20 Top-Rated Restaurants in Lehigh Valley
The Lehigh Valley knows how to eat. Think dry-aged steaks in Easton, cocktails that hit just right in Bethlehem, and bold, creative plates in Allentown.
Across the region, chefs are turning up the heat, shaking things up, and serving meals worth remembering. Hungry yet? Explore the best restaurants in the Lehigh Valley.
Allentown
Grille 3501 | 3501 Broadway
In Allentown’s West End, you’ll find Grille 3501, a spot that offers a sophisticated yet unpretentious vibe with creative New American cuisine and warm, attentive service.
Cuisine: New American
Atmosphere: Upscale but approachable
Features: Outdoor and open-air dining, private event space
Reviewers say: “Our Brussels sprout appetizer was delicious, and the boneless beef short rib dinner was scrumptious. Our only regret was that we didn't allow time for one of the many unique desserts on the menu.” - Tripadvisor
Union and Finch | 1528 W Union St.
Just off West Union Street, Union & Finch serves playful takes on comfort food in a relaxed, modern bistro setting, complete with a weekend brunch crowd favorite.
Cuisine: American
Atmosphere: Casual, comfortable, and nostalgic with a modern twist
Features: A rotating lunch and dinner menu
Reviewers say: “Everything we tried was outstanding. The pickle jar, couscous salad, fish taco, and harissa shrimp were particular standouts.” - Tripadvisor
The Shelby | 707 N. Krocks Rd., Ste. 104
Located in Hamilton Crossings, The Shelby puts a creative spin on American classics with a menu full of tasty flavors and standout cocktails in a stylish, art-lined space.
Cuisine: New American
Atmosphere: Bright and trendy
Features: Heated outdoor seating, craft cocktails, space for groups
Reviewers say: “My daughter, husband, and I all have dietary restrictions. We can all find something to eat that’s delicious at the Shelby.” - Tripadvisor
Notch Modern Kitchen & Bar | 5036 Hamilton Blvd.
A modern standout with Asian-inspired American cuisine, Notch offers two floors of dining, a spacious patio, and a popular chef’s table experience.
Cuisine: American with Asian influences
Atmosphere: Sleek and creative
Features: Outdoor patio, chef’s table, craft cocktails, happy hour
Reviewers say: “Great Asian-fusion menu along with an exceptional bar staff make for an exquisite dining experience.” - Tripadvisor
Bethlehem
Apollo Grill | 85 W. Broad St.
A local favorite since 1999, Apollo Grill is an upscale bistro in Bethlehem’s downtown with over 30 appetizers, signature cocktails, and a popular happy hour.
Cuisine: American Bistro
Atmosphere: Upscale but approachable
Features: Extensive appetizer menu, happy hour, seasonal Saturday brunch, half-price wine Tuesdays
Reviewers say: “Our dinners were prepared perfectly, and service was excellent. The menu is very extensive with many offerings from appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees.” - Tripadvisor
ZEST bar + grille | 306 S New St
Above the SouthSide Arts District, ZEST serves up unique New American dishes and craft cocktails, accompanied by sweeping rooftop views of the Steel Stacks, Hill-to-Hill, and Fahy bridges.
Cuisine: New American
Atmosphere: Polished with skyline views
Features: Rooftop and four-season terrace seating, open kitchen, creative cocktails
Reviewers say: “We ended up ordering more food than we knew what to do with because everything sounded so good and every plate that came to our table did NOT disappoint.” - Tripadvisor
Social Still | 530 E. Third St.
Set in a renovated 1930s bank, Social Still is a one-of-a-kind distillery, bar, and restaurant with house-made spirits and seasonal fare.
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic with historic charm
Features: Rooftop and four-season terrace seating, open kitchen, creative cocktails
Reviewers say: “Cool vibe in an old bank, good music, friendly, prompt service. We had delicious burgers and handcrafted cocktails.” - Tripadvisor
Bolete | 1740 Seidersville Rd
Hailed as one of the region’s top restaurants, Bolete offers a true farm-to-table experience with a daily-changing menu built around seasonal ingredients.
Cuisine: Farm-To-Table
Atmosphere: Intimate and refined
Features: Daily chef-driven menu, vegetarian options, allergy-friendly, James Beard–nominated dishes
Reviewers say: “The food is simply the best culinary experience and amongst the best experiences out of my 90+ reviews throughout the world.” - Tripadvisor
Easton
Aman’s Artisan Indian Cuisine | 336 Northampton St.
Aman’s serves scratch-made Punjabi cuisine that rivals world-renowned restaurants located in Delhi, London & New York, earning TripAdvisor’s top 10% worldwide distinction and consistent local “Best Of” honors.
Cuisine: Punjabi
Atmosphere: Modern and polished
Features: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options, BYOB (beer & wine)
Reviewers say: “Still dreaming about the lamb kalimirch, perfect balance of rich creamy sauce and spicy deep flavors.” - Google Reviews
3rd & Ferry Fish Market | 56 S. Third St.
A lively seafood destination in downtown Easton, 3rd & Ferry pairs a raw bar and creative coastal dishes with an open kitchen and an impressive bar scene.
Cuisine: Seafood
Atmosphere: Energetic and casual-chic
Features: Raw bar, Sunday Social Happy Hour, open kitchen, private event space
Reviewers say: “One of the best seafood restaurants in PA.” - Tripadvisor
Three Oak Steakhouse | 323 Northampton St.
Adjacent to the Easton Public Market, Three Oak offers a fresh, chef-driven take on the classic American steakhouse, featuring in-house dry-aged prime beef and artisanal design touches throughout.
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Atmosphere: Modern and warm
Features: In-house dry aging, sustainably sourced seafood, craft cocktails, multilevel dining
Reviewers say: “The steak is the best steak I have ever had ANYWHERE in my entire life, and I am a huge steak snob.” - Google Reviews
Diner 248 | 3701 Nazareth Rd
A casual favorite for any time of day, Diner 248 serves up hearty breakfasts (served until 2 p.m.), fresh burgers, and daily specials in a laid-back, family-friendly setting.
Cuisine: American
Atmosphere: Casual diner
Features: Breakfast served late, full bar, daily specials, kid-friendly
Reviewers say: “Food is consistently good and made exactly like you requested. Always hot with quick service.” - Google Reviews
North Lehigh Valley
Birthright Brewing Co. | 57 S Main St, Nazareth
Known for inventive craft beers and wood-fired pizzas, Birthright Brewing delights visitors with unique brews (like a Tootsie Roll stout) and pies piled high with gourmet toppings.
Cuisine: Brewery fare, wood-fired pizza
Atmosphere: Laid-back and welcoming
Features: On-site brewing, local meat purveyors, unique beer and pizza pairings
Reviewers say: “Amazing food and great atmosphere. The wood-fired pizzas are *chef's kiss*. We also enjoyed the mac and cheese.” - Google Reviews
Beck’s Land and Sea House | 997 Bushkill Center Road, Nazareth
A longtime local favorite, Beck’s has been serving fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks since 2002, priding themselves on quality ingredients and warm, family-owned hospitality.
Cuisine: Seafood and steakhouse
Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming
Features: Extensive seafood menu, non-seafood options, locally sourced ingredients
Reviewers say: “This place is one of the best in the area for seafood.” - Google Reviews
West Lehigh Valley
Savory Grille | 2934 Seisholtzville Road, Macungie
Set inside the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille offers a refined, slow-dining experience with globally inspired cuisine made entirely from scratch.
Cuisine: Contemporary with French, African, Asian, Mediterranean, and Southwestern influences
Atmosphere: Elegant and intimate countryside inn
Features: Daily changing menu, housemade breads and desserts, historic setting
Reviewers say: “The Savory Grille has probably the best food of any restaurant I’ve been to in and outside of [Lehigh Valley].” - Reddit
The Trapp Door Gastropub | 4226 Chestnut St., Emmaus
A cozy tavern with serious culinary chops, The Trapp Door offers seasonal, farm-fresh pub fare with a massive craft beer list and a laid-back, welcoming vibe.
Cuisine: Gastropub fare
Atmosphere: Rustic and relaxed
Features: 170+ bottled beers, cask ales, beer pairings, Sunday brunch, live music
Reviewers say: “This is my happy place. Great beer and equally exceptional food.” - Tripadvisor
House and Barn | 1449 Chestnut St., Emmaus
The House & Barn offers two unique dining experiences: Elevated New American cuisine in the House and rustic, seasonal comfort food in the Barn.
Cuisine: New American (House), Farm-to-table comfort classics (Barn)
Atmosphere: Upscale farmhouse (House), rustic and cozy (Barn)
Features: Locally sourced ingredients, historic setting, dual dining concepts
Reviewers say: “House and Barn has some of the best cocktails and burgers in the valley!” - Google Reviews
South Lehigh Valley
La Maya | 650 Main St., Hellertown
La Maya brings bold Mexican flavors and handcrafted cocktails to Main Street in Hellertown in a bright, earthy setting.
Cuisine: Mexican
Atmosphere: Warm, bright, and natural
Features: Handcrafted cocktails, fresh ingredients, innovative takes on traditional dishes
Reviewers say: “If you appreciate elevated cuisine, then you must try La Maya. The cocktail and food menus are so creative.” - Tripadvisor
Melt | 2880 Center Valley Pkwy., Ste. 624, Center Valley
Located in The Promenade Shops, Melt reimagines Italian classics with fresh seasonal ingredients, custom cocktails, and a coastal European ambiance.
Cuisine: Italian
Atmosphere: Elegant and contemporary
Features: Open-air patio, private dining, seasonal menu, handcrafted cocktails
Reviewers say: “Melt checked all the boxes. Ambiance, service, and exceptional food. Wonderful dining experience.” - Tripadvisor
Top Cut Steakhouse | 2880 Center Valley Pkwy., Ste. 625, Center Valley
A throwback to 1940s glamour, Top Cut serves USDA Prime steaks, fine seafood, and classic cocktails with rooftop views and an unmistakably upscale vibe.
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Atmosphere: Elegant and timeless
Features: Formal dining room, rooftop views, private event space, curated wine list
Reviewers say: “First class start to end. Very classy environment. Salads were delicious. Steaks were cooked perfectly.” - Tripadvisor
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