Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a hidden culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a discerning local foodie or a curious traveler, our guide to the top gourmet restaurants in Bethlehem will take you on a delectable journey through elegant bistros, cozy taverns, and everything in between. Prepare for unforgettable flavors and moments that will make your visit memorable.
1. Apollo Grill: Where Flavor Takes Flight
Ambiance: Stepping into Apollo Grill, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that’s both warm and sophisticated. The interior, with its exposed brick walls and art-filled spaces, exudes an eclectic charm. Dim lighting and a background of soft conversations set the stage for intimate dining experiences, making it an ideal venue for both romantic dates and celebratory dinners.
Location: 85 W Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018 | (610) 865-9600
Menu Highlights:
- French Onion Soup: A bowl of caramelized onions in rich beef broth, topped with gooey melted cheese.
- Spare Rib Sandwich: Tender ribs coated in house-made barbecue sauce, served with crispy fries.
- Baked Brie en Croute: Creamy brie wrapped in flaky pastry, drizzled with honey and toasted almonds.
Reviews: Diners praise Apollo Grill for its creative appetizers, impeccable service, and cozy ambiance, making it a beloved local favorite for over twenty years.
2. Tap Room – Hotel Bethlehem: A Historic Culinary Haven
Ambiance: The Tap Room at Hotel Bethlehem transports you to a bygone era with its polished wood, antique chandeliers, and plush leather booths. Enjoy your meal with a view of bustling Main Street through the palladium windows.
Location: 437 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018 | (610) 625-2226
Menu Highlights:
- Sunday Brunch: Made-to-order omelets, fluffy pancakes, and bottomless mimosas.
- Chicago Stock Yards Prime 12 oz Strip: 12 oz. strip steak, roasted corn, caramelized onions, red peppers, mushrooms, fingerling potato hash, herb compound butter
- Award-Winning Crab Cakes: Lump crab meat with Old Bay seasoning and zesty remoulade.
Reviews: The Tap Room is celebrated for its historic charm, attentive staff, and panoramic views, offering a blissful dining experience.
3. Bolete Restaurant and Inn: Farm-to-Table Elegance
Ambiance: Bolete Restaurant and Inn is a haven of rustic elegance. Its cozy dining room features reclaimed wood and flickering candles, creating an intimate farmhouse ambiance.
Location: 1740 Seidersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18015 | (610) 868-6505
Menu Highlights:
- Rotating Farm-to-Table Menu: Dishes inspired by local produce and artisanal ingredients.
- Cast Iron Seared Dayboat Sea Scallops: local Swiss chard, sweet potato puree, black wild rice, Meyer lemon, hazelnut picada
- Bolete Mushroom “Caesar”:16 baby gem lettuce, soy-pickled mushroom, soft boiled egg, sourdough garlic breadcrumbs, Royer Mountain cheese
Reviews: Bolete’s dedication to sustainability, innovative flavors, and cozy accommodations has garnered a loyal fan base.
4. 1741 on the Terrace: A Historic Culinary Journey
Ambiance: 1741 on the Terrace, located in the historic Hotel Bethlehem, offers breathtaking views of Historic Moravian Bethlehem and a refined dining experience accompanied by soft piano music.
Location: 437 Main St, Bethlehem, PA 18018 | (610) 625-2226
Menu Highlights:
- Breakfast: Classic Eggs Benedict, Avocado Toast, and French Toast with fresh berries.
- Lunch/Dinner: Prime Rib, Award-Winning Crab Cakes, and rotating seasonal specials.
Reviews: Diners are enchanted by the restaurant’s elegance, exceptional service, and artful cuisine. The Sunday brunch is particularly renowned.
5. Edge Restaurant & Lounge
Ambiance: Edge Restaurant & Lounge, nestled in the heart of downtown Bethlehem, PA, exudes a wonderful dining experience within a casual upscale atmosphere. The ambiance strikes a balance between chic and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts.
Location: 74 W. Broad St. Suite #220, Bethlehem, PA 18018. For reservations, call (610) 814-0100
Menu Highlights:
- Crispy Pork Belly Buckwheat Honey Chinese Black Vinegar Drizzle
- Lump Crab Cakes Napa Slaw, Potato Gratin, Caper Remoulade
- Pan Seared Duck Breast Mushroom Spätzle, Broccoli, Dried Cherry Gastrique
Reviews: Edge has cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its dedication to sustainability, innovative flavors, and cozy accommodations. It’s no wonder they’ve been voted Morning Call’s Reader’s Choice “Best Dining” for four years
In Conclusion: A Taste of Bethlehem’s Rich Culinary Landscape
Bethlehem’s dining landscape offers a rich mosaic of flavors, where each restaurant contributes its unique voice to the city’s gastronomic chorus. From Apollo Grill’s inventive appetizers to the refined luxury of 1741 on the Terrace, the diversity of dining options ensures that there’s something for every palate. As you explore the culinary delights of downtown Bethlehem, prepare to be enchanted by the city’s blend of history, innovation, and community spirit. Bon appétit!
Christopher Smith, the publisher of this website is a lifetime lover of music, great food, fishing and local bars. After moving to the Lehigh Valley in 1992, he quickly discovered the charm of Historic Bethlehem, also known as Christmas City, with it's cobblestone streets, amazing restaurants, Artsquest and of course, Musikfest.
While living in the Reading area for the past 25 years, Christopher frequently ventured back to the Bethlehem for Musikfest, fishing the Lehigh, floating the Delaware River and exploring the Monocacy Creek, as well as enjoying many of the bars and restaurants he loves.
Having moved back to the area recently, you will find him fishing the Lehigh for smallmouth bass, frequenting Tapas On Main, enjoying the Pan Seared Scallops at the Apollo Grill or sipping an Old Fashioned at McCarthy's.
Join him as he shares his love for Bethlehem and the evolution of a city built on silk and steel, but transformed into a modern oasis of fun that offers enjoyment and excitement for everyone.