Can't Miss Dishes 2025

Jessica Hunter/Erin Phillips

In this year's list of Can't Miss Dishes, the writers and editors at the Erie Reader have selected seven local meals that we'd hate for you to miss out on. We take you from soup to nuts, as it were - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Bon Appetit!

Food is something that a place can build an identity around — in Erie there are local haunts that have stood the test of time, hosting generations of Erieites and creating lasting food memories for countless citizens (and probably some visitors, too). There is the Erie-centric fare — pepperoni balls, ox roast, Greek dogs, and blue moon ice cream, to name a few — that have become our culinary calling card.

How does a food become the stuff of legend? That question is inherent in our annual Can't Miss Dishes feature — to call the public's attention to locally made taste sensations that we (the writers and editors at the Erie Reader) feel should be on your radar. Something you might have overlooked or a place you've never considered — but one that has something so good, craveable, and unique, we feel compelled to mention them in print. Some, we hope, might become legendary.

So here's this year's list. We take you from soup to nuts, as it were — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. We've got vegan and vegetarian options; we've got easy weeknight options; we've got fancy, celebratory richness alongside hearty, down-to-earth meals. Something for every budget and taste. We hope you enjoy!

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Spinach Benny

Where: Avanti's, 1662 W. 8th St

Vibe: Light while still being decadent

On the Menu as: Spinach Benedict

Price: $12 (although with the whole egg situation, maybe temporarily more)

Hot Tip: Our editors are split on hash browns vs. home fries, but this writer definitely prefers the crispy, cubed latter.

It's a little known fact that once a month, our small crew of editors at the Erie Reader meet up for breakfast at Avanti's. We have our favorite table, we have our favorite server (Alisa, we love you), we keep the coffee coming, and at least two of us invariably order the Spinach Benedict. Lighter and less heavy than a traditional, meat-laden benedict, the gently sautéed spinach and fresh tomato make the runny yolk and buttery hollandaise feel a little less intense but still totally indulgent.

Photo: Erin Phillips

What: The GOAT Italian Combo Sub

Where: 6Pack House of Beer, 847 Pittsburgh Ave.

Vibe: Audibly "mmmmmm-ing" with each bite

On the Menu As: Subs: Combo

Price: $8.50 (half), $17.00 (whole)

Hot Tip: Stop in on a Saturday night and tell the Earth Angel behind the counter that I sent you.

Listen. The best Italian combo sub you're ever going to have in Erie (arguably anywhere) is tucked away in a lil' strip mall beer store. This is not conjecture, this is fact. Made on a buttered, perfectly toasted, big ass loaf of locally made Majestic Baking Co. sourdough Italian bread that makes it impossible to be soggy, pressed with fresh sliced meats and cheeses piled high, and just the right amount of Italian vinaigrette — it is less a sub and more a transcendent experience. Pair it with a Lavery Brewing Company/Happy Mug collab Ulster Stout and you'll be feeling totally satisfied while supporting four local businesses in one go.

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Ricotta Meatballs

Where: Roma's Italian Kitchen, 2933 W. 12th St.

Vibe: Upscale version of grandma's Sunday meatballs

On the Menu As: Nonna's Famous Meatballs

Price: $14

Hot Tip: If you're feeling more a vegetarian situation, the eggplant parm should not be missed.

Roma's Italian Kitchen, the latest restaurant on the Mediterranean scene in Erie, features a dining room design with modern, Chihuly-esque glass light fixtures alongside rustic barnwood tables. And the menu matches that vibe — simultaneously rustic and refined. The ricotta meatballs, specifically, are that old school, Sunday-dinner-at-Grandma's-house nostalgia but elevated — served on a bed of whipped ricotta, herbs, and olive oil. Drag a piece of the meatball through the creamy, fresh cheese and it creates a sauce all its own. Order it with a side of fried zucchini (sliced thin, in a light tempura-like batter, with a squeeze of lemon) and you've got yourself a meal worthy of Nonna's praise.

Photo: Nick Warren

This next dish was something our Contributing Editor Nick Warren felt our readers simply couldn't miss. Take it away, Nick!

What: Vegan Philly

Where: Philly on the Rocks, 401 W. 18th St.

Vibe: Pennsylvania corner rock 'n' roll bar realness

On the Menu As: Philly Steaks

Price: $7.25 (Small), $11.99 (Large)

Hot Tip: Pair it with a basket of their Phreaky Phries.

You would think that something called a cheesesteak wouldn't be a very good vegan option, but in this case, you'd be very wrong. Chances are, if you're familiar with Philly on the Rocks it's probably because you're a fan of live, original music. This unassuming corner bar is also home to what has to be Erie's best take on the iconic Philly cheesesteak. A labor of love from owner and cook Sean McElhinney, each sandwich is served on an authentic Amarosa roll from Philadelphia. Toppings can include fried onions, raw onions, mushrooms, banana peppers, and bacon, with six choices of cheese including Whiz. The Vegan Philly in particular has taken a gooey piece of my heart. The lightness of the plant based crumble is the perfect thing to fuel you without slowing you down if you're seeing (or playing) a show and downing a couple of drinks. Rock 'n' roll is hard work.

Photo: Erin Phillips

What: Mixed Kabob Platter

Where: Shish Kabob, **in a new location at 1023 State St.**

Vibe: Smoky charry grilled goodness for dayzzzzz

On the Menu As: Mixed Grills

Price: $17.00

Hot Tip: Order with a side of hummus and pitas — then pile all the things into a wrap.

As I mentioned in the vibe portion above, not only is this food incredibly tasty, fresh, authentic, and flavorful — it also lasts for days. The proprietors of Shish Kabob Restaurant want to feed you well and are so generous with their portions that a single order of Mixed Grills kabobs will feed you for at least two meals. Skewered and grilled ground chicken and beef are served atop a literal hotel pan full of aromatic yellow rice alongside (my favorite part) the grilled veg: tomatoes, zucchini, and onions, and the herbiest salad imaginable. You'll be looking forward to tomorrow's lunch (and maybe dinner)!

Photo: Adam Welsh

What: Steak with Lobster Sauce

Where: The Boardroom Dining and Spirits, 4353 W. Ridge Rd.

Vibe: The place for steaks in Erie

On the Menu As: 12 oz. Angus Reserve New York Strip

Price: $46

Hot Tip: Word on the street is that the burger is also incredible — you be the judge.

If you haven't made it to the Boardroom yet, let this be your word-of-mouth suggestion to give it a try for your next celebratory meal. Our co-editor-in-chief Adam Welsh reports that this steak is "indeed bomb." Perfectly cooked, super juicy, and flavorful — the charbroiled prime steak is blanketed in a luxurious Gold Coast shrimp and lobster cream sauce that rivals or bests other, more pricey options. Reservations are encouraged, as during winter months the indoor seating is limited. Look forward to patio seating in the warmer months, where you can enjoy this indulgent, unforgettable meal al fresco.

Photo: Jessica Hunter

What: Sponge Candy Affogato

Where: Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. 8th St.

Vibe: Like being at an Italian cafe

On the Menu As: Affogato

Price: $8.99 (single scoop)

Hot Tip: You can choose your ice cream flavor — this would be equally great with a variety involving pistachio, chocolate, or caramel.

As if Romolo ice cream wasn't perfection enough (and it is — this writer particularly recommends their "peanut butter salted caramel" variety) with its fresh, homemade, intensely creamy, velvety mouthfeel, studded with various Romolo cakes, candies, nuts, and cookies. Their affogato (which is on a supplementary menu atop the ice cream freezer) takes that perfection to a whole new level. Artfully pulled espresso shots, made in the Italian tradition on their imported Vittoria Arduino Venus machine, with its thick layer of crema, is poured atop a scoop of the aforementioned perfect ice cream (in our case, we chose their sponge candy flavor), and topped with fresh, lightly sweetened whipped cream and homemade fudge sauce. It is the balance of sweet and bitter with hot and cold, that makes this "drowned" dessert one that shouldn't be missed.