9 Best Italian Restaurants In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

italian restaurants in lancaster pa
Shifa
Shifa 
Updated
| 4 min read

Lancaster County in Pennsylvania is quite well-known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country after early German immigrants and their descendants laid down roots in the beautiful state. Lancaster County is also home to the oldest Amish community in the US. This visually eclectic metropolis never fails to charm visitors from all around the world to visit. One of the many reasons why visitors flock here is its authentic restaurants that operate farm-to-table. A wide array of dining establishments have made Lancaster home including award-winning Italian restaurants. Let’s take a look at some of the best Italian restaurants Lancaster County has to offer.

1. Caruso's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria


Caruso’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria has been serving authentic Italian dishes in Lancaster County for the past 35 years. This family-run establishment prides itself for taking patrons on a culinary journey through their plethora of traditional Italian dishes. Expect the freshest ingredients and homemade bread when you come to dine at Caruso’s. Whether you dine in or you take away food, you won’t be disappointed!

Caruso’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Address: 3545 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601

Website: Caruso’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sun: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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2. LUCA

LUCA Lancaster
Source: Photo by Flickr user Steam Pipe Trunk ... used under CC BY 2.0

Established in 2016, LUCA is a snazzy farm-to-table Italian restaurant, which has grown to be one of the trendiest restaurants in downtown Lancaster. Housed in a gorgeous building with high ceilings and industrial furnishings, this casual yet elegant dining experience is perfect for couples, families and large group dining affairs. LUCA prepares its speciality handmade dishes on their very own wood-burning hearth and a handmade Neapolitan oven. You can never go wrong by ordering plates of pasta made from scratch. Don’t forget to pair your meal with LUCA’s impressive collection of wines such as their house curated Amaro flights.

LUCA

Address: 436 W. James Street, Lancaster, Pa 17603

Website: LUCA

Opening hours: Tues - Thurs: 5pm - 11pm’ Fri 5pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 2pm, 5pm - 12am; Sun: 11am - 2pm, 4 pm - 9pm

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3. Ciro's Italian Bistro

Posted by Ciro's Italian Bistro on Wednesday, 5 June 2019

Located in the heart of Richmond Square, Ciro’s Italian Bistro is a family-run Italian restaurant which promises the dining experience of a lifetime. Ciro’s is the perfect go-to restaurant for family get-togethers and other social gatherings. You are spoilt for choice with their signature pizzas and pasta dishes, but don’t skimp on dessert. Ciro has a Gelato Bar that is to die for within the establishment itself. Be sure to come on an empty stomach to make the most out of your dining experience here!

Ciro’s Italian Bistro

Address: 605 Richmond Dr pv103, Lancaster, PA 17601, United States

Website: Ciro’s Italian Bistro

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm

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4. Lombardo's


If you’re in search of an Italian American dining experience, head down to Lombardo’s! This family-owned establishment has been whipping up Italian and American dishes since 1946. As faint Frank Sinatra songs play in the background and red carpets line the establishment, it provides a very homey dining experience at Lombardo’s. Meals at Lombardo’s would be incomplete without tasting their signature mushroom Gemelli. Currently, the establishment is temporarily closed for renovation. But if you’re in the area, make sure to pay Lombardo’s a visit in April 2020 when they reopen for service!

Lombardo's

Address: 216 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603

Website: Lombardo’s

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; (closed on Sun)

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5. Carrabba's Italian Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Chain restaurants often get a bad reputation, but Carrabba’s Italian Grill may just be the exception. Serving Sicilian, Creole and Southern food, Carrabba’s family-friendly restaurant whips up dishes made from the freshest ingredients in an open kitchen. Try their special Wood-Fire Grilled Steak cooked to perfection on their wood-burning grill on your next visit. While it can get pretty packed during service, try opting for a seat at the bar for a visual spectacle as they whip up your meal.

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Address: 100 N Pointe Blvd, Lancaster, PA 17601-4132

Website: Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Thu 11am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10:30pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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6. Salt & Pepper Italian Bistro & Pizza

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Salt & Pepper Italian Bistro & Pizza on Sunday, March 22, 2020

Don’t let the name of this quaint bistro fool you. Salt & Pepper Italian Bistro & Pizza makes some of the meanest pizzas in Worthington, off the Oregon Pike. Upon seating, you’d notice the warm inviting deep red walls while you savour their piping hot homemade rolls that are fresh off the oven daily! Start off your meal with their killer Pierogies and complete the meal with their signature White Spinach Sicilian pizza. Remember to bring along your preferred bottle of wine to top off the meal. You’ll be returning to Salt & Pepper sooner than you’d think!

Salt & Pepper Italian Bistro & Pizza

Address: 486 Royer Dr #102, Lancaster, PA 17601, United States

Website: Salt & Pepper Italian Bistro & Pizza

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 10:30am - 9pm; Thu: 10:30am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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7. Finazzos Italian Restaurant and Pizzaria


If you’re in the Leola area and looking for a place for some jolly good Italian cuisine, head down to Finazzos Italian Restaurant & Pizzaria. This local gem serves fantastic Italian subs. Picture spicy meat on a slab of great fresh homemade bread. If subs aren’t you’re choice for Italian food, have a slice or three of their signature Margherita pizza. Finazzo’s is the perfect Italian restaurant for groups or a casual date night.

Finazzos Italian Restaurant and Pizzaria

Address: 2121 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, United States

Website: Finazzos Italian Restaurant and Pizzaria

Opening hours: Sun -Thu: 10am - 9:30pm: Fri - Sat: 10am - 10:30pm

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8. Valentino's Cafe

italian restaurants in lancaster pa | valentino's cafe
Source: instagram

This tucked away family-run establishment is where good friends meet. Valentino’s Café has been dishing out Italian dishes since 1937. What started out as a restaurant serving their signature homemade spaghetti sauce has expanded into a menu brimming with Italian specialities. If all you desire is enjoying authentic Italian dishes in an old café setting, Valentino’s Café is the place to be.

Valentino's Cafe

Address: 132-134 Rider Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603

Website: Valentino’s Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 2am (closed on Sun)

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9. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Olive Garden restaurant
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Anthony92931 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Olive Garden in Lancaster is yet another chain restaurant that finds itself on the list for their tasty Italian food and impeccable service. A trip to Olive Garden won’t be complete without their freshly baked breadsticks. You can always count on the staff to be attentive and enlighten you with their daily specials. Drop by Olive Garden Italian Restaurant for some delicious Italian comfort food!

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Address: 910 Plaza Blvd, Lancaster, PA 17601

Website: Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm

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10. House of Pasta

Pasta
Source: Unsplash

Don’t be fooled by its appearances – House of Pasta may be divey but they serve up some finger-licking good wings and not forgetting, some good ol’ Italian comfort dishes. Their specials include Fettucine Alfredo Chicken and their French onion soup. If the divey bar scene is not up your alley, opt for outdoor seats and chug down a nice cold glass of beer under the stars.

House of Pasta

Address: 1110 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603

Website: House of Pasta

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

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Savour a slice of Italy in Lancaster County

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is a fascinating destination worth exploring for many reasons. From exploring the Amish Country to roaming markets for fresh produce, Lancaster County is also home to a plethora of Italian restaurants that can satisfy any Italian food craving out there. Savour a slice of Italy from the list of the best Italian restaurants in Lancaster County today!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shifa is a writer and avid traveller based in Singapore. She has a knack for getting herself into trouble during her travels but never fails to have an adventure regardless of the destination. Her...Read more

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