Our Allentown adoption agents love dining out in the Lehigh Valley. We think going out for breakfast, brunch, or dinner is one of the best ways to bond with the entire family. In our opinion, Bethlehem has some of the best restaurants the Lehigh Valley has to offer. Some of our favorite places to go for a great meal include:

Apollo Grill

Apollo Grill offers a creative menu featuring a variety of unique New American dishes. The word is out on this place and it’s become extremely popular, so we highly recommend making a reservation if you’re planning to eat here. But if you live in or are visiting the Lehigh Valley, it’s well worth booking a table in advance and making the trip here.

We haven’t tried anything less than stellar on the menu, but some of our top recommendations at Apollo Grill include:

  • Panko crusted sea scallops
  • Pan seared duck breast
  • Crab stuffed shrimp
  • Chicken breast with acorn squash ravioli
  • Beef short-rib cheesesteak
  • Ahi tuna tacos

Aqui Es: A Taste Of Mexico

Aqui Es is a truly authentic hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant nestled in downtown Bethlehem. In our opinion, this is easily the best Mexican restaurant in the Lehigh Valley, and even holds its own against some of the best Mexican restaurants in nearby Philadelphia. The service here is top-notch, as they provide all guests with complimentary chips and salsa – even those waiting for their takeout orders.

If you’re a big fan of Mexican food and in this area, you absolutely must visit Aqui Es. Some of our favorite items on their menu include:

  • Tacos al pastor
  • Adobada quesadilla
  • Tortas with your choice of meat, along with beans, lettuce, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, avocado, and mayonaise
  • Fried tacos
  • Al pastor salad

Bolete Restaurant

If you’re looking to dine somewhere upscale in Bethlehem where your splurge will be well worth the price, Bolete Restaurant is a fine choice. They’re open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday, but the Sunday brunch is the true gem here. However, you’re guaranteed to have a great meal here regardless of when you come.

Some of our personal favorites at Bolete Restaurant include:

  • Chilled East Beach blonde oysters
  • Duck hash
  • Maine lobster roll
  • Cast iron seared Lancaster grass-fed beef burger
  • House-corned roasted duck leg

The Bayou

The Bayou is owned by a New Jersey chef who blends New American cuisine with Cajun influences to create a menu chock full of delectable dishes. The southern-influenced dishes are complemented with southern hospitality, as the service here is always fast and friendly. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Bethlehem for a nice family dinner.

We’re big fans of the following items on The Bayou’s menu:

  • Crispy cornmeal catfish
  • Buttermilk fried chick
  • Shrimp and grits
  • Fried green tomatoes
  • Jambalaya
  • Fried frog legs

Fiamma Italian Grill

Fiamma Italian Grill serves up excellent Italian and seafood in a charming, ambient setting. With black leather booths, a marble countertop bar, and soft yellow lighting, this is a great choice for either a family dinner or a romantic date. In our opinion, the food here is just as good as some of the best Italian restaurants in New York City.

There are plenty of delicious choices on the menu at Fiamma, but some of our favorites include:

  • Baked clams oreganato
  • Sausage & broccoli rabe
  • Italian tuna salad
  • Whipped ricotta meatballs
  • Blackened sea scallops
  • Angel hair gorgonzola