Laurel & Grouse — Restaurant in Johnstown

Finally, a truly great restaurant in Johnstown. Laurel & Grouse consistently delivers an elevated and completely satisfying culinary experience. I’ve been there three times and each time has been excellent, starting with an interesting cocktail menu with special creative seasonal riffs on classics and well designed unique cocktails. The Small Plates are varied and provide enough substance, depth, and flavor to eat a satisfying full meal off of that side of the menu — the freshest tuna tartare, an amazing dish of lamb and hummus served with a divine house-baked flat bread that I would drive a distance to be able to buy, smoked chicken pierogis that are delicate and substantial at the same time. Not to be overlooked is a plate of delicious dipping sauces and spreads served with homemade focaccia, the best of which is a simple pomegranate olive oil dip that made my eyes roll back in my head. On the Large Plate menu, the seasonal autumn lasagna —tender and flavorful, topped with a creamy squash béchamel infused with herbs—is so good I’ve had it 2 times! Their fish preparations are not to be sneezed at. The tuna with eggplant caponata is to die for with the tuna perfectly medium rare and the caponata flavorful and herby but not overpowering and perfectly textured. The Diver Scallops are fresh, beautifully seared, sweet, and not over- or under-done. And the deserts are worth making room for — my favorites being the Campfire S’More with a fabulous and surprising presentation (I won’t spoil it) and the Crepe Brûlée with a divine, light flavorful blackberry mousse. The service was impeccable, detailed, and friendly from the bartender to the servers. I wouldn’t change a thing on this restaurant’s delightful menu. I’d add better lighting on the booth tables (even just battery- or USB-powered tabletop lamps) and would love to see them consider sourcing their menu with the bounty of locally raised meats, poultry, and produce when they get their legs firmly under them, which I have no...

I recently dined at Laurel & Grouse in Johnstown, PA, and what a delightful fine dining surprise it was! Despite being newly opened, the entire experience felt like dining at a well-established upscale restaurant in a major metropolitan area.

The ambiance was serene, ideal for a quiet evening out, with guests enjoying wine and conversation in a relaxed setting. The service was impeccable - our server was not only attentive but also replaced our utensils with each course. This level of detail truly elevated the dining experience, as each dish was enjoyed with fresh, appropriate cutlery - a hallmark of fine dining.

Laurel & Grouse offers a captivating mix of Italian, Mediterranean, American, Asian cuisines and more, creating a menu that feels like a creative culinary competition on TV. Each dish is a unique fusion, showcasing both inventive combinations and classic flavors. We started with the spiced lamb hummus and then spicy tuna crudo, both beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The textures were perfect, enhancing the overall experience of each dish. The lasagna and salmon entrees were equally impressive, cooked to perfection, and plated with gourmet precision and style.

Overall, Laurel & Grouse provides a dining experience that is both refined and refreshingly inventive. I’m eager to return and share this gem with friends and family from out of town - they’ll be as impressed as I was....

Laurel and Grouse is an absolute gift to the Laurel highlands and Johnstown, PA. It exceeded every expectation during our recent visit. From the moment we walked in, the retro but warm, inviting atmosphere set the tone for an idyllic experience. The attention to detail in the décor, service, and menu offerings were fantastic.

the Concord Grape Margarita was a unique, refreshing twist with vibrant, fresh and perfectly balanced. I would blindly pick anything on their menu in full confidence that it would be fantastic.

The service was equally outstanding, with the staff being attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they were serving. Every little detail, from the beautifully curated appointments to the thoughtful plating, made it clear that Laurel and Grouse is committed to delivering a top-tier experience.

The water filtration was excellent, which may seem like a small detail but speaks volumes about the care and thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of the restaurant.

Laurel and Grouse has quickly become a standout in the area, and we’re so fortunate to have such a remarkable dining destination nearby. Highly...