18 Most Romantic Restaurants in Lancaster PA

July 20, 2021

Visitors to Lancaster County enjoy a diverse community of restaurants.  Restaurants in Lancaster include outdoor dining with great views, specialty restaurants like steak, seafood or vegetarian, and some amazing ethnic specialties too.

Many of our guests at the Historic Smithton Inn are in town for a romantic getaway.  We curated a list of the most romantic restaurants in Lancaster PA for them to dine at during their stay with us.  The list is in no particular order.  Every one of these Lancaster PA fine dining restaurants is ideal for a special date night, celebration, or “just because”!!

 

This blog is all about the 17 Most Romantic Restaurants in Lancaster PA

 

The Belvedere | 402 N Queen St, Lancaster

The Belvedere Inn is a gem of Lancaster, PA and one of the areas most beloved fine dining destinations.  An award-winning restaurant in Lancaster, PA, The Belvedere is known for its delicious contemporary American cuisine and elegant dining atmosphere.  The restaurant offers great food, creative cocktails and stunning décor.  They also have outdoor dining on the 2nd floor terrace.  Staff is knowledgeable and attentive.

The Log Cabin | 1 Lehoy Forest Dr, Leola

A local landmark, the Log Cabin is known for its pristine service and mouthwatering dishes.  It’s also known for serving famous customers like Lady Gaga and Frank Sinatra! The restaurant’s rustic interior amplifies the guest experience.  You’ll enjoy classic American cuisine in an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. An elegant touch is that depending on the day, you can enjoy your meal with harp or piano music playing live in the next room.

Gibraltar | 488 Royer Dr #101, Lancaster

Gibraltar is a hip-chic restaurant that delivers a seasonally focused, ever changing menu with dishes produced from the world’s finest wild caught fish, seafood, organic meats & local produce. They offer gourmet dining creations served in a cozy and intimate setting.  The bar has an expansive wine list complimented by creative artisan cocktails made with fresh ingredients for those who enjoy craft beer as well!  The ambiance, professional service and amazing food will combine to create a memorable experience.

The Greenfield Restaurant | 595 Greenfield Rd, Lancaster

Set in a circa- 1790 Pennsylvania Stone Farmhouse, the Greenfield Restaurant’s owners are John Moeller, a former White House chef, and his wife Suryati.  The restaurant offers guests an imaginative menu, attentive service and a warm setting that exudes an upscale but relaxed ambiance.  Seating is available in the main dining room as well as several smaller rooms.  For date night we recommend reserving a seat in the cozy wine cellar.

Lombardo’s | 216 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster

When you eat at Lombardo’s you’ll be treated to old-world Italian recipes, with all the sauces & pastas handmade onsite.  This family owned business has been a Lancaster tradition since 1946.  Lombardo’s is owned by Sam Lombardo, the nephew of the original owner.  Sam and his wife Dena have infused this wonderful venue with new life, renovating the restaurant to elevate the ambience where you’ll savor authentic and delicious Italian cuisine.

LUCA | 436 West James Street, Lancaster

LUCA skyrocketed to culinary prominence by earning rave reviews from NY Times food critic, Alton Brown.  This “Old Country” rustic-style Italian restaurant is known for serving up unique salads, delicious pizza,  homemade pasta and roasted meats cooked in their wood burning hearth & Neapolitan oven.  Be sure to make reservations ahead of time!

The Exchange | 25 S Queen St, Lancaster

For fine dining with a view, The Exchange is the destination of choice.  Guests will enjoy a cocktail with an unbeatable perspective of downtown Lancaster. It’s located atop Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.  This location offers incredible panoramic scenery of the historic district and features rotating menu specials curated by renowned Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan. The elegant atmosphere, extensive beverage menu and innovative dining menu will both captivate and impress.

Judy’s on Cherry | 332 Cherry St, Reading

Judy’s on Cherry is an Old World restaurant with a pleasing atmosphere that welcomes guests to try their delicious wood-fired oven cooking. With vaulted ceilings and walls painted in rustic tones, the experience of visiting Judy’s on Cherry takes you back into time.  They serve authentic Mediterranean recipes made fresh every day from local ingredients. The menu has great variety including focaccia bread, pizzas pastas and tapa dishes which are cooked perfectly by using this old world technology.

John J. Jeffries | 300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster

The Lancaster Arts Hotel is the home John J. Jeffries.  JJJ is a restaurant with sustainable and organic food that guests can enjoy in one of the best fine dining restaurants in town. With a cool renovated warehouse atmosphere, it’s a perfect date-night setting.  The well prepared meals and attentive service will combine to make your evening truly special.

Josephine’s | 50 W Grant St, Lancaster

Josephine’s offers classic fine dining in the elegant lower level of the former Carr’s Restaurant building just steps from Lancaster Central Market and the Fulton Theater.  The atmosphere harkens back to a swanky supper club with crystal chandeliers, black & white photos of Hollywood stars, a floor-to-ceiling blue velvet banquette and a grand piano.

401 Prime | 401 N Prince St, Lancaster

401 Prime replaces Amorette in a “prime” downtown Lancaster location.  401 Prime is a luxury downtown steakhouse with chic decor, hip lounge, fantastic wine list… and of course, amazing steak (and other top-of-the-line entrees).

El Serrano | 2151 Columbia Ave, Lancaster

A Lancaster tradition for 25 years, El Serrano is a true taste of Peru in the heart and soul of Amish Country. As you step though their hand-carved mahogany doors, it’s like entering a Latin-American hacienda.  Enjoy traditional favorites like Chicken Fajitas or Peruvian specialties such as Lomo Saltado.  This beautiful, charming restaurant  offers an atmosphere where you can relax with your significant other.  Try the tapas selections while sampling the restaurant’s own Spanish wine selection from Finca de Torres.

Cork & Cap  | 480 New Holland Ave #3000, Lancaster

Cork & Cap takes pride in their commitment to local fare, and it shows. They use only the freshest ingredients from Lancaster County farms for a mouth-watering dinner experience.  Think Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food with contemporary, cosmopolitan twists! Enjoy your meal surrounded by restored brick walls and plush leather banquettes.

Bistro Barbaret & Bakery | 26 E King St, Lancaster

Chef Cedrick Barberet was the winner of the Neapolitan Delight episode of Chopped Sweets in 2020!  He brings a touch of France to Lancaster County.  Bistro Barberet & Bakery opened in 2015 and quickly became a local favorite.  The menu includes appetizers like beef tartare and escargot.  Entrees range from veal schnitzel to moules frites.  Be sure to leave room for one of their special desserts!

Citronelle | 110 W Orange St, Lancaster

Citronnelle is a chic and intimate little French BYOB located right in the heart of Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.   Their dishes are classically prepared yet modern, with global influences from Asia and Africa.  They use only the freshest local, seasonal (organic where possible) produce.  They source sustainable seafood, locally raised meats and poultry (hormone/anti-biotic-free and organic where possible) and the finest all-natural exotic ingredients to create flavorful, beautifully composed dishes.  Citronnelle embraced the fusion of French and ethnic cultures to create a menu that’s exquisitely special.

Lititz Spring Inn & Spa | 14 E Main St, Lititz

Located in a historic building, Lititz Springs Inn and Spa’s dining experience is not your average restaurant. The menu changes seasonally, taking advantage of bountiful local produce.  The wine list is truly special and is curated with the help of a seasoned professional.  The dining room and wine room are elegantly decorated and upscale.  Depending on the day, the outside courtyard features live music.

Johnny’s Steak House | 1640 N Reading Rd, Stevens

Johnny’s Steak House is tucked away on the lower level of building that houses Kyma, a seafood restaurant, upstairs. Enter Johnny’s to be greeted by lively New York style décor pulsing with energy. They offer both traditional cuts along with new spins on classic dishes for when diners want to try something different. They have an extensive menu so if it’s seafood instead of meat that you’re craving or vice versa-they’ve got what you need! Johnny’s creative cocktails make the perfect starter drink before dinner.  Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet provide the perfect background music to the Jazzy vibe of this restaurant.

Dans at Green Hills | 2444 Morgantown Rd, Reading

Dans at Green Hills is a favorite among Reading locals. They offer a fine dining experience in Berks County.  Their menu is contemporary American cuisine with a French influence.  Dans will satisfy your craving for high-quality food served in an elegant venue.  The food and atmosphere are both outstanding, and the servers are attentive and professional.

 

Spend the Night at the Historic Smithton Inn

 

colonial mansion If you want to experience the complete date night experience, you should book a romantic suite at the Historic Smithton Inn.  Nothing says romance like a working fireplace, double jacuzzi tub, a glass of locally crafted wine and a delicious homemade breakfast! The Crimson Dove Suite is a guest favorite for romantic getaways!!  Check out our Specials & Packages to add romantic touches to your stay with us.  Try the Champagne & Chocolates or Wine & Cheese packages.  Book Your Getaway today!

 

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