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6 new or revamped dining destinations to explore in Centre County

Stories by Centre Daily Times journalists, with AI summarization

Centre County’s vibrant dining scene continues to expand with new openings that highlight unique culinary experiences and community impact. Restaurants like Kitchen Garden bring something new to the area, while the recent revamp of the Nittany Lion Inn introduces a mix of upscale dining and casual bar options, catering to a variety of palates.

Small, family-run establishments such as the Red Roost Diner prioritize home-cooked meals and a pay-it-forward ethos through community meal donations. Other notable entries include Fatoum Bistro, blending Middle Eastern and Western influences with heartfelt homage to family cooking. These new additions collectively emphasize innovation, locality, and inclusivity in shaping Centre County’s culinary landscape.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

A look at the dining room of Lionne in the Nittany Lion Inn, on Tuesday, Aug. 27. 2024. By Abby Drey

NO. 1: FOUR NEW DINING AND BAR OPTIONS ARE OPEN AT THE NITTANY LION INN. WHAT’S ON THE MENUS?

Dear Joe, Triplett’s, Lionne and 1855 Lounge are open at the Nittany Lion Inn. | Published September 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Halie Kines

Cluck and Catch opened its doors Monday, Dec. 16. A few tables are available inside for dine-in eating. By Matt DiSanto

NO. 2: FRIED FISH & CHICKEN IS A STATE COLLEGE RESTAURATEUR’S LATEST VENTURE. HERE’S THE MENU

The restaurant opened Monday and in the former home of another fried chicken shop. | Published December 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by mdisanto@centredaily.comMatt DiSanto

Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks Chef Jonathan Forshey with two popular dishes, grilled beets and the Poe Paddy Porter braised beef on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 3: ELK CREEK CAFE’S NEW CHEF A ‘GREAT FIT’ FOR THE CENTRE COUNTY STAPLE. SEE THE NEW MENU

The new menu continues to highlight regional farms and producers | Published February 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Holly Riddle

Mr. Hot Dog & More, 807 Pleasantview Blvd., on Nov. 14, 2023. The restaurant plans to close Nov. 22 after nearly four decades in business. By Bret Pallotto

NO. 4: NEW FAMILY-RUN CENTRE COUNTY DINER IS PAYING IT FORWARD FOR THOSE IN NEED. CHECK OUT THE MENU

The diner will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week. | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

Rolled Kadaif and baklava from Kitchen Garden in State College on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 5: NEW EATERY BRINGS TURKISH AND MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, HOSPITALITY TO STATE COLLEGE AREA

The breakfast and lunch spot officially opens next week. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Holly Riddle

The Fatoum Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is located on Westerly Parkway in State College. By Jessica McAllister

NO. 6: NEW STATE COLLEGE RESTAURANT FEATURES MENU INSPIRED BY ‘WORLDLY CUISINE.’ HERE’S A LOOK

The Fatoum Bistro held its soft opening on Thursday. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jacob Michael

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.