10 Best Pittsburgh Restaurants
The top 10 restaurants in Pittsburgh include Alta Via, Altius, Apteka, Balvanera, Bar Marco, Casbah, Chengdu Gourmet, DiAnoia’s Eatery, Dish Osteria and Bar, and Driftwood Oven. The Steel City is famous for its hearty working-class food like the Primanti Bros sandwich, which piles fries and coleslaw onto the sandwich itself. Other popular dishes here are pierogies and kielbasa, which come from the city's deep Eastern European roots.
The best restaurants in Pittsburgh are shaped by its distinct neighborhoods. The Strip District is a hub for Italian and Argentine restaurants like DiAnoia's and Balvanera, while Lawrenceville and Bloomfield are home to Driftwood Oven and the nationally acclaimed Apteka. The Squirrel Hill neighborhood features authentic Sichuan food from the James Beard-nominated Chengdu Gourmet.
Pittsburgh is located in Western Pennsylvania, and its industrial heritage has shaped its food traditions. Among the city's top establishments, Apteka stands out and has been recognized by The New York Times, for its vegan interpretation of Eastern European food. The most iconic casual option is DiAnoia’s Eatery, which is famous for its bustling atmosphere and its signature gnocchi bread bowl. For fine dining, the Altius is a premier choice for places to eat Pittsburgh, known for its panoramic views of the city and elevated American menu.
10 Best Pittsburgh Restaurants are listed below.
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1
BalvaneraBalvanera Restaurant serves authentic Argentine cuisine known as "cocina de herencia" in New York City and the Strip District of...- Item Prices 59
- Average Item Price $18.63
Type of Restaurant:Casual Elegant
Type of Food:Argentinian, Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:Empanadas, Provoleta (grilled provolone cheese), Entraña (skirt steak), Milanesa
Location:1660 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Special Feature:A parrilla, the traditional Argentine grill, is used to cook meats and vegetables, which is central to the restaurant's authentic flavor.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant captures the lively, neighborhood feel of a Buenos Aires "bodegón," offering a vibrant social and dining atmosphere.
What Sets It Apart:Its authentic focus on Argentine culinary traditions, from the specific cuts of meat to the preparation methods and the all-Argentine wine selection.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSaturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:Entrees range from $26 to $40.
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2
CasbahCasbah Restaurant was a cafe that served authentic Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine in Washington DC. Its menu featured recipes inspired...- Item Prices 179
- Average Item Price $12.28
Type of Restaurant:Casual Elegant
Type of Food:Mediterranean, Italian
Signature Dishes:Wild Alaskan Halibut, Casbah Double-Cut Pork Chop, Scottish Salmon, Filet Mignon
Location:229 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Special Feature:A beautiful, year-round covered garden patio that provides an intimate, alfresco-style dining setting.
What Makes It Special:For over two decades, Casbah has been a consistent and beloved neighborhood institution known for its reliable quality and romantic ambiance.
What Sets It Apart:Its timeless atmosphere, combining the feel of a European bistro with a menu that has remained a favorite for years.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday, Sunday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:Entrees range from $29 to $53.
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3
DiAnoia's EateryDiAnoia’s Eatery is a bustling, family-owned Italian restaurant that feels like a classic neighborhood spot in Rome. It serves an all-day menu of pastas, pastries, and sandwiches in a lively, welcoming setting.- Item Prices 157
- Average Item Price $14.70
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Gnocchi with Meatballs, Cacio E Pepe Rigatoni, Porchetta Sandwich, Meatballs
Location:2549 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Special Feature:An attached deli and cafe section that serves coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go items throughout the day.
What Makes It Special:The vibrant, high-energy atmosphere combined with hearty, authentic Italian comfort food has made it one of the city's most popular restaurants.
What Sets It Apart:Its signature gnocchi served in a bread bowl has become an iconic Pittsburgh dish, drawing diners from all over the city.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:Dinner entrees range from $33 to $54.
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4
Driftwood OvenDriftwood Oven is an artisan pizzeria that began as a mobile wood-fired oven and is now a beloved neighborhood restaurant. It is known for its sourdough crust pizzas made with local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.- Item Prices 26
- Average Item Price $28.99
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Pizza, American
Signature Dishes:Classic Cheese Pizza, Bianca Pizza, Pepperoni Roll, Pepperoni Pizza, seasonal specialty pizzas.
Location:3615 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Special Feature:A commitment to sourdough fermentation for all its pizza dough, resulting in a uniquely flavorful and digestible crust.
What Makes It Special:The dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local farms and producers sets its pizzas apart from standard pizzerias.
What Sets It Apart:It has been recognized by Food & Wine magazine as one of the best pizza places in the United States, highlighting its exceptional sourdough crust.
Operating Hours:Wednesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMMonday - Tuesday: Closed
Price:Pizzas range from $20 to $30.
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5
Alta ViaAlta Via is a modern Italian restaurant inspired by the mountains of Northern Italy. The menu centers on fresh pasta, vegetables, and dishes prepared over a wood-fired hearth, creating a light and healthful take on Italian dining.Type of Restaurant:Casual Elegant
Type of Food:Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:House-made pastas, Wood-fired vegetables, Grilled Swordfish, Tiramisu, Warm Ricotta Toast
Location:46 Fox Chapel Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Special Feature:A large wood-hearth grill that is the centerpiece of the kitchen and imparts a distinct flavor to many dishes.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant's focus is on a lighter, vegetable-forward style of Italian food, drawing inspiration from the fresh cuisine of mountain regions.
What Sets It Apart:It offers a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere that redefines the traditional Italian-American restaurant experience.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Price:Entrees range from $31 to $50.
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6
AltiusAltius is a fine-dining restaurant situated atop Mt. Washington, offering dramatic panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline and its three rivers. The menu features elevated, contemporary American food with an emphasis on sustainability.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Contemporary American
Signature Dishes:Wagyu Beef, Scallops, Foie Gras, Chocolate Bar, Heritage Breed Tomahawk Pork Chop, Chilean Seabass
Location:1230 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Special Feature:Unmatched, sweeping views of downtown Pittsburgh from its dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is committed to sustainability, sourcing ingredients from local farms and utilizing its own rooftop garden.
What Sets It Apart:Altius combines a spectacular view with meticulously crafted food and service, creating a premier destination dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:Entrees range from $32 to $70.
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7
AptekaApteka is a nationally acclaimed restaurant offering a completely vegan menu inspired by the rustic cuisines of Central and Eastern Europe. The space is minimalist and modern, with an attached bar serving natural wines and creative cocktails.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Vegan, Central & Eastern European
Signature Dishes:Pierogi, Kluski Slaskie (Silesian potato dumplings), Celeriac Schnitzel, Kanapki, Baba Jaga
Location:4606 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Special Feature:A fully plant-based menu that explores the depth and breadth of Eastern European food, a cuisine not often associated with veganism.
What Makes It Special:Apteka has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the best restaurants in the country by The New York Times and Bon Appétit.
What Sets It Apart:Its unique and successful transformation of traditional, often meat-heavy, European comfort food into innovative and satisfying vegan dishes.
Operating Hours:Friday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMMonday - Thursday: Closed
Price:Large plates range from $20 to $22.
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8
Bar MarcoBar Marco is a stylish Italian restaurant and bar located in a historic firehouse in the Strip District. It is known for its seasonal menu, creative cocktail program, and a no-tipping policy.Type of Restaurant:Casual Elegant
Type of Food:Italian-inspired, New American
Signature Dishes:The menu changes seasonally, but often features house-made pasta, risotto, and creative vegetable dishes.
Location:2216 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Special Feature:A "service-included" hospitality model, which means gratuity is built into the menu prices.
What Makes It Special:The combination of a progressive employment model with a commitment to high-quality, seasonal cooking and expertly crafted cocktails.
What Sets It Apart:Its location in a beautifully preserved firehouse and its pioneering role in Pittsburgh's no-tipping restaurant movement.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMSunday - Monday: Closed
Price:Dinner entrees range from $50 to $100.
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9
Chengdu GourmetChengdu Gourmet is a celebrated restaurant specializing in authentic Sichuan cuisine. Chef and owner Wei Zhu is a three-time James Beard Award nominee, known for his mastery of the complex and fiery flavors of his native Chengdu.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Chinese, Sichuan
Signature Dishes:Dan Dan Noodles, Mapo Tofu, Dry Fried Chicken, Cumin Lamb
Location:5840 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Special Feature:The menu features two sides: one with American-Chinese classics and another with authentic, adventurous Sichuan dishes.
What Makes It Special:The exceptional skill of Chef Wei Zhu in balancing the "ma la" (numbing and spicy) flavors that define true Sichuan cooking.
What Sets It Apart:It is one of the few restaurants in the region to receive consistent national recognition from the James Beard Foundation for its authentic Chinese cuisine.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Price:Most entrees range from $15 to $25.
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10
Dish Osteria and BarDish Osteria and Bar is a romantic and intimate Sicilian restaurant located on the South Side. After a four-year hiatus, it reopened in 2023, returning with its beloved menu of authentic, rustic Sicilian dishes and classic cocktails.Type of Restaurant:Casual Elegant
Type of Food:Italian, Sicilian
Signature Dishes:Rigatoni Alla Scamorza, Spaghetti Ai Frutti Di Mare, Grilled Octopus, Grigliata Mista Di Pesce
Location:128 S 17th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Special Feature:A dark, cozy, and candlelit interior that creates a distinctly romantic and old-world atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:Its long-standing reputation as one of Pittsburgh's most authentic and cherished Italian restaurants, with a loyal following that celebrated its return.
What Sets It Apart:The unwavering focus on the specific, seafood-rich cuisine of Sicily, served in an intimate setting that feels transportive.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 11:30 PMSunday - Monday: Closed
Price:Entrees range from $25 to $32.
What Food is Pittsburgh Famous For?
The most famous Pittsburgh food is the Primanti Bros sandwich, which includes grilled meat, melted cheese, French fries, and coleslaw all stacked between two slices of Italian bread. Pierogies are also a staple from the city's large Eastern European population. Other local specialties that are considered some of the best food in Pittsburgh include kielbasa, haluski (a cabbage and noodle dish), and chipped chopped ham sandwiches from Isaly's.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Pittsburgh?
The cost of a meal in Pittsburgh varies by establishment, ranging from as low as $15 to as high as $100+ per person. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between $15 and $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is between $60 and $90. Fine dining establishments have prices starting at $100 per person for tasting menus.
What are the Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurants in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's most popular fast-food options include both regional powerhouses and national chains. The most popular spots for fast food in downtown Pittsburgh are listed below:
- Primanti Bros.: A local institution famous for its sandwiches with fries and slaw, offering a quick and iconic Pittsburgh meal right in Market Square.
- Sheetz: While a convenience store, its made-to-order food counter is a hugely popular fast-food destination for sandwiches, burgers, and snacks, with locations near the downtown area.
- Peppi's: A beloved local sandwich shop with a location in the Strip District near downtown, known for its large cheesesteaks and hoagies.
- Eat'n Park: A local diner chain known for its Smiley Cookies and classic American fare, with locations throughout the Pittsburgh suburbs.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Pittsburgh?
These are considered some of the best new restaurants in Pittsburgh:
- Balvanera: Located at 1600 Smallman St. in the Strip District, this restaurant serves Argentinian food with a focus on wood-fired cooking and grilled meats.
- The Parlor Dim Sum: Found at 4401 Butler St. in Lawrenceville, this spot offers a modern take on traditional dim sum with a craft cocktail program.
- BABA: Situated at 113 N. Sheridan Ave. in East Liberty, BABA is a diner serving Eastern European comfort food, including pierogies and haluski.
- Oro: Located at 228 4th Ave. Downtown, Oro is an upscale restaurant from Chef Brian Pekarcik focusing on coastal Italian and Mediterranean food cooked over a live fire.
Are There Any Affordable Casual Restaurants in Pittsburgh?
Yes, Pittsburgh has many affordable casual restaurants. These spots are known for being budget-friendly and relaxed, making them some of the best casual restaurants in Pittsburgh. Primanti Bros. is a classic choice for cheap eats and it is famous for sandwiches loaded with fries and slaw in a no-frills setting. Peppi's is another local favorite, serving large and affordable cheesesteaks and hoagies. For breakfast and lunch, Pamela's Diner is an institution known for its crepe-style hotcakes and casual diner atmosphere. Beto's Pizza offers a unique style with square-cut pizza topped with cold cheese, providing another one of the top affordable restaurants Pittsburgh.
Where are the Best Dinner Spots in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has many excellent restaurants for an evening meal. The best dinner spots Pittsburgh offer a range of atmospheres and food styles, listed below:
- Altius: Located on Mt. Washington, this restaurant offers a romantic, fine-dining experience with panoramic views of the city skyline and a menu of sophisticated contemporary American food.
- Pusadee's Garden: This Lawrenceville spot provides a stunning and transportive dinner setting with its lush garden patio. It serves refined, authentic Thai food.
- Morcilla: Found in Lawrenceville, this Spanish restaurant has a lively, energetic ambiance perfect for a fun dinner. It specializes in tapas and family-style dishes.
- Apteka: This Bloomfield restaurant offers a unique and modern dinner experience with its menu of vegan Central and Eastern European food in a minimalist, stylish setting. These are some of the best dinner places in Pittsburgh.
What are the Top Lunch Spots in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Downtown Pittsburgh has numerous great places for a midday meal as listed below:
- Primanti Bros.: The Market Square location is one of the top restaurants downtown Pittsburgh for a quick, iconic lunch, serving its famous sandwiches to workers and tourists.
- Gaucho Parrilla Argentina: Famous for its wood-fired meats, this downtown spot offers delicious sandwiches and platters, making it a popular choice for one of the best lunch in Pittsburgh.
- The Eagle Food & Beer Hall: Known for its fried chicken, this lively spot on Penn Avenue offers a fun, casual lunch experience with Southern comfort food and a large beer list.
- Nicky's Thai Kitchen: A convenient and popular choice for a sit-down lunch in the Cultural District, offering a menu of classic Thai dishes with consistent quality and quick service.
Which Restaurants in Pittsburgh Serve Vegan Food?
Pittsburgh has several restaurants dedicated to vegan food. Apteka is a nationally recognized restaurant serving entirely vegan Central and Eastern European dishes. Onion Maiden offers a unique experience with its heavy-metal theme and plant-based comfort food. B52 Cafe in Lawrenceville is a popular spot for vegan breakfast and lunch, with a menu of American and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Reed & Co. in Lawrenceville operates as a vegan deli, serving sandwiches and selling plant-based meats and cheeses.
Which Restaurants in Pittsburgh Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Many Pittsburgh restaurants accommodate gluten-free diners. Gluten Free Goat Bakery & Cafe is a dedicated gluten-free facility offering a range of baked goods, sandwiches, and cafe items. Piccola Forno in Lawrenceville offers several gluten-free pasta options for its Italian dishes. Many of the city's finer dining restaurants, like Altius, can accommodate gluten-free requests with advance notice due to their scratch kitchens. For casual dining, Federal Galley, a food hall on the North Side, often features vendors with clearly marked gluten-free options.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Pittsburgh?
The most famous types of food in Pittsburgh reflect its industrial heritage and immigrant communities. The most prominent cuisines are listed below.
- Eastern European: This is Pittsburgh's most defining food influence, brought by immigrants from Poland, Ukraine, and other nearby countries. It is why pierogies, kielbasa, and haluski are city-wide staples.
- American Comfort Food: The city is known for its hearty, no-frills American food, epitomized by the iconic Primanti Bros. sandwich and classic diner fare.
- Italian: Pittsburgh has a large and historic Italian-American population, especially in neighborhoods like Bloomfield, which is reflected in the abundance of traditional red-sauce restaurants, pizzerias, and delis.
- New American: In recent years, a strong chef-driven scene has emerged, with restaurants focusing on seasonal ingredients, modern techniques, and creative interpretations of American food.
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