5 best restaurants with international food near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
According to experts, gut microbes can “tell” the brain what food our body needs. Sometimes this feedback could arrive in the form of craving a unique flavor, whether it be spicy or garlicky. Fortunately, there are several quality restaurants to choose from in Pennsylvania to feed your body what it wants or needs. So, whether you’re from Wilkes-Barre or just passing through, knowing the trusted spots locals frequent for some ethnic food can make your time in the area worthwhile.
Read on for our list of the five best ethnic restaurants in Wilkes-Barre where you can treat your palate to a world of flavor.
Zama
“Sushi” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Paul Miller
If you’re looking for a fresh take on your typical dining experience, check out Zama. Named after Chef Hiroyuki Tanaka, this restaurant has proudly served authentic Japanese cuisine to Philadelphia locals since 2009. So inspired are the dishes here that Zama is our go-to spot for fresh sushi. Every day, the outfit provides a wide selection of quality fish flown in from around the world. Their menu changes daily, and Chef Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka carefully crafted the sushi bar using the finest ingredients available.
We recommend the Sushi Bar Sashimi Sampler, which comes with Yuzo Miso Salmon, Hamachi Ponzu, and Kanpachi Tataki. For the adventurous diner who wants an unforgettable experience, place your trust completely in the chef and order from the Chef’s Tasting Menu. For $65, you’ll be treated to a seven-course dining experience, complete with dessert. The menu also offers a quality seared salmon, a delicately flavored half chicken, or a perfectly grilled steak. Diners looking for something lighter have several unique salad options to choose from.
You’ll find Zama at 128 S 19th Street in Philadelphia. Regular business hours for lunch are Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. What’s more, the restaurant currently offers indoor and outdoor dining and takeout via curbside pickup. Use their website to set up a reservation and secure your table. To order and enjoy quality sushi right at home, call 215-568-1027.
El Sol Mexican Restaurant
For a little spice in your digestive tract, stop at El Sol Mexican Restaurant. This hidden gem sitting in Harrisburg offers an array of delicious menu items and the largest selection of tequila you’ll find near Wilkes-Barre. The family-owned and -operated traditional Mexican restaurant cooks fresh Mexican entrees daily using a variety of quality peppers and authentic Mexican spices.
Begin your meal with a traditional serving of chips and salsa to get your appetite going. For an entree, we suggest the Tacos Rancheros. The plate is a generous serving of corn tortillas filled with a combination of chorizo and carne asada topped with cilantro, onions, and salsa ranchera. A vegetarian option, such as the Veggie Fajitas, is a delicious option for those with special dietary needs. Then, top your meal off with one of their famous Margaritas, and you won’t regret it.
This welcoming restaurant is situated at 18 S 3rd Street, Harrisburg. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. We suggest you use the link on their website to make a reservation and secure a table if you plan on dining at the restaurant — tables fill up quickly. For information or to place an order for carryout, call 717-901-5050.
Suraya Market, Restaurant and Garden
Suraya is in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia and well worth the one-hour drive from Wilkes-Barre. First off, it’s a three-in-one outfit that combines a garden, market, and restaurant to transcend our regular expectations of a dining establishment. Still, great food is at the heart of their operations. We suggest you try the Kawarma. This dish consists of succulent and slow-roasted lamb, baharat, dill yogurt, and a cucumber and pomegranate salad. Sides here, apart from their refreshing names, taste divine. Try turmeric rice, charred long hots, za’atar manoushe, or pickles and olives.
This lovely establishment is located at 1528 Frankford Ave. Suraya is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information, call 215-302-1900 or email [email protected].
The Garden Mediterranean Cafe
Dining at the Garden Mediterranean Cafe is as straightforward and fun as it gets. The restaurant adds convenient parking to its unmatched authentic Mediterranean menu. Located just 25 minutes from Wilkes-Barre, in Scranton, the family-friendly restaurant is the ideal joint to introduce the kids to different flavor combinations.
Menu options range from items like falafel, cauliflower steak, and chicken over rice bowl. Our favorite is Chef Ali’s Special Platter, which uses flavors that excite the diner in us. This dish serves up to five people and features a generous helping of chicken, lamb, and beef kabobs with pitas, rice, and salad.
The Garden Mediterranean Cafe is at 116 N Washington Ave. Check out the website for business hours. For inquiries or to order takeout or curbside pickup, call 570-299-1723.
Indeblue Restaurant and Bar
Indeblue Restaurant and Bar is an award-winning bistro located in Washington Square West, Philly. Head here for some traditional Indian fare. We suggest you take a little day trip and visit for the weekend brunch. The menu offers traditional brunch items with an Indian twist. Try the stuffed French toast for a treat. It’s challah bread with a mango compote and a cinnamon cream cheese
This outfit is at 205 S 13th St. For reservations or information, call 215- 545-4633.
So there you have it. Northeastern Eye Institute has shared with you our top five spots to find ethnic food near Wilkes-Barre. Check out one of these locations for something different. What do you think of our suggestions? Did we leave your favorite restaurant serving cosmopolitan food off the list? If we did, let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to check out your suggestion. Meanwhile, consider us for your next eye exam. We have a wonderful selection of lenses, frames, and contacts. Or book a Lasik appointment and get yourself one step closer to being glasses-free.