Two truly can’t-miss restaurants across Pennsylvania are local to Chester County, writes Nikelle Murphy for The Takeout.
Andiario in West Chester and East Earl’s Shady Maple Smorgasbord were named two must-try restaurants across the state by The Takeout. Both spots bring truly unique dining experiences that neither locals nor tourists should miss out on.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord in nearby Lancaster serves as the largest buffet in the country. Visitors can find a wide range of Pennsylvania Dutch comfort classics available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The buffet-style space includes mashed potatoes, roasted meats, and plenty of homemade desserts. Lunch and dinner items include fried shrimp, beef brisket, and a forty-six item salad bar.
USA Today also recently honored the smorgasbord as the No. 1 best buffet in the country in a 2024 national poll.
Nearby, West Chester’s Andiario also boasts some of the best dining in the state. The recipient of several James Beard Award nominations, this local spot boasts delicious New American cuisine made with local ingredients.
The menu changes weekly with a $85 pre-set dinner option. While reservations may be scarce, the specialty cuisine earned Andiario the honorary title of “best special occasion restaurants” according to fans near and far.
Read more about can’t-miss restaurants in Chester County and beyond in The Takeout.
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From live-fire cooking to hand-made pastas and hyper-seasonal ingredients, Andiario’s evolving tasting menu has made it one of the Philadelphia region’s must-try dining experiences.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in November 2025.
