Scranton, Pennsylvania is a cultural melting pot and is well-known for its diverse variety of dining options. Scranton has several high-quality restaurants and cafe’s that have received their fair share of praise. Here are the top eight dining spots from casual to more formal.
Top 8 Restaurants in Scranton: Visit for food Tasting
1. Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant
If you’re looking for a low key restaurant with authentic, and fresh Mexican cuisine, this is the spot for you. Garibaldi’s is known as one of the best restaurants in Scranton. The owner’s Silvana and Andres Benavides have numerous connections throughout the city of Scranton. Their cook, Isabel Sanchez, is a native of Puebla, Mexico and prides herself on her authentic dishes.
Garibaldi serves up freshly made burritos, salads, tacos, tortas, enchiladas, homemade guacamole, and six different kinds of salsas. On Fridays, guests are encouraged to bring their own bottles of tequila that the staff can mix in delicious margaritas. There is a long counter and plenty of seating to serve 60 people. Garibaldi Mexican Restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere and home cooking to suit all tastes. The owner’s plan on opening more locations in other nearby cities.
2. Posh Restaurant
Expect to enjoy classic American fare in a historic and elegant setting at Posh Restaurant. You can order a specialty cocktail in the City Hall Bar that overlooks the municipal building of the city of Scranton. Posh offers daily lunch and dinner specials created by their chefs Jourdan Azevedo and Damien Miseo.
Happy hour is Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All drinks are discounted by $2.00 and appetizers are $5.00. On Wednesday all bottles of wine are 1/2 off. Thursdays feature lobster tails for under $20. Posh is a full-service event facility and restaurant located in downtown Scranton. The second floor is an elegant space that can accommodate up to 300 guests.
3. Market Street Bar and Grill
Known for the excellent food, the Market Street Bar and Grill is a less expensive alternative to the other grills with larger portion options. They have an extensive taco menu and specialize in house-made gnocchi.
The facilities are always spotless, and the bar is fully stocked with every type of liquor you can imagine. You have a variety of choices from their eclectic menu including a brisket fried rice bowl, an everything egg burger, a bubble waffle sandwich, and a stuffed pork chop.
4. AV
AV is a seasonally driven restaurant featuring authentic Italian food, fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and grilled meats. Savory sauces are simmered all day long, and fresh mozzarella and pasta are made from scratch daily. You’ll be enamored with the high ceilings, the beautiful hardwood floors, stylish décor, and modern architecture.
The wine list is carefully crafted and offers selections by the bottle, quartino, and glass. The bartenders will create unique cocktails that are reminiscent of the Prohibition-era. Concoctions are made from house-made syrups and freshly squeezed juices. AV restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic date, a solo dinner, or a place to celebrate with friends.
5. Sambuca Bar Grille and Bar
Sambuca Italian Grill & Bar’s menu features authentic Italian cuisine inspired by dishes enjoyed throughout Italy for generations. The chefs create fresh pasta daily, and new items are added to the delicious menu frequently.
Sambuca offers unforgettable entrees, desserts, appetizers, salads, and a diverse wine list. Located in downtown Scranton, Sambuca is an oasis with delightful ambiance and excellent service.
6. Zummo’s Café
The atmosphere at Zummo’s Café is charming and inviting. People come in for the coffee but stick around for the delicious food. The chicken salad pita sandwich is a fan favorite, and all baked goods can be customized and made vegan or gluten-free.
Every day Zummo’s offers an assortment of toasted Panini’s, soups, salads, and quiche. The food is fresh and presented beautifully. There is a variety of healthy packaged snacks, drinks, and candy. The baristas are helpful and friendly, although service at times is slow when they are busy.
7. Sharon’s Place
Sharon’s Place is the top breakfast spot serving crispy bacon and huge, fluffy pancakes filled with fresh blueberries. This little gem is only five minutes away from highway 81. Locals consider Sharon’s Place the best breakfast place in Scranton. The waitresses are always friendly and are on a first name basis with the regulars. It’s also open for lunch and you’re welcome to walk-in and seat yourself.
8. Thai Rak Thai
The executive chef Mark Pramot was born in a small city in Thailand. Over the years he gained a lot of experience cooking authentic Thai dishes and has invented new recipes to satisfy American taste buds.
Chef Mark uses fresh ingredients along with the right combination of herbs and spices. Meals can be customized to meet the needs of vegetarian or vegan diets. If you love extra spice, you can request the wait staff to bring you the spice tray.
