Best Restaurants for Afternoon Tea in Swarthmore

We enjoyed Chez Colette's Thanksgiving Buffet today. Included were sufficient choices to satisfy the glutton and the gourmet. Among the star dishes were a pheasant pâté, the pastrami salmon, and all the desserts (the bite-sized bûche de Noël, the pumpkin verrine, the chocolate and orange tartelette, and the pecan-bourbon pie were particular hits). Less impressive, in my opinion, though still good, were the "chicken pâté" (note omission of the word 'liver' though it was a chicken liver pâté) which needed something to kick it up (providing mustard would have helped) and the squash soup which needed a bit more cream; lacking cream, I added salt which helped a bit. The service was superbly attentive; the noise level very comfortable for quiet conversation. The bistro decor is in keeping with the brasserie theme. The price for the meal (we took advantage of an early bird special) was very reasonable. Even without that discount, I would say that this Thanksgiving buffet is worth the price.

Charming re-creation of an English Pub. English Pub food has gotten much better than it once was, and The Dandelion's food was excellent. From the Dandelion salad to the Root vegetable soup to the Rabbit Pie, all excellent. Our server (I regret I've forgotten her name) was perfect - friendly, efficient, professional. Only negative (for us) was the noise level - we ate upstairs during the lunch rush, and it was busy and noisy with energetic conversations with several tables of 6 or so surrounding us, which of course has pros and cons. But still highly recommended. We did not inquire if a quieter table was available - I think it may have been.

Everything about our Akwaaba experience was delightful! From the warm inviting space to the warm welcome at the door, to the thoughtful tea selection and creative food items. We could not have enjoyed ourselves more! Can’t wait to return!

Excellent restaurant inside this beautiful museum. Loved the squash terrine!