Antelao Restaurant

This is, hands down, the best restaurant in the Stroudsburg/​Poconos area. Best filet mignon I’ve ever had! The attention to the details of the meal is flawless. Bring your own wine-​the corking fee is minimal. When I’m in the area, Antelao is my first choice!

2013 SERVICE CHANGE: NO LONGER DOING REGULAR DINNER SERVICE. Per their website — «Antelao will now be focusing on private parties, special prix-​fixe dinners and cooking classes. Our last day of regular dinner service will be Sunday September 1^st. Gift certificates will, of course, be honored at these events. We will have menus and more information on this website in October. We do wish to thank all our guests for thirteen years of cooking in the Gap.»
This has been my parents’ favorite restaurant for a few years and my mom is extremely tough to please (trust me, I’ve been trying for 28 years now) They would drive an hour to come here.
I’ve accompanied them several times and it has always been a great experience.
The food is consistently great. The filet mignon here was the best I ever had. When I gave up meat, it was not easy to order something else from the menu. But everything is delicious. The desserts are divine! The bread rolls are awesome and they’d give you some to take home!
The restaurant is run by a husband and wife (he cooks the food, she waits the tables) and their love for what they do shows through the food and service. She is extremely friendly, talkative and passionate about the food. Dining service was held in the first floor of a house and was very intimate with limited seating.
The area is beautiful. Check out the Village Farmer and Bakery around the corner for some local baked goods, preserves, snacks, candies, etc.
I’m not sure why they decided to get rid of the regular dinner service. I hope to come here for a prix-​fixe dinner or private party in the future.

Antelao deserves 10 stars!!! From the delicious basket of homemade rolls (one of them made with pepper) to the homemade iced tea, desserts (we had tiramisu made with homemade mascarpone) and entrees (smoked scallops with homemade ink pasta) every single item we had was out of this World!
All of the above is a reflection of the love and dedication of the owner who is constantly there to make sure patrons have the best experience and takes the most beautiful pride in her craft. If you are in the area, do not miss Antelao.
One of the most pleasurable dining experiences I’ve had in a long time and it does get even better: their prices are very reasonable. Thank you, Unilocal

Can’t speak about the food because we were not «allowed» to eat here. Driving through the area we made a special stop to try this restaurant based on the positive reviews. We checked the menu outside and our son was excited about ordering the rack of lamb. Upon entry the hostess grimaced at us and coldly said «we don’t have a children’s menu». I replied that we didn’t need a special menu and were excited about the food. She then said «well, actually we don’t accommodate children» — the owner apparently doesn’t «allow» anyone under 10. Our son, an excellent eater who is perfectly behaved in restaurants and has dined in some of the best places all over the world, was confused and embarrassed. The other patrons were all dressed very casually (shorts and t-​shirts) so it’s not like this is a very fancy place. It was also nearly empty. We went across the street for a nice meal at the Sycamore Grill where the service was wonderful and very friendly!

This is an old review that I have been meaning to post for a while. I had two experiences here that were drastically different, both in the year 2011.
The first time we came here was in February 2011. This experience was hands down a FIVE STAR one. We didn’t have a reservation but luckily we were able to get a seat. Our server is also your chef/​owner (or at least the dessert chef) and she was happy to describe in detail anything on the menu. It’s been two years but I remember a few of the dishes, which says something. The freshest variety of rolls, a really nicely cooked steak with mushrooms, and a SUPER tasty squash filled canneloni with browned butter (or something along those lines). the atmosphere was homey inside, but also very classy. The presentation of the dishes was like a more home-​made version of a «fancy» type of restaurant you might go to in NYC (like when your mom tries to make something looks fancy on a dinner plate). Such a heart-​warming and delicious experience, I couldn’t wait to return.
HOWEVER, when I did chance it to return again I was sorely, sorely disappointed by their lack of service etiquette. We had plans to come back on New Years eve 2011 – 2012, and their answering machine directed my partner to call them on a certain date to make a reservation. He did so, and made a reservation, although the person he spoke to was curt and rather rude– She told him they did not have a later seating available so he would have to take the early one or none at all. He agreed to since we loved it so much, and gave her our name and number. Fast forward one month, new years eve, all dressed up and at the door of the restaurant. ONLY TO FIND THAT THEY DIDN’T HAVE OUR RESERVATION IN THE BOOK AND THAT THEY REFUSED TO SEAT US, GIVE US ANY EXPLANATION, OR OFFER ANY SORT OF APOLOGY WHATSOEVER. They did have my partner’s name written down in a margin with a phone number, but no reservation. REALLY!!! I literally started crying so hard my partner made me leave the restaurant while he negotiated, TO NO AVAIL. I was SO disappointed, and they were so cruel and uncaring. I have NEVER experienced such rude service from a place that seems to be trying to create a «classy» restaurant. What a huge huge disappointment.
Luckily, the deer head inn acorss the street (where we were staying) allowed us to sit at the bar and have dinner and enjoy their NYE Jazz event, which was lovely and included a pre-​fixe dinner which was tasty too.
It’s been a little over a year now, but I still felt that others should know about this experience since it was SO awful. Honestly, it’s the best restaurant in the area (Deer Head in is good and homey too, but it can’t beat Antelao)… so I might go there again someday when I’m in the poconos. But for now I’m going to stay where I belong, in Brooklyn, and enjoy the impeccable service and gourmet food that NYC has to offer.

What a lovely, quaint restaurant in the Delaware Water Gap. I happened to notice it on our drive through the park, and from the outside it looked lovely, situated in what looked like an old-​fashioned home from the outside. Immediately I checked out Unilocal and saw the amazing reviews and thought I had to go back to try it for myself.
The place exceeded my already high expectations. Our waitress was also the owner (and her husband she said was the chef) and knew every item on the menu by heart, including what it was cooked in, the sides, the sauces, and every small detail. It was impressive!
For appetizer we had the smoked duck w honey Dijon mustard which was tender and perfectly done. For entrees we had the arctic char daily special and antelao stuffed chicken w polenta and both were heavenly. The arctic char fish was simply melt in your mouth and full of flavor. The chicken was also tender and delicious. We had the pineapple dessert which was the perfect ending to our perfect meal. We forgot to bring our own wine, but for $ 2 corkage fee you can bring your own. What a bargain!
The service was exceptional, from hanging our coats, to frequently checking on us, and to providing us with local sightseeing tips. The price was moderate, but given the excellent food and service, it was definitely worth it!
I left the restaurant filling satisfied (but not stuffed) after a 3-​course meal and having felt I just ate an absolutely delicious but healthy meal. It was a treat in the middle of a place you’d never guess!

I love everything about this restaurant — but most importantly the delicious food.
I am a very picky eater and don’t like a lot of restaurants in the Poconos, but Antelao’s never disappoints!!!
BYOB makes it more affordable, but at any price, its worth it.

My husband and I were in town for the Labor Day weekend and he made the reservation based on reviews from TripAdvisor. Antelao did not disappoint. We arrived for our reservation at 5:15, wine in hand. Once we found the place (signage is somewhat overgrown in front and it looks like a residence), we were welcomed at the door and seated immediately. Our server was the owner’s wife, who took every opportunity to provide more information about each dish on the menu. I enjoyed the special of the evening — a salmon filet served over eggplant caponata (heaven!), and my husband enjoyed cioppino — a seafood stew. Both were fabulous! Despite being full to capacity, we shared a dessert — homemade ice cream — wonderful!
The service was wonderful, food exceptional and we’ve paid much more for dinners we’ve not enjoyed nearly as much. Loved it — we’ll be back whenever we are in the area.

The best filet mignon I have ever had period. I stopped ordering filets decades ago for it always came overcooked, and no one seemed to get it right. Too many years of getting burned I stopped. For some odd reason, I decided to give it a shot of all places, this little only open on the weekend restaurant. I asked for medium rare.
OH MY GOODNESS! It was super duper tender, bursting with flavor and I wish I had room in my stomach but that’s okay, I am going to continue eating till my body screams because I can’t help it experience.
The other dishes were good and not 5 star worthy but I am blindsided by the filet mignon and all I see is stars, five stars. Go make a reservation… this place is the best around the area and some dishes definitely tops NYC’s top restaurants.

3.5 stars, rounded up because of location. This restaurant has little competition in the surrounding area.
We had reservations for a 6:30 seating on a Sunday. When they called to confirm my mother let slip that we would be bringing a child. A Child? Yes, a child. They made sure that she knew they did not have a kid’s menu, and she made sure that they knew that my child was well prepared to eat in their restaurant. I told her that I rarely tell restaurants that I’m bringing him, and for good reason.
My family was dining at Antelao just because. I’d been there once before, long ago, and remembered it being a charming place to spend an evening. My memory served me well.
The service was excellent, the menu was varied enough, and the setting was lovely. For the general area, this is a four star dining experience. For the world in general? Four stars is pushing it just a bit.
The rolls were fresh, and tasty. We had plenty, and our basket was refilled. My mother had brought along a bottle of wine, which was opened with a $ 2 corkage fee. We ordered, asking for a few adjustments including extra vegetables for my no carb mother, and all were agreed upon.
My husband ordered a crab cake which was delicious. I ordered gazpacho, which was filled with fresh, crunchy vegetables. Sadly, it had been made with chicken stock, so was not vegetarian. Worse, the oils in the stock were easy to find, as they left streaks on my spoon and an my tongue. The soup was tasty, but it felt wrong in my mouth. I mentioned it to the waitress, who nodded and took it away, murmuring something about olive oil.
Next came the green salad, which had been lightly tossed in olive oil before being dressed. I’d asked for my bleu cheese dressing on the side, and had fun watching it roll off of the lettuce. My husband had asked for his without the oil, and had to trade with my son, who prefers his salad undressed. When my mother asked us what we thought, my husband answered «My lips are slippery!» This, of course, immediately became his Facebook status.
Dinner arrived and was well received. My son ate most of his 8 oz filet, my husband and mother agreed that the rack of lamb was under a minute too rare for their tastes, but was too good to stop eating, and my shrimp in tarragon cream was quite good, though a bit heavier in the cream than I had hoped.
We did not stay for dessert, though we had a cup of delicious coffee.
A good night, even if a bit too oily.

I made a reservation for here Saturday night. The only thing that they had open was 830 pm, which was fine because I called last minute. If you want a normal dinner time, say 6 – 630, definitley call in advance! They serve dinner every friday, saturday, and sunday starting at 5:00 pm. I believe you can call to make reservations Thursday-​Sunday after 12:00 pm. The place is super cute! Very clean and the staff was great! they were very nice and very accomadating! The restaurant is small! I think around 7 or 8 tables so it is pretty quiet inside! They dont serve alcohol but allow you to bring your own wine, I think they charge 2.00 $ to serve it though, No big deal! Also they menu changes every season so 4 times a year which is cool! We are excited to go back in the beginning of July when they start their summer menu. For appetizer I got the goat cheese crêpe with was delicious! My boyfriend got the scallops which also were great! We both got the tomato soup with was awesome! Salads came out next, I think they only have 3 types of dressing though! For dinner I got the antelao chicken and My boyfriend got the steak. Everything was cooked perfect! I think our bill was 88 $. So the price is pretty reasonable! Honestly no complaints. We will definitley be going back.

My now Fiancée had a special weekend planned for us in the Poconos and after reading the impeccable reviews, I couldn’t help but make a reservation for Antelao. There are only 7 tables in the restaurant, and we were lucky enough to score the «private» table, which is away from the main dining room. Upon arrival we were greeted by a very happy hostess who took us right to our seats. We ordered the Ravioli appetizer to start. It was AMAZING. The perfect portion size, the perfect textures. Breath taking. For our entrees — he had the Filet and I ordered the Lamb. Phenomenal isn’t enough of a word to cover what this food was. Fresh, creative, fun, DELICIOUS and cooked to PERFECTION. We have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the Philadelphia area, and this place — by far — provided us the best meal we’ve ever had. We will be going back, even if we don’t stay in the area — we’d take the ride just to go here again. and AGAIN. You can tell the couple that owns this establishment love what they do, and what they cook!

Absolutely delicious. Not expensive for the quantity and quality. BYOB. Perfect for a special occasion. Save room for dessert. So happy I spent my Bday here!
The hostess even remembered whose coats belonged to who in my party of 6. Felt very personal and Special without being pretentious.

This is another restaurant that my wife and I discovered in our travels. We were staying at a B&B in the area, and we asked the proprietors about where we could get a great meal. As an Italian boy from Brooklyn, I was skeptical about the proprietors’ rave reviews about a place in rural Pennsylvania with Italian leanings. They were correct however, and I ate my skepticism with gusto through every course.
It’s a husband and wife team that runs the place (He’s the chef; she’s the baker.), and it is a tight ship as much as it is delicious and focused on minute details. Moreover, from the perspective of a New Yorker, it is really inexpensive for the artisanal quality of food and service. They also don’t have a liquor license so their BYOB policy serves to drive the costs down even further, and their $ 2 corkage fee was laughably affordable.
Sadly, it has been a several years since we went to Antelao, but I vividly recall their obviously homemade pasta and one of the most unctuous braised lamb shanks that I’ve ever had. I love braised meats, and I order them at almost every opportunity I’m afforded. Antelao’s version did not disappoint, but then again nothing there was less than excellent. My wife and I each had appetizer, entrée, and we split three desserts because there were so many things that sounded so good.
Another aspect that we both appreciated is that the restaurant is a no cell phone environment. The restaurant only has a handful of tables, and a ringing phone would have broken the spell of this intoxicating gem in the Delaware Water Gap. There is no question that we will return to Antelao when next we are in the area. We might make the trip again just to dine there. It’s awesome, and it can go toe-​to-​toe with any fine dining establishment in New York or any big city.

Antelao held up to its raving reviews! Fresh, delicious, unique, intimate, and incredibly friendly. Here is the rundown on our meals…
Pork and gnocchi — possibly the best meal I’ve ever eaten. The pork was tender, the gnocchi light, and the veggies so fresh. The sauce was sooo
flavorful and delicate. I believe it was a white wine/​butter/​garlic sauce.
Summer pasta — This was my boyfriend’s meal, and it was so delicious. The eggplant was grilled to perfection, and again, tasted so fresh. There were also fresh red peppers in there which added a cool twist.
Salad with creamy dill dressing — The dressing was so different, and definitely a welcomed twist to any salad.
Gazpacho — The fresh veggies definitely made this gazpacho to die for.

Truffles — So incredibly decadent, and the raspberry sauce made them a real treat.
Sorbet sampler — I wanted to try something different, so I ordered this for dessert. Out of my norm chocolate-​anything order! I was glad I did– The flavors were so unique. Pear mint, cucumber, and passion fruit. Mouth watering. A nice light finish to an incredible meal.

We had a fabulous meal here, to rival anything we’ve eaten in NYC or Boston. The food and the service were excellent. The setting is cheerful yet elegant. Certain touches struck us as being very old fashioned, in a good way: the staff were very friendly (no snobbery here), they refill your iced tea, all meals come with a side salad, and — the biggest surprise — they give everyone rolls to take home at the end of the meal. It was my mother’s birthday but we were so full at the end of our meals that we didn’t order dessert. Elvi actually gave us a dessert to go (chocolate truffles), complete with a candle and matches (she didn’t charge us for any of this). My mother was so touched she said she was near tears. If you appreciate good food and service, you should go.

A small place with only 7 tables with spectacular food and excellent service, nestled in a quaint little town. They change the menu 4X per year. I started with the roasted carrot and ginger soup, then cioppino (scallops/​shrimp/​fish stew) entrée, then tiramisu (homemade mascarpone). Everything was just excellent. Best place I have eaten at all year.

funny that i agree with the reviews on finding it difficult to recommend this place — because it is the areas BEST KEPT SECRET. Oh darn it. too late…
The food was ultimately and undeniably MAGNIFICENT. I say this because as avid-​eating out person… this was truly an experience that you will never forget. the setting is inside a colonial-​style home so it brings you this comfort feel. The owner/​waitress gave us the most DETAILED explanation fo all the dishes, so you know what to expect in the flavors that you try. This is NOT a common routine. if only more restaurants knew how to function this way, perhaps they’d be more well-​received.
I am impressed by the scallop lobster bisque — the seafood was soooo fresh. All the breads and homemade butter was irrestible… i took it home with me. I tried to seafood dishes, meat dishes and chicken. The ingredients are sooo fresh you can literally taste it in your mouth. They have an herb garden so a lot of their recipes are excellent.
You will need to BYOB or wine.

Nestled in the small Pocono town of Delaware Water Gap is the absolutely charming Antelao Restaurant. This restaurant is housed in a beautiful Victorian house surrounded by a gorgeous, colorful garden. The bright and cheery dining area is on the small side with no more than six or seven tables so the mood is definitely on the intimate and very personal level.
The menu is simple, seasonal, creative and wonderful. There’s just about something to please everyone — from the picky vegetarian to the die hard carnivore. We settled on the summer crêpe (good but a bit heavy on the ricotta), calamari (deliciously braised and flavorful), the chicken Antelao (huge, original and excellent) and the roasted duck breast (tender, succulent and rich). The dinner came with salads with a very nice cream dill dressing and dinner rolls which were warm, fresh and pretty much irresistible.
Service is beyond stellar. Co-​owner/​wife, Elvi, is friendly, animated and an absolute doll. She answered all our questions, offered excellent advice, and described everything thoroughly and with such flair! All our dishes came out in a timely order and we never felt rushed or waiting.
Since it’s so small, advance reservations are a must. It’s also BYOB (with a small corking fee for wine), so feel free to bring your own libations. Prices are mid-​range and frankly, I’d pay a lot more for this kind of quality food and level of service.
After such a fantastic meal, I can’t believe I never came here sooner. Though it’s a bit out of the way from my normal dining destinations, Antelao is really is a phenomenal restaurant and definitely worth the little drive. Kudos, Antelao, kudos.

One of the best places to eat in the area. Elvie’s passion for her work makes the dinner that much more enjoyable. Every meal we have had there has been excellent and the desserts are incredible too. It’s BYOB, but that makes it cheaper and fun too, as you are the only one to blame for the wine selection.