The 12 Best Erie PA Restaurants | Must-Try Erie Eateries (2024)

Looking for the best places to eat in Erie, Pennsylvania? We’ve got you covered! In this list, we’ll share our favorite Erie, PA restaurants based on food quality, atmosphere, and value.

Just like the city of Erie, this list is a diverse melting pot filled with everything from casual barbecue to ethnic cuisine and upscale offerings. With so many things to do around town, you’ll need a great place to refuel after your adventures.

Whether you’re hitting the beaches at Presque Isle State Park, hiking Erie Bluffs, or taking in an event downtown, you’ll find these Erie, PA restaurants the best places to enjoy great food in the area.

The 12 Best Erie PA Restaurants

Pineapple Eddie’s Southern Bistro

1402 W. 10th St., Erie, PA 16502 // +18144540700

While you may not think of Erie, Pennsylvania as a destination for southern and Caribbean fusion cuisine, this Erie restaurant is an absolute gem hidden off the beaten path. While the restaurant is located in the downtown area, it is not on the most visited streets.

The menu includes delicious southern fried chicken (over waffles, if that’s your thing!), catfish, and jerk chicken. The chef also serves up daily specials, sometimes including shrimp, lobster, or crawfish.

The vibe of the restaurant is very welcoming. You’ll come as strangers and certainly leave as friends.

Mi Scuzi

2641 Myrtle St., Erie, PA 16508 // +18144544533

Nestled in a residential area, Mi Scuzi offers homemade Italian favorites in a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere.

For those looking for a culinary adventure through Italy without leaving Pennsylvania, consider their Tour of Sorrento, which features ever-changing chef’s choice dishes.

One can’t go wrong here with any of the classics either, especially with generous portions of past favorites like “Grande” ravioli.

Wine lovers also love this spot, with a wide variety of options to pair with whichever meal you choose. It’s a must-try for Italian food in Erie, PA.

Peppino’s Italian Chophouse

6590 W. Lake Road, Fairview, PA 16415 // +18144742016

Venturing a bit west of downtown along Lake Erie, you’ll find an excellent spot for authentic Italian cuisine. Peppino’s provides a great dining atmosphere, both indoors and outside with beautiful patio seating available during the summer months.

Kick off your meal in a spicy fashion with the sausage-stuffed banana peppers, and then satisfy your need for pasta with any number of excellent dishes like the saltimbocca or carbonara.

The steak options are also very well prepared and flavorful. Finish the evening with homemade cannoli or tiramisu.

The Cork 1794

900 W. Erie Plaza Drive, Erie, PA 16505 // +18146510332

Check out The Cork 1794 for upscale modern comfort food and hand-crafted co*cktails in a chic atmosphere.

Enjoy the in-house piano music while you sip on something from their impressive wine and spirit list.

Try a perfectly cooked steak, brick chicken, or chicken-fried short rib. We recommend the mac ‘n cheese too, but you can’t go wrong with any of the side options in this upscale Erie, PA restaurant.

Federal Hill Smokehouse

2609 US-19, Erie, PA 16508 // +18149204695

You’ll have to arrive early for lunch at this one if you’re visiting on a weekend! They sell out often because their food is just so good.

Order food by the plate, where you can choose how many varieties of smoked meats you’d like to try. You’ll also be able to choose two sides, so there is no way you should leave hungry.

Sandwich options are available as well, including brisket, pulled pork, and turkey.

Federal Hill is certainly a no-frills establishment, but you won’t be disappointed by the taste.

Habibi Mediterranean Cuisine

127 W. 14th St., Erie, PA 16501 // +18149204756

If you’re craving Mediterranean food during your visit to Northwest Pennsylvania, we have the spot for you.

Situated next to the picturesque old train station in downtown Erie, Habibi serves up delicious sandwiches, pasta, and classic “platter” dishes. Our favorites include the lamb kabob platter and their pit sandwiches.

They also have plenty of vegetarian options available, and excellent desserts for those with a sweet tooth!

Habibi is conveniently located and a great place to satisfy your hunger while exploring the downtown attractions in Erie.

Casablanca Grill

2174 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505 // +18144524544

While the exterior appearance may scare some people away, the plates served inside will delight your taste buds and have you immediately planning a return visit.

The traditional Middle Eastern recipes served here include everything from traditional Lebanese and Syrian recipes to a variety of kabobs. Even the hummus is anything but boring. There is so much flavor in the food served at Casablanca Grill.

Be sure to enjoy a Turkish coffee after you dine. You’ll love both the rich flavors and the extra caffeine boost. The high-quality ingredients used in all of their dishes ensure only the best taste for your palate!

Lucky Louie’s Beer & Wieners

8238 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509 // +18143149481

Lucky Louie’s has been an Erie staple for years. This is not your average hot dog shop!

Creative combinations include “the Yinzer,” an andouille sausage topped with things like perogies and kraut, and the “Asian Invasion,” with cabbage, sweet chili, wasabi, and crunchy rice noodles.

The setting is very casual. Sit outside and treat it like a picnic if you’d like.

Try one of their carefully curated concoctions or build your own. Lucky Louie’s is sure to unlevel your hot-dog-eating experience. It’s one of the best Erie PA restaurants for hot dogs.

Virgil’s Plate

1001 W. 6th St., Erie PA 16507 // +18144747030

Are you looking for something as simple as a good pizza? Look no further than Virgil’s Plate. They have been voted “best pizza in Erie” unanimously. I vote them as one of the best Erie PA restaurants all around!

All their pies start with the fresh-made dough, homemade sauce, and their freshly shredded blend of cheeses.

Those who have to follow dietary restrictions will find options like gluten-free crusts and vegan cheeses.

Choose a standard pepperoni or Buffalo Chicken pizza, or branch out to try the BLT or Neapolitan finished with pistachio pesto. Virgil’s offers both square and round pizzas, but their signature is the square slice.

Picasso’s The Art of Food

960 Millcreek Mall Blvd., Erie, PA 16509 // +18148661183

At first glance, you’ll think Picasso’s just a sub shop, but it is so much more than that!

Their creations are all named after well-known artists!

Try the Van Gogh with ham, mac and cheese, and creamy chipotle, or the Michelangelo, which has chicken alfredo vibes. You won’t just find regular old cold-cut combo subs at Picasso’s.It’s one of the most unique Erie PA restaurants.

Dine in to enjoy these creations hot and fresh.

Riverside Brewing Company

1 Fountain St., Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 // +18148135005

You’ll have to get a little out of town for this one, but the setting of Riverside Brewing is absolutely beautiful and the menu is delicious.

This Erie, PA restaurant is built on the site of the historic Riverside Inn, which was unfortunately lost in a fire in 2017. The current Riverside Brewing Company was built in its place, and pays homage using a few of the relics that made it through the fire in the decor.

Dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you try the locally raised pork chop or the black bean quinoa burger, you won’t be disappointed by the flavors. It’s one of the best Erie PA restaurants for locally sourced food dishes.

LBV Steakhouse

8199 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509 // +18148668359

While you may initially steer clear of a casino steakhouse, we urge you to reconsider this gem amongst the Erie PA restaurants.

The LBV Steakhouse inside the Presque Isle Downs Casino works very hard to make sure they offer only the best cuts of meat and the highest quality side dishes.

While you’ll have to walk through the casino floor to reach the restaurant, as they do not have an outside entrance, don’t be deterred by all the flashing lights and sounds.

The ribeye will blow your socks off. Don’t be afraid to add a lobster tail or shrimp scampi.

Erie PA Restaurants Wrap Up

Whether you are looking for a quick bite or an ethnic treat, there is something to satisfy in these Erie PA restaurants. The cuisine is a great representation of the melting pot that Erie is, and you can’t go wrong with any of these great places to eat the next time you’re in Erie.

Visiting other destinations in Pennsylvania? Check out our other guide:

• 10 Best Restaurants In Pittsburgh
• 10 Best Burgers In Pittsburgh PA
• 7 Must-Try York PA Restaurants