the food amazing but the staff was super friendly and created tge best Cheesesteak I've ever ate.“

“We visited Philly, and our hosts recommended this local coffee shop. It's a cozy space that fills up quickly, and business is brisk on the weekends. You may have to wait for a seat, and the order takes about 5-10 minutes to fill. Wonderful if you are not in a rush. There is an interesting mix of people, from the homeless guy angling for a free coffe, to the serious millennials on their laptops. Dogs are welcome as well, so it's a fun and lively atmosphere. Coffee is good, but not exceptional. Not a problem if you are tired and need the blessed gift of caffeine first thing in the morning. Reanimator lives up to its name.“

“Donna and Pam (sweetest ladies ever!) run the bistro and serve hot food (sandwiches & salads mostly) as well as snacks (chips, muffins, drinks). Their food is great and they can customize it to your liking - just tell them! Personally love their hot dogs and their soups and their chili con carne. Be sure to ask for their daily specials as well if you're undecided what to eat! Best part is that all their options are affordable.“