The upscale Scranton restaurant was honored at the 2025 PRLA Awards…
In a defining moment for downtown Scranton’s dining scene, A’Tera 519 has been named Newcomer of the Year at the 2025 Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) Spirit of Hospitality Awards—a statewide honor recognizing excellence in service, innovation, and culinary craft.
For a restaurant that’s been open less than a year, the accolade cements what many locals already knew: A’Tera 519 has changed the conversation about fine dining in the Electric City.
“We’re beyond grateful to have accepted the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 2025 PRLA Spirit of Hospitality Awards,” the restaurant wrote in a social post shortly after the ceremony. That honor feels well earned.
From Linden Street to statewide spotlight…
When A’Tera opened its doors at 519 Linden Street late last year, it did so quietly—but with intent. The historic building was reimagined as a contemporary, metropolitan dining space, complete with a central marble bar, year-round glass-wrapped dining, and a mezzanine overlooking the main floor. The atmosphere strikes a balance between elegance and comfort, more Manhattan-modern than small-city stuffy.
The kitchen leans continental—Southern French finesse with Northern Italian soul—served with the precision and polish of a white-tablecloth institution. A dress code sets the tone; a smooth cocktail program seals the deal. And for guests not ready to call it a night, the downstairs live-music venue Sergei’s Live (run by the same hospitality group) keeps the lights glowing long after dinner service ends.
Awards keep stacking up…
The PRLA recognition adds to an impressive first-year résumé. A’Tera 519 has already earned:
- Best Fine Dining, Best New Local Restaurant, and Best Wine Selection in the Scranton Times-Tribune’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.
- Best New Business in the Times Leader’s Best of Lackawanna County competition.
- Ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Restaurants in Scranton by 570andDown.
Taken together, it’s a swift rise from debut to dominance—a sign that both diners and industry pros see something special happening on Linden.
Why it matters…
Scranton’s culinary reputation has been quietly ascending, and A’Tera’s statewide win puts that momentum in sharp relief. The Spirit of Hospitality Awards aren’t a local popularity contest; they’re judged by professionals across Pennsylvania’s dining and lodging industry. For Scranton to claim the top newcomer in the state says a lot about how far its food scene has come.
Awards like this do more than decorate a wall—they draw attention. They bring travelers who might once have driven past Scranton to stop, eat, and explore. And they inspire other restaurateurs to aim higher.
A’Tera 519 isn’t just another restaurant chasing trends. It’s proof that Scranton can host a dining experience that feels as polished as any in Philadelphia or New York, without losing its NEPA soul. The service is sharp, the plates are thoughtful, and the ambition is unmistakable.
For anyone still meaning to check it out, consider this your sign: fine dining in Scranton has officially arrived.
