Top 4 restaurants in Pennsylvania for business dining

Ramp processes billions of dollars in business expenses across thousands of companies every month. Our unique position in the payments ecosystem provides visibility into actual spending patterns, including restaurant and dining expenditures across diverse industries and business sizes.

Understanding Pennsylvania's dynamic restaurant landscape requires more than anecdotal recommendations—it demands insights drawn from actual spending data. With tourism contributing $47.9 billion to the state economy and dining preferences constantly evolving, a data-driven perspective reveals where businesses invest their entertainment budgets and which establishments consistently deliver value for professional meetings and client relationships.

Understanding Pennsylvania's restaurant industry

Pennsylvania's restaurant sector generates $31 billion annually across more than 35,117 dining establishments, making it the state's fourth-largest private employer with 557,200 jobs. The industry reflects Pennsylvania's rich cultural tapestry, from Philadelphia's nationally recognized dining scene to Pittsburgh's ethnic food traditions and Lancaster County's PA Dutch heritage. Current preferences show Chinese cuisine leading at 31%, followed by Italian and Thai, while emerging trends embrace fusion concepts and premium dining experiences. This diverse landscape serves both the state's 13.08 million residents and a thriving tourism sector, creating unique opportunities for business dining that balances tradition with innovation.

Top 4 restaurants for business meals and client dining

Based on aggregated business expense data from thousands of Pennsylvania companies, we've identified the restaurants that consistently rank highest for professional dining. These establishments excel not just in cuisine quality but in providing the atmosphere, service, and amenities that facilitate successful business interactions. Our analysis reveals that Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, La Colombe Coffee Roasters, and Harp & Crown lead Philadelphia's business dining scene, while regional favorites like Elia Mediterranean Grille serve key markets outside the city.

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar transforms business dining into an immersive cultural experience within its vibrant Havana-inspired setting in Old City Philadelphia. Founded in 2000 by James Beard Award-winning Chef Guillermo Pernot, this Cuban restaurant recreates pre-Castro Cuba through its open-air courtyard design, vintage decor, and authentic mojitos. The establishment gained prestigious recognition with its inclusion in Philadelphia's inaugural Michelin Guide, cementing its status as a destination for both tourists and local professionals seeking memorable dining experiences.

Notable facts: Cuba Libre's economic impact extends beyond exceptional cuisine—Governor Josh Shapiro noted that every dollar spent generates $2.13 for the state economy. The restaurant celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025 with a special $49 tasting menu featuring original 2000 pricing. Weekend evenings transform the space into a high-energy nightclub with DJs and VIP bottle service, though business diners typically prefer the calmer lunch and early dinner hours.

Signature dishes:

• Sanguche Cubano: Pressed sandwich with citrus-marinated pork, Genoa salami, ham, and Swiss cheese
• Ropa Vieja: Traditional braised beef brisket stew with peppers and onions
• Paella Marinera: Show-stopping seafood paella with lobster tail and jumbo shrimp
• Guacamole Cubano: Table-side preparation with grilled pineapple and roasted jalapeños

Best for: Cuba Libre excels for client entertainment and team celebrations where the lively atmosphere enhances relationship building. The spacious dining room accommodates large groups, while quieter corners provide intimacy for sensitive discussions. The extensive rum selection and craft cocktails facilitate extended business dinners, and the central Old City location offers convenient access to hotels and attractions for out-of-town guests.

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

La Colombe Coffee Roasters' Fishtown flagship represents the evolution of business meeting spaces, combining third-wave coffee excellence with a full-service restaurant and bar. This 11,000-square-foot industrial venue houses an on-site bakery, rum distillery, and coffee research lab, creating multiple environments for different business needs. Founded in 1994 and acquired by Chobani for $900 million in 2023, La Colombe pioneered innovations like the Draft Latte while maintaining commitment to ethical sourcing and Fair Trade certification.

Notable facts: The Fishtown location attracts over 1,000 daily visitors, from startup founders conducting morning meetings to established executives hosting afternoon tastings. The venue's unique rum distillery produces coffee-infused spirits exclusively available on-site, while the production bakery supplies all East Coast locations. Baristas receive dual training in precision brewing and mixology, ensuring consistent quality whether serving morning espresso or evening cocktails.

Signature dishes:

• Shakshuka: Cast-iron baked eggs with spiced tomato sauce and crusty bread
• Brioche French Toast: House-made brioche with seasonal fruit compote
• French Drip: Coffee-braised roast beef sandwich with caramelized onions
• Draft Latte: Signature nitro-infused cold brew with frothed milk

Best for: La Colombe dominates the informal business meeting category, particularly for creative industries and tech companies. The communal tables foster collaborative discussions, while quieter nooks accommodate confidential conversations. Morning hours suit breakfast meetings with exceptional coffee, transitioning to lunch service for longer working sessions. The industrial-chic aesthetic and coffee innovation displays provide natural conversation starters for first-time client meetings.

Elia Mediterranean Grille

Elia Mediterranean Grille brings authentic Greek hospitality to Warrendale Village, offering a refined yet welcoming environment for suburban business dining. This family-owned establishment emphasizes traditional Mediterranean recipes executed with modern techniques, creating dishes that satisfy both adventurous palates and conservative tastes. The warm, dimly-lit dining room features stone accents and comfortable leather seating, establishing an atmosphere conducive to extended business conversations.

Notable facts: Elia's commitment to local sourcing includes Pennsylvania-produced feta cheese and hydroponic vegetables, appealing to sustainability-conscious corporate clients. The restaurant hosts Greek cultural events and cooking classes, providing unique team-building opportunities for companies. Staff expertise in dietary accommodations, including comprehensive gluten-free and vegetarian options, ensures all meeting participants can dine comfortably regardless of restrictions.

Signature dishes:

• Lamb Chops: Herb-marinated with lemon oregano glaze
• Moussaka: Traditional layered casserole with eggplant, potato, and spiced beef
• Spanakopita: Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, leeks, and feta
• Grilled Octopus: Charred and dressed with lemon, olive oil, and capers

Best for: Elia Mediterranean Grille serves the northern suburban business community seeking alternatives to downtown dining. The restaurant's consistent quality and personalized service make it ideal for recurring client meetings where relationship building takes precedence over trendy atmospheres. Private dining areas accommodate confidential discussions, while the main dining room's acoustic design prevents conversation overlap between tables.

Harp & Crown

Harp & Crown redefines multi-level entertainment dining in Center City Philadelphia, combining elevated American cuisine with hidden speakeasy charm. Opened in 2016 by restaurateur Michael Schulson, this former Gap outlet now features 24-foot ceilings, antique chandeliers, and a secret basement bowling alley called Elbow Lane. Executive Chef Armando Jimenez crafts wood-fired pizzas and substantial entrees that satisfy diverse business dining needs.

Notable facts: The venue's design transformation earned architectural accolades for creating distinct experiences across three levels. Elbow Lane's two vintage bowling lanes have become Philadelphia's most sought-after corporate event space, combining craft cocktails with competitive entertainment. Weekend brunch service features a 50-item buffet including custom omelet stations and prime rib carving, establishing Harp & Crown as a versatile all-day dining destination.

Signature dishes:

• Pork Belly Pizza: Wood-fired with broccoli rabe and chili oil
• Whole Roasted Chicken: Herbs de Provence with natural pan jus
• Neiman Ranch Ribeye: 20-ounce cut with bone marrow butter
• Harp Burger: Double patty with aged cheddar and special sauce

Best for: Harp & Crown excels at transitioning business meetings into relationship-building experiences. The ground-floor restaurant suits traditional power lunches, while Elbow Lane provides memorable entertainment for closing deals or celebrating partnerships. The venue's proximity to Rittenhouse Square hotels and corporate offices makes it convenient for multi-day business visits. Large groups appreciate the shareable menu format and ability to reserve semi-private spaces.

Tips for business dining in Pennsylvania's restaurant scene

Pennsylvania's business dining culture balances East Coast formality with Midwestern warmth, creating unique expectations for professional meals. Philadelphia restaurants typically require reservations 3-5 days in advance for prime lunch slots (12:00-1:30 PM), while dinner bookings need a full week's notice at top establishments. Consider that many executives prefer early dinner meetings (5:30-6:30 PM) to avoid rush-hour traffic on I-76 and I-95.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact dining choices—request indoor seating from November through March unless specifically visiting for holiday atmospheres. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions for restaurants with outdoor spaces, particularly effective for relaxed client relationships. Pennsylvania's craft beverage scene provides conversation starters; suggesting local wines from the Brandywine Valley or Lancaster County demonstrates cultural awareness.

Budget expectations vary dramatically between Philadelphia and suburban markets. Center City business lunches average $35-50 per person before beverages, while suburban establishments like Elia offer comparable quality at $25-35. Always clarify parking arrangements—valet services at Cuba Libre and Harp & Crown eliminate logistics stress, while suburban locations provide complimentary lots. For alcohol-free meetings, La Colombe's coffee program offers sophisticated alternatives that maintain professional atmosphere without wine pairings.

Finally, respect Pennsylvania's subtle dining customs: business discussions typically wait until after appetizers arrive, tipping standards expect 20% for lunch and 22-25% for dinner service, and requesting separate checks for large groups should happen when making reservations. These practices ensure smooth experiences that enhance rather than distract from business objectives.