This article is provided by Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau. Portions of the following content were adapted from original articles published on Pennlive.com and in Susquehanna Style magazine.

Whether you are headed to Hershey or Harrisburg, or even a town in between, dining out in this region is a must. With so many different culinary choices, you may have a hard time knowing where to go and what to eat. The following details will help you out!

HARRISBURG

Bricco

Whether you’re looking to grab a quick happy hour martini after your 9-to-5 or to sit down to a leisurely family-style spread, Bricco is sure to please. To start your dining experience, try any of their inventive Italian antipasti or spuntini freddi (cold snacks), including crispy squash blossoms with crab, roasted oysters with spinach fondue and smoked bone marrow crust and roasted beet gazpacho with melon and goat cheese. Main dish highlights include “Bricco Cioppino” (an eco-friendly twist on the classic dish using only sustainable fish and shellfish), the dry aged ribeye and an assortment of thin-crust pizzas made in Bricco’s on-site stone oven. 31 S. Third St., Harrisburg.

Café Fresco

Perfect for a night on the town, this Harrisburg dining favorite finds its home below the popular downtown lounge and club, Level 2. The Asian Fusion menu is filled with innovative combinations, such as the spicy tuna tartare with sriracha mayo and wasabi caviar, honey-miso sea scallops and tea-smoked duck. With its extensive list of specialty cocktails, Café Fresco is as much a destination for lively conversation and libations as it is for fine dining. Try the Thai Basil Gimlet—a staff favorite of Ketel One, lime juice and fresh Thai basil. 215 N. Second St., Harrisburg.

Carley’s Ristorante and Piano Bar

Rustic Italian classics are served up along with a song at this cozy piano bar tucked away in downtown Harrisburg. Offerings range from cannellini bean and rosemary hummus and fennel and prosciutto salad to start to pizzas and pastas (served single or family style) and entrees like grilled marinated tuna with sage and rosemary served with artichokes and sun dried tomato polenta. But it’s the entertainment Carley’s is really known for—from open mic nights to show tunes and sing alongs. 204 Locust St., Harrisburg.

Char’s at Tracy Mansion

Residing in an elegant 1913 mansion overlooking the majestic Susquehanna River, Char’s at Tracy Mansion is an American Brasserie with more than just a view. The Dining Room serves as the perfect showcase for Chef Ron Canady’s celebrated menu; the warm, convivial Bar features Sal Pantano’s spirited creations and a Small Plate Menu; while the McKee Library is the perfect spot for a cocktail or to relax with friends for an after-dinner drink. The Gallery seats two large groups or can be reserved for a private affair with a rotating exhibit of blown glass and sculptures by artists Ona Magaro and Glenn Zwyegardt. In the warm months, the Veranda is the spot to have Sunday Brunch and relax with family, friends or the New York Times. Whether it is a formal meal for a special occasion or a casual light bite, Char’s has the menu, the atmosphere and the welcoming service to make you and your guests feel special and satisfied. 1829 North Front Street, Harrisburg.

El Sol

Tucked away in a quiet avenue of the bustling downtown scene is El Sol—the city’s favorite Mexican spot. Lauded for its happy hour specials—including $5 margaritas and dollar tacos—this restaurant is a tried-and-true dining favorite. El Sol’s menu boasts some of the most flavorful items downtown, including chorizo tacos, carnitas and a variety of succulent ceviches. For an exciting experience, try the parrilladas—tabletop “grills” of meats and seafood you can share with your dining companions. 18 South 3rd Street, Harrisburg.

The Golden Sheaf

By fall 2014 the Hilton Harrisburg will have undergone an epic transformation as a result of a multiple year multi-million dollar renovation. The Golden Sheaf, located within Harrisburg’s anchor hotel, will remain the cornerstone of upscale dining in the Capital City but with a new emphasis on steaks and seafood and locally sourced ingredients ranging from meats to herbs. The wine list offers an impressive selection and makes for a perfect evening in the heart of Harrisburg. 1 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg.

Mangia Qui & Suba

This snug midtown-Harrisburg eatery offers some of the finest European specialties available in the Susquehanna Valley. Mangia Qui and its second-floor counterpart Suba celebrate old-world methods of cooking while creating new and innovative menu items that change on an almost daily basis. Some of these outstanding dishes include bresaola—air-dried filet mignon carpaccio with porcini mushroom and fava beans, and nero veneziano—black linguine, calamari, baby octopus and tomato smothered with with luscious squid ink. Mangia Qui also has a must-try cocktail list, including Brazil’s native caipirinha and the punch-packing “firefly”: a combo of house-made habanero infused tequila, mango, Bacardi Limon, Midiori, lime and mint. 272 North St., Harrisburg.

Mount Hill Tavern

If sophisticated tavern fare is on your menu tonight, Mount Hill should be on your bucket list to visit. This Colonial Park destination is housed in a stone building dating back to 1798, providing a hearty share of rustic ambiance with your meal. The offerings include twists on classic favorite dishes, like the “tavern crab cakes,” which are crusted in blue corn and served with a parsley caper remoulade, or the Delmonico steak with Yukon gold and fennel puree. In addition, their extensive beer menu, stacked with micro-brews, is worth the trip. 2120 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg.

Passage to India

Passage to India’s colorful dining room overlooks the Susquehanna River, but an enchanting view of the waterway is not all this Indian eatery has to offer. The expansive menu of classic Indian dishes has a personal favorite for everyone—especially lovers of piquant plates. Take the vegetable xaccuti [pronounced sha-ku-tee], a veggie curry seasoned with a serious kick. For those with milder palates, a sweet and creamy mango lassi is necessary to combat the heat! 520 Race St., Harrisburg.

Stock’s on Second

If Stock’s on Second is The Godfather spot of downtown Harrisburg’s Restaurant Row, then Papa’s got a brand new bag as of August 2014. This hot spot for dining and nightlife reimagined itself as a farm to fork Gastropub, with a bar specializing in American whiskeys and bourbons and an atmosphere that is relaxed and prices that are inviting. This new vision promises to bring patrons closer to their food, with a majority of the sustainably-grown ingredients sourced from within 90 miles, whenever possible, and by featuring the people who make the meal possible. The walls are adorned with wood from a mushroom farm outside Kennett Square, while the Amish-made tabletops came from wood from a barn outside of Pittsburgh and the hanging lights are made out of barn beams from a dismantled barn outside of Carlisle. The 40-bottle wine list priced under $40 and prohibition-era crafted cocktails pale only when compared to one of the largest whiskey and bourbon menus in the area. Try their own barrel-aged cocktails or a flight of whiskeys in a setting perfect for both an intimate dinner and a special event for up to 80 guests in a private room. Their accomplishments include the Mimi Brodeurs’ Five Fork Review, to the annual Simply the Best Awards for the Best Martini Bar, the Best Power Lunch, the Best Business Dinner, the Best First Date and the Best Happy Hour. Stock’s on 2nd consistently provides quality food with excellent service. 211 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg.

HERSHEY

Alfred’s Victorian

There aren’t many places you can go in Central PA to get escargot. Or dine in a 1755 brownstone mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1970, Alfred Pellegrini and his family have been serving up Italian classics as well as succulent seafood and specialties like the flaming Victorian salad. Some of our staff’s menu favorites are the portabella with roasted garlic and gorgonzola and Mediterranean crab dip with feta and stone crab claws with creamy mustard sauce. 38 N. Union St., Middletown.

Fenicci’s of Hershey

A Hershey tradition since 1935, Fenicci’s of Hershey has been proudly serving up delicious Italian cuisine and American favorites for decades. Today, owner and operator Phil Guarno remains committed to using quality ingredients, many from his own garden located behind the restaurant; and he still offers some of the most treasured original recipes along with new, creative additions to please any palate. Join Phil and be welcomed as family for a delicious meal, relaxing atmosphere and local entertainment. It’s easy to see why the Hershey locals love this place. 102 W. Chocolate Ave., Hershey.

Harvest

Relatively new to the Hershey resort’s dining scene, Harvest features local ingredients from within 150 miles of the restaurant, in a cozy, casual setting. An arts-and-crafts-inspired space, dark wood, hand-scraped, rustic-looking tables and stained glass give a “lodgey” feel with a refined air of elegance in the details. The menu’s concept is genuine American cuisine. Many of the entrees classify as comfort food–and there are even daily specials reminiscent of a country diner–with upscale ingredients and preparation. Harvest at The Hotel Hershey; 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey.

Trevi 5

Named after Rome’s Trevi fountain, here you can sip sparkling Italian sodas and savor authentic pastas and pizzas. Try the classic Margherita; prosciutto with figs, balsamic and gorgonzola; or the mushroom pizza with truffled whipped ricotta, crispy shallots and taleggio cheese. Or nibble on plates of imported meats and cheeses to save room for desserts like chocolate cannoli tart, Nutella cheesecake, tiramisu and one our favorites, citrus polenta cake. Open for lunch, dinner and happy hour daily. Trevi 5 at The Hotel Hershey; 100 Hotel Rd., Hershey.

Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar

Located at the Shoppes at Susquehanna Marketplace just outside of Harrisburg, this new outlet opened this month with seasonally inspired steak, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes prepared with local and organic foods in a casual but upscale environment. The farm-to-table restaurant was created by Dave Magrogan to fill the need for today’s discerning families who want viable options for high-quality, farm-fresh menus created with healthy ingredients. In an effort to fulfill that vision, the restaurant is working with 75 local farmers to source the freshest and highest quality products available for their seasonally changing menu that features an under 500 calorie menu along with 50 wines by the glass and seasonal cocktails and beers. The restaurant’s commitment to being green continues throughout with organic cleaning products, recycled glass bar tops and recycled paper products. Harvest is part of the DMG Group, which operates more than a dozen restaurants under the names Kildare’s Irish Pub, Stella Rossa Ristorante and Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House. 2625 Brindle Drive, Harrisburg.

COMING SOON…

The Mill Restaurant

The Mill Restaurant and Bar will open at the end of summer 2014 in a two-story mill that dates back to 1858, located off of Old West Chocolate Avenue in Hershey. The brick building landmark has been restored into a full-service restaurant and bar serving fresh, seasonal foods for lunch and dinner. Co-owners James Rafferty of Hummelstown and Bill Delinsky of Maryland are responsible for the two-year rehabilitation project to the mill, which has been vacant since 1975. The new owners are maintaining the integrity of the building, which boasts original wood beams and exposed brick, with natural light courtesy of oversized windows. The restaurant will include three dining rooms—one on each floor with separate bars on each level and a second floor mezzanine for large groups and private events. The new venture will be a family affair with Rafferty’s wife Jody and their daughter Candy Mellinger serving as manager. Chef Joe Mishler, who was hired from Devon Seafood Grill in Hershey, says the menu will focus on fresh, seasonal foods including seafood such as Alaskan halibut and Nantucket bay scallops along with house-cured bacon and house-smoked brisket. But they won’t limit themselves to any one cuisine. 810 Old West Chocolate Avenue, Hershey.

Rubicon

In the works for more than one year, and slated to open at the end of August 2014, the vision for Rubicon is best stated by co-owner Staci Basore as a “bar that eats like a great restaurant.” The new eatery is located next door to the well-known Mangia Qui and Suba with a large bar where guests will gather for artisan cocktails and rustic French foods made with locally sourced ingredients. The rustic French theme means patrons will find braised meats and roasted chicken on the menu in addition to crafted cocktails from house-made sodas, tonics and seltzers. Rubicon will be open dinner-only seven days a week and also serve Sunday brunch. 272 North St., Harrisburg.

Note–Bistro & Wine Bar

Note is a European dining experience slated to open in August 2014 in Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood with an emphasis on shareable, small plates of seasonal, locally sourced food with a modern twist and more than 40 wines available by the glass and bottle. The name borrows from both the tasting notes of food and wine and musical notes. Owner Ruth Prall said she’s aiming for a casual spot where diners and those in the neighborhood can stop by several times a week. The wine menu will be comprised of 95 percent old world wines from France, Spain, Italy and Portugal. Note will be open for lunch Thursday through Saturday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. It also will open for Sunday brunch. North Second and Harris streets, Harrisburg.

Cork & Fork–Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Cork & Fork, a casual pizzeria and wine bar with seating for about 50 diners, is projected to open in September 2014 at the corner of North Second and State streets in Harrisburg. The restaurant, owned by Nick Laus, who operates Home 231, Level 2 and Cafe Fresco Downtown in Harrisburg, will focus on innovative pizzas, meat and cheese boards, pastas, salads and wine, with most items priced in the $8 to $10 range. The casual restaurant will have an open floor plan with a dining room, bar and mezzanine as well as outdoor seating. Diners also will be able to order craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. The menu promises to remain simple but with selections that encourage sharing. Pizzas will be baked in an 850-degree oven and built from innovative toppings such as veal meatballs and locally sourced ingredients, and the mozzarella and pasta will be made on the premises. The 21-wines by the glass selection will vary from Spanish and French wines to California varietals. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner.

 Fidler & Co.

Chef Josh Fidler (founder of 154 Supper Club and previously the executive chef of Garryowen Irish Pub, Gettysburg) will soon introduce Fidler & Co. to Biglerville, flooding the former space of Pomona’s Bakery Café. Expect high-caliber, mod-American dishes as crafted with locally sourced ingredients, brick-oven pizzas, Gettysburg Bread Company baked goods, and much more. Stay tuned to TheTownDish.com for the full scoop.

Eager to check out more Harrisburg spots? Visit our travel guide and get started exploring this great area.

• Entree from Bricco: Bricco
• Culinary photo: Cafe Fresco
• Mussels and bread photo: Carley's Ristorante
• Char's exterior photo: Char's Restaurant
• El Sol interior photo: El Sol
• The Golden Sheaf interior photo: The Golden Sheaf
• Olives photo at Mangia Qui and Suba: Mangia Qui/Suba
• Mount Hill Tavern entree photo: Mount Hill Tavern
• Passage to India interior photo: Passage to India
• Stock's on Second interior photo: Stock's on Second
• Alfred's Victorian Restaurant exterior photo: Alfred's Victorian Restaurant
• Fenicci's of Hershey interior photo: Fenicci's of Hershey
• Harvest interior photo: Harvest
• Trevi 5 interior photo: Trevi 5
• The Mill photo: The Mill