Good Eats Guide Greater Harrisburg

Alfred’s Victorian

There aren’t many places you can go in Central PA to get escargot. Or dine in a 1755 brownstone mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1970, Alfred Pellegrini and his family have been serving up Italian classics as well as succulent seafood and specialties like the flaming Victorian salad. Some of our staff’s menu favorites are the portabella with roasted garlic and gorgonzola, and Mediterranean crab dip with feta and stone crab claws with creamy mustard sauce.

38 North Union Street, Middletown 

717-944-5373; www.AlfredsVictorian.com

Andalusia

Downtown Carlisle got a taste of Spain and Morroco this April when Andulsia, a tapas bar, opened up, featuring authentic small plates. Spain’s famous Marcona almonds, olives marinated in thyme and orange scented olive oil, dates stuffed with almonds and Cabrales cheese wrapped in bacon are just a few small plates for sharing. The paella (seafood or served with chicken, chorizo and beans) is also great for sharing in this unique experience unlike any other in the region. Just save room for the postres or desserts.

26 North Hanover Street, Carlisle

717-461-4141; www.facebook.com/Andalusia

Bankok Wok

The West Shore’s go-to for Thai, and we know why. Our staff loves the seafood curry and Thai iced tea. We also love the vast vegetarian selection. There’s really something for everyone—from traditional lemongrass soups, to curries, pad Thai of course– even classic Chinese dishes.

5 Gateway Drive, Mechanicsburg

717-795-7292; www.bangkokwok.com

Bombay Junction

This popular Indian BYOB, situated in central Mechanicsburg, offers authentic fare that draws a crowd. The open, spacious dining area is bustling on any given evening, assuring restaurant-goers that this is a genuine Bombay gem. Start your meal with a variety of their fluffy naans, such as garlic and cheese or peshwari–a sweet naan filled with nuts and raisins. Also, don’t miss their South Indian specialties including an assortment of dosas (filled crepes) and uthappams (thick pancakes with tasty toppings).

6466 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg

717-697-4282; www.bombayjunction.com

Bricco

Whether you’re looking to grab a quick happy hour martini after your 9-to-5, or to sit down to a leisurely family-style spread, Bricco is sure to please. To start your dining experience, try any of their inventive Italian antipasti or spuntini freddi (cold snacks), including crispy squash blossoms with crab, roasted oysters with spinach fondue and smoked bone marrow crust, and roasted beet gazpacho with melon and goat cheese. Main dish highlights include “Bricco Cioppino” (a eco-friendly twist on the classic dish using only sustainable fish and shellfish), the dry aged ribeye, and an assortment of thin-crust pizzas made in Bricco’s on-site stone oven.

31 South Third Street, Harrisburg

717-724-0222; www.briccopa.com

Cafe Bruges

Fresh made Belgian waffle and pomme frites scents waft through the air as you enter Café Bruges [pronounced Broozh]. A destination worth the drive for any beer enthusiast, and a favorite of downtown Carlisle, this Belgian beer mecca offers more than 100 of the 1,000 labels the country produces. Authentic Belgian dishes, which categorize somewhere between German and French refined, include the country’s famous moules frites (choose from several flavorings of mussels and dipping sauces for the fresh fries).

16 North Pitt Street, Carlisle

717-960-0223; www.cafebruges.com

Café Fresco

Perfect for a night on the town, this Harrisburg dining favorite finds its home below the popular downtown lounge and club, Level 2. The Asian Fusion menu is filled with innovative combinations, such as the spicy tuna tartare with sriracha mayo and wasabi caviar, honey-miso sea scallops and tea-smoked duck. With its extensive list of specialty cocktails, Café Fresco is as much a destination for lively conversation and libations as it is for fine dining. Try the Thai Basil Gimlet–a staff favorite of Ketel One, lime juice and fresh Thai basil.

215 North Second Street, Harrisburg

717-236-7343; www.cafefresco.com

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar

Rustic Italian classics are served up along with a song, at this cozy piano bar tucked away in downtown Harrisburg. Offerings range from cannellini bean and rosemary hummus and fennel and prosciutto salad to start, to pizzas and pastas (served single or family style) and entrees like grilled marinated tuna with sage and rosemary served with artichokes and sun dried tomato polenta. But it’s the entertainment Carley’s is really known for—from open mic nights to show tunes and sing alongs.

204 Locust St, Harrisburg

717-909-9191; www.carleysristorante.com

Char’s at Tracy Mansion

Although this offshoot of Char’s Bella Mundo opens Autumn 2012, if the new location is anything like its predecessor, it is sure to be an inner-city favorite. Toted as an American Brasserie, Char’s at Tracy Mansion overlooks the Susquehanna River, providing guests a picturesque view with their food and beverage. Be sure to check out the newest uptown eatery in this historic property.

1829 North Front Street, Harrisburg

717-213-4002; www.charsrestaurant.com

Cedars

With over 25 mezze, or appetizers, for sharing, Cedars offers a unique way of experiencing authentic Lebanese cuisine right here in the Susquehanna Valley. Enjoy Mediterranean dishes like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, baba ghannouj (eggplant spread), tabbouleh (a parsley salad with bulgar wheat, tomatoes and onions), and falafel (fried chickpea croquettes) as well as full entrees and desserts like baklava (phyllo dough filled with honey and walnuts). Simple flavors dominate the cuisine here, making it a favorite among locals and a destination in the region.

2153 Market Street, Camp Hill

717-238-3360; www.cedarslebanesecuisine.com

Chalit’s Thai Bistro

Chalit’s Thai Bistro, the self-proclaimed “lighter, fresher side of Thai cuisine” is the greater Harrisburg area’s newest, and perhaps most imaginative Thai hot spot. This relaxed Asian BYOB offers traditional Thai favorites—such as curries, stir fry and spicy woks—paired with an unusual, but tasty, homemade brown rice.  The Bistro also features less conventional house specials like the “Catfish Cha Cha,” a crispy tapioca breaded catfish served with a special blend of red curry. Try this popular venue for either lunch or dinner.

5103 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg

717-695-9889; www.chalitsthaibistro.com

The Cellar

This cozy Camp Hill BYOB is a lovely date night locale. The Cellar’s menu is chock-full of locally-sourced ingredients from small scale family farms who practice sustainable and artisanal techniques. Whether or not farm-to-table style preparation guides your dining decisions, the flavor-filled dishes are sure to pique your interest. For instance, poutine, a classic French Canadian indulgence, is prepared here with hand-cut fries seasoned with truffle salt, burrata cheese and a red wine sauce. Also try the Denver-cut venison–a unique Pennsylvanian treat–or one of our faves, the “Cellar Mac and Cheese” with crab and lobster.

433 North 21st Street, Camp Hill

717-724-2803; www.thecellarbyob.com

El Sol

Tucked away in a quiet alley of the buzzing downtown scene is El Sol—the city’s favorite Mexican spot. Lauded for it’s happy hour specials—including $5 margaritas and dollar tacos—this restaurant is a tried-and-true dining favorite. El Sol’s menu boasts some of the most flavorful items downtown, including chorizo tacos, carnitas and a variety of succulent ceviches. For an exciting experience, try the parrilladas—tabletop “grills” of meats and seafood you can share with your dining companions.

18 South 3rd Street, Harrisburg

717-901-5050; www.elsolmexicanrestaurant.com

The Golden Sheaf

While many fine dining restaurants have changed their tune to accommodate the more casual ways of society and dining, The Golden Sheaf remains a place where everything feels special—with a 20-plus-year history of hospitality and superb cuisine. Their Allen Brothers steaks, as well as seasonal specials, are just a couple reasons that keep locals loving this downtown tradition in fine dining.

1 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg

717-237-6400; www.opentable.com/the-golden-sheaf

The Green Room Bistro and Juice Bar

Located in the heart of downtown Carlisle, the Green Room Bistro and Juice Bar is a must-visit for any locavore. Their menu offers quality ingredients that are sourced regionally and dishes that rotate seasonally. Specialties like the peach poppy seed salad, served with grilled local peaches and champagne-poppy vinaigrette, or the brined, local pastured chicken make this small spot a natural fit for foodies. For diners who prefer their dishes without wheat, the Green Room has several gluten-free options.

36 West High Street, Carlisle

717-422-5574; www.thegreenroom.us

Harvest

A new concept to the Hershey resort’s dining scene, Harvest features local ingredients from within 150 miles of the restaurant, in a cozy, casual setting . An arts-and-crafts-inspired space, dark wood, hand-scraped, rustic-looking tables and stained glass give a “lodgey” feel with a refined air of elegance in the details. The menu’s concept is genuine American cuisine. Many of the entrees classify as comfort food–and there are even daily specials reminiscent of a country diner–with upscale ingredients and preparation.

Harvest at The Hotel Hershey

100 Hotel Road, Hershey

717-534-8800; www.thehotelhershey.com

Helena’s Chocolate Cafe and Creperie

Since its opening in 2011, this bright bustling spot fast became a local favorite for weekend breakfast, brunch and satisfying any sweet tooth. We love the authentic French macarons and handmade chocolate truffles, as well as the carrot cake. Sweet (like fresh fruit and mascarpone) and savory crepes (think ratatouille with gruyere) as well seasonal soups, breads and scones round out the menu.

46 West High Street, Carlisle

717-254-6453; www.helenascafe.com

Mangia Qui & Suba

This snug midtown-Harrisburg eatery offers some of the finest European specialties available in the Susquehanna Valley. Mangia Qui, and its second-floor counterpart Suba, celebrate old-world methods of cooking while creating new and innovative menu items that change on an almost daily basis. Some of these outstanding dishes include bresaola—air-dried filet mignon carpaccio with porcini mushroom and fava beans, and nero veneziano—black linguine, calamari, baby octopus and tomato smothered with with luscious squid ink. Mangia Qui also has a must-try cocktail list, including Brazil’s native caipirinha and the punch-packing “firefly”: A combo of house-made habanero infused tequila, mango, Bacardi Limon, Midiori, lime and mint.

272 North Street, Harrisburg

717-233-7358; www.mangiaqui.com

Mount Hill Tavern

If sophisticated tavern fare is on your menu tonight, Mount Hill should be on your bucket list to visit. This Colonial Park destination is housed in a stone building dating back to 1798, providing a hearty share of rustic ambiance with your meal. The offerings include twists on classic favorite dishes, like the “tavern crab cakes,” which are crusted in blue corn and served with a parsley caper remoulade, or the Delmonico steak with Yukon gold and fennel puree. In addition, their extensive beer menu, stacked with micro-brews, is worth the trip.

2120 Colonial Road, Harrisburg

717-540-6840; www.mounthilltavern.com

Passage to India

Passage to India’s colorful dining room overlooks the Susquehanna River, but an enchanting view of the waterway is not all this Indian eatery has to offer. The expansive menu of classic Indian dishes has a personal favorite for everyone—especially lovers of piquant plates. Take the vegetable xaccuti [pronounced sha-ku-tee] a veggie curry seasoned with a serious kick. For those with milder palates, a sweet and creamy mango lassi is necessary to combat the heat!

520 Race Street, Harrisburg

717-233-1202; www.passagetoindiaharrisburgpa.com

Rillo’s

Rillo’s, the classic Italian fine-dining venue, has been a Carlisle staple for generations. Their menu boasts a comprehensive collection of old-world specialties, ideal for sit-down spreads with the entire family. Take “Grandma’s favorite”: Linguine with sautéed shrimp, white wine and marinara. Dishes named after friends and relatives pepper the Rillo’s menu, showing that family traditions run deep at this best-loved establishment.

60 Pine Street, Carlisle

717-243-6141; www.rillos.net

Stocks on Second

The godfather spot of downtown Harrisburg’s Restaurant Row, Stocks on Second continues to be a favorite of locals, and a nightlife destination for out-of-towners, known for its waterfall martini bar and exhibition kitchen, as well as weekday happy hours and live entertainment on the weekends.

211 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg

717-233-6699; www.stocksonsecond.com

Trattoria Piatto

Since 1998, Chef Ross Morris has served up authentic Italian cuisine to beloved fans of this downtown Carlisle dining institution. Nestled in a charming Victorian building on the bustling West Pomfret Street block, Piatto blends the new and the old with its modern bar featuring apertivo, happy hour Italian style, and new casual fare like pizzas, as well as the same fine dining experience and classics regional residents have come to love over the years. Morris’ commitment to fresh, local and real food are just another reason we can feel good about eating here.

22 West Pomfret Street, Carlisle

717-249-9580; www.piatto.com

Trevi 5

Named after Rome’s Trevi fountain, here you can sip sparkling Italian sodas, savor authentic pastas and pizzas: (Try the classic Margherita; prosciutto with figs, balsamic and gorgonzola; or the mushroom pizza with truffled whipped ricotta, crispy shallots and taleggio cheese.) Or nibble on plates of imported meats and cheeses to save room for desserts like chocolate cannoli tart, Nutella cheesecake, tiramisu and one our favorites, citrus polenta cake. Open for lunch, dinner and happy hour daily.

Trevi 5 at The Hotel Hershey

100 Hotel Road, Hershey

717-533-2171; www.thehotelhershey.com