Tasting Lancaster's Culinary Delights: A Guide to the City
Photo Credit: Discover Lancaster. The Central Market. This historic market, established in 1730, is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States.
Yummy culinary local favorites
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a hidden culinary gem that any foodie will love to explore. Known for its Amish community and charming downtown, this city offers a variety of culinary delights that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you're looking for traditional Amish fare or modern cuisine, Lancaster has something for every palate. Here's a foodie's guide to Lancaster and Amish country.
Start your culinary journey in the heart of Lancaster's downtown at the Central Market. This historic market, established in 1730, is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States. The market boasts over 60 vendors selling a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more. Stop by for a quick breakfast sandwich, a fresh juice, or pick up some ingredients to cook up a homemade meal.
For lunch, head to Lancaster's Prince Street Cafe, a cozy spot that serves up artisanal coffee and fresh, creative sandwiches. Try the Cuban sandwich or the roasted turkey with cranberry chutney and brie.
In the afternoon, head out to the countryside to experience the flavors of Amish country. Stop by the Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, where you can taste traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treats like whoopie pies, shoofly pie, and fresh-made jams and jellies. You can also watch the Amish women make fresh fudge and hand-dip chocolates.
Shoofly Pie is a local favorite dessert in Lancaster.
Local favorites
Lancaster County is known for its rich agricultural history and traditional Amish cuisine, but it also has a variety of restaurants that cater to every palate. From classic diners to upscale eateries, here are some of the best restaurants to visit in Lancaster County. Here are 22 recommendations that are sure to satisfy your tastebuds.
Miller's Smorgasbord - Traditional Amish cuisine buffet-style restaurant serving over 200 items on its menu, including homemade soups, fresh salads, hearty entrees, and delectable desserts.
Belvedere Inn - Fine-dining restaurant offering contemporary American cuisine with a romantic atmosphere. The menu includes dishes like seared sea scallops, rack of lamb, and blackened salmon.
Dienner's Country Restaurant - Family-owned and operated restaurant offering traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine with classics like chicken pot pie, pork and sauerkraut, and homemade shoofly pie.
Carr's Restaurant - Classic diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with traditional diner fare like pancakes, burgers, and milkshakes, as well as Pennsylvania Dutch specialties like scrapple and chow chow.
Gibraltar - Upscale restaurant offering contemporary American cuisine with an extensive wine list. The menu includes dishes like pan-seared scallops, grilled beef tenderloin, and seared duck breast.
Gracie's on West Main - Farm-to-table restaurant offering seasonally inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients like wood-fired pizzas, braised short ribs, and homemade pasta.
Annie Bailey's Irish Pub and Restaurant - Pub-style restaurant serving Irish dishes and pub fare like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and Guinness beef stew.
Rachel's Cafe and Creperie - Cafe serving sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches, and salads, along with coffee and espresso drinks.
Prince Street Cafe - Cafe serving artisanal coffee and creative sandwiches like the "Midnight Train" with roast beef, blue cheese, and caramelized onions.
The Pressroom - Restaurant and bar offering modern American cuisine and craft cocktails like the "Bee's Knees" with gin, honey, and lemon.
Yorgos - Greek restaurant offering traditional Greek dishes like gyros, souvlaki, and spanakopita, along with fresh seafood.
Himalayan Curry and Grill - Indian and Nepalese restaurant offering flavorful curries and tandoori dishes like chicken tikka masala and lamb vindaloo.
John J. Jeffries - Farm-to-table restaurant serving seasonal, locally sourced cuisine like pan-seared scallops with butternut squash risotto.
Oregon Dairy - Restaurant and market offering classic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine like chicken and waffles and fresh produce like homemade ice cream and dairy products.
Lancaster Brewing Company - Brewery and restaurant serving pub fare like burgers and sandwiches along with craft beer.
The Fridge - Gourmet grilled cheese and craft beer bar serving sandwiches like the "Brie and Fig" with fig spread, brie cheese, and prosciutto.
Isaac's Deli - Deli serving creative sandwiches and salads like the "Gyro Sensation" with seasoned beef, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
Quips Pub - Pub-style restaurant serving comfort food like mac and cheese and wings, along with craft beer.
The Log Cabin Restaurant - Family-friendly restaurant offering classic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine like ham and bean soup and chicken corn soup.
Federal Taphouse - Gastropub serving craft beer and elevated pub fare like pork belly tacos and duck confit flatbread.
Saigon Cafe - Vietnamese restaurant serving flavorful pho and noodle dishes like beef pho and shrimp pad Thai.
In conclusion, Lancaster County has a variety of restaurants that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine or contemporary American fare, there's a restaurant in Lancaster County that will satisfy your cravings.
