Grace

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Grace sits inside Carnegie House at 100 Cricklewood Drive, and it has become the kind of place State College residents return to for both Tuesday-night dinners and milestone celebrations alike. The dining room carries an elegance that feels earned rather than performed, and the menu makes good on the promise of a restaurant that takes its food seriously without taking itself too seriously.

The Cooking

The kitchen draws its inspiration from classic Italian technique, woven together with approachable American sensibilities. Handmade pasta anchors the experience. The Grace Cacio e Pepe — spaghetti, cracked pepper, pecorino-romano, and Grace's own imported extra-virgin olive oil — is as clean and confident as the dish should be. Pappardelle Bolognese layers Italian sausage, beef, and stewed tomato sauce beneath a shower of shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. For something more luxurious, Lobster Ravioli arrives in a sherry cream sauce with tarragon and almond gremolata.

Beyond pasta, the menu moves through well-sourced proteins: a 16-oz 28-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye, U12 scallops in an anise-lemon cream sauce, and a broiled salmon brightened with fresh herbs and lemon. Starters like Burrata with marinated heirloom tomatoes or the tallow-fried Golden Gnocchi Bites set the tone — familiar flavors, thoughtful execution.

Brunch brings its own personality: Bomboloni filled with sweet cream or chocolate budino, Uova in Purgatorio (eggs poached in tomato sauce with house focaccia), and a Breakfast Burger built on Pennsylvania Wagyu with pancetta and fontina.

The Wine List

Wine Spectator awarded Grace its Award of Excellence in 2024 — recognition that reflects a list curated with genuine care. It pairs naturally with a menu where a glass of something well-chosen is part of the point.

The Setting

Located within Carnegie House Hotel, Grace offers an elegant dining room alongside seasonal outdoor spaces. The atmosphere is warm enough for a casual weeknight and polished enough for a private party or business dinner. The European-leaning menu, the craft cocktails, and the attentive hospitality combine to make this one of the more complete fine dining experiences in central Pennsylvania.