We wrote a full review of our experience at Matine’s in Chestnut Hill (which is now Petite Matine’s) a while back, where we shared our thoughts as it was our first time going. Since then, we’ve been again, but decided to check out their Wayne location one day. We heard from others that although the menu is the same, the space is larger on the inside, which was perfect for us because we had our daughter in her stroller. So one day during the summer last summer, we hopped in the car and headed up the Main Line to visit their second location.
THE AMBIANCE
When you walk up to Matine’s in Wayne after parking in their parking lot, you will walk into the space from their courtyard dining area. Honestly, if it weren’t so hot that day we would’ve likely eaten outside because it really is nice back there. We love the French bistro table and chairs and that the back is covered in greenery. It is cozy and I am sure on a day where there is really nice weather, it probably feels so relaxing back there.
Inside it is very spacious. It looked a lot smaller to me from the front, but inside there were quite a number of tables, ensuring that almost anytime that you go you will get seated pretty soon after arriving. Similarly to their other location, it is very well decorated with Parisian-inspired decor and white marble-top tables with French bistro chairs. You can tell that everything was intentionally chosen and designed by the owners to ensure that the cafe maintains in Matine’s flair, while also being a slightly different than it’s other location.
THE FOOD
My husband ordered the Parisian sandwich again, while I tried something a little different and got the Poulet salad. For our daughter, who is a huge fan of strawberries, we ordered the Fraises Chantilly for her as a post-breakfast snack (she’d already eaten prior). Her dish had strawberries, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. When our food came out, we were shocked at how nicely plated her dish was. I remember as I was cutting her strawberries up for her, tasting one of them myself and being very impressed with the flavor. Our daughter really loved them too and finished the entire thing.
Our meals were incredible. My husband, of course, loved his sandwich as he had it before and it was just as good as he remembered it being. My salad was probably one of the best salads I have had in a very long time at a restaurant. I’ve ordered salads before that either lacked flavor or weren’t very filling. This salad, however, was both filling and delicious. The sharpness of the Parmesan cheese combined with the salty, smoky flavors from the of the bacon, topped off with a lemon vinaigrette dressing? It was so good and something that I am going to try to recreate at home in the future for my work lunches.
The food was incredible, which wasn’t surprising because we enjoyed our meals the first time. However, I truly think I had what was probably the best salad I have had in a while at an establishment. It was flavorful, savory, and filling, which can be hard to accomplish with some salads.
THE SERVICE
The service was phenomenal. I wish I could remember the name of the individual who served us that day, but they were so nice, informative, and they were very kind to our daughter. When we had questions regarding the menu items as we were ordering for our daughter as well, she was helpful in providing information and modifications if needed. They were helpful without constantly coming up to us, ensuring that we could enjoy our meal but also making sure we didn’t need anything.
The staff, as with the other location, are welcoming you the moment you walk in, even as they are in the midst of working on other things. We always feel very welcome there and well-taken care of.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEIR LOCATIONS?
Prior to October, I would have said not really, outside of the ambiance. Their menu is the same, the service is just as great at both locations, but the Wayne location was larger than the Chestnut Hill location. However, as the time I’m writing this, they opened up their Petite Matine’s location in the location where the Chestnut Hill cafe used to be and we are so excited to visit to see how that’s different than their other locations. As parents, we love that this cafe is more kid-focused, so we’re looking forward to eventually checking it out. What was their Chestnut Hill cafe has now moved to another location, which we have not tried yet, so we’ll have to check both places out to give an updated assessment of the differences!
Would you recommend this location?
We would absolutely recommend that you check out Matine’s Cafe in Wayne, PA as well – even if you’ve already visited one of their locations like we did. Both experiences were great, but we’d likely return to this location if eating with larger groups such as our family or friends, because of the guaranteed parking spot and ample indoor seating. The other site (unless their newer location is larger now!) is great for when it’s just the two of us or if we’re going as a family for a quite bite. We loved both locations however!
