If you're looking for a world-class dining experience tucked right into Central PA, LUCA is the…read moreabsolute gold standard. Since opening its doors in the summer of 2016, this West James Street gem has been marrying Old Country Italian traditions with the incredible bounty of Lancaster County agriculture. It's no surprise they've caught national attention, earning a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for their culinary excellence. Even culinary icon Alton Brown has sung the praises of the team behind this kitchen. The atmosphere is buzzy and warm, anchored by the beautiful glow of their wood-burning hearth. To kick off the night, you have to dive into their incredible beverage program--specifically the amaro selection. Their curated bittersweet herbal liqueur flights are unmatched and provide the perfect, authentic start to the meal. As for the food, the menu is a masterclass in balance: Little Gem Salad: Do not skip this. It sounds simple, but the crunch of the lettuces paired with a flawless lemon-garlic dressing, shards of grana padano, and crisp house croutons ruins all other Caesar-adjacent salads for you. Carpaccio: Melt-in-your-mouth tender, perfectly seasoned, and beautifully presented. It showcases their commitment to high-quality sourcing. Wood-Fired Octopus: Impeccably charred on the outside while remaining incredibly tender on the inside, avoiding the chewiness that trips up lesser kitchens. Gnocchi Amatriciana: Absolute pillows of perfection. The handmade gnocchi holds onto the rich, savory, and slightly smoky Amatriciana sauce beautifully. Olive Oil Cake: A phenomenal finish. It's dense yet moist, perfectly sweet, and lets the fruity notes of a high-quality extra virgin olive oil shine. Note for pizza lovers: While LUCA used to sling their famous wood-fired pies at the main restaurant, they actually moved their entire pizza operation to focus on it full-time. If you are specifically craving their incredible blistered crusts, you'll want to head to Pizzeria LUCA, their second location over at The Crossings (Christopher Place). It's a bit more casual but carries the exact same ingredient-driven ethos.Five stars all day. Make your reservations weeks in advance--you'll need them!

Dined here recently with our family. The menu offerings are eclectic and different than other…read moreItalian establishments in the Lancaster area. The good: The food was very delicious. We enjoyed our wine, olive appetizer and entrees. I got the ravioli and my wife enjoyed the guinea hen dish. The portions here are not large, so it's good to get a few dishes. The ambience in the side dining room was nice and much easier to converse in than the louder, main room. Our server was very knowledgeable and excited about the menu. The not so good: The wait between our appetizers and entrees was nearly an hour. We had another event to get to and were somewhat pressed for time.

Celebrated my son's birthday at Passerine--couldn't have been better. Great apps and every dish…read moredelivered was delicious. Chef Kevin and team nailed it. Staff was warm and attentive, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. One of the best restaurants I've been to.

We've been here twice for brunch and loved it both times. Great service and the place has a nice…read moreclean vibe. Food was very well prepared and served. I had the farmers breakfast and the grits were some of the best I've had. Looking forward to trying another meal here.

Went to the Horse Inn last week and had a really good time. Cool place. You kinda feel like you are…read morein an old horse barn which is actually pretty sweet. They do this mystery beer thing which is just a cheap beer but it's fun and feels on brand for the place. Food wise the beef tips are the move. I would honestly go back just for that. Good spot overall.

This place was BUSY on a Saturday night (a good thing for a restaurant and a good sign for those…read morecoming in for the first time)... we didn't have a reservation, having planned to late, but they do keep tables open for walk-ins and despite being told it was an hour wait (whatever, we knew we ran that risk), we were seated in 15 minutes - Luck, maybe? But awesome all the same! For how busy they were, the server was very attentive and very accommodating as we were yapping away and constantly not ready with our orders so kuddos for the team and putting up with us! I love the mystery beer concept, its not great beer, but being from DC at like $2 a can, I am not passing that up, ever. And a cheap beer with a burger is the perfect combo! On to the burger... I have heard that this is a great burger... and I have to conclude that I agree though it is reminiscent of a Big Mac - just way better ingredients - it has to be the sauce they put on it... Anyway, nice size patty, good amount of toppings and a quality bun (not too soft, not too thick, bread soaks up some of the juices but doesn't fall apart). The mussels were quite excellent as well. It was a Thai curry broth the night we were there and it was drinkable, like soup... we did ask for extra bread... enough said. I am going to take a minute too and praise their spirit free cocktails. THIS IS HOW THEY SHOULD BE MADE. They used bitters, tonics, etc to craft something that tasted like a cocktail but without alcohol which means they were not sickly sugary concoctions, but expertly crafted beverages. Just really great options. All that said though, their espresso martini was one of the worst I have had. Just skip that.

I'm not sure where to start except to say thar John Jeffries in one of the best dining experiences…read moreI've had in Central PA. Five absolutely well-earned stars. I visited as part of a work related event and was able to enjoy both the bar and dining room. The bar selections were first-rate and while not extensive they were well-considered. John Jeffries specializes in local farm to table ingredients. I enjoyed a watercress potato soup followed by the Puedmontese grass-fed petite beef steak. Both were absolutely delicious. The service was first-rate: friendly and attentive without being obnoxious and VERY well-trained to a level you'd expect in a much larger city. Can't wait to bring my companion back for a visit that I know she will love.

Slightly upscale American restaurant that is part of a hotel…read more I came here for dinner with my fiance (we tried both a chicken a risotto dish) and we were not very impressed with the quality of the food, especially given the steep price tag. I also got a drink that was not very good either. We visited for my birthday, and they gave us a choice of either a complimentary prosecco or dessert. We opted for dessert, and we tried their key-lime pie, but we were also unimpressed. They also forgot to comp the desert on the bill until after I saw it on there and reminded them Our server was very friendly, however she was MIA for large portions of the night The complimentary bread & butter was tasty

Decadent ambience and beautiful dishes. And very nice service…read more I'd like to visit again soon Beautiful drinks perfect for dates and romantic evening or birthdays. Had Elizabeth as a service and she was terrific

I have to say they are an accommodating group of people. They accommodated me coming in after I had…read moreto cancel my reservation because we would not make it in time. We intended to order from the bar, but they found us a table. There was a lovely Happy Birthday sign at the table for me. Elizabeth our waitress was nice and attentive. The ambiance is old style glamor. The chandeliers were beautiful and when the weather warms up there is roof top dining. We did check out the rooftop and there were small see through pods. We had fried calamari appetizer, a Mahi Mahi Thai inspired special with brocolini, and a half portion of grilled romaine Ceasars salad with chicken. The dressing was so creamy and delicious. The portions are extremely small. EXTREMELY SMALL. But tastey.

When we visited Lancaster, we had to stop by Chellas Arepa Kitchen, and it absolutely lived up to…read morethe hype. The food is a delicious mix of Peruvian and Venezuelan flavors, and you can really taste the freshness and quality in every bite. Their arepas are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with flavorful fillings. Everything felt comforting yet unique at the same time. One thing I really appreciated is that the entire menu is 100% gluten free, but honestly, you wouldn' even notice because the food is just that good. Also, don't be deceived if the food doesn't look super "picture perfect" online or in photos (or at least my photos lol). It may not be the most photogenic food, but it's sooo worth it! I actually ordered almost everything on the menu because I had no idea when I'd be back in Lancaster again . My favorite was the fried rice with chicken and plantains, so flavorful and satisfying! My husband's favorite was the Lomo Saltado Bowl and Pernil Arepa. We also loved the yuca fries, which were perfectly crispy without being overly greasy. The only thing that disappointed me a little was the Esquites. It just didn't stand out and probably wouldn't order it again. Parking is limited and there's outdoor seating only.

Our first time here and we were amazed !! The staff was helpful even though they were incredibly…read morebusy and the total atmosphere was great . Fire pit burning , Latin music blasting , people laughing and talking , the smell of meats and spices filled the air . I ordered the Lomo Arepa which was a fresh arepa filled with delicious seasoned steak , onions , yuca , tomatoes and fresh chimichurri on the side . Absolutely delicious !!! My boyfriend had the Chicken Lomo Arepa which was delicious grilled chicken, yuca , tomatoes and onions . Also delicious !! We also ordered the white rice and black beans and the Grandma Chellas fried rice packed with eggs , plantains and red onions. Loved the fried rice and its unique flavors . Chellas Arepa should definitely be on your list of places to try in Lancaster . The delicious foods , outside dining atmosphere, music and friendly staff all combine to make it one heck of an experience . Since it's literally only 5 minutes away we're definitely going back soon . Thank you Chellas Arepa !!

20 years with Bird called for a great night out and Josephine's absolutely delivered…read more From the moment we walked in, Tate and Grant were incredible and made our anniversary dinner feel genuinely special without overdoing it. Great service like that still matters. Bird went with the crab cake and was already planning her next visit halfway through dinner. I started with the shrimp cocktail, followed by the Caesar salad and filet, all outstanding. Everything was paced perfectly and cooked exactly right. And then came dessert...which somehow topped everything else. Incredible way to finish the night. Between the food, atmosphere, and service, it was the perfect spot to celebrate 20 years, plenty of laughs, good memories, and another adventure for the books. Highly recommend.

What an exceptional night! From the minute you come down the stairs till you pass the stage where…read morethey have a pianist and bass player, you are transplanted to a whole new experience. This was my first time dining at Josephine's. We enjoyed the laid-back not rushing us evening. Our server took our drink orders then came back to ask if we wanted to place any appetizer orders. We ordered the mussels and shrimp appetizer. It was absolutely amazing! They were in a herb butter sauce. We were also given a bread service to which we immediately wiped up the butter sauce! I went with the crabcake, which was the sizes of softball and was full of lump crab. The potatoes and vegetables were delicious. My friend ordered the salmon and she said it was perfectly cooked. She also got the potatoes and vegetables. We each ordered a dessert. I went with the choux Cage which I enjoyed, but didn't like the chocolate that they were sitting on. Once I figured that out, I really enjoed the dessert. My friend ordered the Chocolate Rocher dessert and loved every bite of it. It was definitely a treat to go to Josephine's and I hope I get the opportunity to come back.

Owner and her daughter are incredible. They really are welcoming and have great conversations…read more We already knew their cheesecake was the best in Lancaster. Add in their Restaurant Week Special of Banana Pudding (regular and biscoff) and they have raised the bar! Small little place, no real seating, but the cheesecake is so delightful, it does not matter at all! We LOVE Urban Farmhouse Cheesecake!

VERY delicious cheesecakes!!!! I can only speak for the smaller squares they offer but they were…read morevery tasty and fresh and priced slightly higher, but you definitely get the flavor you pay for!! I snagged a few for my fiancés birthday and he LOVED THEM. He's not a chocolate in cheesecake kinda guy but the s'mores cheesecake square was to die for. Nothing on them but word of advice, get there as early as possible to ensure you get the flavor you're looking for! Also definitely check their facebook for their weekly rotating menu. Overall highly recommend if you're local to the area, or just passing through

During my day trip to Lancaster Central Farmers Market, I visited the Southern Market Lancaster…read morefood hall for the first time, located in a historic building in downtown Lancaster. There is even a concierge there to answer any questions about services or restaurants, perhaps because the building once housed the Lancaster Visitors Center. A charming place with international cuisine, including Indian, Greek, Jamaican, Asian, and Moroccan, to name a few. The food hall is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Lancaster has plenty of affordable parking in the Hager lot or several parking garages. I find using a parking App helpful.

First time here... Love it!!…read moreReally cool place with very nice food and beverage options. Can't wait to go back.

As a family of four, we eat here about once a month and it's our favorite resturaunt in Lancaster…read more Very kid friendly, always exceptional service, clean (my wife would know, not me), and everything on the menu is flavorful and always made with love.

There are moments in life when you set out in search of dinner and instead discover a small,…read morebenevolent corner of the universe. My wife, acting as both navigator and oracle, found Norbu after I asked for something within walking distance of our hotel. Four Himalayan restaurants, all within a short stroll, which felt statistically suspicious in the heart of Amish country. We chose Norbu because it had the best reviews and, more importantly, because it offered Nepalese and Bhutanese dishes, which none of us had ever tried. We are a family that tries to make it a point to say yes to the unknown. Finding it is part of the adventure. Norbu is tucked along North Christian Street, though calling it a street feels optimistic at best. It is more of a very committed alley. The restaurant sits inside an office building with a few brave parking spaces placed carefully on postage stamp sized lot out front. Had we been driving, I am certain we would have missed it and continued on, poorer for the experience. Fortunately, we were on foot and arrived intact. Inside, the place was alive at 7 PM. There were low tables with stools that suggested a more traditional way of dining, and a couple of unoccupied standard tables for those of us still learning. We took one of the latter and were seated quickly. We began with momo, a dish that seems like could quietly solve many of the world's problems if placed on the right tables. Soft, hand folded dumplings, steamed and served with a savory chutney. We ordered the "Mix It All" option, which gave us vegetable, beef, and chicken. Each had its own personality, its own quiet argument for why it should be your favorite. My older son ordered the Sweet N Sticky Tofu, which was the most familiar thing we ate all night. It tasted like a thoughtful conversation between General Tso and sesame tofu. Very good, very well executed, just less novel. I had the Pak Sha Datsi, the national dish of Bhutan, which I did not know until I read it on the menu and our server filled in the missing information with patience and enthusiasm. Norbu itself, we learned, is rooted in Himalayan traditions and a desire to share the food and culture of Nepal and Bhutan with a wider audience, which feels like a noble use of time. The dish arrived as a gently spiced stew with pork and a blend of aged and smoked cheeses. It was creamy, delicate, and somehow grew more interesting with every bite. It did not resemble anything I had eaten before, which is a rare and welcome thing as I grow ever older. My wife and younger son both ordered the Nepali Thali, a kind of edible symphony made up of curry, lentils, vegetables, chutneys, pickles, and a dessert pudding. My wife chose the fish curry, which was tender and lightly flavored. My son chose the chicken curry, which quietly became the star of the table. It had a familiar warmth, something like Indian curry, but with its own distinct voice. The accompanying mustard greens, curried potatoes, and a simple mix of green beans, corn, and carrots, were so flavorful that we found ourselves marveling at them like tourists at a natural wonder. Service was excellent. Our waitress guided us through the menu, made thoughtful suggestions, and shared a bit of the restaurant's story. By the end of the meal, we felt not just fed, but informed. Our only failure was not saving room for dessert. There was a chai flavored cashew cheesecake that sounded like it might change a person's outlook on life. We will have to return to test this theory. Norbu is the kind of place you hope to find and rarely do. It is hidden, a little hard to reach, and entirely worth the effort. Five stars, because sometimes you find something amazing and new, and that reminds you that the world is still full of good surprises.