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Top 32 Pittsburgh Restaurants to Try

Being one of the nation’s most affordable and industrialized cities to live in, you can count on finding some fantastic restaurants in Pittsburgh. 

people eating in booths at a pittsburgh restaurant

Pittsburgh has several international dining options. You can find places specializing in Italian dishes, Spanish dishes, and East Asian dishes, among others.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something on every block, and each one has its own unique atmosphere.

However, this begs the question: which restaurants should you look out for? Luckily, we compiled a list of some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh that you should consider visiting to satisfy your dining needs.


LeVia Trattoria

5336 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 724-247-3160
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the LeVia Trattoria
Source: LeVia Trattoria

LeVia Trattoria is a scratch kitchen specializing in serving Italian dishes in a comfortable and casual environment.

Unlike our previous options for Pittsburgh restaurants, LeVia lets customers bring their own bottles of wine, liquor, or beer. You can find this establishment between Butler Street and 54th Street. 

LeVia Trattoria uses quality ingredients to create Italian cuisine from scratch. Some of our favorite pasta entrees include their lemon ricotta ravioli, rigatoni, and linguine.

If you’re not in the mood to BYOB, you can order coffee, tea, or flavored soda to complement your meal. Our favorite dessert option is their chocolate budino.


Bitter Ends Garden & Luncheonette

4613 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Phone: 412-450-0229
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The Bitter Ends Garden & Luncheonette
Source: Bitter Ends Garden & Luncheonette

Located off of Liberty Avenue, this Pittsburgh restaurant is ideal for visitors interested in healthier food options. Bitter Ends provides window service to its customers ordering online.

The luncheonette also sells its foods at the Linea Verde Green Market to give customers convenient access to its food during its off-days. 

Some notable menu options you can choose during the weekend include a veggie hoagie, chicken cutlet sandwich, or a captain’s basket with fried shrimp, fish sticks, and hushpuppies.

You can also place an order for a birthday cake or carrot cake online.


Morcilla

3519 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-652-9924
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The Morcilla
Source: Morcilla

Morcilla offers a lively atmosphere that most restaurants in Pittsburgh aim to achieve.

Located off of Butler Street, it brings an array of Spanish cuisine to Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Additionally, Pittsburgh Magazine awarded it “Best New Restaurant of 2016.” They also offer curbside catering for specific occasions.

Morcilla’s menu includes several options for desserts, drinks, and dinner. Their chorizo starter is perfect for people who love starting their meals with something spicy.

We also recommend their duck confit a la plancha or bistec a la plancha for a more flavorful experience.


Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

146 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-709-6622
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The Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
Source: Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

Nestled in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina specializes in serving Argentinian dishes.

It’s one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh that use wood-fire cooking methods to give dishes a subtle smokey flavor. 

In-house patrons can also experience happy hour every Tuesday through Friday between 4 and 6 PM and enjoy a small snack, such as empanadas or chorizos.

We recommend you try some of our favorite dishes, including their rosemary braised beef, chuleta de cerdo, and paella.

You can also try some of their cocktail and wine options to top off your meal.


Altius

1230 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-904-4442
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The Altius
Source: Altius

Altius serves high-quality, seasonal-inspired dishes using organic and local products for every dish.

Located on Grandview Avenue, this restaurant is excellent for visitors interested in enhanced hospitality and classic food with a modern touch.

Its location also has an excellent elevated view of the city, enhancing its dining atmosphere for anybody looking for luxury.

Some of our favorite dishes that they offer include their duroc pork chop, Australian lamb rack, and Chilean sea bass. Altius also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.

If you have room for dessert, you should also try their lemon tart or coconut affogato.


Secretos

1334 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 407-655-7742
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The Secretos
Source: Secretos

Located off of Crane Avenue, Secretos is one of the places in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where you can enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food.

This family-owned food truck provides several daily specials that you can also order through different apps, such as GrubHub or UberEats. They also provide catering services for parties, corporate events, and other occasions. 

Some of our favorite menu picks include their triple meat sandwich, Puerto Rican root soup, and fried or mashed plantains.

If you want a side dish with your meal, you can try their empanadas or tostones. You can also try their tres leches dessert afterward.


Sushi and Rolls

301 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-255-0520
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The Sushi and Rolls
Source: Sushi and Rolls

Nestled in Pittsburgh’s One Oxford Centre, Sushi and Rolls is an excellent place you can go to if you’re craving quality sushi.

They offer dine-in and take-out options for customers interested in a light sushi afternoon snack or a full-course dinner. Additionally, its decor emulates a perfect Japanese-style ambiance that adds to the atmosphere. 

They have several dining options for you to try, including their fan-favorite California roll. Some other items we enjoy from their menu include yaki niku, oyako don, and shrimp tempura roll.

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You can also order a bento combination with assorted sushi, maki, and teriyaki.


DiAnoia’s Eatery

2549 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-918-1875
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The DiAnoia's Eatery
Source: DiAnoia’s Eatery

If you’re in the mood for fresh-made pasta, then look no further than DiAnoia’s Eatery. Located off Penn Avenue and 24th Street, this Italian restaurant has an excellent ambiance for people interested in relaxing dining.

They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offer takeout, delivery, and indoor or outdoor dining. They also have a wine, coffee, and cocktail bar.

DiAnoia’s Eatery specializes in homemade pasta, pastries, bread, and sandwiches. Some dishes we like include their steak florentine, Quattro Formaggio stuffed shells, and gnocchi with meatballs.

They also offer gluten-free pasta for customers with specific dietary needs or preferences.


Fig & Ash

514 East Ohio Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-321-2222
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The Fig & Ash
Source: Fig & Ash

Fig & Ash is a fantastic scratch restaurant run by some of the top chefs in Pittsburgh. You can find this wood-flamed eatery on East Ohio Street in Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Fig & Ash grinds and butchers their grain meat from local farmers to create fresh and flavorful dishes using their custom, locally-built wood-fire oven with seasonal vegetables for flavor enhancement.

Fig & Ash’s dishes incorporate seasonal and local dishes into their menu. Some standout menu options include halibut, double-cut pork chop, and Elysian Fields Moroccan Lamb.

Additionally, their bar offers several draft beer and mocktail options to have with your meal.


The Capital Grille

301 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-338-9100
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The Capital Grille Restaurant
Source: The Capital Grille

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s financial district, The Capital Grille offers the perfect blend of quality food and elegant ambiance.

Some centerpieces you can find in this steakhouse restaurant include African mahogany paneling and Art Deco chandeliers. It’s a great place to get lunch or dinner and is open all week.

The Capital Grille serves dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and world-class wines. Their seared citrus glazed salmon is perfect for seafood lovers, and their dry-aged NY strip spends 18 to 24 days aging to reach its ideal flavor and texture. We also recommend their cheesecake or creme brûlée for dessert.


Eleven

1150 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-201-5656
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Eleven Restaurant
Source: Eleven

You can find this restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Strip District on Smallman Street.

Eleven’s interior is an homage to Pittsburgh’s industrial growth, making it a comforting environment to enjoy a meal.

The restaurant specializes in using seasonal ingredients to create different meals for its patrons to enjoy. You can also book private events, such as business dinners or parties.

Eleven offers several menu options for dinner and brunch, such as ricotta cavatelli, swordfish, and fried pickle brined chicken.

They also have a vast menu of beer, wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverage options to pair with your meal.


Arepittas

412-428 Cherry Way, Pittsburgh PA 15219
Phone: 412-281-1213
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The Arepittas
Source: Arepittas

Arepittas might be a restaurant you’d want to check out if you’re in the mood for authentic Venezuelan street food. They offer dine-in, take-out, delivery, and catering services.

You can find Arepittas on Cherry Way, in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, just across the street from Utsav News.

Examples of Venezuelan food you can find on Arepitta’s menu include empanadas, vegetarian bowls, and arepas flatbreads stuffed with beef, chicken, seafood, chorizo, and other fillings.

We prefer the chori pollo (chicken, sauce, and cheese) and arepa galipan (pork, mozzarella, tomato, and cilantro) arepas. They also offer kids menu options for their youngest visitors.


APTEKA

4606 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15224
Phone: 412-251-0189
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The APTEKA
Source: APTEKA

Located off Penn Avenue, between the Lawrenceville and Bloomfield neighborhoods, and across from the Allegheny Cemetery, APTEKA serves excellent Eastern and Central European food.

The restaurant also doubles as a bottle shop for wine sales, while its dining services are open on Friday and weekends and incorporates cafe-style ordering.

As a vegetable-based restaurant, every item on APTEKA’s menu is vegan-friendly. We love their beet borscht, fried pierogies, and eggplant sandwich on cabbage bread.

However, some of these meals contain nuts, so it would be wise to check if they also come without them.


Poulet Bleu

3517 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15201
Phone: 412-325-3435
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The Poulet Bleu
Source: Poulet Bleu

Located on Butler Street in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, Poulet Bleu is one of the best restaurants you can find within the city.

This American bistro takes inspiration from French cuisine, offering a wide variety of dishes for its customers. Pittsburgh Magazine also voted it “Best New Restaurant of 2018.”

Some of the most popular items on Poulet Bleu’s menu include chocolate mousse, risotto, and hamburgers.

However, we also recommend trying their roast duck and filet mignon. You can also order fried beignets and a dessert wine to finish your evening with style.


Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

501 Grant St Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-391-1714
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The Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Source: Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is one of the top Pittsburgh steak restaurants you can find if you want to experience authentic fine dining.

Located in Suite 100 inside the Union Trust Building overlooking Grant Street, they prioritize serving high-quality seafood and steak to their patrons. Eddie V’s also has a cocktail lounge with live jazz to entertain their clientele.

Their premium hand-cut steaks are aged over 28 days to ensure their flavor quality. Their seafood uses fresh fish caught daily across the world.

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Our favorite dishes from their menu include their parmesan sole, jumbo gulf shrimp, and South African lobster.


Alla Famiglia

804 E. Warrington Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Phone: 412-488-1440
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The Alla Famiglia
Source: Alla Famiglia

Located off East Warrington Avenue and Asteroid Way in the Allentown neighborhood, Alla Famiglia offers several excellent scratch Italian dishes.

In addition, they have an award-winning wine list, with each option stored at ideal humidity and temperature. However, if you want to bring your own wine, you’re allowed up to two 750-milliliter bottles.

Some items on their Italian dinner menu that caught our attention include their seafood diavola, pan-seared scallops, and tagliatelle scoglio del mare.

They also serve seasoned hand-cut steaks roasted over hot coal grills, aged for a maximum of 21 days.


The Commoner

620 William Penn Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-230-4800
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The Commoner
Source: The Commoner

If you’re in the mood for American classics or craft spirits, consider going downtown to The Commoner.

You can find this gastropub in the Kimpton Hotel Monaco on William Penn Place.

They also have an open-air rooftop Biergarten located nine stories up that serves European beer and German-influenced snacks.

Some of their popular tavern-style main courses include strip loin, cavatelli, and their signature Commoner Burger.

In addition, we recommend trying one of their draft beers with a beef tartare starter and a strip loin. They also have breakfast and brunch menus if you want to make an earlier reservation.


Tessaro’s American Bar & Hardwood Grill

4601 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Phone: 412-682-6809
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The Tessaro's American Bar & Hardwood Grill
Source: Tessaro’s American Bar & Hardwood Grill

If you’re interested in trying one of the nation’s best burgers, Tessaro’s American Bar & Hardwood Grill is one destination you should consider.

Located on Liberty Avenue in the Bloomfield neighborhood, this Pittsburgh restaurant uses customized hardwood cooking methods using cast iron grills to create perfectly proportioned burgers.

Although Tessaro’s specializes in making hamburgers, they also serve other menu options, such as sandwiches, seafood, and kabobs.

We recommend trying their Gourmet Kelly Burger, hamburger salad, or chicken club sandwich. Tessaro’s menu options are also available for take-out if you’re in a hurry.


Senti Restaurant

3473 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-586-4347
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The Senti Restaurant
Source: Senti Restaurant

Located in the lower Lawrenceville neighborhood on Butler Street, Senti Restaurant is another fantastic dining option for authentic Italian food.

Additionally, it’s one of the most visually pleasing restaurants, with its gallery-inspired layout of giant, colorful wall art that pops against the dark interior walls. 

Senti also allows reservations for private events, including their outdoor patio and bar lounge areas. 

Some of their most popular Italian menu items include Lasagna alla Veneta, Spaghetti al Pomodoro, and Saltimbocca alla Romana.

Senti Restaurant serves fresh in-house-made pasta daily and serves several vegetable dishes as sides.


Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

525 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-312-5001
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The Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Source: Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

Located at the corner of Smithfield and Oliver, Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse serves authentic Brazilian cuisine in an authentic environment adorned with hand-woven wall decorations.

Other notable elements include an open kitchen and grill and an all-day bar. Additionally, Fogo de Chao holds happy hour every Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

Fogo de Chao serves several Brazilian dishes for lunch, brunch, and dinner. Our favorites dishes from their menu include Fraldinha steak, Picanha de Porco, and Linguiça (spicy pork sausage).

They also serve non-alcoholic Brazilian beverages, such as pineapple mint lemonade or Guaraná Antarctica.


Kaya

2000 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-261-6565
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The Kaya
Source: Kaya

Tired of going to a restaurant specializing in only one international style? If so, Kaya has your answer for the best diverse dishes with the freshest herbs and spices, boldest flavors, and enhanced preparation.

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Strip District, off of Smallman Street, this destination is ideal for indoor and outdoor patio dining.

Kaya specializes in cooking Caribbean, South American, and Pacific dishes with high-quality ingredients.

For instance, they offer the most delicious tropical paella, pukka-glazed grilled mahi-mahi, and crispy fish tacos. We recommend ordering Cuban brunch on Sundays and their Fried Chicken Thursday nights.


Point Brugge

401 Hastings Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-441-3334
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The Point Brugge
Source: Point Brugge

Located in Pittsburgh’s East End on the corner of Reynolds and Hastings Street, Point Brugge where you can enjoy reasonably-priced Belgian-style lunch, dinner, or brunch with the freshest ingredients around.

They offer indoor dining and take-out services, making it the perfect place to treat yourself to a midweek or weekend specialty dish.

They make excellent grilled entrees, including their grilled Loch Duart Scottish salmon, Chicken Milanese, and carbonnade flamande.

Their moules frites (mussels served with fries and a sauce of your choice) are another Belgian delicacy you should consider trying at least once.


Joseph Tambellini Restaurant

5701 Bryant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-665-9000
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The Joseph Tambellini Restaurant
Source: Joseph Tambellini Restaurant

Joseph Tambellini Restaurant is a go-to destination if you prefer refined classical cuisine.

Located off of Bryant Street and Azimuth Way, beyond Highland Park, you can enjoy quality Italian-inspired cuisine in a relaxing environment.

Each of the restaurant’s floors has its own unique layout, including a lodge for private gatherings.

Their high-quality Italian dishes are some of the best Pittsburgh has to offer. Our favorite options include eggplant parmesan, hand-made cheese ravioli, and rigatoni with salmon and crabmeat.

However, if you prefer a simpler meal, we recommend their angel hair, linguini, or rigatoni with a sauce of your choice.

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Bar Marco

2216 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-471-1900
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The Bar Marco
Source: Bar Marco

Located off of Penn Avenue, Bar Marco offers affordable Italian dishes and an extensive menu of wines.

Their weather-permitting outdoor dining is a highlight of any trip to Pittsburgh.

Above its main dining area lies the Union Hall, reserved for different types of events, including happy hours and rehearsal dinners. Take-out is also available for their dishes and wines.

Bar Marco offers several Italian nonna-style dishes, including chicken parmesan, pork tonnato, and rigatoni alla Norma.

They also offer wine club subscriptions. However, when ordering take-out wine, your limit is four bottles per sale.


Condado Tacos

971 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-281-9111
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The Condado Tacos
Source: Condado Tacos

You can find Condado Tacos throughout most of Pittsburgh, but you can find several of them in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, including off of Liberty Avenue.

This restaurant offers several delectable tacos, taquitos, and margaritas for you to try.

In addition, their interior takes inspiration from skater and graffiti culture, giving the place a more flashy look compared to other restaurants.

Their standout chicken, beef, and steak tacos include El Santo, Blue Dream, and Bad Habit.

Additionally, you can customize your taco, nacho, and packed bowl orders with the ingredients you love, thus making your experience more engaging.


Spork

5430 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-441-1700
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The Spork
Source: Spork

Located on Penn Avenue, Spork is a chef-owned restaurant that prioritizes preparing scratch dishes.

Adjacent to their location is a quarter-acre vegetable farm where they get most of their ingredients.

Spork also reaches out to local farmers for other special ingredients and offers free parking across the street.

Spork specializes in serving fresh pasta and house-cured meats on their seasonal menus. A few of our favorites include their Tagliatelle Bolognese, tilefish, and koji rye fried chicken.

However, we recommend trying their seared scallops as an appetizer and their lamb shank as an entree.


täkō

214 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-471-8256
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the täkō
Source: täkō

Nestled on the corner of Sixth Avenue and Penn Avenue is täkō, a unique eatery that offers customers a distinct blend of Mexican and Japanese styles.

This restaurant has a dark and moody atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to enjoy their tequila and mezcal bar and unwind.

Besides the traditional beef and seasoned chicken tacos, they also serve ones made with grilled octopus, grilled maitake mushrooms, and Korean steak flank.

We also suggest ordering a mojito, spicy pineapple margarita, or Paloma cocktail to accompany you and a light nacho snack as a starter.


Bae Bae’s Kitchen

945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-258-6322
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The Bae Bae’s Kitchen
Source: Bae Bae’s Kitchen

Located on Liberty Avenue, Bae Bae’s Kitchen serves healthy and organic Korean-inspired food as one of the best Pittsburgh restaurants.

From daily dishes to seasonal dishes, their casual atmosphere is enough to treat every customer as friends or family. Their daily supplies can vary daily.

When ordering from Bae Bae’s Kitchen, you can choose between rice, noodles, or salad; you can add marinated ribeye, Korean fried chicken, spicy chicken, or tofu, and a daily side as you build your own plate.

However, we recommend their other extra dishes, including homemade dumplings, garlic cheese wontons, and hand-cut sweet potato fries.


The Vandal

4306 Butler Street, Pittsburgh PA 15201
Phone: 412-251-0465
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The Vandal
Source: The Vandal

Located off of Butler Street in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, The Vandal is one of the top places to enjoy small Eastern European meals.

Their in-house bar has a wide range of cocktails, beers, and wines for you to try as you enjoy your dinner or brunch on a relaxing summer day.

Some of our favorite dinner menu options include their smoked trout, chicken schnitzel, and black cod. The Vandal also hosts and provides catering for private events.

Consider booking this restaurant for a small family gathering or birthday party if you prefer a little taste of the neighborhood.


Oishii Donburi

5227 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-408-2298
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The Oishii Donburi
Source: Oishii Donburi

Right on Butler Street in the lower Lawrenceville neighborhood lies Oishii Donburi, and it’s one of our favorite restaurants in the city because of its unique take on Japanese cuisine.

Oishii Donburi’s sleek interior design gives it a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the environment fresh. It’s the perfect place for lunch or dinner after a busy day. It’s open every day except Monday.

Some of Oishii Donburi’s specialty dishes include bibimbap, curry, and donburi. So, we recommend trying their unagi bowl, ebi katsu don, and vegetable tempura.

However, they also have spicy bibimbap options if you want the ultimate flavor kick.


Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Six PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, United States
Phone: 412-391-4800
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The Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Source: Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Next on our list is Ruth’s Chris Steak House, located downtown in the PPG Industries building.

It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner before heading off to any local sports stadiums or theaters.

Some of their specialty steak cuts include bone-in filet, lamb chops, and bone-in New York strip. Other specialty dishes include seafood entrees, like crab cakes and sea bass, and seasonal dishes, such as a steak and shrimp combo.

They also offer keto, gluten-friendly, vegetarian, and lower-calorie options for specific dietary preferences or restrictions.


Mallorca Restaurant

 2228 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412-488-1818
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The Mallorca Restaurant
Source: Mallorca Restaurant

The last entry in our list of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh is Mallorca Restaurant, located on East Carson Street.

This Spanish restaurant offers excellent meat and seafood options on the South Side, along with homemade sangria and an award-winning wine list.

Mallorca also won the “Diners’ Choice Award” in 2017, has over 27 years of operation, and is open all week. 

They offer mouth-watering Spanish Prosciutto, Paella Valenciana, and pan-seared duck breast served in a cherry brandy sauce with fresh vegetables.

We recommend starting off your meal with spicy fried calamari, stuffed peppers, or a cheese platter.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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