320 Market Cafe — Restaurant in Media

I love 320 Market Cafe Media! I don't normally write reviews, but when I saw that someone had disparaged my favorite go-to food shop, I had to represent.

320 Media is a boutiquey version of the 320 Market in Swarthmore. The decor is charming, earthy and hip. Every single item I've ever eaten there has been fresh and flavorful, it's like Northern California meets Italy meets Delaware County. Oh, and the staff has always been super friendly and helpful; you can see they work hard and enjoy their jobs - that says a lot.

For all of the cheese lovers out there, the guy who runs the cheese department knows his stuff. Apparently he studied cheese making in Vermont and he can tell you all about milk chemistry in addition to the flavors based on origin, feed and aging. I always feel smarter after leaving. (To Leone's point - admittedly, I sometimes find myself making gross face when I see others putting their fingers in their mouths as they try a sample and then go back to grab another with the same hand - eck! That's why the toothpicks are there.)

The people who run this place obviously care about creating a really great food experience for all of their customers; you can tell because everything is made with integrity - no skimping, no short cuts, just awesome food made with quality ingredients and lots of care and creativity. They are always conscious to provide lots of vegetarian options as well. The eggplant parm. hoagie is my favorite because they load it with broccoli rabe, sharp provolone, roasted reds and their delicious homemade sauce. It is unlike any eggplant parm. I've ever had and now all others pale in comparison. I like trying the specials of the day, too, never disappointed.

I'm so glad 320 expanded into Media, not that the Swarthmore store is all that far, but they truly are an asset to the community and bring a really great vibe to State St. Shopping there makes me feel good because I know I'm supporting a true local food retailer who sincerely cares about serving our community and...

So glad that Media has its own 320 Market Cafe. Now I don't have to travel to Swarthmore to get delicious food for lunch or dinner (or to purchase the pico de gallo and chips that I bring to every party or potluck since they are always the hit). As a vegetarian, there are many options, from my favorite Calabrese sandwich to the grilled eggplant or portabello mushroom sandwiches. It is also fun to try the grilled cheese of the day. And speaking of cheese, Jack, one of the owners, really knows his stuff. Whenever he sees me looking at the cheese case, he asks if I need help. Before I know it, I get information on the makers, where the cheese is made (usually locally), what its texture is like, what I can pair it with, etc. I really admire Jack's respect for cheesemakers and their craft and for his making such a wide sample available to his clients.

I love taking friends to 320 Market Cafe for any meal, but especially for Dining Under the Stars on Wednesday nights. And it is great to have a take-out option for high-quality food. Usually one salad or sandwich will make two meals.

Aside from the food, which is first-rate, what I like about 320 is that I feel that I am experiencing what previous generations did in their local grocers and mom and pop stores. Any time I am in 320, I hear Jack or David talking to the customers like friends. I am not a nameless number, but someone who is recognized even though I don't go there that often. Like the rest of the customers, I enjoy the ambience as much as the food. And why not? 320 is a hip cafe that seems as though it belongs on the Main Line, but yet it lacks the snootiness. Definitely...

Two words: Gastrointesinal Feast. This place is a Culinary Heaven. So much to choose from and EVERYTHING is sooo good!!! My biggest problem is narrowing my options down to just a few items. For Hoagie lovers, I highly recommend the Italian Special (Roasted Red Peppers and Basil really give this sandwich a Kick). For the Salad lover I would recommend the Savioe. The toasted leeks and homemade Balsamic Rosemary vinegarette dressing is what really makes this salad special. They have a number of prepared foods to choose from. My fav is the chicken Parm, they gladly give me extra sauce at my request. Believe me, you want the extra sauce, it is sooooo good. I've bought the Marinara to take home a number of times because its far better (and cheaper) than anything I can purchase in the super market. The staff is friendly, and helpful. If you are debating between all the choices, they will give you honest opinions and help guide you to the perfect meal. Eat in, take out. The decor is hip and clean. The food is tasty. The service is friendly. Will I go back...I've been going back for over a decade (Swarthmore Location). The food can be $$$ but you get what you pay for in terms of Quantity, Quality, and Service. The staff aim to please and take pride in customer service. If you have any issues with the food, bring it to their attention and they will do their best to make you a...