Best Restaurants in Allentown (2025)

A cornerstone since 1895, Youell’s pairs a bustling raw bar with Maryland-style crab cakes, seafood towers, and seasonal features. Featured in Lehigh Valley Style and celebrated by local critics, it remains a go-to pre-show stop near PPL Center.

This beloved West End fixture serves French-leaning seafood—twin lobster tails, sautéed jumbo lump crab, seafood scampi—out of a tiny open kitchen. Frequently lauded by local press, it’s reservation-worthy and deeply woven into the city’s dining story.

Owners Shahnaz and Ed Hanna turned a former pub into a neighborhood bistro known for a stellar burger, Moules Frites Tuesdays, and a welcoming vibe. Profiled by Lehigh Valley Style, it’s a modern local hangout with heart.

A West End mainstay since 2001, Grille 3501 blends New American cooking with Asian and Mediterranean touches—think seared seafood, steaks, and thoughtful small plates. Frequently recognized by Lehigh Valley Style’s awards and guides.

Family-run since 1968, Wert’s is famed for its stuffed burgers and mountain of crisp onion strings. Routinely cited by regional roundups, it’s the place for a nostalgic, Allentown-style burger night done right.

A family operation since 1981, Aladdin’s kitchen turns out hand-rolled grape leaves, kebabs, hummus, and multiple baklavas in a warmly decorated dining room. Highlighted by Lehigh Valley Style as a regional staple.

This humble Syrian kitchen is a local favorite for kibbeh, lamb and chicken kebabs, fried cauliflower over rice, and shankleesh. Frequently praised by regional guides for authentic flavors and BYOB hospitality.

Independent and chef-driven, Notch riffs on Asian-influenced New American—bao, ramen, crispy calamari, and cocktails—earning recent Lehigh Valley Style honors for its beverage program and small plates.

Family-run brewery-restaurant since 2007 with pub fare, PA Dutch touches, and house ales like Hop’solutely. Recognized by Discover Lehigh Valley and known for community events in its multi-level historic space.

A downtown brewery with award-winning beers and a scratch kitchen turning out wood-fired pizzas and seasonal snacks. Frequently covered by local media, it’s a lively pre-game or family-friendly stop near the arena and new science center.

Chef José Garces brings a Cuban café by day and rum bar by night to downtown—think croquetas, Cubanos, ropa vieja bowls, yucca fries, and mojitos. Covered by Lehigh Valley Style and local news following its spring 2025 opening.