2 Pennsylvania restaurants named among America’s best for 2024

Two Pennsylvania restaurants—one in Philadelphia, one in Pittsburgh—land coveted spots on OpenTable’s Top 100 list for 2024.

Looking for Pennsylvania’s best dining experience? According to OpenTable diners, you’ll need to choose between east and west—or better yet, try both. The restaurant reservation platform recently released its prestigious “Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2024” list, and Pennsylvania claimed two coveted spots. On one end of the Commonwealth, there’s the time-honored Saloon Restaurant, a South Philadelphia institution that’s been serving up Italian excellence since 1967. On the other, Pittsburgh’s Morcilla brings contemporary Spanish flair to the Steel City’s vibrant Lawrenceville neighborhood. These two establishments, separated by 300 miles of Pennsylvania turnpike, showcase the delicious diversity of our state’s culinary landscape.

A triumph for Pennsylvania’s food scene

These distinguished Pennsylvania establishments have demonstrated excellence across multiple criteria, including overall diner ratings, service quality, ambiance, and culinary creativity. The recognition reflects not only the restaurants’ commitment to exceptional dining but also Pennsylvania’s growing reputation as a destination for food enthusiasts. It’s also a testament to the hard work and dedication of these establishments’ staff and management teams, who have maintained high standards of excellence in an increasingly competitive dining landscape.

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The Saloon: South Philly’s Italian crown jewel

Step into The Saloon Restaurant, and you’ll find yourself transported to a slice of old-world Philadelphia charm. This family-owned gem in the Bella Vista neighborhood embodies South Philly’s rich culinary heritage with its dark oak paneling, gleaming brass fixtures, and authentic local antiques adorning two distinct dining rooms.

While the atmosphere might whisper “vintage,” the kitchen speaks thoroughly modern excellence through dishes like grilled octopus and their renowned veal chops. House specialties include Poblano Peppers, Lobster Francaise, and Braciole—all served alongside an impressive wine list. Sweet tooths, take note: every dessert is made fresh on the premises daily. And in a city where parking can be a headache, The Saloon offers the rare luxury of free parking.

Morcilla: Pittsburgh’s Spanish sensation

On Pittsburgh’s east end, Morcilla has quickly become a standout in the city’s flourishing food scene. Owner Nathan Hobart’s vision of contemporary Spanish cuisine has earned dedicated fans since opening nine years ago in bustling Lawrenceville. The intimate dining room and welcoming bar set the stage for a menu that reads like a love letter to Spanish gastronomy: house-made charcutería, creative pintxos, and generous family-style plates that encourage sharing.

Standout dishes include the prized Jamon Iberico de Bellota and a noteworthy Smoked Beef Short Rib family plate. The bar program deserves special mention, featuring an impressive selection of sherries and vermuts alongside craft cocktails that complement the kitchen’s European flair.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Keystone staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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