Valentine’s Day comes with a lot of expectations – whether it’s a romantic dinner, a grand gesture or even just a simple “thinking of you” text. But let’s be real—not every Valentine’s Day plays out like a scene from a rom-com. If your February 14 didn’t go as planned, don’t worry, you don’t have to sulk in your dorm watching 10 Things I Hate About You (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, I fully support that). Now that the heart-shaped balloons are deflating, it’s time for a well-deserved reset. Grab your friends and make the most of an anti-Valentine’s dinner.
If you’re looking to switch things up from your usual Villanova haunts, White Tajine in Bryn Mawr is the perfect post-Valentine’s Day pick.
A hidden gem on Lancaster Ave, White Tajine brings Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors to the Main Line. With its warm hospitality, fragrant spices, and comforting dishes, this restaurant is an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a meal that feels like an experience. Whether you’re new to Moroccan cuisine or already a fan, its menu is full of must-try dishes that transport you straight to North Africa.
What to Order:
Before diving into your tajine, warm up with a few traditional Moroccan appetizers:
Zaalouk – A smoky, flavorful eggplant and tomato dip that’s both creamy and tangy. It is perfect for spreading over Moroccan bread or enjoying as a side to your meal.
Moroccan Bread (Khobz) – No meal here is complete without this freshly baked, slightly chewy bread, which pairs perfectly with tajines, dips and soups.
Moroccan Vegetable Soup (Harira) – This hearty, spiced soup is a staple of Moroccan cuisine, made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and a rich blend of warm spices. It’s both comforting and nourishing—ideal for winter nights.
Signature Tajines- The heart of the menu, these slow-cooked, clay-pot dishes are packed with deep, warming flavors thanks to a perfect blend of aromatic spices and traditional Moroccan cooking techniques. Each tajine is served in the signature earthenware pot, keeping the dish hot and fragrant until the last bite.
Try the lamb tajine with prunes and almonds for a rich, slightly sweet dish that balances the deep savoriness of slow-cooked lamb with the natural sweetness of dried fruit and the crunch of toasted almonds.
Or, go for the chicken tajine with preserved lemon and olives if you prefer something bright and citrusy. The combination of tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, briny green olives and tangy preserved lemons creates a mix of acidity and richness, perfect for scooping up with fluffy couscous or Moroccan bread.
For a vegetarian-friendly option, the vegetable tajine is just as satisfying, featuring slow-roasted seasonal vegetables, chickpeas and fragrant Moroccan spices simmered in a savory tomato-based broth.
Kabobs may not be the best choice for a romantic date. Between the skewers, the flavorful (and sometimes messy) spices and the urge to dig in with your hands, it’s not exactly a dainty meal. But for a casual, lively dinner with friends? Absolutely perfect. Sharing plates, swapping bites and savoring the smoky, spice-packed flavors make for the ideal post-Valentine’s feast—no awkward small talk required.
Whether you go for chicken, beef or lamb, each skewer is marinated in Moroccan spices and grilled to perfection. The flavors are bold, the portions are generous and the dish comes with fluffy couscous and fresh vegetables to round it out.
Dessert is non-negotiable at White Tajine, and seffa is the must-try sweet treat. This Moroccan dish combines steamed vermicelli noodles with cinnamon, powdered sugar and toasted almonds, creating an unexpected yet perfectly balanced mix of flavors and textures. The hint of sweetness combined with warm, nutty flavors makes it the perfect ending to your meal.
So, whether your Valentine’s Day was a win or a letdown, it’s time to move on. Lean into the anti-Valentine’s energy, grab your closest friend, and enjoy a night out filled with great food, plenty of laughter and zero pressure.
