Nestled along the Delaware River in bucolic Bucks County, the Zagat-rated Yardley Inn is a great place to enjoy waterside dining near Philadelphia. The historic tavern boasts an elegant and refined atmosphere that fills the bill for a city dining experience without the city. It is located just down the street from my previous home in Yardley, and is less than 10 miles from our current Langhorne residence.

Functioning as a restaurant and inn since 1832, this Bucks County mainstay keeps things up-to-date with a kitchen that’s not afraid to think outside the hotel dining box. Meals here kick off with lighthearted bites such as Korean Wings and chorizo stuffed Devils on Horseback, then move onto mains like swordfish over caponata and miso-marinated local chicken.

The modern welcoming foyer.

One of several spacious dining rooms overlooking the Delaware river.

The neighborhood gem, named “Best Restaurant in Bucks” on numerous occasions, is known for its contemporary American cuisine prepared and served by a staff with a passion for superior service. The diverse menu is sure to satisfy any appetite, mood, or craving. The dining room offers a warm ambiance and picturesque waterfront views while the patio provides comfortable outdoor seating surrounded by nature (and some local traffic.)

The view from our interior window seats overlooked the charming outdoor patio and Delaware River beyond. Shortly after we were seated and the outdoor tables filled, an unexpected torrential downpour occurred and the patrons had to scuttle inside while the waitstaff collected their meals. While the weather intrusion lasted only about 20 minutes, it was just another example of the continuation of our endless rainy summer season.

We were anxious to try the featured wine of the week, a Purato Nero D’Avola. Sicily’s number one red grape variety, Nero d’Avola, is indigenous to the island and is known to have a wonderful structure, soft tannins and is touted to be very approachable. Packed with red berry fruit flavors, it is supposedly ideal with red meat and tomato based pasta sauces—so would have been a perfect accompaniment to my entrée. Unfortunately, our waitress Jenna had to inform us that they had run out of the vintage the night before. Plan B…

Fresh, hot crusty breads arrived while our wine was being uncorked.

For starters Russ wisely opted for the velvety Crab Bisque that provided a subtle kick from red pepper. It was creamy, smooth and very flavorful—I know because he let me taste it. Knowing that I wouldn’t be getting any veggies with my entrée, I honed in on the Garden Greens Salad with a light miso vinaigrette that made for an ideal first course.

Chorizo is one of Russ’s all time faves, so when the menu listed Chorizo Meatloaf as a main dish, he pretty much decided on the spot. It arrived topped by salsa verde and créma all surrounded by a large medley of roasted fresh corn and black beans. The portion was more than ample, so he doggie-bagged half of his meal for a work-week lunch.

Lynn’s entrée was an unusual pick for her, the Handmade Ricotta Cavatelli with a beef and pork bolognese. The pasta was soft and pillowy, almost gnocchi-like and the flavorful meat sauce included a generous amount of fresh tomatoes. However, it was very filling and I transported more than half of it home—which Russ and I both enjoyed the next day.

Too full to even consider dessert, and with the storm abated, we gathered our leftovers and made the short trip back home. To really make a night of it, consider making dinner reservations for a Saturday and stay to watch their live entertainment that begins at 8:00.