15 perfect restaurants in Pittsburgh, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to the Steel City, where the food scene has more sizzle than a Fourth of July grill party! If you're on a mission to have your taste buds do a happy dance in Pittsburgh, don't miss out on the city's top culinary gems. From hot dog stands that'll make your heart skip a beat to swanky fine dining spots that'll make you feel like royalty, this article reveals the 15 best restaurants that will leave you saying, "Now we're talking, yinz!" Hold tight, because in this gastronomic adventure, forget the calorie count and prepare to indulge in Pittsburgh's most mouthwatering delights!
Save destination1. Paris 66 Bistro
6018 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
In the heart of Pittsburgh, lies a little slice of Parisian flair known as Paris 66 Bistro. This charming sanctuary transports you straight to the bustling streets of Paris, minus the actual French people and accordion-playing mimes. With its cozy ambiance, mouthwatering French cuisine, and T-shirt-clad waitstaff speaking in oh-so-polite English accents, you'll feel like you're sipping wine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, just without the impeccable view.
Learn more2. Pamela's P&G Diner
5527 Walnut St #2, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
Welcome to Pamela's P&G Diner in Pittsburgh, where time-honored tradition meets mouthwatering deliciousness! This quirky breakfast joint, tucked away in the heart of the city, boasts the comforting charm of your grandma’s living room, only with way better pancakes. Whether you crave their famous crispy-edged crepe-like hotcakes or a towering mountain of buttery French toast, every bite will transport you to flavor paradise faster than you can say "pass me the maple syrup!"
Learn more3. Primanti Bros.
46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, Primanti Bros. is a quirky culinary hideaway, famed for their colossal sandwiches that defy the laws of gravity. Heads up: if you're not ready to feast like a competitive eater, you might need a sturdy forklift to tackle this towering masterpiece. Don't be alarmed if you catch a glimpse of coleslaw and fries mysteriously hiding between two slices of bread - that's just Primanti Bros. turning the sandwich game into a delightful and outlandish adventure.
Learn more4. The Commoner
620 William Penn Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
Welcome to The Commoner, a delightful eatery located in the heart of Pittsburgh! This quirky restaurant, resembling a modern gastropub, will surely tickle your taste buds and lighten your wallet just enough to make it feel like a mini adventure. Brace yourself for some surprisingly generous portion sizes and the amusing artwork on the walls that will leave you wondering who exactly the "commoner" really is. Don't be fooled by the restaurant's name, for The Commoner is anything but ordinary. With a culinary lineup that could make even the most sophisticated foodie drool in anticipation, their menu offers a blend of classic American dishes with a twist. Picture yourself indulging in a towering double-stacked burger, complete with a flambéed onion ring crown that may require some expert burger-disassembly skills. Oh, and don't forget to order a side of their crispy garlic parmesan fries - trust me, you'll never want ordinary fries again. Once you're seated, take a moment to bask in the charming interior decor where mismatched upholstery, reflective ceiling tiles, and a ceiling-mounted bicycle create a whimsical atmosphere. Prepare to be entertained by the brass monkey lamp swinging ever so slightly, as if secretly enjoying the restaurant's lively ambiance. It's almost as if The Commoner was built with the sole aim of making your dining experience not just delicious but also full of laughter and wonder. So, whether you are a local Pittsburgher looking for a memorable evening or a curious traveler searching for a uniquely entertaining dining adventure, The Commoner is the spot for you. Bon appétit, and remember to embrace the quirkiness – you never know what delightful surprises await!
Learn more5. Piccolo Forno
3801 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
Welcome to Piccolo Forno, the little Italian gem hiding amidst the bustling streets of Pittsburgh! This charming eatery will whisk you away to the picturesque streets of Italy, without the risk of spraining your ankle on cobblestones. Dive into their delectable dishes, ranging from velvety handmade pasta that could make you shed a tear, to pizzas so crispy, they'll drown out the sound of your existential crisis. As you step into Piccolo Forno, prepare to be transported to an enchanting world where sauce reigns supreme. The aroma of smoky, wood-fired pizzas mingling with the sound of satisfied bellies instantly make you forget you're sitting in a city known more for its steel than its linguini. So, loosen your belt, grab a glass of robust vino, and indulge in this culinary adventure where your taste buds will embrace their newfound karate skills, much like a certain green-skinned anime character. Warning: You might find yourself grappling with the idea of stealing their recipes, even if it means engaging in an Ocean's Eleven-esque heist with a crack team of culinary cat burglars. But alas, there's no need to don a disguise or blow up tunnels, for Piccolo Forno welcomes you with open arms and a whimsical ambiance that will captivate you as much as the sumptuous, finger-lickin' fare. Just don't forget to bring someone who's willing to share, or you might end up wrestling for that last heavenly slice of pizza on your plate.
Learn more6. Eleven
1150 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Welcome to Pittsburgh, the city that's as lively as Eleven's electric personality! Nestled between the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, this vibrant neighborhood beams with a delightful charm and an irresistible aura of coolness. Spilling over with hip cafes, trendy boutiques, and an artsy buzz, Eleven is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Pittsburgh's effortless cool. Soak up the magnetic energy, snap a few selfies with the funky street art, and savor the finger-licking deliciousness at the local eateries like Eleven. Trust us, it's a match made in Steel City heaven!
Learn more7. Dor-Stop Restaurant
1430 Potomac Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216, USA
Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, the Dor-Stop Restaurant awaits with open arms, ready to tantalize your taste buds like a sizzling romance novel. This quirky joint, with its retro diner vibe and comfortable booths, is a breakfast haven fit for champions and champions' hankering bellies. As you take a seat, be prepared to witness a symphony of creativity unfold on your plate, where perfectly fluffy pancakes dance with savory omelettes, and the holy grail of breakfast -- the heavenly corned beef hash -- proudly takes center stage.
Learn more8. Sienna Mercato
942 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Nestled in the lively heart of Pittsburgh, Sienna Mercato is an absolute gem for both locals and visitors alike, beckoning you with its tantalizing culinary offerings. With three unique levels, this trendy establishment will have you shouting "Mamma mia!" in no time. Whether you're a pizza aficionado, an oyster connoisseur, or simply a lover of all things delicious, Sienna Mercato promises to whisk you away on a tongue-tingling adventure you won't soon forget.
Learn more9. Smallman Galley
200 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
Nestled in Pittsburgh's bustling Strip District, Smallman Galley is a food lover's dream dressed in industrial chic. This culinary incubator is more than just a restaurant, it's a food court on steroids - a cornucopia of trendsetting eats ready to take your taste buds on a delicious adventure. With its rotating lineup of ambitious chefs and charming communal seating, it's a place where you can satisfy your cravings, bond with strangers over shared meals, and secretly judge the food choices of your fellow diners without remorse.
Learn more10. The Capital Grille
301 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Welcome to The Capital Grille in Pittsburgh, where fine dining and steel city charm collide like a deliciously retrofitted locomotive. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this upscale eatery boasts a discerning wine list that could make even the most sophisticated sommeliers weak at the knees. Prepare to savor mouthwatering dry-aged steaks, lovingly seared to perfection, while enjoying the impeccable service that'll make you feel like you just won the lottery (or at least a free appetizer).
Learn more11. Morcilla
3519 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
Awakening the taste buds of Pittsburghers since its humble beginnings, Morcilla is a culinary delight nestled in Pittsburgh's vibrant culinary scene. From the moment you step through the door, you will be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of Spanish sausage, tempting you to ditch your hat and skip right to the main course. Prepare to embark on a flavor expedition like no other, where plates are filled with tantalizing tapas that have carnivores dancing and even luring the broccoli lovers in with impeccable charm.
Learn more12. The Vandal
4306 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
Welcome to The Vandal, a quirky and vibrant eatery nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh. This lively restaurant boasts an eclectic menu that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From their scrumptious brunch options that will cure any hangover to their inventive dinner offerings, The Vandal is a culinary adventure not to be missed. Be warned, though, the repurposed industrial decor and the hipster vibes may give you an uncontrollable urge to grow a beard and start a vintage vinyl collection!
Learn more13. Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
146 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Welcome, meat lovers, to Gaucho Parrilla Argentina! Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, this carnivorous haven will tempt your taste buds in ways you never thought possible. Brace yourselves for an Argentinean adventure where each mouthful is an invitation to embrace your inner gaucho and devour juicy meats as if they were going out of style. Beware, though, as this place might just turn vegetarians into accidental carnivores with its smoky aromas wafting through the streets.
Learn more14. Meat & Potatoes
649 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Welcome to Meat & Potatoes, the culinary hideout where carnivorous dreams come true and potatoes take on the role of unsung heroes. Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh, this cozy joint is a haven for those seeking a meal that will make their taste buds dance a jig. Picture delightfully juicy steaks, tender chunks of meat, and potatoes that'll make you question why anyone would settle for an ordinary side dish.
Learn more15. täkō
214 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Pittsburgh, Täkō stands proud, challenging taste buds to a fierce dance battle of flavors. This lively taqueria boasts a vibrant interior that seems to have fallen straight out of a psychedelic piñata. With tacos that are both explosive and comforting, Täkō transforms the perception of a tortilla-wrapped marvel into a full-blown fiesta for your mouth.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Pittsburgh by plane is to fly into Pittsburgh International Airport from your departure airport. There are multiple major airlines that service this airport making it a convenient option for travelers.
Car
Driving to Pittsburgh is an option for those nearby or looking for a road trip. Major highways leading to Pittsburgh include I-76, I-79 and I-376. Once in Pittsburgh, it is recommended to park in one of the public parking garages located throughout the downtown area.
Train
Unfortunately there is no direct train service to Pittsburgh. However, Amtrak has stations in nearby cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. which offer connections to Pittsburgh via bus or rental car.
Boat
While there are no direct boat routes to Pittsburgh, it is possible to travel by boat on the Ohio River which runs through the city. There are various boat tours and rentals available for those interested.
Bus
There are several bus companies such as Greyhound and Megabus that offer travel to Pittsburgh from various cities. The main bus station in Pittsburgh is the Pittsburgh Intermodal Station located in the downtown area.