In this tasty morsel we call the Lehigh Valley, we have many great places to meet, greet and, most importantly, eat. Here is this year's rundown of your favorite fine dining spots, local foodies and our hidden gastronomic gems.
Photos by Alison Conklin
Molinari's is not your average Italian restaurant. Then again, it can't be if it's attracting Lehigh Valley diners in droves, making this South Side Bethlehem hot spot this year's favorite new restaurant. With an expertly pared-down menu completed with unique Italian wines and beers, Molinari's has all the makings for a delicious night out. It's the freshly made pasta, Neapolitan pizza baked in their wood-fired stone oven, and gelato made on site—simple, seasonal, flavorful food that goes far beyond a typical Italian eatery.
“I think what sets us apart from other Italian restaurants is the devotion to getting as closely authentic to Italian as possible,” explains Assistant Manager Anna Molinari. “People expect the Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs, and that's not what we're trying to do. We're new and different and that's what draws people to us.” Pair this unexpected menu with a cozy, intimate atmosphere designed for date night or lingering over drinks with friends and you've got one restaurant that will easily become an old favorite.
322 E. Third St., Bethlehem | 610.625.9222 | molinarimangia.com
Photos by Alison Conklin
Come to the place where the Wet Nap is your best friend because the seven varieties of chicken wings they serve will leave your fingertips sticky, licking good. Every now and then it's just fun to grab some friends and take in your favorite sporting event at Wheli's. In the Lehigh Valley we have two locations for this comfort food-based watering hole and neither disappoints with their menu of satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs fare. Other P.J. favorites include their Firehouse Chili and Wisconsin Swiss and Vermont cheddar cheese-topped Lumberjack Burger. What else could you ask for? Oh, right, a tall, frosty selection from their ample beer list to wash it all down.
4595 Broadway, Allentown | 610.395.25323395 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem | 484.353.7200 | pjspub.com
Photos by Donovan Roberts Witmer
Legend has it that you are quite the carnivorous consumer if you can polish off a Wally's Hog on its infamous round roll stuffed with its creative combinations of meats, cheeses, veggies and specialty sauces in one sitting.
This surely isn't a one-hog-fits-all proposition, either. Wally's two locations offer a variety of hogs and specialty hogs, including the all-veggie hog touted for being one of the deli's most popular varieties. With creative names like Squealer, Piglet and Oinker, you can tell this place is serious about their most-precious pork-themed brand. New to Wally's hog menu are the Hog-n-Berry, a combo of Muenster cheese, chicken salad, turkey, pastrami and cranberry, and the Wildebeast featuring turkey, pepper Jack cheese, capicola, pastrami and special sauce.
If someone in your crew simply just doesn't feel like going whole-hog, Wally's also offers burgers, hot sandwiches, salads and all the standard deli fare one could want including the PA favorite, pickled egg. Quite frankly, you're just plain pig-headed if you haven't been to Wally's yet.
711 N. 17th St., Allentown | 610.435.7177East Penn Plaza, 1245 Chestnut St.,Emmaus | 610.967.1347 | wallys-deli.com
Photos by Donovan Roberts Witmer
Immerse yourself, one of these Arabian nights, in the dining experience that is the Aladdin Restaurant in Allentown. Underneath the twinkling starry ceiling you are seemingly transported to a mini casbah with its colorful, mural-adorned walls, hanging lanterns and the aromas of ancient spices wafting through the air. On Saturday evenings, you will also hear the jingle of a belly dancer's zills, or finger cymbals, as she entertains and enthralls the room with the traditional dance of the Middle East. This family-owned enterprise offers a menu of dishes that will also dance across your taste buds. From succulent shish kabob, hand-rolled grape leaves and selections for vegetarians, no wonder this Union Boulevard staple has many loyal Lehigh Valley fans.
651 Union Blvd., Allentown | 610.437.4023
Photos by Alison Conklin
Are you an early morning Billy's fan, or do you prefer to arrive after the bustling brunch rush time? No matter, even if you have to wait in line you always know that the meal will be well worth it. Owner, author and now near-famous Billy Kounoupis says he modeled his menu after some of the great meals that he and his business partner and wife, Yanna experienced when they were dating years ago in New York. “I really wanted to do comfort food with flair.”
Well, our readers obviously feel he accomplished what he set out to do. Whether he's stuffing a little Feta and sun-dried tomato into your omelet or mixing up the batter for their ever-popular Berry Crunch French Toast, there's no doubt the tummy and the wallet will leave happy from Billy's. And don't forget to say hi to mom Georgia at the register on your way out.
10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.867.0105 | billysdiner.com
Photos by Donovan Roberts Witmer
When friends Shawn McHugh and Nick Sorrentino returned to the Lehigh Valley from California these cool vegetarian dudes were underwhelmed with their options for hearty, meat-free food. “We both lived out west and got used to having so many vegetarian options. Then we came back here and there was nothing,” McHugh remembers. So they set out to create a laid-back burrito and taco joint reminiscent of their favorite Cali fast food spots. It resulted in a menu of fresh, healthy food guaranteed to fill you up fast.
Vegetarian favorites continue to be their weekly Seitan burrito special, the falafel and smoked tofu options (both organic), McHugh says. These weighty burritos (use both hands!) are stuffed with local, organic produce and flavorful combinations even meat-eaters won't be able to resist. Try The Humboldt. That's smoked tofu, black beans, brown rice, sour cream and cheese. And falafel-philes will want The Nepenthe, bursting with rice, black beans, pickles and tahini sauce.
3104 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.351.1791 | caliburrito.com
Photos by Donovan Roberts Witmer
For Chef Shawn Doyle, dining is about more than just food. It's about the experience of eating and it should be a pleasurable one. Those who frequent his Macungie country inn, Savory Grille, have come to expect Doyle's congenial nature and to be greeted by not only the delicious aroma of his cuisine, but his charismatic smile and contagious laugh. “Our restaurant is a destination. No one is going to just drive by and think, ‘Oh, I'm going to stop in there for dinner.' People come to see us,” Doyle explains of his off-the-beaten path establishment.
“Our serve staff is always in a good mood. If you're not in a good mood it shows on the plate.” So Doyle, along with his wife and business partner Chef Dorothy Doyle, treats every guest like a friend and since the couple and their two children live where they work, it can easily feel like dining with pals. The menu changes and evolves daily but one thing stays consistent—Doyle's commitment to creating quality food from scratch, prepared with a smile.
2934 Seisholtzville Rd., Macungie | 610.845.2010 | savorygrille.com
Photos by Alison Conklin
It starts with hand tossed dough made from 100-percent wheat flour imported from Italy. Then it's topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and basil. And that's just the plain pizza at Gio Italian Grill. Owners Tony and Giovanna DiMaio know a thing or two about creating the perfect pie. Both were involved in family restaurants and born to Sicilian parents. They're a couple who love food and sharing it with their neighbors and friends. After cooking alongside chefs in Palermo, Sicily, Tony returned home (with recipes in hand) and began his search for a high quality brick oven like the ones he encountered in the old world-style of cooking. He found an open flame hearth, while Giovanna imported authentic ingredients and wines, and the rest is history. Together, they've created an irresistible marriage of crispy thin crust and savory toppings you know were combined with love. Perhaps that's why the Salami picante, homemade sausage, hot pepper and fresh mozzarella pizza is called the Giovanna.
6465 Village Ln./Rt. 100, Macungie | 610.966.9446 | gioitaliangrill.com
Photos by Alison Conklin
You could describe Bolete's menu as French. You could also describe it as farm-to-table. But Chef Lee Chizmar and his wife Erin Shea really didn't set out to achieve either distinction per se. For them, it's only natural to draw influence from the French method of cooking and take advantage of the farm fresh produce all around. “I don't think that we consider ourselves classically French, but we certainly have influences that are French,” Shea explains. “I think that all “New American” cooking gathers influence from the great classic French cuisine, certainly at its most basic level—sauces, cooking techniques, et cetera.”
When it comes to farm to table; well that's just common sense for the couple. “We believe that it is a healthier way to live and eat for individuals, as well as a community. Never mind that a tomato in season and picked hours before you eat it is way more delicious than a tomato shipped to you days or weeks after being processed and flown to you. We have a great community of farmers who have superior products. They are just amazing and really they make what we do so easy.” Our tip: Head there now for their popular Farm Dinner Series, which shows off Chef Chizmar's sophisticated recipes bursting with local flavor.
1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem | 610.868.6505 | boleterestaurant.com
Photos by Donovan Roberts Witmer
The tagline of this storied Valley restaurant reads, “Famous for Seafood Since 1905,” and current owner Christian Filipos can recite that history almost as if he was there for all of it. According to Filipos, the restaurant has endured several reincarnations, owners and location changes since its early 20th-century beginnings; the most memorable being the ownership by the Youell family, which began in 1925, and then when it was located at 325 Cattell Street on Easton's College Hill and owned by Northampton County politician Gene Ricci in 1959.
“The Youell family are still patrons to this day,” Filipos says. Today, he and Chef Timothy Plante have created a menu of fresh seafood favorites anchored by its namesake, the auspicious oyster. Filipos says he feels fortunate that he has a great working relationship with his seafood purveyors because it enables them to serve only the best.
“The oysters that you eat today were in the Chesapeake yesterday,” he says. Other menu favorites include their Maryland crabmeat dishes, bouillabaisse and entrees that use honey as an ingredient. Filipos says they cultivate it organically with bees kept on their own rooftop apiary. Now that's one honey of a dining experience!
2249 W. Walnut St., Allentown | 610.439.1203 | youellsoysterhouse.com
favorite middle eastern
Aladdin Restaurant
651 Union Blvd., Allentown | 610.437.4023Don't forget to order a cup of Turkish coffee after your meal!
favorite overall
favorite appetizer menu
favorite martini menu
bethlehem favorite
Apollo Grill
85 W. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.865.9600 | apollogrill.com Order anything on the menu and you'll love it!
favorite diner
Billy's Downtown Diner
10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem | 610.867.0105 | billysdiner.comWhat's better, Billy himself or the food? Both are legendary.
favorite special occasion
favorite wine list
Blue Grillhouse
4431 Easton Ave., Bethlehem | 610.691.8400 | bluegrillhouse.comNo wine snobs here. The wait staff will make sure you order a glass you'll love.
favorite café
Blue Sky Café
22 W. 4th St., Bethlehem | 610.867.9390 | theblueskycafe.comWe STILL can't get over their sweet potato quesadillas!
favorite french
favorite farm-to-table
Bolete Restaurant and Inn
1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem | 610.868.6505 | boleterestaurant.comErin and Lee's passion for creative cuisine is obvious in their small but exquisite menu.
favorite cheesesteak
The Brass Rail Restaurant
3015 Lehigh St., Allentown | 610.797.1927 | brassrailrestaurant.comThis is a tried and true Allentown tradition.
favorite vegetarian
Cali Burrito
3104 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.351.1791 | caliburrito.comSo many choices for Valley vegetarians repeat trips are a must.
neighborhood favorite
Copperhead Grille
1731 Airport Rd., Allentown | 610.403.4600
5737 Rt. 378, Center Valley | 610.282.4600 | copperheadgrille.com
There's a reason why the parking lot is packed nearly every night of the week—a big menu that pleases the entire family.
favorite mexican
Fiesta Ole
2955 Linden St., Bethlehem | 610.625.45541116 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 610.966.55221808 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall | 484.664.7109 | fiestaoleonline.comThis place is the answer to “What's for dinner” when Mom doesn't feel like cooking.
favorite pizza
Gio Italian Grill
6465 Village Ln., Macungie | 610.966.9446 | gioitaliangrill.comYou just can't beat a brick oven pizza—especially when it's made with quality ingredients.
favorite country inn
Glasbern Inn
2141 Packhouse Rd., Fogelsville | 610.285.4723 | glasbern.com
It's easy to enjoy dining in a calm country setting where you're just steps away from the ingredients on your plate.
allentown favorite
Grille 3501
3501 Broadway, Allentown | 610.706.0100 | grille3501.comMartini sampler + crab cakes + short ribs = delicious date night
favorite brunch
Historic Hotel Bethlehem
437 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.625.2219 | 1741ontheterrace.comThere really isn't a grander setting to enjoy fresh buttery waffles.
favorite asian
favorite chinese
Hunan Springs
4939 Hamilton Blvd., Wescosville | 610.366.8338 | hunansprings.comTry their spicy black bean sauce—truly unique!
favorite foodie
Karen Hunter
107 S. Main St., Coopersburg | 610.770.1300 | karenhuntercatering.comKaren's reputation precedes her, as she's known for catering the classiest affairs.
favorite japanese
Kome
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.798.9888 | komerestaurant.comThis is the Valley's sushi lovers' paradise.
favorite atmosphere
Melt
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.798.9000 | meltgrill.comStunning architecture and warm atmospheric lighting impresses everyone who enters.
favorite new
Molinari's
322 E. Third St., Bethlehem | 610.625.9222 | molinarimangia.comThe Molinaris are re-defining Italian dining in the LV.
favorite indian
Nawab Indian Restaurant
13 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem | 610.691.0388 | nawabcuisine.comIf you don't fear spicy heat order the Mirchi Pakora.
favorite bar/tavern menu
PJ Whelihan's Pub
3395 High Point Blvd. Bethlehem | 484.353.72004595 Broadway, Allentown | 610.395.2532 | pjspub.comLeave your diet at the door and order some wings and clams with your beer tower.
favorite italian
Roma Ristorante
925 Airport Center Rd., Allentown | 610.841.7662 | romapa.comYou're going to love the shrimp caprese salad.
easton favorite
Sette Luna
219 Ferry St., Easton | 610.253.8888 | setteluna.comBesides the indulgent menu, it's the cool historic vibe that puts this restaurant on the map.
favorite chef
Shawn Doyle, Savory Grille
2934 Seisholtzville Rd., Macungie | 610.845.2010 | savorygrille.comUnpretentious, fun and sophisticated are words to describe both Shawn and his menu.
favorite steak house
Shula's Steak House
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.5600 | donshula.comSure the steak is great but save room for the molten chocolate lava cake!
favorite dessert menu
Vintage Restaurant
100 Clubhouse Dr., Easton | 610.923.8480 | vintagerestaurantandbar.comSeriously, order the bread pudding with Jack Daniels sauce.
favorite deli
Wally's Deli
711 N. 17th St., Allentown | 610.435.71771245 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 610.967.1347 | wallys-deli.comWhy does everybody love Wally's? Because it's the home of the hog!
favorite cupcake
Warm Sugar
1308 Main St., Hellertown | 610.838.6835 | warmsugar.comThe rich, decadent flavors make one cupcake enough to satisfy your craving.
favorite burger
Wert's Café
515 N. 18th St., Allentown | 610.439.0951 | wertscafe.com
Stuffed with finely chopped mushrooms and onions, the signature Wert's Burger gives your taste buds something to shout about.
favorite thai
White Orchids Thai Cuisine
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley | 610.841.7499 | whiteorchidsthaicuisine.comYou're in control of the heat on this menu. Totally mild or 5-alarm hot, they've got you covered.
favorite mediterranean
Yianni's Taverna
3760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem | 610.867.8821 | yiannistaverna.comNo passport needed to enjoy a flaming cheese app and cocktails in the cool European lounge.
favorite seafood
Youell's Oyster House
2249 W. Walnut St., Allentown | 610.439.1203 | youellsoysterhouse.comBlue Points on the half shell are the must-have appetizer here.
