Crafting this list was no casual stroll through the Poconos. We’ve debated over mountain-view tables until sunset, endured phantom aromas of pierogies in our sleep, and emerged from heated culinary conclaves with definitive verdicts. While the process bordered on obsession, rest assured: we’ve eaten our way through every corner of Mount Pocono. These are the 20 establishments that truly define dining here in 2026. Prepare your appetite.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
$ | (570) 839-0300 | WEBSITE
Some weekend traditions require no planning: sleeping in, reading the paper, and ordering the strawberry croissant French toast at Perkins. This reliable breakfast spot in Mount Pocono serves it all day, every day, and at every table. But making time on a lazy morning is essential for this French toast stuffed with sweet cream cheese filling, topped with fresh strawberry compote, and dusted with powdered sugar.
It all comes with a side of crispy bacon that’s cooked just right, plus a bottomless cup of decent coffee.
Mt. Palace
$$ | (570) 580-0680 | WEBSITE
Mt. Palace is a bright restaurant with sushi so good it’s become the main attraction for their all-you-can-eat dining experience (available evenings only, for now). The classic parts of the sushi are excellent—fresh cuts of fish with a spicy special sauce that complements the delicate rice. But it’s the House Special fried rice we love the most. It has a balance of savory and flavorful that regular fried rice usually does not.
Bonus: It stays hot and tasty, so this satisfying meal and all of its components stays enjoyable, bite after bite.
The Mug Café at MAGNOLIA
$ | (570) 216-8218 | WEBSITE
The Mug Café’s menu changes with the seasons, but within the rotation lies one constant: the croissant sandwich. The flaky, buttery pastry is unbelievably crisp, well-layered, and has the perfect amount of warmth. Sausage and eggs give it a pleasant savoriness and richness, and everything is served with a side of friendly, helpful recommendations. Lattes? Yes. And you’ll love them.
Mi Casa Restaurant
$ | (570) 895-4991 | WEBSITE
In a world filled with fusion concepts, nothing is quite as satisfying as straightforward Colombian food you can enjoy with friends that costs less than $20 per entrée and comes with warm hospitality. That’s what you’ll find at Mi Casa Restaurant, which has become a reliable choice in Mount Pocono. This small, clean spot has a menu of traditional dishes, and what you want to get is the shrimp in garlic and white wine.
It’s plump shrimp sautéed in a fragrant sauce that practically melts in your mouth. And that exceptional Guacamole Dip will beg you to order a Bistec Encebollado to share, and you should listen—even if the service moves at its own relaxed pace.
Lucky 8 Noodle + Sushi Bar
$$ | (570) 243-4800 | WEBSITE
Lucky 8 Noodle + Sushi Bar has amazing $9 chicken wings, exceptional service, and a clean, pleasant atmosphere that makes you want to return. You shouldn’t need more reasons to like this spot, but here’s another: the incredible $14 Singapore Noodles. Yes, $14 gets you perfectly cooked noodles with shrimp, vegetables, and a savory sauce that’s particularly tasty. It’s the perfect size for a satisfying meal, and if you brought a few noodle lovers with you, try the $12 shrimp with asparagus too.
The restaurant sits off the casino floor, so a little noise is to be expected, but the fresh, simple sushi and friendly servers make it worth it.
Krakus Deli
$ | (570) 839-3605 | WEBSITE
Krakus Deli’s warm, welcoming grocery space is lined with shelves stocked with Polish imports, deli cases filled with fresh kielbasa, and friendly staff ready to help. And you should take advantage because their polonaise horseradish is one of the region’s most authentic Polish staples. The horseradish has a sharp, clean bite with just the right amount of heat, and it’s perfectly complemented by the smoky, savory notes of their imported kielbasa.
Everything is neatly packaged for takeout or even shipping to Europe, but don’t bother trying to resist—this is a must-try.
The Water’s Edge Restaurant
$$$ | (570) 839-1680 | WEBSITE
The Water’s Edge Restaurant filet mignon is exceptional, no exaggeration, and so tender we could order seconds (which we almost did). The perfectly cooked steak from this upscale spot is rich perfection complemented by creamy mashed potatoes and creative summer succotash. Plus, the crème brûlée has a wonderful caramelized crust.
Just know that this special steak night menu is only available on certain evenings at Mount Pocono’s The Water’s Edge, and at reasonable prices that make it worth the visit.
Kimchi and Wasabi
$$ | (570) 839-9231 | WEBSITE
Kimchi and Wasabi previously earned its reputation thanks to excellent sushi, but their authentic Korean dishes prove they aren’t a one-cuisine wonder. Their Galbi is a standout masterpiece—tender marinated short ribs with a perfect char, served with spicy pork that’s both sweet and savory, and wings that are crispy and flavorful. Each component fuses into a balanced flavor bomb of umami, spice, and tang.
The cozy atmosphere with its warm, jazzy vibe makes you feel right at home, even if the decor could use a refresh. For takeout or dine-in, Kimchi and Wasabi remains a must-visit destination in the Poconos.
Starbucks
$ | (272) 249-2032 | WEBSITE
The coffee at Starbucks, a counter-service spot in the Poconos, is exactly the kind of coffee we want when we’re working remotely. The drinks are prepared with precision, which gives them a consistent quality and keeps things satisfying. They’re served with the perfect amount of customization, from oat milk to sugar-free syrups, on a menu that accommodates dietary needs without compromise.
So, on second thought, it’s just the kind of coffee we want to enjoy, no matter how many hours we need to stay productive.
All Caribbean Restaurant
$ | (570) 839-8100 | WEBSITE
This is a hidden treasure in Mount Pocono from the team behind some of the area’s best Caribbean spots. The jerk chicken is fantastic, but it turns out the curry chicken might be even better, mainly because it comes with a side of rice and cabbage. And that rice is a perfect delivery system for the well-seasoned, generous portions of tender chicken in rich curry sauce. The plantain fry is a special addition that customers enjoy, adding a sweet and crispy contrast to the savory dishes.
Many say the food is excellent, and the customer service is always polite and welcoming from the friendly and helpful staff. The restaurant is a great takeout spot, perfect for enjoying their flavorful and authentic dishes on-the-go.
Brother Bruno’s Pizza
$ | (570) 839-6477 | WEBSITE
Despite operating out of a modest storefront with limited seating, Brother Bruno’s Pizza is a formidable pizza-making presence in Mount Pocono. This family-friendly spot bakes pies with a nice char underneath, delivering a fantastic crisp to the crust. But the pizza’s center remains delightfully chewy, balancing perfectly with the good cheese to sauce ratio. The cheese pizza is great, but our go-to order for dining in the nice area with the kids or grabbing takeout is the large pie.
It gets a savory punch from the garlic knots and a sweet finish from the dessert puffs reminiscent of Louisiana.
Bistecca By Il Mulino
$$$ | (877) 682-4791 | WEBSITE
The steak at Bistecca By Il Mulino in Mount Pocono is celebrated, and with good cause—it’s exceptional. The cut is a prime ribeye, delivering a robust, savory depth and remarkable tenderness. The seasoning is spot-on and the presentation is elegant. In short, this is a perfect 10/10 steak.
Bella Villa Pizza & Restaurant
$ | (570) 839-9990 | WEBSITE
The namesake pizza from Bella Villa Pizza & Restaurant—the family-owned spot in Mount Pocono—is, in fact, fantastic, but don’t ignore the stuffed shells. The crispy, cheesy crust is topped with layers of gooey mozzarella, and comes with the correct amount of marinara sauce—aka “a lot.” We like the classic version, but if you want something more loaded (and flavorful), they also have tangy Buffalo pie, baked ziti, or penne with vodka sauce if all that cheese wasn’t rich enough.
Thai Chang Cuisine Mount Pocono
$ | (570) 243-8141 | WEBSITE
Tucked away among the pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup at Thai Chang Cuisine Mount Pocono is an incredible pad see ew. And while it doesn’t sound complicated—just wide rice noodles, broccoli, chicken, and a savory soy-based sauce—we promise it’s a must-order. What makes the pad see ew at this authentic Thai spot so special (besides the delicious fresh ingredients) is that it’s a marvel of careful balance.
From the first bite to the last it goes: smoky wok flavor, tender chicken, crisp vegetables, chewy noodles, and that perfect savory-sweet sauce. And apparently, that’s the secret formula you use to manifest a perfectly satisfying Thai meal.
Burke’s Tavern
$ | (570) 243-8550 | WEBSITE
While primarily a cozy Irish tavern, Burke’s Tavern is a treasure trove of classic pub fare. The Mount Pocono establishment has excellent crispy tots and chicken fingers, but the real standout is the delicious Ruben. The flavor of this hearty, warm, perfectly grilled sandwich is so satisfying, comfort food enthusiasts won’t miss their usual diner staples.
Tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese balance the richness, and with the addition of thousand island dressing it might be one of the best sandwiches you’ll enjoy this season.
Pioneer Diner
$ | (570) 839-7620 | WEBSITE
Breakfast and lunch have been classic companions since the dawn of diner culture. Breakfast and dinner are perhaps a less common combination, but it’s a pairing that’s worth discovering at Pioneer Diner in Mount Pocono. Tucked within a menu full of morning staples like French toast and omelettes are specialties such as country fried steak and eggs Benedict, which just so happen to be the standout dishes here.
The foundation is straightforward: fluffy pancakes and perfectly cooked French toast rest gently on warm plates, accompanied by savory hash browns and turkey sausage patties. But what elevates this experience is the trifecta of clean modern atmosphere, friendly fast service, and reasonable prices that make every visit feel like coming home.
Five Star II
$ | (570) 839-5955 | WEBSITE
When a place gets touted as one of the best in Mount Pocono, it’s tempting to look for flaws. After all, nothing’s perfect, and Five Star II certainly isn’t trying to be exceptional—it’s in reliable-weeknight-dinner territory. Ignore the nitpickers (and the occasional wait for cooked-to-order dishes) and recognize solid value when it’s staring you in the face.
Or, in this case, when it’s tender chicken lo mein with perfectly stir-fried noodles and a rich sauce, or robust pork fried rice with every grain imbued with flavor, begging to enter your mouth.
Sabor Caribeño Restaurant
$ | (570) 972-0091 | WEBSITE
Much like how Sabor Caribeño holds a perennial place on our Mount Pocono guide, this Spanish spot is primarily here for authenticity. This restaurant has been on the mountain with a reputation for great food, and any Dominican place that serves sorullos with white cheese, ox tail, and pasteles deserves our respect and admiration.
The dishes aren’t particularly life-changing, but they are tasty, and there’s scientific evidence that eating steak with rice and beans followed by tostones with a natural fruit juice can automatically increase serotonin levels by 56%. Our go-to order is the chicken lunch plate with pepper steak, which comes with large portions, attentive service, and a friendly atmosphere.
The Buffet at Mount Airy
$$ | (877) 682-4791 | WEBSITE
There used to be some restrictions regarding the prime rib at The Buffet at Mount Airy: You could only find it at the carving station during dinner hours, or on the weekend during brunch. But now you can enjoy it whenever you want. Well, sort of—the carving stations rotate throughout the day. Still, we’re eternally grateful for that fact.
Not only is the meat perfectly cooked, but the additions of a slightly sweet au jus and crispy potato wedges make it something worth scheduling your life around.
Fork Street Bistro and Bakery
$ | (570) 972-0828 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wondered what the perfect breakfast spot in Mount Pocono looks like, you don’t have to let your dreams stay dreams—head to Fork Street Bistro and Bakery. They’ve created a charming hidden gem that serves incredible breakfast, brunch, and lunch options in a unique and fun atmosphere. Each dish gets special attention—our favorite is the cinnamon roll pancakes, praised as some of the best ever tasted, with the breakfast potatoes getting a special touch from saffron.
The gluten free pancakes are sweet, fluffy, cinnamony, and creamy, resembling regular pancakes in quality, and the caramelized apple French toast and crispy potato cakes are also delicious. The staff is very friendly and attentive, providing excellent service and even bringing water and whipped cream for dogs, while the spacious seating and kids play kitchen make it perfect for groups or families.
Vegetarian options are available, and dishes can be customized to suit dietary needs, with the option to replace bread with gluten free choices. Overall, it’s a comforting aesthetic that’s sure to please every visitor.
