If you think that York, Pennsylvania is not synonymous with finding fabulous food, you may be mistaken.
The town of York indeed gained its fame during the industrial revolution, having been home to everything from Pullman railroad cars to the famous York Peppermint Patty.
Still, today’s York has progressed into so much more. When I think York, I think fusion – between the deep-rooted agricultural bend of the Pennsylvania Dutch and the avant-garde industrialists who pioneered so much of the groundwork for what we still use in modern-day America.
This town has a remarkable history, and it seems to keep reinventing itself over time.
Once a post-industrial ghost town, York has been revitalized into a robust Main Street community where visitors can enjoy dining at one of many award-winning restaurants.
Grab a bite to eat at a hundred-year-old market, sample beer at a farm-turned-restaurant and brewery, dine in upscale fashion, or at a laid-back bistro – it’s all here. You’ll find some great York PA restaurants regardless of your dining style.
Best York PA Restaurants
Revival Social Club
19 North George Street, Downtown York // +17174302981
The staff at Revival Social Club understands that when you visit a restaurant, it’s not solely for the food but for the entire experience.
Their goal is to create a memorable experience every time – and boy, did they nail it when we visited. Known for their small plates with globally inspired delicacies, the Revival Social Club creates unique yet approachable dishes.
We opted for several small plates and craft cocktails during our visit. Starting with General Tso’s Cauliflower, this delectable dish was slightly sweet and spicy, topped with sesame seeds, and roasted to perfection.
Next up, we couldn’t resist the Havarti Mac and Cheese, and the Truffled Potato Bravas. Both small plates were heavenly and sure to please any upscale cheese-loving palate.
Finally, our Trio of Deviled Eggs was an unparalleled take on an old picnic favorite, blending freshness with a unique presentation for the perfect sharable plate.
Tutoni’s Restaurant
108 North George Street, Downtown York // +17178855169
From the moment I stepped inside, I felt as though I had left York and landed squarely in central Tuscany. The décor in this upscale Italian-themed restaurant blends perfectly with the architectural details of the historic downtown, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Here’s why Tutoni’s made the list with the bestYork PA restaurants.
The scents of garlic and freshly baked bread greeted us like a warm hug, and I knew we were in for something special.
At our table, our sommelier greeted us, asking about our wine preferences. She quickly guided us to the perfect bottle of Alteo Chianti.
Authentic Italian food lovers will gush over the Rigatoni Bolognese, complete with house-made pasta and a luscious, herb-infused beef and pork ragu, topped with just the right amount of Pecorino-Romano cheese. If you’re a gnocchi fan, you’ll love the braised short-rib-stuffed pillowy potatoes with ingredients sourced locally.
Suppose you’re feeling a little undecided or wishing you could have a bit of several options. Well, you’re in luck! Tutoni’s offers a “Chef’s Table” option where all you need to do is notify the chef of any allergies or dietary restrictions and leave the rest up to them.
Five plus seasonal courses are delivered to your table as they jokingly state, “at the mercy of the chef.”
Rockfish Public House
110 North George Street, Downtown York // +17178935928
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Even though you are miles from the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find some of the most incredible seafood offerings at Rockfish Public House. Our group decided on two different entrees to share, and I am so glad we did.
The Pan Seared Sea Scallops were cooked to perfection and laid atop a bed of roasted corn and black lentil succotash that added exciting texture and a wallop of delicate flavor that did not overpower the scallops. It was a spectacular dish.
As the saying goes, “when in Rome,” we had to try – you guessed it – the rockfish. This grilled rockfish was delicate and lightly seasoned with picture-perfect grill marks, accompanied by a creamy cauliflower mash and lightly steamed asparagus.
Drizzled with the most delicious sesame cashew butter aioli, this dish made me want to lick the plate! Did I have a favorite? Both! Paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, I was in foodie heaven.
The Left Bank Restaurant and Bar
120 North George St. Downtown York // +17178438010
Elevated yet casual fine dining meets chef-inspired carte de jour at The Left Bank. Here you can dine a la carte or splurge on a specially curated chef’s menu, which will have you wanting to return again and again.
One of my favorite things about the menu here is the “Plant-Forward” section, which are plentiful enough to be a large appetizer or pair two together for a full-sized entrée.
The charred summer squash, topped with whipped tahini and a sesame garlic crunch was delicate and divine, and I added the salt-roasted beets with peach and fried feta on top for the perfect summer pairing.
I couldn’t resist ordering the trio of desserts that showcased Crème Brulé, lemon tart, and a luscious chocolate brownie on one plate. Why decide on one when you can sample all three, right?
You can also attend a weekly “study hall” at The Left Bank. Far from the traditional boring schoolroom, attending study hall here is an exploration of wine and other libations to assist in growing your knowledge of varietals and appreciation for your favorite beverages.
Now that’s my kind of studying. It’s no wonder that The Left Bank has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2022. One more reason why it made my list of the best York PA restaurants.
The Restaurant at Wyndridge Farm
885 S. Pleasant Avenue, Dallastown // +17172449900
Honoring the deep-rooted agricultural history of York, Wyndridge naturally injects the farmer’s soul into everything they do. This rustically elegant farm just on the outskirts of York serves up nature’s bounty in some of Pennsylvania’s most picturesque countryside.
Executive Chef Matthew Siegmund believes that nature should shape the menu. He curates imaginative yet approachable seasonal dishes using the freshest ingredients from local farms.
We sampled a luscious brick fired pizza called “Aux Champignon,” boasting Boursin cheese, and basil triple cheese sauce atop spinach, mushroom, and red onion. The crispy crust was the perfect depth to stand up to the rich flavors of the cheeses.
Vegetarians and carnivores alike will love the Brick Oven Roasted Vegetable Strudel. It’s packed with all the favorites like eggplant, squash, peppers, and mushrooms, then topped with the perfect phyllo dough with basil puree. It’s genuinely a veggie lover’s dream meal.
Don’t forget to sample farm-crafted beer and hard ciders made on-site. The drink menu changes weekly, but all the potent potables use local apples, herbs, hops, and grains.
Brewery tours are also available, and I highly recommend taking the tour if you have time. Definitely a must visit amongst the York PA restaurants.
Roost Uncommon Kitchen
35 West Market Street, Downtown York // +17178486576
Located in the historic section of downtown York, Roost Uncommon kitchen is an all-day breakfast and lunch restaurant specializing in great food mixed with a bit of nostalgia in a funky, retro atmosphere.
From the aged brick walls to the speckle ware plates, there’s nothing pretentious here, yet somehow it feels warm and cozy as if you’ve stepped back into your favorite grandmom’s house.
Options for breakfast here are almost endless, but the highlight of Roost might well be their biscuits, made fresh each morning just the way you remember them from your childhood.
Topped with butter and jam, along with a bottomless cup of coffee in a speckle ware mug, and I was immediately whisked back in time, to summers on a front porch swing.
Whether you’re an omelet lover or prefer a hearty hand-held sandwich, one thing’s certain. You will not go hungry here at this amazing gem amongst the York PA restaurants; each portion is plentiful, making it the perfect way to fuel your day.
The First Post Public House
3691 East Market Street, York // +17174308115
This beautifully restored building had me from the moment I stepped inside. Picture an early 1900’s style pub with dark wood beams, a souring tin-plated ceiling, and a black & white checked floor staring back at you, and you’ll glimpse First Post.
Serving lunch and dinner, along with a hearty Sunday brunch, you’ll want to include a stop here on your tour of downtown.
Although serving up traditional-style food with an innovative twist is what the First Post does best, don’t be afraid to partake in the raw bar offerings, too.
Enjoy a daily mix of oysters from near and far or stop by on a Tuesday for their “buck-a-shuck” special featuring chef-selected oyster varieties.
We stopped by The First Post for lunch and promptly ordered their roasted brussels sprouts from the appetizer menu. The crisp, flavorful sprouts came topped with crumbled goat cheese, which gave every bite a savory sweetness.
I chose the Salmon Salad for my entrée. Plump, juicy, and lightly sweet, the salmon was cooked perfectly and presented atop a heaping mixed-leaf salad.
As a nod to their innovation, the salad is served with perfectly executed, lightly fried goat cheese balls. All in all, the lunch was divine, and the portions were generous. One more reason why it’s amongst the best York PA restaurants.
York PA restaurants Wrap Up
All in all, I was so impressed with the food scene in York. So much so, that I have vowed to return so that I can add to this list of the best places to eat. I already have a few lined up on my go-to list and can’t wait to experience more of what York, Pennsylvania has to offer!
Visiting other destinations in Pennsylvania? Check out our other guide:
Colleen O’Neill Mulvihill is a certified health coach and avid travel writer who is always on the lookout for the best places to visit while feeding the mind, body, and soul. And, if she can take her Great Danes with her, bonus! You can follow Colleen on Instagram @holistichealthtraveler or follow her and her husband (who is a travel photographer) on Facebook @Holistic Health Travelers.