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Best Restaurants in Amish Country

Best Restaurants in Amish Country

Amish Country Ohio, USA Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural Context & Ingredients

Ohio Amish Country cuisine comes from Pennsylvania Dutch culinary traditions. It features simple, fresh, and relaxing dishes. Meals often use ingredients grown or raised on local farms.

Staples include farm-fresh dairy, eggs, and various meats like chicken, pork, and beef. Locally grown vegetables like potatoes, corn, green beans, and cabbage are abundant. Flavors are generally mild and wholesome.

Dining Customs

  • Many traditional Amish-style restaurants use family-style dining. Dishes appear in large bowls or platters for sharing at the table.
  • Meal times typically run earlier than in urban areas. Many restaurants close by early evening (7:00 PM or 8:00 PM).
  • Standard U.S. Tipping practices apply (15-20% for good service).
  • Dining often proceeds at a relaxed pace, mirroring the slower pace of life in the region.

Meal Times & Regionality

Breakfast

Typically served from 7:THE HOURS of 12 am to 10:00 AM. Many B&Bs include a full, home-cooked breakfast.

Lunch

Generally from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a popular time for visitors to enjoy heartier meals.

Dinner

Generally from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Be aware of early closing times for lots of places.

Tip for Family Dining

  • Experience family-style dining at least once. It brings an authentic taste of Amish hospitality and abundant food.
  • This communal meal experience brings sharing and generous portions.
  • Many traditional Amish-style restaurants offer this assistance.
  • It's a memorable way to immerse oneself in the local food culture.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Broasted Chicken

This pressure-fried chicken features a crispy, seasoned skin and incredibly juicy, tender meat.

Find it at Der Dutchman or Berlin Farmstead Restaurant.

Amish Noodles

Homemade, thick, hearty egg noodles, often served as a side dish or as part of a chicken and noodles meal.

Their texture is distinctively chewy and satisfying.

Green Beans with Ham

Slow-cooked green beans with chunks of smoked ham, an iconic side dish offering deep, savory flavor.

A universal side dish at almost every restaurant.

Iconic Desserts

  • Shoofly Pie: A molasses-based pie with a crumbly streusel topping. It brings a unique sweet, slightly bitter flavor and moist texture.
  • Peanut Butter Pie: A popular creamy, sweet pie possessing a wealthy peanut butter filling, often with a chocolate crust.
  • Apple Butter: A warm, spiced fruit spread from slow-cooked apples. It is sweet and tangy, excellent on bread or biscuits.
  • Whoopie Pies: Two soft, cake-like cookies (often chocolate) with a creamy frosting filling.

Snacks & Beverages

Fried Pies & Fresh Baked Goods

Handheld, half-moon-shaped pies with various fruit fillings. Local bakeries offer a wide range of fresh breads, rolls, and cookies.

Beverages

Sweet tea, lemonade, and locally brewed (non-Amish) root beer are common. Alcoholic beverages are generally absent in Amish-owned establishments.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Very few fine dining options. "Tarbert's" restaurant at The Inn at Honey Run (Millersburg) brings a more upscale, contemporary American menu with seasonal ingredients.

  • Upscale setting.
  • Emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Refined dining experience.

Mid-Range Restaurants

This classification holds the most common dining experiences. Large family-style restaurants serve traditional Amish-style meals, often buffet-style or in large bowls for sharing.

  • Examples: Der Dutchman (Walnut Creek), Berlin Farmstead Restaurant (Berlin).
  • Focus on generous portions and comforting food.
  • Communal and welcoming atmosphere.

Markets & Budget Options

Amish-owned bakeries and cheese houses give excellent, affordable options for snacks, baked goods, sandwiches, and soup. Roadside stands offer fresh produce.

  • Heini's Cheese Chalet (Millersburg) and Hershberger's Farm and Bakery (Millersburg) are popular markets.
  • Troyer's Home Pantry (Berlin) is a bulk food store and bakery.
  • International cuisine options are limited, with a main focus on traditional American and Amish-style fare.

Freshness Tip

Visit Early for Baked Goods

For the freshest baked goods, visit Amish bakeries early in the morning. Many popular items sell out quickly.

Arriving early secures your favorite treats.

Roadside Stands

Roadside stalls offer fresh produce and baked items at good prices, often using an honor system.

AN excellent way to find seasonal delights.

Other Dining Notes

Local Markets

Explore places like Heini's Cheese Chalet for local products and samples.

International Cuisine

Limited options, mostly focused on American and Amish fare.

Bulk Food Stores

Troyer's Home Pantry has a large selection of bulk foods.

Farmers Markets

Seasonal markets offer fresh, local produce directly from farmers.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

  • Many traditional dishes contain meat or use animal fats for culinary use.
  • Restaurants may have salads, side orders (mashed potatoes, green beans, corn). Always confirm ingredients.
  • Ordering multiple side dishes creates a meal. Vegan options are more challenging to find in authentic restaurants.
  • Consider a vacation rental with kitchen facilities to prepare some of your own meals. Bulk food stores sell many ingredients.

Halal & Kosher

Limited Availability

Halal and Kosher options are extremely limited to non-existent. Travelers with these dietary needs should plan to self-cater with certified products.

Reliance on pre-packaged foods or products from larger nearby cities may be necessary.

Planning Ahead

Research specific grocery stores in larger nearby cities if products with certification are a must.

Packing a supply of certain snacks is advisable.

Gluten-Free & Allergens

Awareness & Communication
Awareness varies by restaurant.
Larger, modern restaurants might have better understanding.
Smaller places may have limited options or cross-contamination risks.
Communicate needs clearly and politely.
Bring your own Gluten-free snacks or bread.
Focus on naturally gluten-free foods (plain meats, vegetables, fruits).
Resources for Travelers

Reviews on the internet (Yelp, TripAdvisor) sometimes share knowledge about specific restaurant offerings for dietary needs.

  • Calling restaurants directly in advance clarifies their capabilities.
  • Packing a supply of your specific meal components is advisable for restrictive diets.
General Advice

Always be proactive in stating your dietary needs. The hospitality of the region often means people are willing to accommodate when possible.

Be clear and polite in your requests.

Takeaways for Dining

Traditional Focus
  • Most dining centers on hearty, traditional Amish and American comfort food.
  • Expect generous portions and simple preparations.
  • Early closing times are common for restaurants.
Dietary Planning
  • Vegetarian options exist but may mean combining side dishes.
  • Bring specialized items for very restrictive diets.
Local Gems
  • Amish bakeries and cheese houses provide delicious, fresh, and affordable items.
  • Family-style dining brings an unique cultural experience.

Culinary Experiences

Immersive Food Journeys

Cooking Classes & Food Tours

Some local B&Bs or tour operators may give specific cooking demonstrations or food-focused tours.

Highlighting Amish baking techniques or cheesemaking processes. Inquire with local tourism offices.
Farm Visits & Food Producers

Many cheese houses, like Heini's or Guggisberg Cheese, include viewing areas where you see cheese production.

Also, direct farm sales of produce, eggs, or homemade goods are possible.
Food Festivals & Events

Seasonal festivals often feature local foods and culinary demonstrations.

The Ohio Swiss Festival in Sugarcreek includes Swiss cheese, sausage, and pastry.

Unique Dining Concepts

  • Family-Style Dining: This stands as the signature dining experience, with large parts of traditional comfort food in a shared setting.
  • "Eat with an Amish Family" Programs: Some tour companies or local guides arrange for people coming to share a meal with an Amish family in their home.
  • This offers an unmatched cultural and culinary immersion.
  • These arrangements ask advance planning and respect for privacy.

Souvenir Tip

Local Cheese & Jams

Purchase local cheese and jams to take home. They are delicious souvenirs.

This allows you to extend the flavors of Amish Country.

Unique Edible Gifts

Many bakeries and markets also sell specialty candies, baked goods, and apple butter perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment.

Support local producers with your purchases.

Culinary Summary

Farm-to-Table Focus

Local cuisine centers on fresh, home-grown ingredients, reflecting the agricultural roots of the community.

Sweet Treats

Pies, whoopie pies, and fresh-baked bread are regional highlights, with many bakeries throughout the area.

Communal Dining

Family-style restaurants and special programs to dine with an Amish family present an unique cultural experience.

Additional Dining Tips

Consider packing specific refreshments or dietary supplements if you have restrictive needs, as specialized options may be limited.

  • Always verify opening and closing times, as many establishments close early.
  • Roadside stands often operate on an honor system; be cooked with cash.
  • Embrace the simple, hearty flavors. This region values quality ingredients.
  • Discover smaller, local bakeries for unique, freshly made items not found elsewhere.
  • Don't miss the local cheeses and fruit butters; they are signature products.