Located in eastern Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre is a popular destination due to its beautiful mountain scenery, historic district, and wide-open parks. However, it is also home to a vast array of new restaurants featuring fine International cuisine.
And whether you prefer Mexican, Italian, Thai, French, or Japanese food, or desire to try it for the first time, there are many restaurants in Wilkes-Barre to choose from. Although difficult to choose among dozens of exceptional dining establishments, here is a list of five of our favorites.
El Ray Azteca
El Rey Azteca’s menu highlights authentic Mexican dishes passed down through generations to siblings Betsy and Gaston Romero, the owners of this establishment. Appetizers, nachos, salads, fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, and steak are among the many choices available. And popular dessert options include fried ice cream and cheesecake burritos.
Café Toscana
Located downtown and specializing in Northern Italian fare, Café Toscana is open every day except Sunday. Along with appetizers, soups, and salads, their lunch menu includes a variety of options including pasta, risotto, chicken, veal, and seafood, which are all served with a mixed salad or vegetable soup.
A light lunch menu consists of several Italian favorites such as Antipasto Freddo, Portobello alla Griglia, and Insalata Toscana. Monday through Friday lunch specials can be ordered throughout the day and are served with green salad. Dinner specials include Lobster Ravioli, Grilled Swordfish, Rack of Lamb, Filet Mignon, Mahi Mahi, and many more.
Thai Thai
Located in the public square, Thai Thai restaurant features extensive lunch and dinner entrees, along with a variety of soups, salads, appetizers, and desserts, at very affordable rates.
Some of the chef’s specials include Thai Thai Salad, Emerald Salmon, Pork Chop Garlic, and Basil or Curry Steak. A few local favorites include Thai iced tea, Green Papaya Salad, and Drunken Noodles. Open every day except Sunday, this restaurant offers delivery as well as in-house dining.
Le Manhattan Bistro
Le Manhattan Bistro, open every day except Tuesdays, offers a variety of French as well as American menu items, including Chicken Breast Florentine, Pan Seared Sole, Linguine Carbonara, to name a few. While this is a fine dining restaurant, they offer many daily specials as well as three-course meals at a very affordable rate.
Stop by on Wednesdays and enjoy Blue Point half-shell oysters for only one dollar each. Wine aficionados can partake in wine-tasting events featuring two white wines and one red, along with a charcuterie and cheese combo plate, offered at the bistro on special dates.
Shogun
Shogun, a local favorite, is a steakhouse, seafood, sushi, and hibachi restaurant. Their extensive menu includes more than 200 selections, including a variety of soups, salads, and appetizers to enjoy before your main entrée.
Dinner entrees include sushi, teriyaki, tempura, to name a few. In addition, they have nearly two dozen hibachi entrees to choose from, including steak, chicken, and seafood. Also available are children’s menus, a special lunch menu, and many desserts. Visit on Sundays for half-priced sushi.