Harrisburg – the capital of Pennsylvania – is an interesting city overflowing with beauty and history.
Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor adventure, history lesson or family fun, you’ll have a swell time in this city.
And, thankfully, it has loads of restaurants to fill you up before or after a day of non-stop sightseeing.
So, start planning your culinary adventure here by checking out our roundup of the best restaurants in Harrisburg.
1. Gabriella Italian Ristorante
3907 Jonestown Rd
Harrisburg, PA 17109
(717) 540-0040
Welcoming guests since 1997, this foodie magnet on Jonestown Road is a solid pick for fine dining in Harrisburg.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Few local restaurants in Harrisburg are as beloved as Gabriella. For over 20 years, this eatery has been luring guests with its elegant old-world charm and stellar service. What’s more, this space offers a smorgasbord of flavorsome Italian entrees and creative specials.
On top of it all, it’s one of the best birthday restaurants in Harrisburg. Just contact them in advance, let them help you plan a memorable birthday dinner or party.
What to Eat
You can’t go wrong with their chicken marsala. Served in generous portions, it has big chunks of juicy chicken meat drenched in a rich sauce with a smoky, earth umami flavor.
2. Vino Italian Restaurant
6049 Allentown Blvd
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 545-9227
Nestled on Allentown Boulevard, this contemporary restaurant pleases palates with its piquant Italian classics.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Vino is, no doubt, one of the top Harrisburg restaurants to enjoy authentic Italian food. From formaggio fritto to shrimp scampi, this casual space serves an array of classic Italian dishes and favorites.
What to Eat
In just one bite, their chicken parmigiana embodies everything you love about Italian cuisine. You’ll love the rich and sweet tomato sauce flavor, silky mozzarella texture and crisp coating of the exterior of its meat.
3. Home 231
231 North St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 232-4665
Conveniently positioned in downtown Harrisburg, this stylish eatery specializes in serving inventive New American dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re on the hunt for casual spots to eat inventive American food, look no further than Home 231. Whether you’re a reserved eater or an adventurous foodie, you’ll find tons of one-of-a-kind dishes and tried-and-tested classics at this joint.
And, unlike other restaurants near you, Home 231 has a farm-to-table approach, using fresh ingredients from local farmers.
What to Eat
You have to try their bison short ribs. Cooked to perfection, these ribs are succulent, tender and have irresistible sweet and nutty flavors with rich marbling.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Harrisburg-Hershey, an IHG Hotel
4. The Millworks
340 Verbeke St
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 695-4888
Set in the Midtown area, this award-winning restaurant has a lot more to offer than its sustainable and local dishes.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Millworks doesn’t just serve some of the best food in Harrisburg. With an outdoor beer garden and a full bar, it’s even the coolest hangout in the area. Even better, it houses 3 art galleries with more than 18 artist studios.
What to Eat
Every bite of their mushroom truffle pizza is divine. Rich in mushrooms and other toppings, this pie bursts with flavors and has a deliciously crunchy crust.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites Harrisburg Hershey
5. O’Reilly’s Tap Room & Kitchen
800 E Park Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 564-2700
O’Reilly’s brings a taste of Ireland to Harrisburg through its craft brews and Irish comfort food.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Searching for laid-back and unique Harrisburg eats? Why not stop O’Reilly’s Tap Room & Kitchen? Along with its evolving craft brew menu, it also serves a mix of Irish and American comfort food. As a bonus, this tavern exudes a cozy and convivial ambiance.
What to Eat
Do yourself a favor, and sample their shepherd’s pie. Served piping hot, it’s a hearty and savory Irish comfort food classic stuffed with fluffy potatoes and flavorful chunks of meat.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Red Lion Hotel Harrisburg Hershey
6. El Sol Mexican Restaurant
18 S 3rd St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 901-5050
Owned by Juan Garcia, this colorful eatery brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to the heart of Harrisburg.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
In the mood for tasty Mexican meals, but not sure where to eat in Harrisburg? A word of advice, put this lively spot at the top of your list of to-visit, good restaurants in Harrisburg.
Whether you’re into tacos, carnitas or tequilas, you’ll satisfy your Mexican food cravings at this upbeat spot.
What to Eat
For the best lunch in Harrisburg, Grab a platter of their flavorsome, tender and moist carnitas. Served with beans and guacamole, this meaty dish entices with its delicious savory and tangy flavor.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Harrisburg Hershey
7. The Melting Pot
3350 Paxton St
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 564-6358
First established in 1975, this eatery is famous for its extraordinary ways of cooking fondue.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
There’s nothing in Harrisburg quite like the Melting Pot. Known for its gourmet fondue, this sophisticated restaurant guarantees a unique dining experience with its tantalizing, creamy plates. In fact, it’s one of the best dinner places in Harrisburg.
You also get to cook your own food at this joint.
What to Eat
Save some room for their toothsome desserts. We recommend their marshmallow cream and cookies dessert, which is decadent and sweet. It comes with coated marshmallows, pineapples, strawberries, pound cake, rice krispie treats and choco fudge brownies.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Premier the Central Hotel & Conference Center
Related: Best Things to Do in Harrisburg
8. Tomato Pie Cafe
3950 Tecport Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 836-7051
Founded in 2011, this vintage-chic cafe wins praises for its charm and creative spins on homestyle classics.
What to Eat
Tomato Pie Cafe has all the ingredients of a pleasant breakfast or brunch spot. Cozy ambiance? Check. Instagram-worthy interiors? Yep. It even has fresh bakery delicacies, rich coffee, and mouth-watering culinary creations.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Start your day on the right foot by getting their fried eggs and brie sandwich. It’s a highlight at this cafe, and a super tasty goodie with the right amount of bacon and raspberry brie.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Harrisburg-East/Hershey
9. Harvest Seasonal Grill – Harrisburg
2625 Brindle Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 545-4028
From its upscale atmosphere to its fine wines, this farm-to-table restaurant will delight you in a variety of ways.
What to Eat
Harvest Seasonal Grill is, to me, one of the best restaurants Harrisburg has to offer. Ideal for vegetarians, this grill offers a medley of healthy dishes that are below 500 calories. And, while these treats are low cal and healthy, they are still remarkably flavorful and hearty.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Try something different by indulging in the plant-based chorizo. Made with the freshest bell pepper, olive crumble and kalamata, this dish bursts with flavor, and amazingly tastes like real meat.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Baymont by Wyndham Harrisburg
Related: Things to Do in Harrisburg with Kids
10. Gilligans Bar and Grill
987 Eisenhower Blvd
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 939-9575
Founded in 1993, this friendly and laid-back tavern is a premier dining destination on Eisenhower Boulevard.
What to Eat
Beer connoisseurs will find their bliss at this Irish pub. As you stop by this space, you’ll find a wide array of first-rate national and local beer. Additionally, it serves tons of high quality food, including pasta, seafood and steak.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Nothing beats their prime rib. Cooked to perfection, this piece of meat is rich, moist, tender, and full of beefy flavors.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Indigo Harrisburg – Hershey
11. Cafe Fresco Center City
215 N 2nd St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-2599
Resting on 2nd Street, this stylish spot is a chic gourmet restaurant by night, and an urban cafe in the morning.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Craving something new and creative? I suggest that you stop by Cafe Fresco Center City. Here, guests may savor an array of creative Asian-American fusion dishes in a cozy, intimate Feng-Shui inspired environment.
What to Eat
We can’t resist their unique take on the Asian classic, pad Thai. Made of red chili pepper, fish and tamarind, this Asian specialty will tickle your taste buds with its savory sweet, nutty and salty taste.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Camp Hill-Harrisburg West
Related: Best Hotels in Harrisburg
12. Cork & Fork
200 State St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 234-8100
Located in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, this brick-walled restaurant entices with its Italian specialties.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Cork & Fork is a favorite for those who are into authentic Italian cuisine. At this restaurant, guests may enjoy the finest artisan cheeses, meats and home-made pastas in town. Moreover, it has made-from-scratch pizzas cooked perfectly at 850 degrees.
What to Eat
Don’t leave the restaurant without enjoying a slice of their tiramisu. It’s a luscious, rich and decadent dessert with a hint of alcohol, subtle sweetness and just the right bitterness.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Harrisburg
13. Broad Street Market
1233 N 3rd St
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Set in the Midtown neighborhood, this historic farmer’s market has been in operation since 1863.
What to Eat
Broad Street Market is a foodie’s paradise. With over 40 food vendors, this market will appease every palate. Not to mention, it houses vendors that sell specialty gifts, souvenirs and one-of-a-kind items.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Make your way to Fisher’s Deli and Bakery, and satisfy your sweet tooth with their hot chocolate bombs. Filled with gooey chocolates, these baked goodies are luscious and remarkably filling.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Harrisburg – Hershey West
14. Roxy’s Cafe
274 North St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 232-1511
Since 1996, this downtown spot has been a fixture in Harrisburg’s blooming dining scene.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
There’s a lot to love about Roxy’s Cafe. For one, it offers wallet-friendly rates for its meals and entrees. Even better, it serves generous salads, sandwiches, burgers and breakfast combinations.
What to Eat
A great way to kick-start your day in Harrisburg is to sample the diner’s house breakfast combination. It’s a filling and scrumptious meal featuring French toast slices and buttermilk flapjacks. And, it comes with a couple of eggs and your pick of either ham, sausage or bacon.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Harrisburg East
15. Zeroday Brewing Company
925 N. 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717) 745-6218
Crafting fine brews since 2015, this award-winning space in Midtown also impresses guests with its tasty food.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
A brewery isn’t normally the first place that comes to mind when you think of most popular restaurants to try in Harrisburg. But, guess what? Their taproom houses some tasty food, thanks to their partnership with Knead Par Pies.
What to Eat
Fill your grumbling stomach by sampling their pies. These pies have thin crust, and have a range of topping options, including organic mushroom, pineapple, jalapeños and pork sausage.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Harrisburg East-Hershey Area
16. The Vegetable Hunter
614 N 2nd St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 695-6229
Set right in Restaurant Row, this kosher restaurant has been serving up appetizing vegan options since 2014.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Vegetable Hunter is one of the best restaurants downtown Harrisburg, especially for vegetarians. At this boutique brewery and plant-based cafe, you’ll find delectable beer, and extraordinary vegetable-driven plates.
What to Eat
Their black bean and quinoa burger is just marvelous. Stuffed with cheddar cheese, mayo, tomato and onion, this burger is light yet amazingly packed with flavors. And, it’s pretty affordable too.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Harrisburg West, an IHG Hotel
17. Dad’s Garage Grill & Burger House
245 E Main St
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 795-1046
Situated on Main Street, this no-frills eatery features an impressive menu of award-winning burgers.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Don’t let its simple exterior deceive you. Sure, it doesn’t have a flashy, attention-grabbing exterior. But, it still deserves a spot on our list of the best places to eat in Harrisburg, thanks to its filling burgers.
If you’re not into burgers, you may also try their breakfast and brunch items, like chicken and waffles.
What to Eat
Sink your teeth into their roadhouse burger. Topped with a fried egg and bacon, this burger is juicy, delicious and seasoned just right.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Harrisburg West, PA
18. El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria
210 N 3rd St
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 317-9239
From quesadillas to garnachas, this family-owned joint offers a variety of Guatemalan, Mexican and Salvadoran food.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You don’t have to travel to Mexico to enjoy heavenly Central American home cooked meals. At El Rancho, you may enjoy the authentic Latin American flavors in the heart of Harrisburg. And, the best part is, all their dishes are easy on the wallet.
What to Eat
Their Birria tacos are to die for. Beautifully presented, these babies have crispy tacos stuffed with incredibly juicy, tender and flavorful meat. And, it comes with a tempting and well-spiced sauce that helps enhance its flavor.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites – Harrisburg Airport – Hershey South
19. Glass Lounge Restaurant
4745 N Front St
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 255-9919
Opened in 1984, this cozy family-owned steakhouse is a go-to spot for juicy meat cuts and baked seafood entrees.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Glass Lounge is one of the best rated restaurants in Harrisburg. Throughout the years, it has won several awards, thanks to its prime ribs, fresh seafood and tenderloin steaks. As a bonus, it has a bright lighting system and colored walls that add liveliness and vibrancy to its atmosphere.
What to Eat
Indulge in their thick and enormous 23-oz delmonico steak. Cooked just right, this high quality piece of steak is tender, juicy and has robust beefy flavors.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Harrisburg-Hershey, an IHG Hotel
20. Front Street Diner
4003 N Front St
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 525-9318
Open 24 hours a day, this restaurant beckons with its friendly service and extensive menu of American fare.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
No list of the best restaurants in Harrisburg is complete without Front Street Diner. With scrumptious seafood specialties and an all-day breakfast menu, you’ll surely have a pleasant dining experience here at any time of the day.
What to Eat
We can’t get enough of their fresh and light Greek salad and spinach pie. Even if you’re not a vegan, you’ll adore this nutritious concoction. It has salty olives, creamy feta, tangy onion and fresh greens that will make your taste buds explode.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn by Hilton Harrisburg West
Map of Restaurants in Harrisburg
List of image sources
20 Best Harrisburg Restaurants for 2022
- Gabriella Italian Ristorante
- Vino Italian Restaurant
- Home 231
- The Millworks
- O’Reilly’s Tap Room & Kitchen
- El Sol Mexican Restaurant
- The Melting Pot
- Tomato Pie Cafe
- Harvest Seasonal Grill – Harrisburg
- Gilligans Bar and Grill
- Cafe Fresco Center City
- Cork & Fork
- Broad Street Market
- Roxy’s Cafe
- Zeroday Brewing Company
- The Vegetable Hunter
- Dad’s Garage Grill & Burger House
- El Rancho Restaurante y Pupuseria
- Glass Lounge Restaurant
- Front Street Diner
