Located in Washington, Pennsylvania, about 40 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, Al an’ Rubens is worth the drive. Chef Al Collins, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife Leesa, turns out award-winning Italian comfort food with soulful twists, like the game-changing mozzarella in carrozza: a mozzarella sandwich that’s breaded, deep-fried, and topped with Parmesan cream sauce. Combined with a variety of pasta dishes, house-made sausages, and other classics, this is a great place for family dinners and date nights. You’ll have plenty of time to digest dinner as you choose from the day’s rotation of more 260 different cheesecake flavors.

Jackie Page wears a lot of hats. She’s the food coordinator for nonprofit Buy Fresh Buy Local/Farm to Table and the VIP chef for Barrel & Flow Fest 2021, a festival focused on increasing diversity in craft brewing. But Page has energy to spare for her own restaurant, Love Rocks Cafe. Located in the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks, just minutes from downtown, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch, with options like burgers, shrimp and grits, and salmon salad. Nothing on the menu exceeds $15.

You’ll need to be an early riser to get a hold of the doughnuts at Better-Maid, especially the doughnut holes, which are usually the first to go. The line starts forming as soon as the door opens, at 6 a.m. during the week (7 a.m. on weekends), and the shop closes when they sell out, sometimes within two hours. Beyond doughnut holes, the Boston cream, glazed, and cake doughnuts and cinnamon rolls are among the favorites that owner Ken Smith makes on a daily basis.

The stunning view of Pittsburgh’s skyline from Monterey Bay is unmatched, as are the fresh seafood, top cuts of beef, delectable sides like truffle frites, and the MB Mac n’ Cheese, which comes loaded with snow crab and Mexican paradise shrimp. Paired with soft music, dim lights, and scenic views of the three rivers, the Fish Grotto makes for a wonderful place to celebrate birthdays, promotions, and any other special occasion.

Mount Washington isn’t just a great place to get a good view of Pittsburgh’s skyline. It’s also home to the Summit, a cozy bar with elevated cocktails and pub grub. After a long day, grab a drink, play some board games, snack on some popcorn, and enjoy the wide variety of tunes on the playlist. All the social activities and relaxing vibes make the Summit perfect for meeting up with friends or a first date you’re nervous about.

Pittsburghers love their pizza, and there’s always a debate about who has the best. A strong contender is Ephesus, which takes pizza to a whole new level by incorporating staple Mediterranean ingredients on their pies. Get a gourmet pizza with lamb kebabs, Moroccan chicken and dates, or Turkish pepperoni (or opt for something more traditional if you’re feeling less adventurous). Ephesus also serves Mediterranean appetizers like baba ghanoush, grape leaves, and falafel, as well as gyros and wings.

Las Velas can be hard to find, sitting above Bank of America in Market Square, but you’ll never forget how to come back. Their quesadillas, filled with Mexican cheeses and your choice of protein, are packed with flavor, especially the combo of chicken and shrimp. Breaded tilapia shines in the tacos, served with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and creamy chipotle sauce, while an order of black beans and elote completes any meal. Wash it all down with one of their frozen margaritas and you’ll be set for the evening.

Follow the sounds of music to Con Alma (translation: with soul), the restaurant and bar bringing jazz back to Pittsburgh’s historic Cultural District. There you’ll find co-owner and executive chef Josh Ross serving up Latin-inspired dishes like albacore xnipec with tortilla chips, bacalaitos, and lechon asado (as well as global dishes like dan dan mian and Korean fried chicken). Recently named one of the best bars in America by Esquire, the cocktail program, led by bar manager Hannah McKee, isn’t too shabby either. Meanwhile, the live jazz program curated by co-owner John Shannon has featured Pittsburgh legends like Roger Humphries and the RH Factor. All these elements make Con Alma a must-visit.

Judy Torma founded Huszár to honor her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. after the Hungarian Revolution, and to bring Hungarian food and culture to Pittsburgh. Serving staples like goulash, chicken paprikas (stewed chicken in sour cream paprika sauce served over dumplings), and langos (crispy fried bread), the charming restaurant will have you plotting a trip to Hungary. Stop by for the annual bacon roast, a Hungarian fireside tradition that swaps the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers of American s’mores for pork belly, chopped onions and peppers, and bread.

Located in the heart of the cultural district, Bridges & Bourbon offers innovative, modern cocktails before or after a show at the Benedum Theater, for a girls’ night out, or any time you’ve got a special someone you want to impress. Try the Fan the Flame, Suntory Toki Japanese whisky, port, Byrrh Grand Quinquina, honey, apple blossom, and Angostura bitters, served with a souvenir hand fan. Or go for the Black Canary, which includes gin, blackberries, cherry blossom water, honey, lime, grapefruit, and a float of prosecco, served in a bird-shaped glass.

Former NFL player and current personal trainer Chris “Steel” Edmonds operates the Athletic Trauma Unit, a mobile gym that removes financial barriers to health and fitness by providing free services. The truck also serves food that keeps to the motto “a healthy food choice without sacrificing taste.” Options include black bean, turkey, and salmon burgers, which can also be made into salads. Whether you get your sweat on with Steel or need to fuel up before your own adventure, you can find a great meal at ATU.

Owned and operated by Darwin Copeland and his family, Z-Best in the historic Hill District serves up ribs, grilled chicken, and pork and beef brisket, all elevated by signature barbecue sauces. Among the down-home sides, fan favorites include the four-cheese mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and potato salad based on a secret recipe handed down by Copeland’s mother. If your family isn’t as culinarily inclined, check them out to cater your next gathering.

Since 1983, Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shoppe has been a staple in the Burgh for steak, chicken, and Italian subs, as well as Pittsburgh-style salad, typically topped with french fries instead of croutons. The version at Peppi’s, labeled the “now famous” steak salad on the menu, is a classic of the form, loaded with juicy steak, fresh-cut fries, and shredded provolone.

You can’t talk about Pittsburgh without mentioning pierogies. This bare-bones market offers fresh meats, sausages, and pastries, alongside pierogies stuffed with fresh fillings like sauerkraut and mushroom, or spinach and sweet farmer cheese. S&D also serves some of the city’s best haluszki, a Pittsburgh favorite of soft egg noodles served with sweet cabbage, onions, and butter.

If you’ve ever taken a stroll through the Strip District, you’ve seen Lucy Nguyen serving up fresh sandwiches at her stand on Penn Avenue. Her banh mi is filled with your choice of marinated grilled chicken or pork, and topped with fresh cucumbers, pickled carrots, cauliflower, red onions, peppers, and sauce. At only $8 a sandwich, it’s an affordable win.

Owners Carleen and Mike King know that their Southern comfort food keeps the customers coming back to Carmi on Carson Street. Classic combinations such as chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits never go out of style, but diners can also get ribs, meatloaf, and fish stew. The bustling Southside location is an exciting experience during the lunchtime rush, but if time isn’t on your side, visit their express location on the Northside.

Since 1983, Salem’s has been the go-to market for halal meats like goat, lamb, and chicken. While the grocery side of the operation remains popular for international specialty items, Salem’s has since expanded with an attached sit-down restaurant, where you can try dishes like biryani, kebabs, and the popular lamb chops, blasted with a signature blend of spices.

This quaint BYOB is one of the best Thai places in the city. You can’t go wrong starting your meal with the crab Rangoon or wonton fish tacos topped with grilled tilapia, vegetable fixings, Sriracha, and house sauce. If you like spice, try the spicy stir-fried basil noodles, or keep it mild with the pineapple fried rice. Look out for the return of the restaurant’s cooking classes, which (pre-COVID) taught patrons how to make signature dishes at home.

The burgers are juicy, the chicken is crispy, and the pork is tender at this sandwich-focused food truck, which roves around Aspinwall, the Strip District, and Downtown. You can’t go wrong on the menu, but look for favorites like the Nashville-style PGH hot chicken sandwich and “In-N-Aht” double smash burgers. Follow the truck on social media to see where it’ll park next, or find the brick-and-mortar location inside Strange Roots Millvale Taproom.

Husband and wife duo Eddie Barnz and Angel Randolph take customers back in time with their nostalgic restaurant. The space is decorated with vintage toys and memorabilia, while the menu takes inspiration from pop culture. Among the hotdogs named for characters, try the Brian Griffin with pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, fried onions, bacon, and Carolina sauce. Or try the Scooby, a dog with cheese and gravy. There are also more than 100 flavors of wings, as well as burgers (some with doughnuts for buns). If you are feeling adventurous, get the Challenge Burger: four patties, eight eggs, eight pieces of bacon, tomato, lettuce, mushrooms, onion, onion rings, and pickles. Finish it within 30 minutes to earn a spot on their wall and $10 off your next meal.

Driftwood’s executive chef-owner Neil Blazin prides himself on ethically sourcing ingredients for his pizzeria. The sourdough in the crust is made with 100 percent organic whole grains. The fresh meats for toppings come from local Goodness Grows Farm, and the mozzarella, ricotta, and provolone are from 100 percent grass-fed cattle at Caputo Brothers Creamery. All these ingredients make for amazing pies, sliced into Roman square cuts or classic triangles. Try one of the house pies like the bianca or pepperoni, or opt for a specialty topping combo like peach and corn.

The brainchild of owners Joel Bolden and Chris Morgan, who each have over 20 years of culinary experience, Walter’s offers traditional Texas barbecue in an idyllic outdoor setting; the backyard space is dog-friendly, features a large garden, and is set with picnic tables for community dining. All items on the menu are made in-house, including the brisket and pulled pork smoked the night before (so when it’s gone, it’s gone). Get started with the smoked wings or candied bacon before moving on to tender meats and delectable sides like collard greens and potato salad. The Sunday brunch menu includes items like biscuits and gravy, and homefries. 

Prantl’s is home to the best cake in America, according to HuffPost and almost anyone that’s tried the famous, melt-in-your-mouth burnt almond torte. The custard-filled square cake is topped with a light buttercream and candied toasted almonds. Although there’s nothing like walking in and getting a whiff of the cakes in the oven, Prantl’s delivers nationwide too.

Saudat Lawal and her husband Luke Lawal wanted to bring the magic of West African cuisine to Pittsburgh. Saudat grew up working in her family’s restaurant in Nigeria and opened Pittsburgh’s first Nigerian restaurant in 2021 (while completing her doctoral degree in nursing during a global pandemic, no less). At African Cuisine, you can find the rich, nutty taste of egusi stew, Nigerian meat pies, and jollof rice, a staple dish made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, vegetables, and meat.

Owner Wei Zhu is a James Beard Award semifinalist equally passionate about showcasing Chinese cuisine and adding his own special touches. The vast menu at Chengdu Gourmet reflects both interests, with traditional Chinese dishes and American-style Chinese dishes, as well as a section dedicated to new additions like silk tofu with crab egg and stir-fried frog. If you’re overwhelmed, try the double-cooked pork belly and tea-smoked duck, but any dish will deliver the comfort of a meal at your Chinese grandma’s house. Zhu already has a second location in the works.

If you’ve never had a chocolate chip cookie so good that you dreamed about it, you’ve never visited Nancy B’s. The crunchy edges and gooey center make this Pittsburgh’s best chocolate chip cookie (especially if you’re lucky enough to get one right out of the oven), a claim to fame recognized in several local publications. This hidden gem is at the edge of the business district in Homestead, nestled on the bottom level of a commercial building. If you blink, you may miss it.

In 2016, Bible Center Church opened this coffee shop in Homewood Avenue’s business district, becoming Pittsburgh’s first completely cashless coffeehouse. The cafe is more than just a place to score a good cup of joe, though. It’s also a community gathering and event space, with programs focused on education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The menu offers a variety of hot beverages, breakfast sandwiches, salads, soups, paninis, and desserts.

When Katie Heldstab and Christa Puskarich received an ice cream maker as a wedding present, Heldstab began making lactose-free ice cream. The habit soon turned into a serious venture, which would become Leona’s. Heldstab attended an ice cream course at Penn State while Puskarich worked on launching the business. Currently available in more than 50 restaurants and shops in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, Leona’s ice cream sandwiches can be enjoyed all year round. With winning flavor combinations like key lime ice cream on graham cookies, black sesame on salted tahini chocolate chunk, and coffee on snickerdoodle, there’s a sandwich for everyone to enjoy. They’ve also expanded into pints and affogato.