Guide to Date Night Restaurants in South Central PA

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date night restaurants
"Date Night" by Kieferpix from Getty Images. Canva, 1/31/24.

There’s nothing better than the chance for a rare night out for parents, with no kids and a chance to reconnect. And when it comes to figuring out a place to go, we’ve got your guide to all the best date night restaurants in the area.

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Dans at Green Hills, Reading: Contemporary American cuisine with a French influence.


Emily’s, Mohnton: Extensive menu with a cozy, inviting atmosphere inside a historic 1827 building.


Salute Ristorante Italiano, Sinking Spring: Authentic Italian restaurant featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and traditional dishes, as well as an extensive wine selection, beer on tap, and craft martinis and cocktails.


Louie’s Kitchen and Bar, Reading: Boasting beautiful views and agreat outdoor deck, they offer scratch-made comfort and bar food, local beers, and craft cocktails.


Folino Estate Winery Tasting Lounge, Kutztown: From-scratch kitchen with a seasonal menu featuring reinvented Italian fare and authentic wood fired pizzas, along with handcrafted wines.


Judy’s on Cherry, Reading: Mediterranean-inspired fine dining restaurant in the heart of downtown, located in a renovated historic building.


Willoughby’s on Park, Wyomissing: A premier fine dining steakhouse, and also offering a wide selection of cocktails, scotches, whiskeys, and wines.


The Knight’s Pub, Reading: Dine out in an actual castle, with a menu featuring a variety of menu options.


Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette, Reading: Award-winning Italian restaurant located in a cozy underground — literally! — dining room.


Building 24 Kitchen and Bar, Wyomissing: Restaurant featuring locally-sourced ingredients, located inside The Works, for an all-in-one date night option.


The Ironstone, Boyertown: Approachable, locally sourced, refined comfort food in a historic setting.


Craft 2700, Reading: Offers fresh food using local ingredients, as well as craft beer and cocktails.


Stouch Tavern, Womelsdorf: Located in a nearly-300 year old building and offering fine dining.


Frank and Diannah’s Arbor Inn, Reading: Cozy restaurant serving American cuisine, wine, and specialty cocktails.

Thea, Mechanicsburg: Fresh, local ingredients from their own farm; venue offers outdoor seating and a fireplace inside for cold nights. BYOB!


Aura Modern Mediterranean, Camp Hill: Full-service restaurant serving a modern take on classic Mediterranean food.


One13 Social, Carlisle: Globally-inspired menu along with specialty cocktails, craft beer, and an extensive wine list located in the heart of downtown.


The Barn at Allenberry, Boiling Springs: Fine dining featuring farm-to-table ingredients in a restored 1778 building for a warm, cozy atmosphere.


Cedars Lebanese Cuisine, Camp Hill: Informal restaurant with authentic Lebanese food.


1794 The Whiskey Rebellion, Carlisle: In addition to their extensive whiskey collection, enjoy locally-sourced and sustainable food in a modern rustic atmosphere.


Dolce Vita, Camp Hill: Intimate, relaxing Italian restaurant that is BYOB.

The Circular, Hershey: Elegant dining in a warm, upscale atmosphere with modern American cuisine and creative cocktails.


Millworks, Harrisburg: Award-winning restaurant and brewery with farm-fresh fare with a full bar and art gallery, in a space built using reclaimed timber.


Bollywood Indian Fusion, Hummelstown: North Indian and Halal cuisine can be enjoyed at this award-winning restaurant.


note. bistro & wine bar, Harrisburg: Seasonal, European-inspired food located in a converted historic home.


Tröeg’s Tasting Room, Hershey: Elevated American food served concession-style with open seating.


Mangia Qui, Harrisburg: Italian restaurant and tapas bar in an intimate setting.


The Mill, Hershey: Locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients from local farms, artisanal food producers, and fisherman in a rustic setting located in a historic mill.


Cork and Fork, Harrisburg: Locally-sourced Italian food and wine bar in a cozy setting.


Revelry Chophouse, Hershey: Classic and contemporary steakhouse fare with a large list of wine and spirits.


Home 231, Harrisburg: Farm-to-table food using local ingredients for American cuisine in a rustic setting.


What If… , Hershey: Contemporary eclectic food including cozy indoor seating and a beautiful outdoor patio.


The Chocolatier, Hershey: Full-service restaurant with hints of chocolate, and featuring past and present pieces from Hersheypark rides, views of neighboring attractions, and a second-story patio and bar.


Carley’s Ristorante, Harrisburg: Warm atmosphere with rustic Italian food, a full bar, and live music every night.


The 1762, Hummelstown: Upscale dining in a historic setting with brunch options, signature drinks, and happy hour.


Hidden Still, Hershey: Distillery and restaurant serving a seasonal menu with both indoor and outdoor [and dog-friendly!] seating.


Rubicon, Harrisburg: French cuisine and unique cocktails served in a gorgeous space.


Swing at Lykens Valley, Millersburg: Warm interior with beautiful views, with a menu featuring craft beers, signature cocktails, and live music.


Crawdaddy’s, Harrisburg: Southern comfort food meets Cajun fare with live jazz and a full bar.


Harvest, Hershey: Seasonal American food served along with micro-brews, cocktails, and an American wine list.


1700 Degrees Steakhouse, Harrisburg: Award-winning restaurant which features Midwestern prime beef, dry-aged beef, certified Angus beef, and sustainable seafood.


Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, Hershey: Brewpub with elevated comfort food and homemade beer.


Cafe Fresco Center City, Harrisburg: Bistro with creative Asian-American fusion dishes in a Feng Shui-inspired setting.

Blackworth Live Fire Grill, Lititz: Wood-fired cuisine serving new American dishes.


Loxley’s, Lancaster: Outdoor dining with the restaurant built around a tree, with an extensive menu and three bars.


The Railroad House Inn, Marietta: Locally sourced, seasonal cuisine served in a historic building, with an underground bar that previously served as a speakeasy.


Cork & Cap, Lancaster: An elevated homage to Pennsylvania Dutch heritage is offered here, with local ingredients in a a rustic setting.


Gibraltar, Lancaster: Award-winning restaurant with locally-focused seasonal food, along with an extensive wine list, innovative cocktail list and local craft beer selection.


The Log Cabin, Leola: Originally a speakeasy, it has been a fine dining destination for almost 100 years.


The Belvedere, Lancaster: Award-winning restaurant with contemporary American food and a piano bar.


Luca, Lancaster: Rustic Italian food in a bright space made famous by none other than Alton Brown.


Cameron Estate Inn, Mount Joy: Eclectic menu which combines farm-to-table dining in a beautiful setting for an award-winning experience.


The Exchange, Lancaster: Rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown Lancaster with seasonal menus and custom-made cocktails. 21+ after 4:00pm.


The Cat’s Meow, Manheim: Family-owned and operated restaurant with a Roaring 20s theme.


El Serrano, Lancaster: Peruvian restaurant modeled after a hacienda from 150 years ago with two separate dining options.


Fireside Tavern, Strasburg: American food is served in a venue with gorgeous views of the Lancaster farmland.


Lombardo’s, Lancaster: Family-owned restaurant serving southern Italian fare with a wine room and piano bar.


Black Forest Brewery, Ephrata: Located in a historic inn, they offer a diverse menu with local wines and spirits, and beer made used according to the  German Purity Laws of Brewing.


Josephine’s, Lancaster: Swanky, upscale eatery with crystal chandeliers and blue velvet upholstery and locally-inspired French cuisine.


C’est la Vie, Lancaster: Artisanal food sourced from local farmers for a bistro offering casual fine dining.


Per Diem, Lititz: Features fresh ingredients from local farms in a modern, unique space.


Plough, Lancaster: Farm-to-table dining with a modern flair in the heart of downtown Lancaster.


Osteria Avanti, Leola: Nostalgic and refined Italian food along with an extensive wine list are offered in an inviting atmosphere.


401 Prime, Lancaster: Luxury steakhouse with handcrafted cocktails and a large wine list, as well as a hip lounge and trendy decor.


Olde Lincoln House, Ephrata: Comforting American food served in a historic tavern.


Greenfield Restaurant and Bar, Lancaster: Incredible food cooked by a former White House chef, and also features an incredible wine list. For extra romance, try dining in the wine cellar!

Trattoria Fratelli, Lebanon: Classic house-made Italian food in a historic building for a cozy, intimate setting.


Room 101 The Med, Annville: Mediterranean food served in a small, beautifully decorated setting.


Mount Gretna Hideaway, Mt. Gretna: Comfort food and a full bar with seating inside and outside on a cozy patio.


Rising Sun Bar and Kitchen, Palmyra: A wide variety of food is offered alongside a full bar in a rustic setting, with frequent events like trivia and live music.


Blue Bird Inn, Cornwall: One of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Pennsylvania, they serve American food and offer a full bar.


Rotunda Restaurant & Brewery, Annville: Family-owned and operated serving American and Mexican dishes, as well as in-house beer.


Porch and Pantry, Mt. Gretna: Go on a daytime date for breakfast or brunch at this homey spot in a beautiful setting.


Tony’s Mining Company, Lebanon: Modern meets classic in a warm, intimate setting.


Harper’s Tavern, Annville: Operating since 1804, they offer classic dishes and a large drink menu with a quaint and charming ambiance.

Victor’s Italian Restaurant, York: Italian food, craft cocktails and beer, and wine in a renovated 19th century church.


Wyndridge Farm, Dallastown: Fresh, locally-sourced food served in a rustic setting along with craft brews and ciders.


The Fig and Barrel Pub, York: Elevated comfort food with a unique twist is served with tons of cocktail options, in a 110-year-old building.


District Thai Restaurant, York: Bright, airy restaurant with as expansive menu of Thai dishes.


Roosevelt Tavern, York: Award-winning restaurant in a 19th-century house with several gorgeous dining areas and a patio.


The Handsome Cab, York: Modern setting with new American food, wine, spirits, and an art gallery.


Greystone Brew House, Dillsburg: Restaurant and bar featuring a seasonal menu.


The First Post Public House, York: Multilevel pub with elevated traditional-style food in a renovated 19th-century building.


Revival Social Club, York: Fun restaurant with globally-inspired cuisine, small plates, and innovative cocktails.


Glen Rock Mill Inn, Glen Rock: 1837 sawmill transformed into an inn, complete with on-site restaurant serving locally-sourced, farm-to-table food.


Rockfish Public House, York: Premium seafood and American fare, as well as craft brews and cocktails in an industrial tavern.


Crimson American Grill, York: Beautiful space offering American food with a twist, as well as a lively bar and outdoor patio.


Buon Appetito Ristorante & Brewery, Spring Grove: Cozy Italian restaurant with outdoor seating.


Eagle’s Nest, York: Open since 1937, they offer award-winning food, live music, craft cocktails, gorgeous views, and more.


John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville: Casual dining is offered in a restored warehouse along the Susquehanna River, including a Four Seasons Dining Room enclosed on three sides with glass for sweeping views.


South County Brewing Company, York: Craft brewery and restaurant in a rustic setting complete with a large, romantic fireplace.

Berks County

Dans at Green Hills, Reading: Contemporary American cuisine with a French influence.


Emily’s, Mohnton: Extensive menu with a cozy, inviting atmosphere inside a historic 1827 building.


Salute Ristorante Italiano, Sinking Spring: Authentic Italian restaurant featuring fresh seafood, steaks, pasta and traditional dishes, as well as an extensive wine selection, beer on tap, and craft martinis and cocktails.


Louie’s Kitchen and Bar, Reading: Boasting beautiful views and agreat outdoor deck, they offer scratch-made comfort and bar food, local beers, and craft cocktails.


Folino Estate Winery Tasting Lounge, Kutztown: From-scratch kitchen with a seasonal menu featuring reinvented Italian fare and authentic wood fired pizzas, along with handcrafted wines.


Judy’s on Cherry, Reading: Mediterranean-inspired fine dining restaurant in the heart of downtown, located in a renovated historic building.


Willoughby’s on Park, Wyomissing: A premier fine dining steakhouse, and also offering a wide selection of cocktails, scotches, whiskeys, and wines.


The Knight’s Pub, Reading: Dine out in an actual castle, with a menu featuring a variety of menu options.


Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette, Reading: Award-winning Italian restaurant located in a cozy underground — literally! — dining room.


Building 24 Kitchen and Bar, Wyomissing: Restaurant featuring locally-sourced ingredients, located inside The Works, for an all-in-one date night option.


The Ironstone, Boyertown: Approachable, locally sourced, refined comfort food in a historic setting.


Craft 2700, Reading: Offers fresh food using local ingredients, as well as craft beer and cocktails.


Stouch Tavern, Womelsdorf: Located in a nearly-300 year old building and offering fine dining.


Frank and Diannah’s Arbor Inn, Reading: Cozy restaurant serving American cuisine, wine, and specialty cocktails.

Cumberland County

Thea, Mechanicsburg: Fresh, local ingredients from their own farm; venue offers outdoor seating and a fireplace inside for cold nights. BYOB!


Aura Modern Mediterranean, Camp Hill: Full-service restaurant serving a modern take on classic Mediterranean food.


One13 Social, Carlisle: Globally-inspired menu along with specialty cocktails, craft beer, and an extensive wine list located in the heart of downtown.


The Barn at Allenberry, Boiling Springs: Fine dining featuring farm-to-table ingredients in a restored 1778 building for a warm, cozy atmosphere.


Cedars Lebanese Cuisine, Camp Hill: Informal restaurant with authentic Lebanese food.


1794 The Whiskey Rebellion, Carlisle: In addition to their extensive whiskey collection, enjoy locally-sourced and sustainable food in a modern rustic atmosphere.


Dolce Vita, Camp Hill: Intimate, relaxing Italian restaurant that is BYOB.

Dauphin County

The Circular, Hershey: Elegant dining in a warm, upscale atmosphere with modern American cuisine and creative cocktails.


Millworks, Harrisburg: Award-winning restaurant and brewery with farm-fresh fare with a full bar and art gallery, in a space built using reclaimed timber.


Bollywood Indian Fusion, Hummelstown: North Indian and Halal cuisine can be enjoyed at this award-winning restaurant.


note. bistro & wine bar, Harrisburg: Seasonal, European-inspired food located in a converted historic home.


Tröeg’s Tasting Room, Hershey: Elevated American food served concession-style with open seating.


Mangia Qui, Harrisburg: Italian restaurant and tapas bar in an intimate setting.


The Mill, Hershey: Locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients from local farms, artisanal food producers, and fisherman in a rustic setting located in a historic mill.


Cork and Fork, Harrisburg: Locally-sourced Italian food and wine bar in a cozy setting.


Revelry Chophouse, Hershey: Classic and contemporary steakhouse fare with a large list of wine and spirits.


Home 231, Harrisburg: Farm-to-table food using local ingredients for American cuisine in a rustic setting.


What If… , Hershey: Contemporary eclectic food including cozy indoor seating and a beautiful outdoor patio.


The Chocolatier, Hershey: Full-service restaurant with hints of chocolate, and featuring past and present pieces from Hersheypark rides, views of neighboring attractions, and a second-story patio and bar.


Carley’s Ristorante, Harrisburg: Warm atmosphere with rustic Italian food, a full bar, and live music every night.


The 1762, Hummelstown: Upscale dining in a historic setting with brunch options, signature drinks, and happy hour.


Hidden Still, Hershey: Distillery and restaurant serving a seasonal menu with both indoor and outdoor [and dog-friendly!] seating.


Rubicon, Harrisburg: French cuisine and unique cocktails served in a gorgeous space.


Swing at Lykens Valley, Millersburg: Warm interior with beautiful views, with a menu featuring craft beers, signature cocktails, and live music.


Crawdaddy’s, Harrisburg: Southern comfort food meets Cajun fare with live jazz and a full bar.


Harvest, Hershey: Seasonal American food served along with micro-brews, cocktails, and an American wine list.


1700 Degrees Steakhouse, Harrisburg: Award-winning restaurant which features Midwestern prime beef, dry-aged beef, certified Angus beef, and sustainable seafood.


Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, Hershey: Brewpub with elevated comfort food and homemade beer.


Cafe Fresco Center City, Harrisburg: Bistro with creative Asian-American fusion dishes in a Feng Shui-inspired setting.

Lancaster County

Blackworth Live Fire Grill, Lititz: Wood-fired cuisine serving new American dishes.


Loxley’s, Lancaster: Outdoor dining with the restaurant built around a tree, with an extensive menu and three bars.


The Railroad House Inn, Marietta: Locally sourced, seasonal cuisine served in a historic building, with an underground bar that previously served as a speakeasy.


Cork & Cap, Lancaster: An elevated homage to Pennsylvania Dutch heritage is offered here, with local ingredients in a a rustic setting.


Gibraltar, Lancaster: Award-winning restaurant with locally-focused seasonal food, along with an extensive wine list, innovative cocktail list and local craft beer selection.


The Log Cabin, Leola: Originally a speakeasy, it has been a fine dining destination for almost 100 years.


The Belvedere, Lancaster: Award-winning restaurant with contemporary American food and a piano bar.


Luca, Lancaster: Rustic Italian food in a bright space made famous by none other than Alton Brown.


Cameron Estate Inn, Mount Joy: Eclectic menu which combines farm-to-table dining in a beautiful setting for an award-winning experience.


The Exchange, Lancaster: Rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown Lancaster with seasonal menus and custom-made cocktails. 21+ after 4:00pm.


The Cat’s Meow, Manheim: Family-owned and operated restaurant with a Roaring 20s theme.


El Serrano, Lancaster: Peruvian restaurant modeled after a hacienda from 150 years ago with two separate dining options.


Fireside Tavern, Strasburg: American food is served in a venue with gorgeous views of the Lancaster farmland.


Lombardo’s, Lancaster: Family-owned restaurant serving southern Italian fare with a wine room and piano bar.


Black Forest Brewery, Ephrata: Located in a historic inn, they offer a diverse menu with local wines and spirits, and beer made used according to the  German Purity Laws of Brewing.


Josephine’s, Lancaster: Swanky, upscale eatery with crystal chandeliers and blue velvet upholstery and locally-inspired French cuisine.


C’est la Vie, Lancaster: Artisanal food sourced from local farmers for a bistro offering casual fine dining.


Per Diem, Lititz: Features fresh ingredients from local farms in a modern, unique space.


Plough, Lancaster: Farm-to-table dining with a modern flair in the heart of downtown Lancaster.


Osteria Avanti, Leola: Nostalgic and refined Italian food along with an extensive wine list are offered in an inviting atmosphere.


401 Prime, Lancaster: Luxury steakhouse with handcrafted cocktails and a large wine list, as well as a hip lounge and trendy decor.


Olde Lincoln House, Ephrata: Comforting American food served in a historic tavern.


Greenfield Restaurant and Bar, Lancaster: Incredible food cooked by a former White House chef, and also features an incredible wine list. For extra romance, try dining in the wine cellar!

Lebanon County

Trattoria Fratelli, Lebanon: Classic house-made Italian food in a historic building for a cozy, intimate setting.


Room 101 The Med, Annville: Mediterranean food served in a small, beautifully decorated setting.


Mount Gretna Hideaway, Mt. Gretna: Comfort food and a full bar with seating inside and outside on a cozy patio.


Rising Sun Bar and Kitchen, Palmyra: A wide variety of food is offered alongside a full bar in a rustic setting, with frequent events like trivia and live music.


Blue Bird Inn, Cornwall: One of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Pennsylvania, they serve American food and offer a full bar.


Rotunda Restaurant & Brewery, Annville: Family-owned and operated serving American and Mexican dishes, as well as in-house beer.


Porch and Pantry, Mt. Gretna: Go on a daytime date for breakfast or brunch at this homey spot in a beautiful setting.


Tony’s Mining Company, Lebanon: Modern meets classic in a warm, intimate setting.


Harper’s Tavern, Annville: Operating since 1804, they offer classic dishes and a large drink menu with a quaint and charming ambiance.

York County

Victor’s Italian Restaurant, York: Italian food, craft cocktails and beer, and wine in a renovated 19th century church.


Wyndridge Farm, Dallastown: Fresh, locally-sourced food served in a rustic setting along with craft brews and ciders.


The Fig and Barrel Pub, York: Elevated comfort food with a unique twist is served with tons of cocktail options, in a 110-year-old building.


District Thai Restaurant, York: Bright, airy restaurant with as expansive menu of Thai dishes.


Roosevelt Tavern, York: Award-winning restaurant in a 19th-century house with several gorgeous dining areas and a patio.


The Handsome Cab, York: Modern setting with new American food, wine, spirits, and an art gallery.


Greystone Brew House, Dillsburg: Restaurant and bar featuring a seasonal menu.


The First Post Public House, York: Multilevel pub with elevated traditional-style food in a renovated 19th-century building.


Revival Social Club, York: Fun restaurant with globally-inspired cuisine, small plates, and innovative cocktails.


Glen Rock Mill Inn, Glen Rock: 1837 sawmill transformed into an inn, complete with on-site restaurant serving locally-sourced, farm-to-table food.


Rockfish Public House, York: Premium seafood and American fare, as well as craft brews and cocktails in an industrial tavern.


Crimson American Grill, York: Beautiful space offering American food with a twist, as well as a lively bar and outdoor patio.


Buon Appetito Ristorante & Brewery, Spring Grove: Cozy Italian restaurant with outdoor seating.


Eagle’s Nest, York: Open since 1937, they offer award-winning food, live music, craft cocktails, gorgeous views, and more.


John Wright Restaurant, Wrightsville: Casual dining is offered in a restored warehouse along the Susquehanna River, including a Four Seasons Dining Room enclosed on three sides with glass for sweeping views.


South County Brewing Company, York: Craft brewery and restaurant in a rustic setting complete with a large, romantic fireplace.

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