The pastoral Lancaster region has acres of farmland allowing restaurants to source seasonal ingredients with which to create mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine. Patrons can share a meal in modern, elegant dining rooms, authentic log cabins, or historical Victorian mansions. Romantic eateries in the area take inspiration from all over the world. After exploring everything Lancaster has to offer, you will find a surprising selection of dining options including American contemporary, classic French cooking, Italian kitchens, Latin American fusion, and even flavors from Southeast Asia.
John J. Jeffries
Situated in a rural region of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County has ample farms in the area. John J. Jeffries serves dishes comprised of locally-sourced organic meats and vegetables from Central Pennsylvania. During a romantic evening, diners can indulge the senses with fresh, seasonal foods plated beautifully. The bar hosts a daily happy hour. Small plates include tasty delights like hickory smoked trout caesar salad or crispy pork belly with mac and cheese. Hungry diners can feast on grass-fed beef meatballs with mac and cheese or Keiser Farm turkey. OpenTable awarded the restaurant the Diners’ Choice.
300 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-431-3307
The Log Cabin
Couples looking for an evening of fine dining can treat themselves at The Log Cabin. Flat wooden beams create a rustic, natural ambiance. First built in 1929, the restaurant consists of oak logs taken from the Lehoy Forest, a region formerly inhabited by the Nanticoke Indians. During the Prohibition Era, the historic building served as a speakeasy. Today, Chef Steven Painter creates an exquisite menu. The raw bar features east coast and west coast oysters plus king crab legs. Couples can feast on aged beef or house specialties like duck a l’orange. The kitchen also cooks seafood dishes like crab cakes or smoked bacon crusted cod.
11 Lehoy Forest Drive, Leola, PA, Phone: 717-626-9999
Arthur's Terrace Restaurant
Out in the countryside, couples can enjoy a romantic meal at Arthur's Terrace Restaurant. Floral arrangements create the feeling of sitting in a garden with views through the large windows to Lancaster’s gorgeous greenery. The decadent dinner buffet lets guests indulge in all-you-can-eat carved prime rib, seafood, chicken, crab bisque, a salad bar, and desserts. During the daytime, guests can also sample the bountiful breakfast or lunch buffets or order from the selection of a-la-carte menu items served throughout the day. As a part of the Eden Resort and Suites, Arthur’s invites guests of the hotel or visitors in Lancaster.
222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-569-6444
Bistro Barberet & Bakery
While enjoying the bucolic landscape of the Lancaster area, visitors can sample French cuisine at Bistro Barberet & Bakery. The restaurant’s owner and operator, Chef Cedric Barberet, has over 25 years of experience cooking classic French food along with a Master’s Degree in Pastry from Patisserie Chereau in France. His background includes working as Executive Pastry Chef at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. At the Bistro Barberet, guests can feast on everyday dishes like quiche lorraine and croque monsieur to delicacies like foie gras and tartare. The bakery opens for breakfast, and diners can also come in for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch.
26 East King Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-690-2354, See the Map
Lancaster is 1 hr 45 min (81.3 miles via US-1 S) from Philadelphia.
Top attractions include: Dutch Wonderland, The Phillips Museum of Art, Amish Farm and House, and the North Museum of Nature and Science.
Citronnelle
Although Lancaster sits in a rural region of Pennsylvania, couples in town looking for a romantic meal while enjoying classic French cuisine can find it at Citronnelle. The restaurant considers the many cultural influences found in France, as evidenced by its unique, international menu. Situated in downtown Lancaster, Citronnelle focuses on cooking styles from France but also infuses cuisine from Asia and Africa. During Global Nights, diners can tour the world through their taste buds. Specialty menus highlight recipes from different countries, whether Egypt in the Middle East or Ecuador in Latin America. This BYOB emphasizes using locally-sourced, fresh meats and produce.
110 West Orange Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-208-6697
Cork & Cap Restaurant
Guests in town looking to experience a piece of American history should visit the Cork & Cap Restaurant. The eatery sits in the former Armstrong Cork and Kerr Glass Company, a factory built in 1865. If only those walls could talk! During lunch, dinner, or brunch, diners can admire the edifice and imagine the people who once worked there. The menu boasts plenty of American classics like lobster rolls, crab cakes, and burgers. Every Wednesday, Cork & Cap hosts a Prime Rib Night with specials on cuts. Sundays nights mean seafood, with a combination of lobster tail, snow crab legs, and sea scallops.
480 New Holland Avenue Suite 3000, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-735-2025
El Serrano
El Serrano offers an exciting dining experience, bringing the tastes and culture of Peru to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The large dining establishment resembles historical architecture from 19th-century South America. On the first floor, couples can indulge in a full menu of Latin American food. The second-floor restaurant, Culturas, serves up lighter fare and focuses on traditional Spanish tapas with a Peruvian twist, perfect for sharing. For a truly decadent experience, El Serrano also hosts private dining on the second floor at Clementinas. The exclusive rooms can host groups of 2-4 people for an exquisite 5-course meal complimented by Latin-American wines and tapas.
2151 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-397-6191
Gibraltar Restaurant
Whether looking to sip on specialty cocktails or share a three-course meal during date night, Gibraltar has lots of menu items in store for couples. This Lancaster restaurant is a seafood lover’s dream. The menu features everything from grilled Spanish octopus and fried calamari to seared scallops and grilled swordfish. Filet mignon and locally-sourced aged black Angus NY strip are also on the Mains list. Gibraltar Restaurant’s Raw Bar serves clams, oysters, lobster, and shrimp sourced from different US coasts. Guests can wash that all down with a grapefruit or blood orange margarita.
488 Royer Drive, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-397-2790
Himalayan Curry & Grill
Couples looking to taste the robust flavors of India and Nepal on a date night should book a table at the Himalayan Curry & Grill. Some like it hot: menu items like fish or vindaloo will surely wake up the taste buds. The tandoor cooks meats and naan bread to perfection, and Himalayan Curry & Grill features popular tandoori dishes like Chicken Tikka. The menu also features chicken or veg momos, the beloved Nepalese dumpling. Any diner new to these cooking styles can sample them all at the lunch and dinner buffets. For those celebrating a big anniversary, Himalayan accommodates large parties serving curries, meats, rice, and breads.
22 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-393-2330
Loxley's
At Loxley's , couples can enjoy a romantic meal under the stars taking in the fresh air. The rustic, natural materials of the building blend perfectly with the rural surroundings. Guests can sit for drinks at one of the three bars. From pan seared scallops and sage roasted chicken to maple bacon prime pork chop, Loxley’s serves up an extensive menu of contemporary American fare. The venue hosts weekly live entertainment along with trivia nights. The restaurant hosts a breakfast buffet, full lunch and dinner selection, and a late night menu. Diners can stay for the night as Loxley’s forms part of the Lancaster Heritage Hotel.
500 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-898-2431
Sukhothai Restaurant
Lancaster couples can enjoy a flavorful Thai meal at Sukhothai Restaurant. Dark walls and exposed brick create an elegant dining atmosphere. Exotic flavors and colorful plates delight the senses on a romantic dinner. Date night begins with a choice of appetizers like crispy rolls, shrimp skewers, or spicy chicken. The menu has refreshing salads made with mango, apple, squid, and shrimp. Things really heat up with entrees, and guests can choose their own level of spiciness on popular dishes like Pad Thai, drunken noodle, or seafood curries. Hot teas infused with jasmine or ginger compliment any meal. Sukhothai opens for lunch and dinner throughout the week.
398 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-517-9422
The Belvedere Inn
Couples can enjoy an elegant evening of fine-dining at The Belvedere Inn. The restaurant sits inside a historic Victorian mansion built in 1869. During a meal, guests can observe views of downtown Lancaster. The award-winning Lancaster restaurant serves up contemporary American cuisine. Soothing live jazz serenades diners throughout the week, and guests can view the music calendar on the restaurant’s website. The meal begins with tasty bites for sharing such as baked crab dip or shrimp cocktail. The menu features decadent dishes like grilled filet mignon, pan roasted scallops, and lamb tenderloin. Butterscotch bread pudding or creme brulee satisfies any sweet tooth.
402 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA, Phone: 717-394-2422
