Top 10 Family-Friendly Amish Restaurants in Lancaster, PA
Family-Friendly Dining Insider Tips
“Loving does not empty the heart, nor giving empty the purse.”
Ellie, Rachel, Colleen, & Sophie, posing in front of the Hershey Resort Amish Farm House.
As someone who called Lancaster County home for many years, Kevin had front-row seats to some of America's most authentic comfort food. Over the years, he systematically worked through the region's legendary Amish restaurants and buffets, from the well-known tourist destinations to the hidden gems locals whisper about.
So, if you're looking for a truly memorable family-style dining experience, there's no better place to start than Pennsylvania Amish Country: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
This region is home to the highest concentration of Amish people in the United States. It’s also where you’ll find the best, most authentic Amish restaurants, offering warm hospitality and recipes passed down through generations of Amish cooks. Whether you're visiting for the first time or making a return trip, these Amish-style restaurants serve delicious food and a deep sense of tradition, simplicity, and community.
Many of these are Amish-owned restaurants; some even come with petting zoos, gift shops, or views of nearby Amish farms and buggy rides. It’s a full-on Pennsylvania Dutch Country experience, and one your family won’t soon forget. Some of these restaurants also include accommodations for families that want to fully immerse themselves in an authentic Lancaster County Amish experience, making them a perfect one or two-night stay option on any family road trip through the area. We stayed at Hershey Farms and wished we'd had more than one night to explore (and eat).
Planning a Lancaster getaway? We have curated a special list of accommodations for you that are the best places to stay near these family-friendly restaurants. Lancaster, PA Accommodations
What Makes Amish Restaurants in Lancaster County Unique?
The best Amish restaurants in Lancaster County stand out for their authentic, home-cooked recipes made with local ingredients and served in a warm, family-friendly setting. You’ll find huge buffets with endless food options like brown buttered noodles, crispy fried chicken, freshly baked homemade bread, and shoofly pie so rich and gooey you’ll want to take a second slice home.
These restaurants offer more than just great food; they create a sense of community. Some even serve meals family-style in spacious dining rooms. Picture long communal tables where guests pass heaping platters of classic Amish recipes like tender roast beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and fresh garden vegetables. It’s a meal that feels more like an old-fashioned family dinner at Grandma’s than a typical restaurant outing.
Often located near, or even on, working Amish farms, these restaurants are a natural extension of any cultural visit to the region. Sometimes, you can even stay on-site, turning a hearty meal into part of a richer, more hands-on experience where the food, setting, and slower pace of life offer a meaningful glimpse into Amish traditions.
Top Family-Friendly Amish Restaurants in Lancaster County
Whether you're wrangling toddlers or traveling with teens, these restaurants serve more than just homestyle meals. They provide a warm welcome for families of all kinds. You’re sure to find something that even the pickiest five-year-old will eat and enough food to satisfy the ravenous appetite of a growing teen. From petting zoos to playgrounds and delicious buffet choices that go on forever, these spots make it easy to enjoy authentic Amish cooking without sacrificing kid-friendly fun.
We will share our honest insights about Lancaster's top Family Style Amish buffets, including insider tips on timing your visit, must-try dishes, and which restaurants offer the most bang for your buck. Whether you're planning your first visit to Amish country or are a fellow local looking to expand your dining horizons, consider this your roadmap to the best Pennsylvania Dutch family dining experiences Lancaster offers.
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Shady Maple Smorgasbord (East Earl)
This popular restaurant in the heart of Amish country proudly boasts the largest smorgasbord in the United States, with over 200 feet of authentic Pennsylvania Dutch culinary creations! Thanks to its massive buffet line offering more than 200 rotating menu items, it's especially popular with larger groups and for special events.
Depending on the time of day, you may enjoy the restaurant’s seamless transition from hearty breakfast dishes to savory lunch options and classic dinner fare. Don’t miss their famous fried chicken, sticky buns, and creamy homemade ice cream. Browse the on-site gift shop or attached grocery store for take-home goodies. Open daily from 7 a.m., with last seating at 7:30 p.m. and the buffet closing at 8:15 p.m., this is a must-visit spot.
Insider Tip: Looking for a special meal for your birthday? Shady Maple Smorgasbord will give you a free meal on that day! (Just be sure to provide proof.)
Shady Maple Smorgasbord front entrance in the heart of Amish Country.
Hershey Farm Restaurant (Ronks)
The grand smorgasbord features hand-carved meats, rotisserie, golden-fried chicken, Amish stuffing, and ham balls. There’s also a full salad bar, a baked potato bar, and a dessert spread featuring a wide selection of homemade Amish desserts. (Don’t miss their signature whoopie pies.) Guests can also enjoy a full breakfast smorgasbord, making this spot a delicious option any time of day.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the table. Set on more than 23 scenic acres, the Hershey Farm Resort property includes walking trails, farm animals, a tranquil fishing pond, and even three different lodging options!
This local favorite has literally risen from the ashes. In January 2023, the Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn were destroyed by a catastrophic fire. It took 18 months to rebuild, but it reopened in July of 2024, bigger and better than ever. We stayed in the farmhouse in 2018 and loved it, but even that has been completely remodeled since our stay.
Insider Tip: Turn your meal into a mini getaway by booking a stay and soaking in the full charm of this beautiful resort-like property. Our favorites were the (very vocal) goats!
Katie’s Kitchen (Ronks)
Katie’s Kitchen is a charming, Amish-owned restaurant that has quickly become a beloved local favorite in Lancaster County. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service provided by real Amish families, it’s a great place for those seeking a more intimate dining experience.
Families especially appreciate the menu of homemade comfort foods like Pork & Sauerkraut and Homemade Meatloaf. Follow up your delicious meal with ice cream, whoopie pies, or apple dumplings. Outdoor dining is offered seasonally, adding to the relaxed, welcoming vibe. (Please note: Katie’s Kitchen is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.)
Insider Tip: Plan to dine on a Wednesday when you can select Homemade Chicken Pot Pie.
A sign for Katie’s Kitchen in Amish Country, PA.
Dienner’s Country Restaurant (Ronks)
Dienner’s Country Restaurant is a no-frills, family-style gem known for serving hearty Pennsylvania Dutch favorites with a side of genuine hospitality. Popular with locals and visitors alike, this beloved spot offers classic Amish and Mennonite specialties like rotisserie chicken, buttered noodles, and mashed potatoes.
Guests can order from a menu or choose the buffet which includes a rotating day-of-week featured entree like Pork and Sauerkraut (Wednesday) or Fish and Shrimp (Friday and Saturday). There's also an irresistible variety of homemade pies, including the ever-popular shoo-fly pie. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it’s not uncommon to spot farm animals on the adjacent properties, adding to the restaurant’s authentic country charm. (Please note: Dienner’s is closed on Sundays.)
Insider Tip: Dienner's offers a breakfast buffet for $12.25 Monday–Saturday until 10:30 a.m. The big bonus is that kids 3–12 cost only 97¢ per year, and kids two and under are free with each adult buffet purchase! It's a great way to feed your young (and maybe picky) crew at a reasonable price.
Miller’s Smorgasbord (Lancaster)
Miller’s Smorgasbord is a historic Pennsylvania Dutch dining destination that has been serving guests for generations. Conveniently located near Old Philadelphia Pike, it offers both a traditional buffet and hearty family-style meals, giving visitors plenty of options to suit their preferences. You can even choose the Soup & Salad (& Bread) buffet for a lighter option.
Whether you're visiting for the history, the food, or the welcoming atmosphere, Miller’s Smorgasbord delivers a satisfying taste of Lancaster County tradition. Our favorites include the Chilled Steamed Shrimp, Lebanon Bologna, Brown Buttered Noodles, and Warm Shoofly Pie (with ice cream)
Insider Tip: Miller's is very popular. Reservations are strongly recommended.
The beautiful entrance to Miller’s Smorgasbord in Lancaster, PA.
Hometown Kitchen (Quarryville)
Hometown Kitchen in Quarryville offers a relaxed, family style dining experience without the crowds often found at more touristy Amish restaurants. It’s an excellent spot for those looking to enjoy authentic Lancaster County cuisine in a quieter, more down-to-earth setting.
The restaurant is primarily known for its homemade bread and tender Amish-style roast beef—simple, satisfying dishes served with genuine hospitality. If you're hoping to share a hearty meal with locals and see a broader mix of generations around the table, Hometown Kitchen delivers just that.
Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet (New Holland)
Tucked away in New Holland, Yoder’s is a cozy Amish restaurant that has earned a loyal following since opening in 1980. It's known for its incredible homemade desserts, widely considered some of the best in Lancaster County!
Guests can enjoy a well-stocked salad bar and rotating dinner buffets that showcase a different selection of comforting Amish classics each day of the week, Monday through Saturday.
Insider Tip: Stop by on Sunday for their special brunch. It's one of the few Amish restaurants with Sunday hours, making it a local favorite.
Entrance to Yoder’s Restaurant & Buffet in Lancaster, PA.
Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord (Bird-in-Hand)
A longtime community favorite, the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord is in the midst of a heartfelt comeback after suffering fire damage in January 2024. Known for its warm hospitality, Amish-themed self-serve buffets, and specialties like wet-bottom shoofly pies and classic whoopie pies, it has long been a go-to spot for travelers seeking an authentic Lancaster County experience.
While the main buffet restaurant is being rebuilt (scheduled to reopen this summer), the on-site Bakery and Café remain open, offering a selection of delicious menu items. This spot remains a local gem with a petting zoo, great food, and a friendly atmosphere.
Insider Tip: For a fully immersive experience, consider booking a stay at one of the Bird-in-Hand properties. Guests receive a two-hour guided bus tour through Amish farmlands and discounted tickets to performances at the Bird-in-Hand Stage.
Plain & Fancy Restaurant (Bird-in-Hand)
Plain & Fancy lives up to its name by combining the charm of authentic Amish cooking with the ambiance of a more refined dining experience. From January through October, guests can enjoy a traditional Amish family-style menu at long communal tables overlooking a working Amish farm.
In November and December, the restaurant shifts to a festive Holiday Feast Menu featuring sliced roast turkey, baked ham, hearty stuffing, and classic homemade apple and pumpkin pies. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal. Reservations are required, so plan ahead!
Insider Tip: Pair your visit with a buggy ride for an authentic taste of Lancaster County life.
"Pennsylvania Route 340, Amish Tourist Carriage near Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania" by Ken Lund CC BY-SA 2.0
1899 Olde Mill Restaurant (Intercourse)
Nestled in the heart of Intercourse, Pennsylvania, the 1899 Olde Mill Restaurant offers a cozy dining experience with a touch of historic charm. Known for its all-you-can-eat smorgasbord, the restaurant serves hearty dishes, reflecting the area's culinary traditions. Among its most treasured favorites are the grilled sticky buns, a delightfully sticky-sweet treat that helps balance the savory options.
Ready to go beyond the restaurant? We have curated authentic Amish home experiences that will change everything.
You’ll have access to genuine Amish homesteads and families and witness the traditional cooking methods that create these delicious and hearty favorites. Book through GetYourGuide or Viator:
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Amish Style Restaurant Experience
A visit to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is not complete without a visit to one of these fantastic restaurants that will help you truly appreciate the culinary delights of Pennsylvania Dutch food. Here are some tips to help you have the best experience:
Most of these restaurants are closed one or two days a week. Before visiting, be sure to check their websites for opening days and hours.
Make a reservation request, especially for larger groups, on weekends, or during holiday seasons.
Be open to sharing tables and dining family-style with other guests.
Come hungry—these meals are hearty and filling.
Look out for special events or seasonal menu updates. Many offer notable menu additions during the holidays, and/or they offer Easter, Mother's Day, or Father's Day Brunch. (Be aware that these events could mean larger crowds.)
Pair your meal with a visit to an Amish farm or a nearby gift shop.
Hungry to Get Started?
From shoo-fly pie with a side of soft-serve ice cream to a good, old-fashioned roast beef dinner or the country's largest buffet, a visit to a family-style restaurant in Lancaster County is more than just a stop for good food—it's a gateway into the Amish lifestyle. Plus, it’s the perfect addition to any family road trip that takes you through Pennsylvania or the New England area!
You’ll taste Amish specialties perfected by generations of Amish cooks, enjoy meals made with the freshest ingredients, and relax in a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Whether you’re seated at a picnic table on a warm summer evening or gathered inside a large dining room with your extended family, these authentic Amish restaurants offer the dining experience you’ve been craving.
Are you planning a first-time trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country? Share your thoughts in the comments—we love hearing about your adventures!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips & Tricks
Book Your Flight, if needed
Find a cheap flight using Skyscanner. It’s our favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines worldwide, so you know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel and medical insurance protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it. Our favorite company, World Nomads, offers the best service and value.
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation, all without any extra spending. Many of these cards are offering bonus points or free nights for applying! Here are a few of our favorites:
Chase Sapphire Preferred (Best for Travel)
American Express Gold Card (Best for Travel)
Capital One Venture X (Best for Travel & Family Lounge Access)
Chase IHG (Hotel Branded Card)
Hilton Honors American Express (Hotel Branded Card)
Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best and cheapest rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
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