A Guide to Italian Restaurants in Northeastern PA
Italian food runs deep in Northeastern PA. Family recipes, neighborhood trattorias and generations of Sunday dinners shaped the region’s dining scene. Today, Italian restaurants across NEPA keep that legacy going with scratch-made sauces, hearty meatballs and pasta that tastes like it came from someone’s kitchen, not a factory line.
Across the region, diners will find everything from cozy, old-school favorites to polished dining rooms with cocktails and seasonal specials. Some menus lean into traditional comfort, while others add a creative twist with fresh seafood, steaks and shareable starters. Whether the plan is a romantic night out, a celebratory meal or a casual slice, these Italian dining spots deliver plenty of reasons to come back.
Mountain Top, PA
Adelina’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Mountain Top serves authentic Italian classics alongside pizza, seafood, steaks and hearty pasta dishes in a welcoming, family-friendly setting. The extensive menu fits romantic dinners, casual nights out and family celebrations. Homemade sauces and hand-tossed pies keep the experience comfort-first and dependable.
Must Try: Baked Gnocchi
Scranton, PA
AV Restaurant and Lounge in Scranton pairs Italian cooking with historic character in a Downtown setting built for date nights and special occasions. The menu balances classic pastas with thoughtfully prepared seafood and steaks. A strong wine list and craft cocktails round out an easy “stay awhile” kind of meal.
Must Try: House-Made Meatballs
Scranton, PA
Bar Pazzo in Scranton is known for wood fired, Neapolitan-inspired pizza that hits the table hot with charred edges and big flavor. The Downtown vibe feels lively, while the menu stays rooted in rustic Italian tradition. Guests can round out the meal with homemade pasta, espresso and gelato.
Must Try: Agrodolce Pizza
Exeter, PA
Caffe Girasole in Exeter is a go-to lunch stop for homemade Italian specialties and warm, family-style hospitality. The menu changes often, so regulars keep checking back for new daily favorites. Even with the variety, the focus stays on bold, traditional flavors and fresh preparation.
Must Try: Original La Puccia (Fridays)
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Scranton, PA
Casa Bella in Scranton delivers homestyle Italian meals made with quality ingredients and a welcoming, neighborhood feel. The menu spans pasta, veal, poultry and seafood, making it a reliable pick for family dinners and casual nights out. Classic desserts finish the meal on a familiar, old-world note.
Must Try: Veal Casa Bella
Old Forge, PA
Cusumano in Old Forge offers a modern take on Italian dining while honoring the town’s iconic pizza tradition. The menu reimagines Italian and Italian American favorites with bold flavors, premium ingredients and creative flair, from refined pasta dishes to classic red and white trays. With a warm yet stylish atmosphere, Cusumano works just as well for date nights as it does for group dinners and casual meals.
Must Try: Wild Boar Ragu
Exeter, PA
Grico’s Restaurant in Exeter offers classic Italian dining in an intimate setting known for private booths and attentive service. The menu leans into traditional pasta, premium steaks and seafood, with seasonal features that keep things fresh. It’s a strong choice for celebrations or a polished night out without the fuss.
Must Try: Capellini with Meatballs
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Isabella Restaurant and Bar in Wilkes-Barre blends Italian American cooking with a modern atmosphere suited for date nights and private events. The kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients and elevated presentations that feel special without being stiff. Cocktails, small plates and entrée options keep the experience flexible for any plan.
Must Try: Lobster Ravioli
Taylor, PA
LUCCA Restaurant & Catering in Taylor brings Tuscan-inspired Italian cuisine to NEPA with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. With breakfast, lunch and dinner options, the menu moves from comforting classics to hearty entrées. It’s a reliable pick for casual meals, celebrations and group gatherings.
Must Try: Calabrese-Style Pork Porterhouse
Nesquehoning, PA
Macaluso’s Restaurant in Nesquehoning serves upscale Italian dishes alongside a strong cocktail program and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Fresh seafood, quality meats and imported cheeses help keep flavors bold and balanced. Indoor seating and a covered patio make it easy to settle in and stay a while.
Must Try: Wild Mushroom Ravioli Macaluso
West Wyoming, PA
Marianacci’s in West Wyoming is built on generations of homemade Italian cooking and the kind of warmth that feels like a family table. Rich sauces, handmade pasta and classic comfort dishes keep the menu rooted in tradition. The consistent, old-school approach makes it a longtime favorite across Northeastern PA.
Must Try: Homemade Gnocchi
Luzerne, PA
Mia Via Restaurant & Bar in Luzerne pairs traditional Italian recipes with a modern twist across pasta, seafood and handcrafted pizza. The spacious dining room and full bar set the scene for everything from casual dinners to special occasions. It’s a strong option when the craving calls for classic flavor with a little creativity.
Must Try: Five-Layer Eggplant Parm
Eynon, PA
Pasquale’s Pizzeria & Family Restaurant in Eynon serves scratch-made Italian food with a focus on New York-style rounds and crisp, thick Sicilian trays. The menu also includes hearty pastas and familiar Italian dinners that keep things comfort-forward. Friendly service and consistent quality make it an easy repeat visit.
Must Try: Eggplant Parmigiano
Jenkins Twp., PA
Pazzo in Jenkins Township delivers refined Italian dining built around house-made pasta, fresh seafood and classic meats. The kitchen’s approach feels confident and rooted in tradition, with seasonal touches that keep the menu interesting. It’s a standout choice in NEPA for an elevated night out.
Must Try: Veal-Filled Cannelloni
Scranton, PA
Picciocchi’s Pasta in Scranton specializes in handmade pasta served in a stylish space inside the historic Oppenheim Building. The experience blends authentic Italian tradition with a modern, full-service restaurant feel. A retail component also lets guests bring fresh pasta and sauces home for an easy Italian night in.
Must Try: Lobster Ravioli
Hawley, PA
Ravyn & Robyn Food & Wine in Hawley pairs Italian cuisine with the unique atmosphere of a restored former bank. Dining in one of the original vaults adds a memorable touch to a romantic dinner or special occasion. Handmade pasta and thoughtful wine pairings keep the menu experience polished and inviting.
Must Try: Chicken Piccata
Pittston, PA
Rikasa in Pittston offers an upscale, Italian-inspired menu with seasonal dishes that highlight pasta, seafood and steaks. The Downtown setting feels contemporary, while the bar program adds an extra layer to nights out. Weekend brunch also brings a different, more relaxed way to enjoy the space.
Must Try: Pappardelle with Veal Ragu
Forty Fort, PA
Suraci’s in Forty Fort is a casual Italian café known for handmade pastas, specialty hoagies and imported meats and cheeses. The menu leans into fresh ingredients, daily specials and catering-friendly options for gatherings. It’s a solid pick for lunch, takeout and party trays across the area.
Must Try: Piadinas
Hazleton, PA
The Pines Eatery & Spirits in Hazleton serves Italian classics alongside American favorites in a lively setting that hosts entertainment and rotating specials. The menu covers pasta, seafood and hearty entrées that work for casual dinners and celebrations. The historic building adds character to a night out without taking itself too seriously.
Must Try: Broccoli Alfredo
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Pittston, PA
The Refinery in Pittston brings a contemporary, elevated approach to Italian dining with seasonal ingredients and a modern menu structure. House-made pastas and artisan pizzas anchor the experience, while the cocktail and wine programs keep the meal feeling complete. It’s an easy choice for celebrations and polished date nights in Northeastern PA.
Must Try: House-Made Seasonal Pasta
Plan Your Next Italian Meal in NEPA
From Old Forge trays to handmade pasta and upscale Italian American cuisine, Italian restaurants in Northeastern PA continue to shape the region’s dining identity. Whether the plan calls for a cozy neighborhood dinner or a polished night out, these spots offer plenty of ways to enjoy classic flavors close to home. For even more options, readers can browse the full dining directory to search by town, cuisine or atmosphere and plan their next meal with ease.
Article updated from its original version published on 1/25/24.
10 Italian Restaurants in NEPA
