Vincent G.
Yelp
Matines Cafe...a delightful slice of European culinary tradition. Right downtown the charming neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, PA. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance transports you to a cozy French patisserie, with its rustic decor, quaint market, and inviting atmosphere. Despite the rain-soaked day of our visit, the cafe's large umbrellas ensured that we could enjoy our meals in comfort (& dry).
The cafe's reputation for its baked goods is well-deserved, with the almond croissant and mixed berry pie standing out as crowd favorites. The almond croissant is a masterpiece of flaky, buttery layers filled with a rich, almond paste that melts in your mouth, while the mixed berry pie boasts a perfect balance of tart and sweet, encased in a golden, tender crust.
Their breakfast and lunch menu offers a remarkable variety, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. We sampled the truffle breakfast croissant, the riviera baguette, and the mozzarella croissant melt. The truffle breakfast croissant was a decadent start to the day, with earthy truffle notes blending seamlessly with fluffy scrambled eggs and creamy cheese. The riviera baguette, packed with fresh vegetables and savory meats, provided a satisfying crunch with every bite, and the mozzarella croissant melt was a gooey, comforting delight, perfectly toasted to achieve that ideal balance of crisp and melty.
The soups here are not to be overlooked. The tomato soup was robust and flavorful, with a rich tomato base that offered just the right amount of tanginess, while the French onion soup, with its caramelized onions and gooey cheese topping, was a warm, hearty embrace on a rainy day.
Tea enthusiasts will appreciate the cafe's tea bar, which offers an impressive selection of teas. The deluxe tea over ice was a standout--refreshing and perfectly brewed, it provided a light, revitalizing complement to the heavier dishes.
One caveat for potential diners: Matines Cafe does not take reservations. On weekends, the wait for a table can be lengthy, especially on rainy days when indoor seating is at a premium. However, the wait is well worth it. The cafe's interior and exterior evoke the charm and elegance of a European eatery, and their market area is brimming with gourmet goodies and artisanal products that are a joy to explore.
Whether you're there for a quick pastry or a leisurely meal, the quality and care put into each dish are evident, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.