278 Best Restaurants in Pennsylvania, USA

A favorite with locals, this pub serves authentic Irish dishes made from the owner's family recipes, importing some of their ingredients direct from Ireland. The kitchen also sends out American pub favorites like wings and burgers and more than 100 Irish whiskies and 15 draft beers quench thirsts. Irish sesiuns (open Celtic music jams) take place twice a month and live music plays every Friday and Saturday night.

Geno’s, open since 1966, is a fresh-faced upstart compared with neighboring rival Pat’s, which has been slinging steaks since 1930. That gulf manifests itself visually in the contrast between Pat's understated aesthetic and Geno's over-the-top use of neon, which burns so brightly astronauts can probably see it from space, and the fact that Geno's meat is sliced, not chopped. Some aficionados claim that the two serve wildly dissimilar products; others just don't get it, but it's always fun to taste-test, as the buses full of tourists who frequently make their way down this way can attest.

Specializing in French country cooking and expertly selected wines, the Good King offers casual Gallic flair at accessible neighborhood prices. Pair a socca (chickpea pancake) platter or steak frites with a glass or pitcher of house red or white, helpfully classified “Good,” “Better,” and “Best.” The bar also makes a mean cocktail, with daily changing specials. Upstairs is the natural-wine bar Le Caveau, pouring Thursday to Saturday.

Open all day, Gran Coffee L'Aquila is the perfect spot for grabbing an on-the-go cup of house-roasted espresso first thing in the morning or sitting down for a nightcap and dessert at the end of the day. They also serve panini, which can be eaten at one of their sidewalk tables or taken to go, as well as a full lunch and dinner menu and award-winning gelato in flavors like torrone (nougat), citrus-vanilla, and cannoli.

What this minute shop lacks in size it makes up for in expertly pulled espresso. The tiny neighborhood café is the public-facing portion of the locally owned Greenstreet, which imports its beans from around the world and roasts and packages them in a South Philadelphia facility.

This little café in the center of town serves crepes and coffee—what more could you want? Breakfast crepes are filled with omelets or scrambles, lunch crepes have savory insides such as cheesesteak or caprese, and dessert crepes include the classic Nutella. In fair weather, you can sit on the shaded patio or the front porch of the 1880s building.

Rebuilt and reopened on its original site in 2025 after flood damage in 2021, this casual comfort-food icon, in business since 1950, has embraced a more modern, airy look with a soaring, light wood-lined ceiling with a chandelier made by a local artist, light wood floors and tables, and a long wraparound counter. The welcoming vibe remains strong as locals and visitors rub shoulders all day in the expanded space, ordering favorites like an omelet stuffed with roasted Kennett Square mushrooms and cheese, corned beef hash and eggs, French dip, mac and cheese, and shrimp and grits. Photos and art still recall the days when Andrew Wyeth popped over from his nearby studio; he might be surprised by the modern space but likely happy to see this incarnation raised up for better protection from more Brandywine flooding.     

Dimly lit, with exceptionally designed interiors, this Sansom Street haunt is a frequent stop for those looking for a cool space to enjoy new American–style bites. In this case, that means doughy pizzas, inspired veggie dishes, hearty meat-based meals, artisanal toasts, and a selection of raw dishes, in addition to a hefty drink list. The coolest part of this space is perhaps the downstairs bar and bowling alley.

Part of the Hershey Farm hotel complex, this is a huge smorgasbord of Pennsylvania Dutch and American dishes. The bright, airy space underscores the freshness of the buffet, most of it scratch-made on-site. There's also a grill where you can get made-to-order burgers and sandwiches. It's a satisfying stop before or after a show at nearby Sight and Sound Theatre.

This family-friendly restaurant is a beloved favorite among locals for its hearty breakfast lineup, probably one of the best in Pennsylvania. The menus are huge, portions are generous, and the food is unpretentious in a good-ole-diner sort of way. Reservations are not taken, and the restaurant closes at 3 pm.

Coffee shop, creperie, purveyor of baked goods, and local gathering spot—at the High Point, you can become part of the convivial picture of Mount Airy life. Daily pastry offerings are posted on their Facebook page. During the summer, every other Sunday at the Allens Lane train station location there's a small craft fair with music in the parking lot.

This family-owned Nepalese and Indian restaurant is a longtime favorite in downtown Lancaster, serving up popular Indian specialties like tandoori and chana masala (a chickpea-based curry), as well as Nepalese dry curries and steamed dumplings. The cozy dining room quickly gets packed on weekend nights and weekday lunch hours (there's an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet Monday through Saturday in addition to the regular menu), but the staff gracefully handles the constant flow. There's also an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet on Monday night, and although there is no alcohol on the menu, the restaurant has a BYOB policy.

This reliable sushi joint has friendly service and particularly good rolls, including fun ones like the Hollywood—a massive creation with tempura shrimp, avocado, salmon, and eel sauce. Near the bottom of Chestnut Hill, Hokka Hokka also serves a variety of tempura and other Japanese dishes for the non–sushi eater.

If you come to this sweet D-town spot expecting familiar flavors, you'll be delightfully disappointed. Hip Honey is refreshingly different. The eating experience is all about sampling by way of a seasonally changing menu of small plates meant to be shared. "Black Velvet" oysters quiver beneath Guinness reduction and smoked steelhead roe. Kale salad benefits from puffed rice, five-spiced cashews, and shaved Asian pear. The appetizer-size portions might range from a $5 exotic olive plate to $32 foie-gras sliders. Order at least two plates per person and then see if you want more. Drinks include all-Pennsylvania beers, all-American wines, and all-unexpected specialty cocktails. Even the desserts can be hot and spicy.

For a savory or sweet Chinese snack, stop here to sample the steamed buns, mooncakes, or a sweet egg-custard tart. Most items are cheap (usually under $1), and you might just find a new favorite snack, but remember to bring cash (no credit cards).

This seasonally driven gastropub located in a former inn, stable, and speakeasy makes magic with locally grown produce and meat and Pennsylvania-made beer and spirits. The day's menu, and a list of "Farmers and Friends" who supply the restaurant's ingredients, are posted on chalkboards. The former horse stables have been transformed into booths and there is a bar on each end of the dining room. It's a great place to enjoy live jazz on most Tuesday and Saturday nights.

In a city whose restaurants often feature heavy foods, In Riva offers a light touch on a variety of simple, tasty Italian dishes. That's not to say the menu shies away from hearty fare (try the agrodolce short ribs), but there's often a lighter counterpoint. It's highly recommend to get dishes to share such as the whipped ricotta or burrata plate, the garlic shrimp, and one of their crispy little pizzas. The insalatas are more inventive than the pastas. It's a good choice for lunch if you're tired of the burger and fries options.

Israeli chef and restaurateur Michael Solomonov has restaurants all over Philly, but Jaffa Bar is among his latest expansions. It's an oyster bar and seafood house inspired by the ones he grew up eating in all over Israel, with a green chile-spiked burger and a spicy crab and corn dip that's perfect for sharing. Add to that the restaurant's excellent wine and cocktail list, and the result is a restaurant perfect for summer evenings.

You'll know you're nearing Jim's when the scent of frying onions overwhelms your senses—or when you see people lined up around the corner. Big, juicy cheesesteaks—shaved beef piled high on long crusty rolls—come off the grill with amazing speed when the counter workers hit their stride, whether it's lunchtime or late-night. Yell "wiz wit" (meaning: "Cheez Whiz and onions, please") for expedited ordering. Jim's is mostly takeout, but there are some tables and chairs upstairs.

Open until 1 am on weekends—serving lunch, dinner and all the snacks in between—Joe's is a go-to spot for all-day and all-night cheesesteaks, burgers, loaded fries, milkshakes, and sodas at the corner of Girard and Frankford avenues. Its central location means it's often packed with Frankford Avenue barhoppers in need of a late-night snack.

Not only do the chefs here source organic produce, dairy, and eggs from local farms, but the restaurant also operates a grass-fed cattle ranch, so you know the ingredients are top-quality. The menu does change seasonally, but mains might include bone-broth mushroom risotto or an entrée-size portion of dry-aged beef tartare, and the appealing wine list is well-priced. The quiet dining room is located in the Lancaster Arts Hotel, which occupies a former tobacco factory. 

Jules pizza combines the bounty from local farms and dairies with a killer thin crust. The menu comprises 28 interesting pizza varieties made with local organic ingredients plus a few seasonal additions. Meat #8 (buffalo chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, gorgonzola, chopped celery, arugula, and mozzarella) and veggie #1 (feta, kalamata olives, chopped tomato, red onion, romaine, and tomato sauce) reflect international inspiration, while veggie #4 (Brie, sliced pears, toasted almonds, and rosemary) must have sprung from the mind of founder John Ordway. The oblong pizzas are sold by the pie or the 3-inch-wide slice. Gluten-free crust is available.

Popular for lunch and dinner, this casual Cypriot corner spot offers killer Mediterranean cuisine. Center City workers on their lunch breaks and bottle-toting evening groups alike (BYOB) enjoy the variety of meze dishes; a remarkable rendition of Greek salad; and various kebabs.

A casual hangout in the heart of New Hope, Karla's has been open since 1978, offering American food from cheaper salads, burgers, and sandwiches to more expensive fare, with most dishes enlivened with interesting international ingredients. Dine on dishes like panko-crusted mac and cheese, sweet-potato-crusted fish of the day, and stuffed pork chops with prosciutto in cozy, well-worn rooms with an assemblage of mismatched tables and plants. Part indoors and part out, half restaurant and half bar, mostly shabby and somewhat chic, Karla's feels like a comfortable pair of jeans.

Woodwork and tapestries hanging from the ceiling lend a Jamaican flavor to this converted warehouse, as does the reggae music. A friendly crowd often clings to the full bar after work. Tropical paella, Jamaican green-curry stir-fry, and fish specials are on the menu.

Located inside the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, this nautical-themed restaurant is open all day with a contemporary American menu that features a wide variety of tasty offerings, from cheesesteaks and salads to roasted chicken and grilled seafood specialties. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the light-filled dining room is an ideal spot to refuel for Penn's Landing explorations; during warmer months, sit outside on the patio and enjoy breezy views of the Delaware River. 

The West and North African food scene in West Philadelphia is thriving, and this brightly colored, family restaurant is celebrated for Senegalese flavors. Enjoy marinated chicken and fish, couscous, and vegetarian dishes—there's not a long menu, but there's always plenty of flavorful food. The restaurant is also something of a magnet for local politicians and "Philly" celebrities (newscasters, pro athletes) and the occasional international ones, like Angélique Kidjo.

This former home in Kitchen Kettle Village is a couple of notches above the other options in Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand. Lunch off the seasonal menu might include a chicken salad sandwich or boeuf bourguignon; the complimentary appetizer of crackers with cream cheese and red-pepper jam is tasty. Shoofly pie is a treat for dessert, but don't miss the brown butter cookies. Try to get one of the tables on the sunny enclosed porch.

The folks behind West Chester's well-regarded Andiario restaurant are behind this high-quality French bakery and café serving tempting breakfast pastries and desserts like pain au chocolat and fruit tarts, as well as a limited but delicious lunch menu with a couple of quiches and sandwiches on chewy baguettes. You can take your order to go, relax at one of the rustic wooden tables in the casual sunny, white-tiled space, or eat outside in season.

Across the street from Independence Mall and steps away from many historical sights, this Philly-based company offers a variety of coffee and beverage options as well as pastries and light snacks. There's ample seating inside, with additional outdoor seating during warmer months, which makes it a great place for a break while visiting the city's most popular sights.