The Best Pennsylvania Towns for Foodies

The United States is constantly developed and influenced by thousands of cultures from around the world. This contributes heavily to the excellent food scene you’ll find across the U.S. Each state has different cultural influences, environments and styles that make its food unique, and Pennsylvania is no different.

Pennsylvania is famed for its cuisine, from Primanti sandwiches to cheesesteaks. The food scene is wide-ranging and delicious. Let’s explore some of the Pennsylvania towns that foodies must visit.

Philadelphia is a city bursting with history and culture and has an incredibly international food scene. This city has top-of-the-line food, from Vietnamese pho to roast pork sandwiches. Head to South Philly to enjoy the Italian market and Ralph’s Italian Restaurant, which has been serving classic Italian dishes since 1900. South Philadelphia also offers the Cheesesteak Corner with some of the best cheesesteaks in the city and Passyunk Square, home to a massive array of restaurants and shops.

West Chester is a Philadelphia suburb that lacks the large population of the big city. However, this hasn’t held back the culinary scene of West Chester at all, as it is a popular tourism destination for those seeking to enjoy its great food. The quaint downtown has nearly 60 restaurants, and the annual Chester County Restaurant Festival draws many visitors out to sample the town’s delicious food. With 60 restaurants to choose from, there’s no wrong choice, but High Street Caffe and Market Street Grill are excellent options.

Bethlehem is a charming and historic Pennsylvania community home to nearly 75,000 residents. This mid-sized city is famed for its holiday celebrations, but any time of year you visit, you’ll find great food. Bethlehem has a very diverse food scene with many different restaurants in both the downtown and southside districts. The restaurants cover a large range of flavors, from Greek tavernas and Malaysian cuisine to local American classics. Appollo Grill and Bolete Restaurant and Inn are some of the most highly regarded eateries in this community.

Lancaster is one of the oldest inland cities in the United States and a uniquely appealing destination in Pennsylvania. It is a gateway to the state’s Amish country and has a deep agricultural legacy. That means this might be one of the best places in the state to enjoy farm-to-table dining options. Lancaster is also a popular spot for growing apples, so come fall, you’ll find some of the tastiest apple pies imaginable. Well-known restaurants in Lancaster include The BBQ Barn and Bistro Barberet and Bakery.

Phoenixville is a suburb roughly 30 miles from Philadelphia, but it has a small-town countryside feel. This historic community has excellent dining options. Bridge Street is where much of this town’s commerce is centered. You’ll find chic restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, and local breweries here, such as Bistro on Bridge and Il Granaio. Those in the area should also attend the annual Phoenixville Food Truck Festival.

New Hope is a scenic small town home to roughly 2,500 residents. This quaint, relaxed community might not have the array of options bigger cities have, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. New Hope has gorgeous restaurants along the Delaware River, local gastropubs, and creative fusion restaurants. Italian Cucina is an authentic Italian eatery in New Hope adored by residents, and Brian’s is an upscale restaurant with delicious meat dishes. This peaceful and historical community will surprise foodies searching for hidden gems.

Pennsylvania’s state capital is a city that can trace its modern history back more than 300 years. It is a bustling mid-sized city with much to explore. For chocolate lovers, the nearby Hersheypark will be a dream come true. Harrisburg also has excellent bistros, breweries, and Italian restaurants, many of which are along the Susquehanna River. Bacco stands out as one of the great Italian options the city offers.

Pottstown is a mid-sized borough in Pennsylvania founded in the 18th century and had an important role as a steel town. Today, it is a town on the rise, with a food scene that is growing alongside it. Pottstown has a diverse and exciting food scene, with everything from Caribbean and Mexican food to breweries and Pennsylvanian cuisine. It is an underrated destination that will delight foodies. Some of the hotspots in Pottstown include Big Phil’s Bar and Grill and Opa Vera’s Restaurant.