If you’ve been scouring the Lehigh Valley for a trendy restaurant where you and your friends can sip martinis and look hip, you may be in luck. But with pricey, mediocre fare and inefficient service, eating at Pistachio regularly would be…well, nuts. The décor is warehouse chic, complete with exposed pipes and art deco light fixtures. Echoing acoustics turn conversations into shouting matches. The menu is hefty but don’t be fooled—the salads (which occupy almost a full page) are all over $10 and a letdown. You’re better off with a pasta dish or the eggplant shelbourne, which is yummy AND huge. Even if you don’t have room for dessert, at least check out the tray. Worst-case scenario: You settle for a cup of Mexican hot chocolate. So if you’re feeling more SoHo than Allentown, head to Pistachio with a full wallet, earplugs and patience. (Open Su-Th 11:30a-midnight; F-Sa 11:30a-2a.)

Think country dining with a sophisticated flare. Morgan’s flagstone walls and fireplaces give it the feel of a cozy cottage—not surprising since the building used to be an inn and, before that, a B&B. Good luck choosing among their delicious homemade breads, dishes and desserts. We’d suggest starting with their French onion soup or bruschetta with lump crap herb salad and lemon sauce ($10). Entrees range from filet mignon and rosemary marinated lamb chops, to parmesan crusted halibut and pan-seared tuna. Our favorite was the molasses and garlic-marinated pork tenderloin with ginger applesauce. And our top pasta pick is the papparadelle Bolognese pasta ($10 for a lunch portion and $14 for an entrée). Even their sandwiches and salads are big enough to leave you satisfied. Early birds are rewarded well here: If you can make it to Morgan’s by 11am, you’ll get to enjoy several different kinds of frittatas ($5), fluffy omelets ($5), and the German Apple Pancakes ($5). (Open M-Sa 7a-9p.)

Here’s a place to treat yourself to some fine dining. This out-of-the-way location, complete with a small dining room and a bar, has an intimate feel thanks to its old-world decor and fireplace.  While the atmosphere is relaxed, the dress is formal (so be prepared to look the part).  The Inn offers classic dishes with an original twist, like baked Brie in a caramel glaze and flank steak garnished with balsamic ice cream.  The meals are expensive but the portions large, presentation impressive, and food excellent. The service is good but very slow, so if you’re going to the Inn for dinner, plan to make an evening of it.  (Open W-Sa 5p-9:30p.)

With its proper staff, limited entrees, and high prices, the Farmhouse is cstriving for (accent please) f-i-n-e d-i-n-i-n-g.  We found the atmosphere a bit stuffy and better suited for the AARP crowd. The real find is the Farmhouse’s downstairs bar.  The space feels like an old wine cellar, with dim lighting and rustic stone walls.  It’s got a romantic, almost mysterious vibe, along with a wide array of beers, wines, and spirits—a great backdrop for a date. (Open Tu-Th 5p-9p; F-Sa 5p-10p.)