in my opinion


by John D.M. Shelley II


Great Restaurants & Very Good Eateries,
Well-Worth Frequenting,
In The York (PA) Area

• Updated 11.22.12 •

yes, I'm very partial to uber, high-quality Italian, American, Mediterranean, Mexican and Chinese Restaurants, but my selection of the following eateries, is based upon: 1) my own personal dining experiences, 2) the personal dining experience(s) of 'Trusted Gourmand Friends', and 3) the personal experience(s) of gourmand-ish GC&N Customers. The establishments are tiered, ordered and rated. I have additional establishments to add, and will do so, as I gather both personal and 2nd-person reviews of their culinary expertise. New establishments, waiting for a tier listing, ordering and rating, are at the bottom of the page. Please give me your feedback, if you dine at any of them. And if you find a new one, not on my list, please tell me, and I will visit, dine and rate it, for "The Restaurants List". No, I don't relish rating restaurants; rather, I relish, enjoy and love eating excellent food, prepared by great restaurants. Pretty simple philosophy, huh?

First-Tier Restaurants...

Restaurant Sidney
101 East King Street
East Berlin, PA 17316
717.259.1319
"Inventive & Distinctive Fine Dining"

It's been 3-4 years since I've eaten there, but when I did back then, it was superb and excellent. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

The Yorktowne Hotel's
Commonwealth Room,
48 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
717.848.1111
"Fine Dining In A Refined Atmosphere"

It's been 6-7 years since I've eaten there, but when I did back then, it was superb, excellent and extraordinary. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

Gibraltar Mediterranean Grill
931 Harrisburg Pike
(Across from Franklin and Marshall College)
Lancaster, PA 17603
717.397.2790
"Exemplary Mediterranean & Seafood Cuisine"

I've eaten at this fine establishment nearly 10 times over the past 3 years, and the variety of true Mediterranean Food selections is stunning and delicious, while the service is impeccable. I can recommend it to you 100%. I was just there with two lady friends on 4/13/2011 and things have only gotten better.

The Accomac Inn
6330 River Dr
York, PA 17406
717.252.1521
"Fine, French-American Cuisine in The York-Lancaster Area"

It's been 7-8 years since I've eaten there, but when I did back then, it was beyond excellent. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

El Serrano Mexican Restaurant
3410 East Market Street
East York, PA 17402
717.757.4963
"Very Good, Authentic Mexican Cuisine in the York Area"

It's been 6-7 years since I've eaten there, but when I did back then, it was excellent. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

The Culinary Arts Center of York
1063 North George Street
York, PA 17404
717.846.5000
"Seasonal Cuisine by Budding York (PA) Chefs"

Over the past 5-6 years, I've eaten there with friends and found it to be a great value for the price, with great food and service. Kudos, students!

Blue Heron Restaurant
2131 South Queen Street
York, PA 17403
717.846.1100
"Superb Food With A French Flair"

Excellent food and service for the money. I recommend it 100%.

Tapenade Bistro
2509 South Queen Street
(Old Tollgate Village Shopping Center)
York, PA 17402
717.741.1234
"Delicious, Upscale Fine Dining, In A Casual Place"

Good food and service, but a bit overpriced for what you're getting, IMO. Atmosphere ain't cheap.

Victor's Italian Restaurant
554 South Ogontz Street
York, PA 17403-5709
717.854.7958
"Great, Authentic Italian Food"

Good Italian homecooking and fair prices. Service is sometimes spotty, depending upon the night and volume of guests. But they sure try hard.

Blue Moon Cafe
361 West Market Street
York, PA 17401
717.854.6664
"Fine European Dining"

On the night my friends and I were there, there was a party of 15 who was so noisy and loud (drunk), we had a difficult time talking at our table, 15 feet away. If that happens to you, complain loudy to the owner. If he doesn't "fix it", leave a penny tip and walk out. Otherwise, the food was good and service just above average. They sure try, but drunk, loud and lousy patrons make a bad evening for everyone in the place. If the owner won't/can't take care of it, I won't go back a third time. But that was only one trip, so far. I need to go back to update this review.

Bel Paese Italian Ristorante
1201 Memory Lane (Extended)
York, PA 17402
717.840.4040
"Fine Northern & Southern Italian Dining"

Just upgraded from 2 to 3 Stars (and possibly headed to 4 stars), IMO, I've taken friends and customer to this Authentic Italian Restaurant, and have always been delighted with their food and service. Never have I been disappointed. So much so, that I usually order an "extra meal to carry-out" and enjoy it the next day. This is no-frills Italian fine dining. I recommend it to you 100%.

Left Bank Restaurant and Bar
120 N George St.
York, PA 17401
717.843.8010
"Fine International Northern & Southern Italian Dining"

The cosmopolitan atmosphere at this fine dining restaurant is reminiscent of the places you would come across in larger cities, and so is the appealing mix of dishes combining international influences. Located in the heart of downtown York, regulars sing the praises of house specialties such as crispy calamari with balsamic peperonata sauce, homemade crab and mozzarella ravioli, and rack of lamb roasted with rosemary, all presented with flair. Reservations are recommended, and business casual attire is appropriate.


Second-Tier, Very Good Eateries ...

The Roosevelt Tavern
400 West Philadelphia Street
York, PA
717.854.7725
"Casual Dining in Downtown York"

It's been 7-8 years since I've eaten there, but when I did back then, they had some very good entrees. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

The Road House
3691 East Market Street
East York, PA
717.755.5448
"Great Burgers To Surf & Turf"

It's been 6-7 years since I've eaten there, but when I did, it was very good food of all kinds. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

Emerald Garden II Restaurant
564 Shrewsbury Commons Avenue
Shrewsbury, PA 17361
717.227.2288
"Great Chinese & Sushi Fare"

It's been 1 year since I've eaten there, but when I did, it was very good Dim-Sum for this area, as I don't eat Sushi (bait). Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.

The Festive Board
2081 Springwood Road
York, PA 17403
717.854.2420
"A New York-Style Deli, Right Here In York, PA"

It's been 6-7 years since I've eaten there, but when I did back then, it was good. Another visit on my part is needed to update this review.


Restaurants To Be Reviewed...

Pomodoro's

Sam & Tony's

Olive Garden

Marcello's Italian Restaurant

Mexitaly

Colosseo Ristorante Itialiano

           

– Back To "John's Journal" Index & Archives –