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Pittsburgh Eats
85
items Dining around the Steel City. View this list in Map view to see where the recommendations are located!
Map
Sections
8
Asian
European
American
Latin / South American
African
Desserts & Snacks
Asian
Probably my favorite restaurant in the city; get the soup dumplings in store and the salt and pepper king mushroom. Also shredded pork with wood ear mushroom and pork belly sliders
Taiwanese Bistro Cafe 33
Hand pulled noodles - can't go wrong; also has great soup dumplings
Everyday Noodles
Best shrimp summer rolls! I love the Xa Xiu banh mi, Steve likes the Classy Chick
Banh Mi & Ti
My new favorite sushi place - it's large, full pieces of fish and so fresh. They offer an omakase option, but it requires advance reservation.
Mola
My old favorite sushi place. I stopped going as frequently because it was a) farther from my house and b) more stressful parking on E Carson St.
Little Tokyo Bistro
Solid choice for Thai - they do the chicken satay and noodles well
Silk Elephant
Thai food, but not just street noodles. Gourmet dining, fantastic mocktails, and an excellent outdoor dining garden
Pusadee's Garden
The Thai hole-in-the-wall-and-so-delicious place. Haven't been in a while, but it's always been a solid choice.
Smiling Banana Leaf
Multiple locations, but I like the Northside location because it has a covered dining garden. Solid choice for Thai
Nicky's Thai Kitchen
Really excellent ramen noodles and broth. I also like their don options. Located near the Walnut St shops, so it's a nice option when you're already out and about in that area.
Fujiya Ramen
My favorite pork belly buns in the entire city. Known for their street noodles. It is cash only though (or it was last time I was there), so be prepared!
Noodlehead
I love the broth for the pho here, it's truly a hole-in-the-wall-and-so-delicious small business. They also do the full complement of toppings (including tripe!).
Pho Minh
The broth makes this a solid pho option south of the city. The name is also great ;)
Pho Kim 88
Another solid pho option if you're in the Squirrel Hill area
Tan Lac Vien Vietnamese Bistro
The same owners as Banh Mi and Ti so you've got amazing summer rolls here as well. The broth is good, but I personally find it not worth the price because the meat options are limited to white American tastes (no tripe).
Two Sisters Vietnamese Restaurant
James Beard nominated Chinese fare, offering both traditional Chinese and American Chinese options. The only place I've found so far that does Peking duck!
Chengdu Gourmet
Solid banquet option for Sichuan style food in Squirrel Hill; excellent for groups
Sichuan Gourmet
Haven't been in awhile, but another solid Szechuan style option in Squirrel Hill
How Lee Chinese Restaurant
Cute space downtown for Korean - great for individual servings (e.g. lunch), not as great for family style
Bae Bae's Kitchen
Japanese izakaya (pub style, shareables) with a focus on “umami” flavors.
Umami
The only dim sum option we have in Pittsburgh! Has a lot of solid options that you'd traditionally find, but I felt that they were hit or miss. It is newly opened, so maybe they're still working out kinks, but the turnip cake was too salty (lost all ...
The Parlor Dim Sum
I love their over-rice dishes as individual meals (fantastic for lunch if you have to go back to work). They also do hot pot in restaurant.
I Tea Cafe
The shish kebab and moon sauce with "worthless white rice" is prime pre- or post- going out food.
Cambod-Ican Kitchen Restaurant
This is a chain, but the concept is definitely fun. Make sure you sign up for the online waiting list before you show up as they're still dealing with long lines since opening. Smaller pieces of fish and the rice tended to fall apart on the nigiri, b...
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Pittsburgh's first Asian food hall featuring second locations for many of our best restaurants: Tan Lac Vien (Vietnamese), Korea Garden (Korean), Mola (sushi), and Sumi's Cakery (Korean bakery). Also brand new brick-and-mortar locations for Lolo's (F...
Novo Asian Food Hall
European
My favorite crepes in the city - I love the Super Belgium for its speculoos
Cafe Moulin
Love the pasta here, specifically the tagliatelle options
Piccolo Forno
1
One word: Mussels. Get them from this Belgian inspired restaurant. There's a “cousin” restaurant Park Bruges with a little more of a French twist (but mussels are still available).
Point Brugge Cafe
Cozy and delicious Italian. When I say cozy, I literally mean garden level restaurant, but also that it feels like you're stepping into a family dinner.
Girasole
One word: Mussels. Get them from this French inspired restaurant. There's a “cousin” restaurant (Point Brugge) that's more Belgian inspired (but also with mussels).
Park Bruges
French cuisine in the city of bridges. I haven't been here yet personally, but my foodie friends confirm that their chocolate souffle is worth saving room for. I'm excited for the escargot on the menu!
Poulet Bleu
One of two locations, this one is located closer to my office and makes for a great lunch time or dinner hangout. I really enjoyed every pasta dish I've gotten here and there's a decent dessert selection if you're not full.
Pizzaiolo Primo Market Square
American
Waffles! The Megaberry is my usual go-to, but if you want something more savory, I typically get chicken and sausage gravy as a side and definitely recommend that as an entree!
Waffles, INCaffeinated, South Side
Known for their hotcakes (think of a cross between a pancake and a crepe) and Lyonnaise potatoes. Shadyside is the location I go to most often, but the Mt Lebanon restaurant typically has great availability (not competiting with all of the college st...
Pamela's | P&G Diner
Classic diner fare, I typically go to the one located in the Strip District. Prepare for a food coma after eating.
DeLuca's Diner
It's an intersting mix of trendy and super rustic, but definitely for a meat eater or a whisky/rye/bourbon fan. I really liked their bone marrow option, one of the few places I've found with that on the menu.
Butcher and the Rye
I've only been one time but the mac and cheese made such an impression on me.
Bigham Tavern
Really fun 3-in-1 concept. First floor is a meatball joint (big, meaty, flavorful meatballs), second floor is more traditional Italian and pizzas, third floor is a rooftop beer garden. Note that each floor is a separate restaurant. Thursday night is ...
Sienna Mercato
Originated in Cincinnati but has expanded regionally (Indianapolis, Louisville, and Pittsburgh). Fantastic fried chicken available in multiple sizes (¼, ½, whole, etc) and comfort sides. I recommend the spoonbread, brown sugar bacon, sweet potatoes, ...
Note that this is not the best place to bring vegetarians!
Note that this is not the best place to bring vegetarians!
The Eagle
Funky little sandwich, coffee, and cocktails place downtown. Their shoestring fries were absolutely amazing, but they've since changed up the menu to be less shoestring and more regular fry width (still good but different).
Sally Ann's
Upscale dining in a historic railroad terminal. Beautifully restored, and delicious seasonal offerings. The fish options are always a winner. Weekend brunch is also a favorite, check for reservations to guarantee seating.
Grand Concourse
Fresh fish with a beautiful view of the downtown area. Prepare to pay for the experience, but the food is pretty good.
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Probably the nicest dining option in Pittsburgh, with great views of the downtown area. Beautifully decorated and great eats, though pricey.
LeMont Restaurant
A Sunday dinner kind of feel - elevated American. I also really like their brunch options - the sausage gravy and biscuit hit the spot.
Franks Bar and Grill
Classic American gastropub - get the grilled cheese and tomato soup. If I'm looking for a good grilled cheese that I didn't make myself, I'm headed to The Yard. The Shadyside location also hosts trivia!
The Yard
Go early for brunch and get the biscuits! Or go for takeout and get any of the sandwiches.
Oak Hill Post
I loved their bacon sampler (brown sugar, smoked applewood, peppered, cajun) but I just learned they're permanently closed :(
Bakn Carnegie
Detroit style pizza in the Strip District. This was our favorite place to grab dinner before trivia while Aslin was still setting up their own kitchen in house. While the in-house kitchen is more convenient, you just can't beat this Detroit style piz...
Iron Born Pizza | Millvale and the Strip District
Latin / South American
Get the oxtail stew and the beef patties. If you're not worried about veggie intake, get the mac and cheese side (so good), otherwise, the rice and peas is great.
2 Sisters 2 Sons
Argentinian steak, beautifully done and excellent for sharing or individually indulging. Moved to their new location recently and there's a lot more seating. It's also changed to ordering at the table (versus old location where you ordered at the cou...
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Recommended as the best Mexican in the Pittsburgh area. Small kitchen so follow on Instagram to make sure it's open!
Brassero Grill
The recommendations I've gotten are to order the guacamole and the birria taco (beef taco with a side of stew for dipping) and the spicy margarita.
Round Corner Cantina
I'm not sure if there's an actual sit down restaurant and how it looks, but I found this restaurant on DoorDash one evening and was blown away. The beef patties were nicely spiced and the crust was so flaky. While it doesn't match my absolute favorit...
Royal Caribbean Takeout & Delivery
African
Jollof was so good even if it was too spicy for my weak-self to handle. If you're a fan of goat, there are severa goat options here as well! Beware that this does lean on the spicy side in general with the exception of fried plantains.
African Eats Cuisine
Desserts & Snacks
Belgian Liege waffles (sugar pearls in a thicker batter that caramelizes slightly when cooked). A variety of toppings, including speculoos!
Waffallonia
Plenty of locations in the area, fun flavor combos and lots of dairy free options for those of us who are more intolerant of larger quantities of dairy.
Millie's Homemade Ice Cream
America's best cake in 2014 according to Huffington Post was Prantl's burnt almond torte (article here: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/prantls-torte-cake-almond_n_5133580)
You can't go wrong with the mini size or travel version (no custard), or any other baked goods.
You can't go wrong with the mini size or travel version (no custard), or any other baked goods.
Prantl's Bakery
Rolled ice cream! Not great if you're lactose intolerant (I find I react more strongly to rolled ice cream than traditional), but super fun and good flavor combos.
NatuRoll Creamery
Whether you have a sweet or savory tooth, you'll find a popcorn mix for you. Check the website for additional locations as there are location-specific weekly flavors.
Pittsburgh Popcorn Co.
Not technically a single store in Pittsburgh, but Sarris is a Canonsburg confectioner (aka Pittsburgh area) and their chocolate covered pretzels can be found at multiple locations in Pittsburgh - including the airport.
Pretzel Box - Sarris Candies
Known for their macarons, but don't pass up their other French pastries like the fruit tarts
Gaby et Jules
French patisserie, need I say more?
La Gourmandine
An old time ice cream parlor offering up delicious ice cream sodas, floats, and sundaes using ice cream from Penn State's Creamery.
Klavon's Ice Cream Parlor
“Groovy, Far Out and Funkadelic flavors” on mini (small?) old fashioned cake donuts. Definitely smaller than a Dunkin Donut size, think Duck Donuts style but a local shop.
Peace, Love and Little Donuts
Not technically a local restaurant, but I do love their maple glaze with bacon topping. Similar to Peace, Love, and Little Donuts - start with a cake donut base, add a glaze and topping, and enjoy.
Duck Donuts
Alcohol
Actually haven't been here personally yet, but it's an old church now turned into a brewery. I've heard the food isn't bad either, making it a fun weekend spot.
The Church Brew Works
Mead (honey based alcohol) options plus board games and a fun outdoor space. Located outside of Pittsburgh proper, but definitely close enough to the city still.
Apis Mead & Winery
Small batch ciders, “cider style” fruit wines, and mead. Located near historical Allegheny Arsenal, with an excellent backyard space, perfect for summer sips.
Arsenal Cider House & Wine Cellar
Shadyside based outpost of an independent store offering only wine, spirits, and beer made in PA. Given PA's liquor laws, typically these products can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer (the case for everything else in this list) or fro...
Pennsylvania Libations Shadyside
Independent store offering only wine, spirits, and beer made in PA. Given PA's liquor laws, typically these products can only be purchased directly from the manufacturer (the case for everything else in this list) or from a state run shop. However, s...
Pennsylvania Libations
Good beer but I like it because it hosts The Boonseek food truck (Korean corndogs) on Sundays and shows F1 races.
Eleventh Hour Brewing
Get the sours here and stay for the atmosphere. Large, open space perfect for meeting up with friends. It also operates as a coffee bar during the day (with solid wifi!). The pizzas are large and great for sharing, but the smash burger is actually pr...
Aslin Beer Company
The most fun bar you'll find with a giant adult-sized slide, free lawn pong and indoor bocce, and $1 pinball machines and $6 duckpin bowling. The drinks are also fun and inventive - get the Carrie Fisher and enjoy the rock candy that comes with it.
Pins Mechanical Co.
Coffee / Tea
Cute little coffee shop - where Steve and I reconnected after graduating. Love their staff - always friendly and welcoming. I like their cold brew as well, it's not too acidic and well-flavored. Probably my favorite coffee shop in town!
Jitters Cafe
Vietnamese coffee house; super cute aesthetic and plenty of chargers for working. Also serves food if you're there for a longer stretch of time, including pho in the morning!
Ineffable Cà Phê
Local coffee shop featuring small batch, in-store roaster at the Squirrel Hill location. Has since expanded to 5 retail locations in Pittsburgh - I've visited and worked from the location in Shadyside, which has the garage door style front windows th...
The Coffee Tree Roasters
Local tea house offering bubble teas, smoothies, snacks, and classic tea options. Two locations - the tagged one is the former Razzy Fresh near CMU, the second location is in the middle of Pitt's campus.
Fuku Tea
Cozy nook selling all sorts of packaged and loose leaf teas, great selection of British comestibles as well. If you're feeling adventurous, try the ice wine tea.
Tea Pittsburgh Blue Monkey Tea
Serious tea shop with all sorts of tea options from around the world. Note that this is tea in the Asian / middle eastern sense, less the British kind with milk and sugar.
Dobrá Tea Pittsburgh
Get the apple fruit pie, warmed with whipped cream. You can smell the delicious crust before it even lands on the table and it only gets better. Caramelized, flaky, perfectly sweet. And perfect for one person.
They also have drinks (coffee, tea, and alcohol) and small light bites. If you come on Wednesday evening, you can join trivia!
They also have drinks (coffee, tea, and alcohol) and small light bites. If you come on Wednesday evening, you can join trivia!
Orbis Caffe
Traditional afternoon tea is offered every 2nd Sunday of the month - call to make a reservation!
Fabled Table
This used to be my favorite afternoon tea place in Pittsburgh but they've since changed their model post-COVID. I haven't been yet, but it looks like there's an Afternoon Tea option for dining whenever you happen to visit (previously used to be 2-4p ...
The Cafe at the Frick | The Frick Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's “classic” high tea option - I personally didn't think the tea was worth the almost $50 price tag. Reservations are required and there's a slight discount if you're an inn guest.
High Tea – Inn On Negley
Probably Pittsburgh's “fanciest” high tea in a beautiful room, but reveiws are mixed on whether it's worth the price. After trying plenty of options in the Pittsburgh area, this is my top choice for best tea for what you're paying for. Note that rese...
Afternoon Tea | The Johnston House
PITTSBURGH: The Omni William Penn hotel is finally bringing back their afternoon tea offering. However, while it used to be offered in the Palm Court, they're now serving it between 2:30 and 4p in The Terrace Room. As of May 2024, afternoon tea is $5...
I thought the sandwich options were all delicious, the scones came with real clotted cream, and the desserts were fun. I also appreciated their tea service, which was actually separate pots selected for you based on what part of the tea you were eati...
Downsides were that there were only two small scones (likely the smallest of the ones in Pittsburgh I've tried), and I didn't love that we were essentially in a cordoned off part of a hotel lobby where other guests could also congregate.
I thought the sandwich options were all delicious, the scones came with real clotted cream, and the desserts were fun. I also appreciated their tea service, which was actually separate pots selected for you based on what part of the tea you were eati...
Downsides were that there were only two small scones (likely the smallest of the ones in Pittsburgh I've tried), and I didn't love that we were essentially in a cordoned off part of a hotel lobby where other guests could also congregate.
The Terrace Room