20 Pennsylvania Restaurants That Belong On Every Food Bucket List
Pennsylvania is home to some of the most legendary restaurants in America, from historic taverns serving colonial-era recipes to modern culinary temples earning national acclaim.
No matter if you crave a towering sandwich stuffed with fries, award-winning cuisine, or a seat at the most exclusive farm table in the country, the Keystone State delivers unforgettable flavors at every turn.
These 20 restaurants represent the very best of Pennsylvania’s diverse food scene and deserve a spot on every serious eater’s bucket list.
Disclaimer: All selections and descriptions are based on public reputation, travel impressions, and general dining opinion rather than any objective or absolute measure of “best.”
1. Zahav – Philadelphia
Winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, this dining destination has redefined modern Middle Eastern cuisine in America.
Chef Michael Solomonov’s mastery transforms humble ingredients like eggplant, chickpeas, and lamb into transcendent dishes that have food critics swooning coast to coast.
The hummus alone is worth the pilgrimage, served warm with tahini so silky it could double as velvet.
Reservations book out weeks in advance, so plan ahead or try your luck at the bar for walk-ins.
237 St James Pl, Philadelphia, PA 19106
2. John’s Roast Pork – Philadelphia
Forget the tourist traps in South Philly. Locals know this unassuming spot near the stadiums serves the best roast pork sandwich on planet Earth, a bold claim backed by countless awards and endless lines of hungry fans.
Juicy slices of slow-roasted pork nestle into a seeded roll with sharp provolone and garlicky broccoli rabe, creating a symphony of flavors that justifies every minute of the wait.
14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
3. Reading Terminal Market – Philadelphia
Since 1893, this sprawling indoor market has been Philadelphia’s culinary heartbeat, housing over 80 vendors selling everything from Amish baked goods to Cajun gumbo under one glorious historic roof.
You could eat here every day for three months and never have the same meal twice.
Grab a scrapple sandwich at Dutch Eating Place, sample artisan donuts at Beiler’s, and finish with freshly shucked oysters at Pearl’s.
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
4. Friday Saturday Sunday – Philadelphia
Chef Chad Williams brings soulful American cuisine to Rittenhouse Square with dishes that honor his grandmother’s cooking while showcasing impeccable technique and seasonal ingredients.
Every plate tells a story, from the buttermilk fried chicken to the decadent mac and cheese that could make a grown adult weep with joy.
The restaurant’s name reflects its operating schedule, so don’t show up on Monday expecting dinner.
261 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
5. South Philly Barbacoa – Philadelphia
What started as a backyard operation selling barbacoa from a cooler has exploded into one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated restaurants, earning a James Beard Award nomination and national media attention.
Chef Cristina Martinez slow-cooks lamb overnight in traditional Mexican style, creating meat so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue.
1140 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
6. Vetri Cucina – Philadelphia
Marc Vetri’s flagship restaurant represents the pinnacle of Italian fine dining in America, offering a tasting menu experience that feels like being invited to a Tuscan villa for dinner.
Each course showcases pasta made by hand that morning, vegetables sourced from local farms, and proteins treated with reverence and restraint.
The intimate dining room seats just 35 guests, making every meal feel like an exclusive event.
1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
7. The Victor Café – Philadelphia
Imagine enjoying authentic Italian cuisine while professional opera singers serenade you between courses, and you’ve captured the magic of this South Philly institution operating since 1918.
The singing waitstaff aren’t just enthusiastic amateurs; many are classically trained performers who deliver arias with the same care they bring to your chicken parmigiana.
Reservations are essential, especially on weekends when the place fills with both locals and tourists seeking this one-of-a-kind experience.
1303 Dickinson St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
8. Primanti Bros. – Pittsburgh
This Pittsburgh icon stuffs french fries and coleslaw directly into sandwiches piled high with meat, creating a carb-loaded masterpiece that defies logic but delivers pure satisfaction.
Truck drivers originally inspired this all-in-one meal concept, wanting sustenance they could eat with one hand while working.
Multiple locations now exist across Pennsylvania, but the original Strip District spot carries the most history and atmosphere.
46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9. Apteka – Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s first fully vegan pierogi bar proves that plant-based Polish cuisine can be just as comforting and craveable as the traditional stuff Babcia used to make.
Chefs Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski craft inventive pierogis filled with seasonal vegetables, smoked tofu, and creative combinations that surprise even dedicated meat eaters.
The borscht is stunning, the cocktails are clever, and the space radiates warmth and community. Even carnivores leave planning their return visit.
4606 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
10. Pusadee’s Garden – Pittsburgh
Chef Nongkran Daks transforms her backyard into a magical Thai garden dining experience each summer, complete with twinkling lights, lush greenery, and some of the most authentic Northern Thai cuisine outside of Thailand itself.
Reservations open months in advance and disappear within hours because people understand this is something truly special.
During colder months, the restaurant operates indoors with the same exceptional menu.
5321 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
11. Altius – Pittsburgh
Perched on Mount Washington with sweeping views of Pittsburgh’s three rivers and glittering skyline, this fine dining establishment pairs stunning scenery with equally impressive contemporary American cuisine.
Sunset reservations are the most coveted, offering a front-row seat to one of America’s most beautiful urban vistas while you enjoy impeccably prepared seafood and steaks.
The wine list is extensive, the service is polished, and the ambiance screams special occasion. Propose here and your success rate increases dramatically.
1230 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
12. Pamela’s Diner – Pittsburgh
Barack Obama ate here during his presidency, but locals have been lining up for Pamela’s legendary crepe-style pancakes since 1980 without needing celebrity endorsements.
These aren’t your typical fluffy flapjacks; they’re thin, slightly crispy around the edges, and topped with fresh fruit and just enough sweetness to brighten your morning.
Multiple locations serve the greater Pittsburgh area, each maintaining the same commitment to breakfast excellence.
60 21st St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
13. Shady Maple Smorgasbord – East Earl
Prepare to loosen your belt several notches at this Lancaster County behemoth, where over 200 feet of buffet tables groan under the weight of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food prepared fresh daily.
Fried chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, seven different pies, and enough casseroles to feed a small army await your eager plate.
Arrive hungry, pace yourself strategically, and maybe skip breakfast beforehand.
129 Toddy Dr, East Earl, PA 17519
14. The Horse Inn – Lancaster
Operating since 1742, this historic inn has been feeding travelers for nearly three centuries with hearty Pennsylvania Dutch fare served in a building that predates American independence.
The atmosphere drips with colonial charm, from the low-beamed ceilings to the wide-plank floors that have witnessed generations of diners.
Chicken and waffles here aren’t trendy brunch fare but a traditional local specialty done to perfection.
540 E Fulton St, Lancaster, PA 17602
15. Bube’s Brewery – Mount Joy
This 1876 brewery complex offers multiple unique dining experiences, including the Catacombs restaurant located 43 feet underground in the original beer aging cellars carved from solid stone.
Flickering candlelight, vaulted stone ceilings, and Victorian-era ambiance create an unforgettable setting for continental cuisine and craft beer.
The above-ground Bottling Works offers more casual fare, while the Alois room provides upscale dining.
102 N Market St, Mount Joy, PA 17552
16. Dobbin House Tavern – Gettysburg
Built in 1776, Gettysburg’s oldest standing structure served as a station on the Underground Railroad before becoming one of Pennsylvania’s most atmospheric restaurants.
Multiple candlelit dining rooms feature working fireplaces, period antiques, and servers in colonial dress who enhance the time-travel experience without being cheesy about it.
The menu balances historical recipes with modern tastes, and the tavern downstairs offers casual fare and local beers.
89 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
17. Jean Bonnet Tavern – Bedford
Since 1762, this stone tavern along the historic Forbes Road has welcomed weary travelers with warming food, strong drink, and tales of Revolutionary War soldiers and frontier adventurers who passed through these same doors.
Steaks and seafood dominate the menu, prepared with modern skill in a setting that celebrates Pennsylvania’s frontier past.
6048 Lincoln Hwy, Bedford, PA 15522
18. Bolete – Bethlehem
Chef Lee Chizmar forages local forests for wild mushrooms and seasonal ingredients that inspire his constantly evolving farm-to-table menu, bringing sophisticated culinary creativity to the Lehigh Valley.
This intimate restaurant punches well above its weight class, earning acclaim from regional and national food critics who recognize serious talent when they taste it.
Tasting menus showcase the chef’s playful technique and deep respect for ingredients.
1740 Seidersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18015
19. Talula’s Table – Kennett Square
Securing a reservation at this tiny eight-seat farmhouse table requires booking exactly one year in advance, making it perhaps America’s hardest restaurant reservation and absolutely worth the wait.
Chef Aimee Olexy sources ingredients from nearby Kennett Square farms and purveyors, crafting a single nightly tasting menu that celebrates Pennsylvania’s agricultural bounty with creativity and precision.
The attached market sells provisions and prepared foods for those who can’t wait a year. But trust us, the full experience is worth planning ahead.
102 W State St, Kennett Square, PA 19348
20. Revello’s Pizza – Old Forge
Old Forge claims the title of Pizza Capital of the World, and Revello’s serves some of the finest examples of the region’s distinctive rectangular pies topped with American cheese and a sweet, oniony sauce.
This isn’t New York pizza or Neapolitan pizza; it’s Old Forge pizza, a unique regional style with passionate devotees who wouldn’t dream of eating any other kind.
The trays emerge from the oven with crispy bottoms and generous toppings.
502 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518
