Must-see restaurants in Pennsylvania

  • Valley Green Inn

    Philadelphia

    The welcome couldn't be warmer at this idyllic creekside inn that dates back to the 1850s and appears little changed since then. The menu is stacked with…

  • Herwig's Austrian Bistro

    Pennsylvania

    Herwigs has trademarked the phrase 'Where Bacon is an Herb' for good reason: your veggie choices here are pretty slim. But if you're channeling your inner…

  • Zahav

    Philadelphia

    Zahav means 'gold' in Hebrew and that's what you'll find here in terms of gastronomy. The menu at this sophisticated modern Israeli restaurant sees chef…

  • High Street on Market

    Philadelphia

    Many Philadelphians swear by High Street's delicious house-made breads and will come here for those alone. They certainly have a creative way with a…

  • V Street

    Philadelphia

    Street food from around the world is the influence for the fab vegan menu here. Make sure you sample the delicious dan dan noodles, in which the spices…

  • Gran Caffè L'Aquila

    Philadelphia

    Mamma mia, this is impressive Italian food. Not only are the flavors everything you could ask for, one of the owners is an award-winning gelato maker and…

  • Dinette

    Pittsburgh

    Out in East Liberty, Dinette doesn't just serve awesome pizza, although it does indeed serve awesome pizza (try the salt-cured anchovy pizza with…

  • Butcher & the Rye

    Pittsburgh

    Good meat? Good whiskey? Good times. Butcher & the Rye is new-school hip, but its focus on excellent carnivorous fare and brown liquor feels classic. Not…

  • Nu Modern Jewish Bistro

    Pittsburgh

    One of the 'Burgh's more innovative restaurants, Nu basically takes the classic Jewish deli menu and brunches it up on weekends. Pick one main (ranging…

  • White Dog Cafe

    Philadelphia

    If the dozen Boston terriers on the wall seem incongruous with the food, don't worry: this place has been serving farm-to-table since 1983. Come here for…

  • Paris 66

    Pittsburgh

    This is top-end French at its best, in a cozy, bistro-style setting. Blink and you'll think you're in France. That said, this isn't haute cuisine, but…

  • Stock

    Philadelphia

    At this no-frills BYOB it's all about the taste of the food – which is delicious and authentic. Piquant salads, such as the Burmese gin thoke or…

  • Aqui Es

    Pennsylvania

    If you're from Texas, Arizona or California (or hey, Mexico) and sneering at Mexican food in Pennsylvania, get over it. This hole in the wall serves…

  • CHeU Fishtown

    Philadelphia

    Asian buns, dumplings and noodles with a Jewish mama's twist (smoked matzo balls and brisket in the ramen, for example) have made CHeU a hit. The fusion…

  • Butterjoint

    Pittsburgh

    Excellent meats and fish here, with a farm-to-table mindset and a menu that changes daily. If it's available, try the stinging-nettle soup – partly…

  • Blue Moose

    Pennsylvania

    Dine right at the Blue Moose, where delicious entrees like baked Brie, spinach and garlic ravioli and short rib are served as parts of a prix-fixe menu…

  • Night & Day Coffee Cafe

    Pennsylvania

    Well worth detouring for, the Night & Day Coffee Cafe proudly claims to be enriching the neighborhood one latte at a time, and it's doing a good job of it…

  • Smoke BBQ Taqueria

    Pittsburgh

    Two Austin, TX, natives combine barbecue skills with Mexican flour-tortilla tech for super-savory food and even good veg options. Once BYOB, they've added…

  • Frieda

    Philadelphia

    This awesome place aims to connect people of all ages to eat, drink, share and learn something new. It doesn't like to be labeled as one thing or another,…

  • Marsha Brown Creole Kitchen & Lounge

    Pennsylvania

    For a near-divine meal in a renovated former church, this unique New Hope creation is inspired by the Louisiana cooking and Southern roots of its owner…

  • Abe Fisher

    Philadelphia

    Chef Yehuda Sichel's menu riffs on the foods of the Jewish diaspora, offering quirky, punchy takes on staples such as cholent (a beef stew) served as a…

  • Franklin Fountain

    Philadelphia

    It's cash only at this fantastic yet kitsch-free throwback, from the phosphates and vintage ice-cream flavors (try the teaberry) right down to the ancient…

  • D'Alessandro's

    Philadelphia

    D'Alessandro's is famous for having some of the best cheesesteaks around. Founded in 1960, it is still a go-to spot for tasty cheesesteaks, hoagies and…

  • Dalessandro’s Steaks

    Philadelphia

    A staple of Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood, Dalessandro’s Steaks was founded in 1960 and quickly became a go-to spot for tasty cheesesteaks,…

  • Max's Steaks

    Philadelphia

    While a memorable appearance in the blockbuster film Creed raised the national profile of this popular North Philadelphia cheesesteak shop, Max’s has long…

  • Delmonico Room

    Pennsylvania

    Enjoy fine dining with a view at the Delmonico Room, where creative regional cuisine, such as roasted chicken and snails or dry-aged steak and grilled…

  • Metropolitan Cafe & Bakery

    Philadelphia

    Great breads, tender pastries and good coffee make for a perfect breakfast or lunch at this flagship location of Metropolitan. It's also famous for its…

  • Bar Marco

    Pittsburgh

    A Strip District favorite, this is one of the city's more sophisticated kitchens, with an excellent brunch too. Cocktails are creative; you can also try…

  • DiAnoia's Eatery

    Pittsburgh

    There's no shortage of Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh, but DiAnoia has been praised for raising the bar on the genre. Clean, deceptively simple dishes…

  • Carson Street Deli

    Pittsburgh

    Sandwiches done simply is the name of the game at the Carson Street Deli, where a lovable band of tattooed misfits fix up some of the best meat and cheese…

  • Porch at Schenley

    Pittsburgh

    Cheap and casual doesn't often unite with fresh and farm-to-table, but at the Porch it does. Get great local ingredients served up with flair in a casual…

  • La Prima

    Pittsburgh

    Great Italian coffee and pastries have people lined up out the door at peak times. The cranberry scone is their most popular sweet, but it has a range of…

  • C'est La Vie

    Pennsylvania

    The scale-model Eiffel Tower, French tricolor and PSG soccer scarves define the entranceway, but the aroma of fresh cakes and croissants overwhelm you…

  • Altius

    Pittsburgh

    Restaurants with killer views – this one is at the top of the Duquesne Incline – are seldom very good, but this brushed-concrete modern spot breaks the…

  • Parc Brasserie

    Philadelphia

    Soak up the elegant Rittenhouse Sq vibe at this enormous, polished bistro right on the park. Dinner is a little steep, but brunch and lunch are good value…

  • Zenith

    Pittsburgh

    All meals are vegan here, though cheese is optional. A visit is like eating in an antique shop, as everything, including the Formica tables, is for sale…

  • Pittsburgh Public Market

    Pittsburgh

    This giant indoor market caters to the need for downtown to have easy access to fresh produce, meats, cheeses and other local products. Note that many…

  • Cuba Libre

    Philadelphia

    Colonial America couldn't feel further away at this festive, multistory Cuban eatery and rum bar, part of a small chain found in several East Coast cities…

  • Le Champignon de Tokio

    Philadelphia

    Tokyo-born Madame Saito, who's lived with her husband in Philadelphia for over 30 years and is a Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef, runs this convivial…

  • Federal Donuts

    Philadelphia

    Tucked behind a faded red, white and blue awning are these amazing doughnuts: specialty flavors include blueberry-lavender or strawberry cheesecake, with…