Erin Elizabeth
Are you planning a trip to Pennsylvania? Harrisburg is the state capital, located in Dauphin county. The city offers a few notable attractions, including the Susquehanna River, the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and one of the largest outdoor sports shows featuring vintage cars and motocross racing.
This historical town offers some great dining establishments to dine in during your visit or enjoy an impromptu meal during your drive through town. With just over 49,000, Harrisburg is a decent spot to enjoy quality cuisine and an excellent ambiance for your next dining experience.
So, with so many choices, how do you find out where to eat in Harrisburg? The best places to eat in Harrisburg offer a decent selection of dining options, whether you’re looking for weekend brunch, a casual lunch, or family dinner.
I’m drawn to many flavors, from homemade pasta and tasting platters to standard steak, hamburgers, and Mexican fare. Excellent, inviting service and a quality menu with a great selection are important factors that I look for in a restaurant.
So without further ado, here’s my list of the best restaurants in Harrisburg!
Best Restaurants Harrisburg
- note. bistro & wine bar
- Cork & Fork
- Rubicon
- El Sol Mexican Restaurant
- 1700 Degrees Steakhouse
- Greystone Public House
- Cafe Fresno Center City
- Los Tres Cubanos
- Mangia Qui
- Millworks
- Stocks on 2nd
- Tavern on the Hill
- Firehouse Restaurant
- Passage to India
- Cafe 1500
- Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant
- Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar
note. bistro & wine bar
1530 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-412-7415
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This trendy bistro is an ideal spot to plan your next brunch date or evening dinner with a glass of wine from the impressive list available.
If you’re looking for some great imperatives, I recommend the mussels and fries special with your favorite bottle of wine. The entrée menu features a beautiful selection of fresh seafood and pasta plates and gluten-free and vegetarian options.
I find this place offers the perfect mix of classy and comfortable, with a great selection of food to suit every palate and preference.
Cork & Fork
200 State St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-234-8100
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This Italian restaurant and wine bar is a fantastic spot to indulge in locally crafted cuisine served on small, tasting plates to enjoy with colleagues after work. I especially like the eatery’s commitment to sustainable ingredients and quality cured meats for an unparalleled culinary experience.
All pasta is made in-house, and the overall dining environment is upscale, with a casual vibe. I would recommend the Margarita pizza and gnocchi. The restaurant caters to a variety of dietary needs, including gluten-free plates, vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Rubicon
270 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-317-9027
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I love epicurean foods, and Rubicon is a fantastic choice for a Friday evening or weekend date. The classy, friendly diner is an excellent alternative to standard pub fare or late-night fast food, often the go-to option for most late outings.
Rubicon is a spectacular spot for happy hour with various quality flavors such as oysters, crabs, and antipasto. If you plan an evening at the bistro on a Friday night, you may be treated to some terrific live music and unique menu specials.
El Sol Mexican Restaurant
18 S 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-901-5050
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Mexican cuisine is bold, spicy, and I enjoy a traditional meal with lots of flavors. El Sol Mexican Restaurant is one of the top eateries to enjoy the quality and classic fare served in a spacious dining room adorned with colorful décor and friendly staff.
I relished the margarita fresco and the Molcajete Mixto and was pleased to find that this spot offers takeout meals and drinks. There’s a convenient app you can download to review the extensive menu and book your reservation.
1700 Degrees Steakhouse
1 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-237-6400
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1700 Degrees Steakhouse is the ultimate spot to order your next prime rib or sirloin tip steak. This stellar restaurant is well known for featuring certified Angus steak and Midwestern prime beef. I was pleasantly surprised by the menu’s selection of seafood and quality entrees, which earned this place an OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Awards.
It’s ideal for enjoying cocktails by the fireplace, reserving a date, or booking a special dining event. It’s a classy, upscale spot where you can select your steak knife and pair your meal with a drink from the excellent list of wines and cocktails.
Greystone Public House
2120 Colonial Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-829-9952
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The Greystone Public House is one of the newer restaurants in Harrisburg, which offers a great tasting menu and small plates to enjoy several flavors with a group of friends. I especially love dining here on a Saturday night, where you can order fresh crab cakes and oysters or short ribs, Brussel sprouts, and risotto.
This is one of the best restaurants in Harrisburg to order quality fare at reasonable prices. I found the atmosphere to be laidback, with a touch of class. The service is attentive, offering an excellent dining experience.
Cafe Fresco Center City
215 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-236-2599
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Café Fresco Center City is a beautiful dining destination for families, offering a unique menu of delicious food and bite-sized fare for kids. It’s one of my favorite places for relaxed dining, and I found making a choice from the menu a bit tricky because there are many excellent dishes to sample.
Another great feature of Café Fresco is the option for takeout, which is perfect for a spontaneous meal at home to surprise everyone. I strongly recommend the brunch menu, which is a pleasant way to start the weekend.
Los Tres Cubanos
540 Race St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-635-8145
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If you’re new to Cuban cuisine, this is a fantastic place to experience this delicious fare for the first time. My choice at this spectacular Harrisburg restaurant is the sandwiches, pork, and shrimp plates on the menu. This eatery features a great selection of Caribbean, Latin, and Spanish fare, so you can enjoy a variety when you dine.
Reservations are recommended if you’re planning to dine here for lunch or dinner, especially over the weekend. The dining space offers a friendly, trendy vibe and authentic cuisine to enjoy for any occasion.
Mangia Qui
272 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-233-7358
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Mangia Qui is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers lovely artisan deli cheese and meats and hearty meals. This classy space offers late-night dining so that you can stop in for some light fare and a glass of wine or cocktail after an evening at the theatre or sports event.
This place treats guests very well, and you’ll relax immediately after you’re seated. The chef’s creations are creative, and it’s worth taking your time savoring every bite to thoroughly experience the quality of the food. The time of an upscale place gives you the option of a fine dining outing or a convenient takeout option.
Millworks
340 Verbeke St, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-695-4888
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This American-style pub and eatery serve decadent brunch plates, tasty smoked meats, wood-fired pizza, and comfort food. You can pair your delicious dish with the pub’s impressive selection of top-quality beers. Millworks features a spacious outdoor patio, which is ideal for hosting parties and special events.
I find this restaurant is a reliable spot to dine, as there is always excellent food, drinks, and service, which is consistently excellent every time I visit.
Stocks on 2nd
211 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-233-6699
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Stocks on 2nd is a premier spot for a night of drinks and dining with colleagues and friends. I love the brisket cheesesteak and the fantastic selection of sandwiches and salads. It’s a modern, relaxed space that offers an attached food truck for late-night treats and takeout.
This restaurant offers a mix of casual and classy for any occasion, with an excellent menu of American fare, live entertainment, and television for sports events and shows. It’s an excellent spot for a drink after work or making reservations for an extravagant dinner.
Tavern on the Hill
109 Howard St, Enola, PA 17025
Phone: 717-732-2077
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This picturesque bistro is in Enola, with a warm and classy atmosphere and talented, creative chefs. Tavern on the Hill offers an excellent menu of tasty seafood and fresh, light dishes, including Greek salad, escargot, Caprese salad, and fresh fish.
I’m fond of this hidden treat, where you can take a break and savor some truly fantastic food that deserves your full attention and a bit of time to enjoy. Staff at the Tavern on the Hill are very attentive, offering seating and coat service as soon as I arrived.
Firehouse Restaurant
606 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-412-0580
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This casual, fun diner offers a great selection of standard, American dishes ideal for a family outing or a quality dish for lunch. My favorite meals to order at the Firehouse Restaurant are the fish and chips and filet mignon, both of which are well prepared to perfection and served in a decent-sized portion.
If you’re a fan of comfort food and don’t mind a few extra carbs on your plate, the Firehouse Restaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy the tasty fare.
Passage to India
520 Race St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-233-1202
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There’s nothing like the incredible spice blends and flavor-rich dishes of Indian cuisine. Passage to India is a beautiful restaurant that offers a daily lunch combination and fantastic vegetarian, goat, and chicken dishes. Chicken Tikka masala, palak paneer, and curried dishes are among the most popular and intensely tasty dishes.
Passage to India is a laid back, quiet dining space to reserve a delicious lunch buffet or a dinner special. The service was beautiful, and the staff offered details about each of their most popular dishes, offering a fantastic choice of chutneys, sides, and drinks.
Cafe 1500
1500 N 6th St #101, Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone: 717-831-8322
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This chic, relaxed, industrial-style café offers a modern, cheery place to enjoy light meals and drinks. Do you want the best idea for a weekend brunch with a group of friends? Make a date for a Salmon Royale Benedict and a Bloody Mary for your next Sunday.
Not only is this spot one of the best quality spots to enjoy quality brunch and traditional fare, but Café 1500 also continues to improve its menu and remains one of the top restaurants in Harrisburg. You’ll enjoy every dish served here, as I did, from a simple serving of avocado toast to a three-course meal on Friday night.
Dolce Vita Restaurant
1509 Market St, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Phone: 717-732-7202
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Dolce Vita is my go-to spot for authentic Italian cuisine and fantastic pizza. You’ll find everything you’re craving when you visit this place, from linguine with marinara sauce and eggplant spinach rolls to fresh salad and chicken parmesan.
I was impressed with the generous portions served at this casual, trendy spot. It’s a terrific place to enjoy a weekend lunch or a hearty meal for dinner.
Ad Lib Craft Kitchen & Bar
1 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-237-6419
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Just like the name of this trendy spot, Ad Lib Craft Kitchen and Bar is the ideal destination for a spontaneous drink and light fare. It’s the perfect place to meet for a social evening, with a stylish bar, regular specials, and great platters to share.
This bar and restaurant are perfect for out-of-town guests and locals, offering a modern, spacious dining and friendly, down-to-earth service.
Final Thoughts
Harrisburg offers a fantastic variety of restaurants and eateries, with a decent selection of cuisine and dining styles. There are lots of great places to explore when you visit. You’ll find plenty to eat at the best restaurants in Harrisburg, whether you’re local to the area, passing through, or staying for a weekend or longer.
This scenic, historic city provides an impressive selection of authentic cuisine, trendy eateries, and talented chefs that feature any fare you prefer, whether it’s a light meal and drinks or a full, three-course meal.
Did we leave one of your favorites off this list? If so, let us know in the comments!
