The pastoral Lancaster region has acres of farmland allowing restaurants to source seasonal ingredients with which to create mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine. Patrons can share a meal in modern, elegant dining rooms, authentic log cabins, or historical Victorian mansions. Romantic eateries in the area take inspiration from all over the world. Guests will find a surprising selection of dining options including American contemporary, classic French cooking, Italian kitchens, Latin American fusion, and even flavors from Southeast Asia.
1. John J. Jeffries
Situated in a rural region of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County has ample farms in the area. John J. Jeffries serves dishes comprised of locally-sourced organic meats and vegetables from Central Pennsylvania. During a romantic evening, diners can indulge the senses with fresh, seasonal foods plated beautifully. The bar hosts a daily happy hour. Small plates include tasty delights like hickory smoked trout caesar salad or crispy pork belly with mac and cheese. Hungry diners can feast on grass-fed beef meatballs with mac and cheese or Keiser Farm turkey. OpenTable awarded the restaurant the Diners’ Choice.
300 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-431-3307
2. The Log Cabin, Lancaster, PA
Couples looking for an evening of fine dining can treat themselves at The Log Cabin. Flat wooden beams create a rustic, natural ambiance. First built in 1929, the restaurant consists of oak logs taken from the Lehoy Forest, a region formerly inhabited by the Nanticoke Indians. During the Prohibition Era, the historic building served as a speakeasy. Today, Chef Steven Painter creates an exquisite menu. The raw bar features east coast and west coast oysters plus king crab legs. Couples can feast on aged beef or house specialties like duck a l’orange. The kitchen also cooks seafood dishes like crab cakes or smoked bacon crusted cod.
11 Lehoy Forest Drive, Leola, PA, Phone: 717-626-9999
3. LUCA
For a romantic Italian meal out in the Pennsylvania countryside, couples can head over to LUCA. Dinner starts with small plates of crispy fried squid, shaved cured pork, or homemade mozzarella. More adventurous eaters can try out Neapolitan-inspired delicacies like wood-grilled beef tongue, beef carpaccio, and chicken liver bruschetta. The wood-fired pizzas come out hot and perfectly baked in the brick oven. Handmade pasta arrives served with fresh shrimp, toasted garlic, or aged cheeses. Craft cocktails and Italian wines pair perfectly with any order. LUCA opens for dinner all week long. The Lancaster eatery also hosts private events to celebrate an anniversary in style.
436 West James Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-553-5770
4. Arthur's Terrace Restaurant
Out in the countryside, couples can enjoy a romantic meal at Arthur's Terrace Restaurant. Floral arrangements create the feeling of sitting in a garden with views through the large windows to Lancaster’s gorgeous greenery. The decadent dinner buffet lets guests indulge in all-you-can-eat carved prime rib, seafood, chicken, crab bisque, a salad bar, and desserts. During the daytime, guests can also sample the bountiful breakfast or lunch buffets or order from the selection of a-la-carte menu items served throughout the day. As a part of the Eden Resort and Suites, Arthur’s invites guests of the hotel or visitors in Lancaster.
222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-569-6444
You are reading "16 Best Restaurants in Lancaster, PA Today" Back to Top
5. Bistro Barberet & Bakery, Lancaster, PA
While enjoying the bucolic landscape of the Lancaster area, visitors can sample French cuisine at Bistro Barberet & Bakery. The restaurant’s owner and operator, Chef Cedric Barberet, has over 25 years of experience cooking classic French food along with a Master’s Degree in Pastry from Patisserie Chereau in France. His background includes working as Executive Pastry Chef at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. At the Bistro Barberet, guests can feast on everyday dishes like quiche lorraine and croque monsieur to delicacies like foie gras and tartare. The bakery opens for breakfast, and diners can also come in for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
26 East King Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-690-2354
6. Citronnelle, Lancaster, PA
Although Lancaster sits in a rural region of Pennsylvania, couples in town looking for a romantic meal while enjoying classic French cuisine can find it Citronnelle. The restaurant considers the many cultural influences found in France, as evidenced by its unique, international menu. Situated in downtown Lancaster, Citronnelle focuses on cooking styles from France but also infuses cuisine from Asia and Africa. During Global Nights, diners can tour the world through their taste buds. Specialty menus highlight recipes from different countries, whether Egypt in the Middle East or Ecuador in Latin America. This BYOB emphasizes using locally-sourced, fresh meats and produce.
110 West Orange Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-208-6697
7. Cork & Cap Restaurant, Lancaster, PA
Guests in town looking to experience a piece of American history should visit the Cork & Cap Restaurant. The eatery sits in the former Armstrong Cork and Kerr Glass Company, a factory built in 1865. If only those walls could talk! During lunch, dinner, or brunch, diners can admire the edifice and imagine the people who once worked there. The menu boasts plenty of American classics like lobster rolls, crab cakes, and burgers. Every Wednesday, Cork & Cap hosts a Prime Rib Night with specials on cuts. Sundays nights mean seafood, with a combination of lobster tail, snow crab legs, and sea scallops.
480 New Holland Avenue Suite 3000, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-735-2025
8. El Serrano
El Serrano offers an exciting dining experience, bringing the tastes and culture of Peru to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The large dining establishment resembles historical architecture from 19th-century South America. On the first floor, couples can indulge in a full menu of Latin American food. The second-floor restaurant, Culturas, serves up lighter fare and focuses on traditional Spanish tapas with a Peruvian twist, perfect for sharing. For a truly decadent experience, El Serrano also hosts private dining on the second floor at Clementinas. The exclusive rooms can host groups of 2-4 people for an exquisite 5-course meal complimented by Latin-American wines and tapas.
2151 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-397-6191
9. Gibraltar Restaurant
Whether looking to sip on specialty cocktails or share a three-course meal during date night, Gibraltar has lots of menu items in store for couples. This Lancaster restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream. The menu features everything from grilled Spanish octopus and fried calamari to seared scallops and grilled swordfish. Filet mignon and locally-sourced aged black Angus NY strip are also on the Mains list. They say oysters are an aphrodisiac, and diners can test that theory at Gibraltar’s Raw Bar with clams, oysters, lobster, and shrimp sourced from different US coasts. Guests can wash that all down with a grapefruit or blood orange margarita.
488 Royer Drive, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-397-2790
10. Restaurants in Lancaster, PA: Himalayan Curry & Grill
Couples looking to taste the robust flavors of India and Nepal on a date night should book a table at the Himalayan Curry & Grill. Some like it hot: menu items like fish or vindaloo will surely wake up the taste buds. The tandoor cooks meats and naan bread to perfection, and Himalayan Curry & Grill features popular tandoori dishes like Chicken Tikka. The menu also features chicken or veg momos, the beloved Nepalese dumpling. Any diner new to these cooking styles can sample them all at the lunch and dinner buffets. For those celebrating a big anniversary, Himalayan accommodates large parties serving curries, meats, rice, and breads.
22 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-393-2330
11. JB Dawson's, Lancaster, PA
Sleek decor and comfortable lighting create a warm, inviting atmosphere for a romantic meal at JB Dawson’s. Date night can start off with a happy hour available at the bar Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM. Guests enjoy special prices on appetizers, draft beers, wines, featured cocktails, well drinks, and wines. Wine lovers enjoy half-price bottles on Wednesdays. Well-known throughout the Delaware/Pennsylvania area, JB Dawson’s has locations multiple locations including in Lancaster. A local to the area, Jim Lukens founded the flagship restaurant in 1996. The Lancaster kitchen specializes in contemporary American cuisine with nods to Latin American, Italian, and international cooking.
491 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-399-3996
12. Restaurants in Lancaster, PA: Loxley's
At Loxley’s, couples can enjoy a romantic meal under the stars taking in the fresh air. The rustic, natural materials of the building blend perfectly with the rural surroundings. Guests can sit for drinks at one of the three bars. From pan seared scallops and sage roasted chicken to maple bacon prime pork chop, Loxley’s serves up an extensive menu of contemporary American fare. The venue hosts weekly live entertainment along with trivia nights. The restaurant hosts a breakfast buffet, full lunch and dinner selection, and a late night menu. Diners can stay for the night as Loxley’s forms part of the Lancaster Heritage Hotel.
500 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-898-2431
13. Lancaster Restaurants: Pasquale's Italian Garden and Pizzeria
Melted cheeses and slow-cooked sauces combine for a mouthwatering meal at Pasquale’s in Lancaster. Pasquale's Italian Garden and Pizzeria serves traditional Mediterranean dishes. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner sipping on a bottle of wine, as this Italian eatery lets customers bring their own bottle. The extensive menu has plenty of comfort food like stuffed shells, homemade lasagna, and baked penne. Customers can pick their own toppings and share a pizza. Seafood dishes like lobster ravioli or spaghetti with clams delight the senses. The take-out menu means lovers can have an easy night in and share delicious Italian classics at home.
1657 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-509-9921
14. Restaurants Near Me: Sukhothai Restaurant
Lancaster couples can enjoy a flavorful Thai meal at Sukhothai Restaurant. Dark walls and exposed brick create an elegant dining atmosphere. Exotic flavors and colorful plates delight the senses on a romantic dinner. Date night begins with a choice of appetizers like crispy rolls, shrimp skewers, or spicy chicken. The menu has refreshing salads made with mango, apple, squid, and shrimp. Things really heat up with entrees, and guests can choose their own level of spiciness on popular dishes like Pad Thai, drunken noodle, or seafood curries. Hot teas infused with jasmine or ginger compliment any meal. Sukhothai opens for lunch and dinner throughout the week.
398 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-517-9422
15. The Belvedere Inn, Lancaster, PA
Couples can enjoy an elegant evening of fine-dining at The Belvedere Inn. The restaurant sits inside a historic Victorian mansion built in 1869. During a meal, guests can observe views of downtown Lancaster. The award-winning Lancaster restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine. Soothing live jazz serenades diners throughout the week, and guests can view the music calendar on the restaurant’s website. The meal begins with tasty bites for sharing such as baked crab dip or shrimp cocktail. The menu features decadent dishes like grilled filet mignon, pan roasted scallops, and lamb tenderloin. Butterscotch bread pudding or creme brulee satisfies any sweet tooth.
402 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-394-2422
What are the 16 Best Restaurants in Lancaster, PA?
The 16 Best Restaurants in Lancaster, PA according to local experts are:
- John J. Jeffries
- The Log Cabin, Lancaster, PA
- LUCA
- Arthur's Terrace Restaurant
- Bistro Barberet & Bakery, Lancaster, PA
- Citronnelle, Lancaster, PA
- Cork & Cap Restaurant, Lancaster, PA
- El Serrano
- Gibraltar Restaurant
- Restaurants in Lancaster, PA: Himalayan Curry & Grill
- JB Dawson's, Lancaster, PA
- Restaurants in Lancaster, PA: Loxley's
- Lancaster Restaurants: Pasquale's Italian Garden and Pizzeria
- Restaurants Near Me: Sukhothai Restaurant
- The Belvedere Inn, Lancaster, PA
More Ideas in PA: The Phillips Museum of Art
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Franklin & Marshall College’s campus, The Phillips Museum of Art is known as a cultural hotspot for the College and the general Lancaster community. Since The Phillips Museum of Art was founded, it has maintained appreciation for a variety of art mediums, including historical and contemporary.
The Phillips Museum of Art has a comprehensive initiative, which focuses on three goals. The first goal is to enhance the educational opportunities available at Franklin & Marshall College, which relate to the significance and importance of art. The next goal is to contribute to a richer and greater cultural life within the Lancaster and South Central Pennsylvania communities. Lastly, The Phillips Museum of Art hopes to oversee and promote Franklin & Marshall College’s permanent art collection.
All of the permanent attractions at The Phillips Museum of Art are collected and owned by Franklin & Marshall College. Periodically, the permanent attractions at The Phillips Museum of Art rotate. The Museum’s permanent collection include a variety of art forms from an array of periods, such as Pennsylvania German cultural arts, decorative arts, historical material, and ethnographic material. The Museum’s permanent collection is housed in the following galleries:
The Nissley Gallery is named after Emily Baldwin Nissley and Thomas W. Nissley, who donated enough funds to make this gallery possible. Aside from permanent attractions, The Nissley Gallery regularly houses collections from undergraduate research.
The Dana Gallery incorporates a combination of permanent and special attractions. Most of the attractions at The Dana Gallery represent multicultural, contemporary, and historical arts. The Charles A. Dana Foundation made The Dana Gallery possible, hence the name.
The Rothman Gallery is named after Mildred and Leonard Rothman, and displays a variety of film, textile, paper, and photography art pieces.
While The Phillips Museum of Art has a comprehensive permanent collection, majority of the art displayed at the Museum are special attractions. Special attractions are spread across all of the galleries, specifically within The Curriculum Gallery. The Curriculum Gallery displays a combination of scholarly and artistic work that originate from students and faculty. Other than The Curriculum Gallery, the Museum regularly hosts an array of special attractions from all over the world. In order to obtain an updated list of special attractions, head over to the Museum’s official website.
Kristin Rehder: Where Hope Finds Home is a showcase of some of Kristin Rehder’s most popular work. Rehder is known for her portraits, which capture natural light and reality. Within this exhibit, Rehder focuses on the life of over 60 refugees who come from over 15 countries
Luigi Rist: The Three Arts of Woodblock Printing is a special exhibit that originates from The Phillips Museum of Art. Within this exhibit, an array of woodblock prints showcase Luigi Rist’s intuitive notion for capturing nature in an ancient Japanese form.
Magnolia Laurie: your land / my land showcases Magnolia Laurie’s optimism, even when conquering a combination of contrasting emotions and psychological turmoil. Referring to the popularized Woody Guthrie song, hence the name of this exhibit, Laurie showcases the complex relationship between ruin, ownership, and land. Laurie is an Assistant Professor of Art & Art History at Franklin & Marshall College.
The Phillips Museum of Art offers a variety of educational opportunities, many of which are offered to students and educators. Some of the educational opportunities offered at The Phillips Museum of Art can be accessed online. This makes it easy for anyone to access the Museum’s educational programs, regardless of the time and their location.
A few of the online educational opportunities include the sculpture tour, Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary, and online archives. The online sculpture tour gives guests an overview of the sculptures located around The Phillips Museum of Art, as well as a digital map that can be downloaded and used for when they visit The Phillips Museum of Art and the Franklin & Marshall College campus.
In addition to the online sculpture tour, guests are welcome to explore the online Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary. This online exhibit explores the life of Benjamin Franklin, and celebrates his legacy within American politics. Lastly, guests can access the Museum’s online archives, which detail every piece within the Museum’s permanent art collection – even the pieces of art that aren’t currently on display.
There are many special events in the galleries throughout the school year and summer from artist receptions to Chamber Concerts and other special musical performances. Some events are free and open to the public while others require advance ticket sales. More information can be found on the museum’s event calendar.
628 College Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603, Phone: 717-358-3911
You are reading "16 Best Restaurants in Lancaster, PA " Back to Top
More Ideas in PA: The Demuth Museum
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Demuth Museum aims to create appreciation, understanding, and awareness of the artwork of American painter, Charles Demuth. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of programs, a vast collection of modernist works, and unique exhibitions that will inspire and engage members of the whole family.
History:
Charles Demuth, or “Deem” as he was known amongst his friends, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1883. When he was around 6-years-old, Charles and his family moved to a home which neighbored the Tobacco Shop which had been a family business since 1770.
Charles was a weak and sickly young man, so his family encouraged him to utilize his excessive time indoors to work on his artistic skills. During this time, he painted his first formal work of a windmill surrounded by a picturesque landscape. He grew up receiving guidance from many local artists and studied the artistic stylings of china painting, still life, landscape, and pyrography. When he graduated he high school in 1903, Charles decided to study art and enrolled in the Drexel Institute of Art.
He spent some time in Paris after he finished his studies and after returning to the states, he could publicly present his work for the very first time at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 8th Annual Exhibition.
In the years following, Demuth lived all over the world, traveling to DC, Bermuda, New York, and Europe. During this time, he made many lifelong friendships and experimented with many forms of art and painting. In the early 1920’s, he finally discovered his passion for watercolor and modernist painting. He was quite ill with diabetes and other psychiatric issues, so he spent quite a bit of time in the hospital during his later years.
In the summer of 1934, Demuth made his final visit to one of his favorite places, Provincetown. He created his last works here alongside his friends until he passed away in 1935 from health effects of diabetes. His works and the impact they made on the artistic community will never be forgotten, which is why the museum aims to honor his memory and his talents.
Permanent Collection:
The permanent collection at the Demuth museum has 32 of the iconic works by Charles Demuth which he painted between 1896 and 1932. The works were generously donated by the Demuth family to preserve his legacy and his impact on the American Modernist movement. One of his very first formal works of a windmill and landscape is on display (1896).
The collection is organized to showcase his developing style and the way various periods of his life impacted his works. Visitors can expect to travel through the collection and learn all about Demuth, his friends, his life, and the history of the time.
Annual Events:
Garden Tour and Party:This annual fundraising event is held in the month of June and features an exclusive tour of unique homes and their gardens throughout the Lancaster area. The event kicks off with a fabulous garden party complete with live music, an open bar, delicious snacks, and a silent art auction. Tickets sell out fast each year, be sure to reserve your spot for next year!
Art Auction:The 19th annual art auction will be held on November 9, 2017 and proceeds will benefit the museum and local artists. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at The Elks Lodge on Duke Street.
Educational Resources:
Summer Art Camp:Each summer (June-August), the museum hosts a summer camp for budding artists in the area. The camps are one week long and each of the 4 weeks specialize in a different art form; drawing, painting, crafts, and words in art. Children ages 7-14 years old are welcome to attend, be sure to reserve your child’s spot ahead of time!
Art Classes for Adults:Each year, the museum hosts a series of art classes for adults.
Additional Information:
The Demuth Museum, 120 East King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, Phone: 717-299-9940
You are reading "16 Best Restaurants in Lancaster, PA " Back to Top
More Ideas in PA: Amish Farm and House
The Amish Farm and House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is of great historical interest. The site is on the grounds that once belonged to William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. In 1715, the farm was given to John Evans, the colonial Governor. The road running in front of the farm, known as the Lancaster-Philadelphia Turnpike, was the country's first paved road. Homeowners and businesses alike wanted to be near the turnpike. Living along America's first paved road became very fashionable and desirable.
Original early houses and log structures constructed with timber were soon replaced with stronger and larger stone structures, due to growing families and desired status of residents that lived along the turnpike. Barns and large stone buildings became a common site within this area of Lancaster County. Descendents of the original Evans family, Isaac and Mary Evans started building the farmhouse that currently stands at the site of the Amish Farm and House in 1805.
The property was owned by several different people over the following 150 years, but the site has always been used as a typical Pennsylvania German farm. The owners of the farm raised traditional farm animals and grew the quintessential crops of the area. After serving as a home for almost seven generations, the Amish Farm and House now serves a different purpose as the Lancaster County's first tourist attraction. This opened the county to the rest of the world.
Several different tours are offered to visitors at the Amish Farm and House. One such tour is the Guided Amish Farmhouse Tour. A knowledgeable guide leads guests on a tour lasting around forty-five minutes through the site's 1805 Farmhouse. The house tour, which doesn't require a reservation, takes place multiple times a day with the first tour taking place at 10:45 in the morning and the last at 3:45 in the afternoon. The guided tour provides an informative look into daily life of the Old Order Amish.
The Amish Countryside Bus Tour available with the Amish Farm and House allows visitors to sit back and relax as they are driven through Amish Country to see its hidden treasures. Professional, highly-trained drivers serve also as guides as they transport guests down the back roads of "America's Garden Spot." The bus tour offers visitors an up-close look into the lifestyle of the Amish.
During the bus tour through the Amish countryside, visitors will get feel for the real Lancaster County as they learn about the culture, local stories, and the history of the area. Guests will want to keep their cameras ready during the tour as they will pass stunning vistas of farmland, historic houses, farms, barns, buggies, schoolhouses. The tour even makes a stop, when available, at an Amish roadside stand so visitors have an opportunity to interact with locals who are a living heritage of Lancaster County.
The Bus Tour Only option includes a ninety-minute tour of the countryside, a self-guided tour of the Amish Farm, and a stop at the "Willow Lane One-Room School." The Premium Package Tour includes all of this plus the 45-minute tour of the Farmhouse.
2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Phone: 717-394-6185
