You could be incorrect if you believe York, Pennsylvania isn’t linked with great cuisine.
York acquired notoriety throughout the industrial revolution, since it was home to everything from Pullman train carriages to the iconic York Peppermint Patty.
Yet, today’s York has grown into so much more. When I think of York, I think of a confluence of the Pennsylvania Dutch’s profound agricultural roots and the avant-garde manufacturers who laid so much of the framework for what we now utilize in modern-day America.
This town has an amazing history, and it seems to reinvent itself all the time.
York, formerly a post-industrial ghost town, has been rehabilitated into a vibrant Main Street village where tourists can enjoy award-winning food.
It’s everything here: eat at a century-old market, sip beer at a farm-turned-restaurant and brewery, dine in expensive style, or at a laid-back cafe. Regardless of your eating preferences, you’ll discover some excellent York PA restaurants.
Contents
Top Restaurants in York, Pennsylvania
Social Club Revival
North George Street, Downtown York +1717430298119
The staff at Revival Social Club recognizes that when you visit a restaurant, you are there for more than just the cuisine.
Their objective is to provide a memorable experience each time we return, and wow, did they succeed. The Revival Social Club is known for its small plates with internationally influenced delights. They make innovative but accessible cuisine.
During our stay, we ordered a variety of small appetizers and specialty beverages. This wonderful meal began with General Tso’s Cauliflower, which was somewhat sweet and spicy, sprinkled with sesame seeds, then roasted to perfection.
After that, we couldn’t pass up the Havarti Mac and Cheese and the Truffled Potato Bravas. These mini dishes were exquisite and will satisfy any sophisticated cheese-loving pallet.
Lastly, our Trio of Deviled Eggs was an unrivaled spin on an old picnic staple, combining freshness with a one-of-a-kind appearance for the ideal sharable platter.
Tutonis Italian Restaurant
North George Street, Downtown York +17178855169108
I felt as though I had left York and arrived in central Tuscany the minute I walked inside. This upmarket Italian-themed restaurant’s decor mixes seamlessly with the architectural characteristics of the old city, providing a pleasant but polished ambience. Tutonis made the list of the finest York PA restaurants for a reason.
The aromas of garlic and freshly made bread welcomed us like a warm embrace, and I knew we were in for a treat.
Our sommelier met us at our table and inquired about our wine selections. She swiftly pointed us in the direction of the ideal bottle of Alteo Chianti.
Rigatoni Bolognese, with house-made pasta and a rich, herb-infused beef and pig ragu topped with just the proper amount of Pecorino-Romano cheese, will delight authentic Italian cuisine fans. If you like gnocchi, you’ll enjoy the braised short-rib-stuffed pillowy potatoes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Assume you’re unsure or wish you could have a little bit of everything. You’ve come to the right place! Tutonis provides a Chefs Table option, which requires you to alert the chef of any allergies or dietary requirements and leave the rest to them.
Five or more seasonal dishes are given to your table at the chef’s discretion, as they joke.
The Rockfish Public House
+17178935928110 North George Street, York City
Fans of seafood, rejoice! Although being miles from the Atlantic Coast, Rockfish Public House has some of the most wonderful seafood choices. I’m very delighted our party agreed on two different dinners to share.
The Pan Seared Sea Scallops were perfectly cooked and served over a bed of roasted corn and black lentil succotash, which offered interesting texture and a punch of subtle flavor without overpowering the scallops. That was a fantastic meal.
Being in Rome, as the phrase goes, you guessed it, we had to try the rockfish. This delicate and gently seasoned grilled rockfish had picture-perfect grill marks and was served with a creamy cauliflower mash and softly cooked asparagus.
This meal, drizzled with the most delectable sesame cashew butter aioli, made me want to lick the plate! Did I have a preference? Both! I was in gastronomic bliss, paired with a fresh Sauvignon White.
Left Bank Restaurant & Bar
+17178438010120 North George St, York
At The Left Bank, elevated but approachable fine dining meets chef-inspired carte du jour. You may eat a la carte or spend on a specially crafted chefs menu that will have you coming back for more.
One of my favorite parts of the menu is the Plant-Forward section, which has enough options to serve as a substantial appetizer or pair two together for a full-sized entree.
The charred summer squash was delicate and beautiful, topped with creamed tahini and a sesame garlic crunch, and I topped it with salt-roasted beets with peach and fried feta for the ideal summer match.
I couldn’t pass up the trio of sweets that included Crme Brul, lemon pie, and a decadent chocolate brownie all on one dish. Why choose just one when you can try all three?
A weekly study hall is also available at The Left Bank. Study hall here is an examination of wine and other libations to aid in improving your knowledge of varietals and enjoyment for your favorite drinks, as opposed to the usual dull schoolroom.
That’s my kind of studying. It’s no surprise that The Left Bank has been awarded the Wine Spectator’s Award of Merit for 2022. Another reason it made my list of the greatest restaurants in York, PA.
Wyndridge Farm’s Restaurant
Dallastown, +17172449900885 S. Pleasant Avenue
In order to honor York’s long agricultural past, Wyndridge naturally infuses the farmer’s spirit into all they do. This rustically exquisite farm on the outskirts of York dishes up the wealth of nature in some of Pennsylvania’s most scenic countryside.
Nature, according to Executive Chef Matthew Siegmund, should define the meal. He creates creative but accessible seasonal cuisine using ingredients sourced from local farmers.
We tried Aux Champignon, a beautiful brick-fired pizza with Boursin cheese and basil triple cheese sauce on spinach, mushroom, and red onion. The crunchy crust provided the necessary depth to complement the rich tastes of the cheeses.
The Brick Oven Roasted Vegetable Strudel will appeal to both vegetarians and carnivores. It’s loaded with eggplant, squash, peppers, and mushrooms, then topped with the ideal phyllo dough and basil puree. That really is a vegetarian’s ideal supper.
Don’t forget to try the farm’s handcrafted beer and hard ciders. The drink selection varies on a weekly basis, but all of the powerful potables are made from local fruits, herbs, hops, and grains.
Brewery tours are also available, and if you have the time, I strongly suggest doing one. Undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in York, PA.
Unusual Kitchen Roost
West Market Street, Downtown York +1717848657635
Roost Unusual Kitchen, located in the historic district of downtown York, is an all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant that specializes in superb cuisine coupled with a touch of nostalgia in a unique, throwback setting.
There’s nothing pompous about this place, from the ancient brick walls to the speckle china plates, yet it seems warm and comforting, as if you’ve walked back into your favorite grandmom’s house.
Breakfast options are almost limitless here, but the highlight of Roost may easily be their biscuits, cooked fresh each morning precisely the way you remember them from childhood.
With butter and jelly on top and a bottomless cup of coffee in a speckled pottery mug, I was instantly transported back to summers on a front porch swing.
Whether you want an omelet or a substantial hand-held sandwich, one thing is certain. You will not go hungry at this great York PA restaurant; each meal is generous, making it the ideal way to fuel your day.
The Public House of the First Post
East Market Street, York, +171743081153691
I was captivated by this wonderfully restored structure the instant I walked inside. Imagine an early 1900s-style bar with dark wood beams, a sour tin-plated ceiling, and a black and white checkered floor looking back at you, and you’ll get a good idea of what First Post is like.
You’ll want to add a visit here on your downtown tour since it serves lunch and supper, as well as a big Sunday brunch.
While the First Post specializes on traditional-style meals with a creative twist, don’t be hesitant to sample the raw bar choices as well.
Enjoy a daily selection of oysters from across the world, or come in on Tuesdays for a buck-a-shuck special including chef-selected oyster types.
We had lunch at The First Post and immediately ordered their roasted brussels sprouts from the appetizer menu. The crisp, aromatic sprouts were sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese, which added a delicious sweetness to each mouthful.
My entree was the Salmon Salad. The salmon was plump, meaty, and faintly sweet, and it was served on a large mixed-leaf salad.
The salad is garnished with brilliantly executed, delicately fried goat cheese balls as a homage to their creativity. Overall, the meal was delicious, and the amounts were plenty. Another reason why it is one of the greatest York PA restaurants.
Restaurants in York, Pennsylvania Finish
Overall, I was really pleased with York’s cuisine scene. So much so that I’ve promised to return to add to my list of the greatest places to eat. I already have a few planned and can’t wait to see more of what York, PA has to offer!
Visiting other places in Pennsylvania? Check out our other resource:
- 10 Best Restaurants In Pittsburgh
- 10 Best Burgers In Pittsburgh PA