Pittsburgh Restaurant Guide for 2008 Meeting
Main descriptions come from Pittsburgh Magazine.
http://www.wqed.org/mag/cityguide/dining_00.php
Additional notes by Jim Bogen and/or Peter Machamer
For more reviews see Pittsburgh City Paper:
http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Section?oid=oid%3A14788
Downtown
Bigelow Grille, http://www.bigelowgrille.com
Doubletree Hotel Pittsburgh Restaurant
One Bigelow Square,
412/281-5013
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Main dining room uses regional products in traditional preparations.
M-Sun, 6am-11pm.
Cafe Zao
649 Penn Ave.,
412/325-7007
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Mediterranean fusion with Portugese influences. Located in Theater
Square in the Cultural District. Lunch: T-F, 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner:
T-Sat, 5pm until half an hour after the last Cultural District show lets
out; Sun, 4-8pm. Good food; nice place.
Common Plea Restaurant, http://www.commonplea-restaurant.com
310 Ross St.,
412/697-3100; 877/281-5140
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested
Court-of-law themed restaurant. Dark wood interior and bar. Specialties
include Italian pasta dishes and veal prepared in a hardwood-fired
grill. Lunch: T-F, 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: T-Sat, 5-10pm.
Excellent place, good wine list. Run by the Batsotti family.
Grille On Seventh, http://www.thegrilleonseventh.com
130 Seventh St., downtown
412/391-1004
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested
Classic American favorites such as steaks and fresh seafood. Sun-M,
11:30am-7pm; T-Th, 11:30am-9pm; F-Sat, 11:30am-11pm.
Mark's Grille & Catering, http://www.marksgrille.com
923 Penn Ave.,
412/471-6401
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
Full-service bar and seating for 100. Homemade chips, grilled chicken
and steak salads and double-decker gourmet deli sandwiches.
M-Th 11am-10pm; F, 11am-2am; Sat, hours vary.
Good local bar. OK hamburgers and bar food.
Morton's The Steakhouse‚Pittsburgh, http://www.mortons.com
Dominion Tower, 625 Liberty Ave., 412/261-7141
Price for three-course meal: More than $40
Reservations suggested
Steakhouse with a club-like ambience serves prime aged beef
(porterhouse, filet mignon), fresh seafood and Colorado-raised lamb.
Everything is big, from the cuts of meat to the asparagus
Spears, and a la carte. Extensive wine list, chic bar, martini
menu. M-Sat, 5:30-11pm; Sun, 5-10pm.
Olive or Twist
140 Sixth Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
412-255-0525
Good bar, though not cheap. OK food. Usually crowded
Primanti Brothers, http://www.primantibrothers.com
11 Cherry Way,
412/566-8051
Primanti Brothers, http://www.primantibrothers.com
2 S. Market Square,
412/261-1599
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
A Pittsburgh original; sandwiches on Italian bread stuffed with
sweet-and-sour coleslaw and french fries.
Original is in the Strip (see below)
Six Penn Kitchen, http://www.sixpennkitchen.com
146 Sixth St.,
412/566-7366
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
American bistro. Regional American classics, fresh cuisine, seasonal
ingredients. Menu changes monthly. M-Th, 11am-11pm; F, 11am-mid; Sat,
3pm-mid.
Good Value.
Steel City Bar & Grill
110 Smithfield St.,
412/562-0238
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Known for huge fish sandwiches. M-Th, 11am-mid; F, 11am-2am. Lounge:
W-Sat, 4pm-close.
Steelhead Brasserie and Wine Bar, http://www.thesteelhead.com
112 Washington Place, Marriott Pittsburgh City Center,
412/394-3474
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Nonsmoking throughout
Group reservations
Tradition with a twist. Fresh fish flown in daily, lamb and aged beef.
Classic items with a modern-day flair. Customized chef tasting dinners
available. Breakfast: M-F, 6:30am-11am; Sat, 6:30am-noon. Lunch: M-F,
11:30am-2pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-10pm; F-Sat, 5-11pm.
The Capital Grille, http://www.thecapitalgrille.com
Piatt Place, 301 Fifth Ave., 412/338-9100
Price for three-course meal: More than $40
Reservations suggested
Known for its dry-aged, hand-cut beef selections and extensive,
award-winning wine list. Lunch: M-F, 11am-3pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-10pm;
F-Sat, 5-11pm; Sun, 5-9pm
Excellent, even for a chain, but expensive.
The Carlton, http://www.thecarltonrestaurant.com
One Mellon Center, Grant St.
412/391-4099
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Home to business lunches for 20 years. Steak, chops, fish and pastas
hold on as menu favorites. This trailblazer in selling wines for just
$10 over cost is also known for its extensive, annotated wine list and
popular wine dinners. Lunch: M-F, 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner: M-Sat, 5-10pm.
Free parking in One Mellon Center garage. Limo service to cultural
events during dinner hours only.
Good food, great wine list.
The Original Soup Man, http://www.originalsoupman.com
410 Forbes Ave., downtown
412/281-6400
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
Nine daily varieties of soup, including seafood, vegetarian and chilled
soup. M-F, 11am-6pm.
It’s all about the soup.
Tonic Bar & Grill, http://www.tonicpittsburgh.com
971 Liberty Ave., downtown
412/456-0460
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Seasonal menu. Bar menu offers freshly squeezed cocktails. Seasonal
outdoor seating. M-W, 11am-mid; Th-Sat, 11am-2am.
Fun bar uses fresh juices for cocktailsr, food is OK also.
Lemon Grass Cafe
124 Sixth St., downtown
412/765-2222
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Cambodian and Thai cuisine, known for pad Thai. M-Th, 11am-9pm; F-Sat,
11am-10:30pm; Sun, 4-9pm.
Phnom Penh
410 First Ave.
412/261-4166
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Nonsmoking throughout
BYOB
Traditional Cambodian lunches and dinners, featuring soups and noodle
dishes, as well as large entrees. M-F, 11am-8:30pm; Sat, 4-8:30pm.
Sonoma Grille, http://www.thesonomagrille.com |
http://www.wqed.org/mag/columns/dish/2006/0805_sonoma.shtml>*
947 Penn Ave., downtown
412/697-1336
Price for three-course meal: Moderate though much depends on wine that is ordered
Contemporary cuisine with Californian influences. Extensive wine list.
Lunch: M-Sun, 11am-3pm. Dinner: M-Sun, 5-11pm.
Prelude Wine Bar
Pittsburgh Renaissance Hotel, 107 Sixth St., downtown
412/562-1200
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Nonsmoking throughout
Wine bar with more than 50 wines by the glass and an appetizer menu
featuring scallops, artisan cheeses, roasted strawberries and smoked
salmon and trout tartar. T-Th, 5-10pm; F-Sat, 5-11pm.
Small, but nice place.
Ruth's Chris Steak House, http://www.ruthschris.com
6 PPG Place, downtown
412/391-4800
Price for three-course meal: More than $40
Reservations suggested
This high-end steak chain originating in New Orleans boasts aged prime
beef served with butter. Chicken, lamb and seafood are also on the a la
carte menu, along with creamed spinach, eight potato dishes and bread
pudding with whiskey sauce. Private dining rooms available. Lunch: M-F,
11:30am-3pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-10pm; F-Sat, 5-11pm; Sun, 5-9pm. Free
parking after 4pm in PPG garage.
Dumplinz Café, http://www.dumplinzcafe.com
411 Seventh Ave., (main entrance on Smithfield St.)
412/281-6062
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
No alcohol
Filled pastas from around the world. Breakfast served all day. Order
online for delivery. Take-out or seating inside. M-F, 7am-8pm; Sat,
10am-8pm.
August Henry's City Saloon, http://www.augusthenrys.com
946 Penn Ave.,
412/765-3270
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Group reservations
Homemade American comfort food. Dishes include crab cakes, burgers and
sandwiches, seafood, steak and salad. Daily specials. Casual Old-English
bar. Large beer selection. M-Th, 11am-9pm (bar open until 2am); F-Sat,
11am-10pm (bar open until 2am).
OK local bar, plenty of space, uninspired food.
Nine On Nine, http://www.nineonnine.com http://www.wqed.org/mag/columns/dish/2006/1106_nine_on_nine.shtml>*
900 Penn Ave.,
412/338-6463
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
French-inspired American cuisine. Signature dishes include thyme-roasted
free-range Amish chicken with asparagus flan; Pittsburgh surf & turf;
grilled filet and lobster pierogies. An adjacent bar, called Bar Nine,
serves specially made drinks and small bites from the main menu in a
comfortable lounge setting. T-Sat, 5-10pm. $$$
Good but expensive bar.
Palate Bistro, http://www.palatebistro.com
212 Sixth St.,
412/434-1422
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
An eclectic, modern bistro featuring classic cuisine with a modern twist
including wild mushroom risotto and Yellow Fin tuna. Lunch: M-Sat,
11:30am-1:30pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-10pm; F-Sat, 5-11pm.
Christos
130 Sixth St., 412/261-6442
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Group reservations
BYOB
Moussaka, spanakopita and other Greek specialties are the standards at
this popular lunch and dinner spot. M-Th, 11am-8:30pm; F-Sat, 11am-mid;
Sun, 11am-8:30pm.
It’s OK.
Bravo Franco Ristorante, http://www.bravofranco.com
613 Penn Ave.,
412/642-6677
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Specialties include veal osso buco, roasted veal, filet and strip
steaks. M, 11am-8pm; T-Th, 11am-11pm; F-Sat, 11am-mid; Sun, hours vary.
Caffe Amante
Fifth Avenue Place, 2nd floor
412/391-1226
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested
Parking/free
Specialties include bucatini amatriciana with plum tomatoes, garlic,
pork pancetta and white wine; pork tenderloin roasted with black
raspberry sauce and herbed mashed potatoes; portobello and egglant
parmigiana, breaded portobello and eggplant, ricotta, mozzarella and
Parmesan cheeses with fusilli pasta. M-F, 11am-9pm.
Palazzo Ristorante
144 Sixth St., 412/434-6244
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested
Menu includes lasagna layered with homemade crepes, ricotta cheese,
marinara sauce and jump lump Maryland-style crab cakes. Open M-Th,
11am-11pm; F, 11am-mid; Sat, 4pm-mid; Sun, by reservation only.
Paradiso Ristorante, http://www.paradiso-ristorante.com
301 Grant St., (One Oxford Centre)
412/392-0225
Price for three-course meal: Unknown
An Italian restaurant in an intimate setting. Extensive wine list. Capacity 180 diners. M-Sat., 11am-9pm.
Seviche, http://www.seviche.com
930 Penn Ave.,
412/697-3120
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Raw with a twist. Featuring mojitos, salsa music and the creative foods
of Latin America. M-Sat, 5pm-1 am, bar open until 2am.
Cute and tad pricey
Opus, http://www.dineatopus.com
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, 107 Sixth St.,
412/992-2005
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Nonsmoking throughout
Group reservations
Worldly cuisine with a purely American flair, served in one of the
Cultural District's trendiest eateries. Steps from sports and performing
arts venues and convenient for dining before and after games and
theater. Located in the lobby along with Prelude Wine Bar and The Bridge
bar. Breakfast: M-F, 6:30am-11:30am; Sat, 7am-noon; Sun, 7am-2pm. Lunch:
M-Sun, 11:30am-2pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-10pm; F, 5-11pm; Sun, 5-10pm. Valet
parking available. Major credit cards accepted.
Original Fish Market, http://www.originalfishmarketpgh.com
Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1001 Liberty Ave., 412/227-3657
Price for three-course meal: More than $40
Reservations suggested
Handsome bar boasting 52 premium wines by the glass, sushi bar and
dining room overlooking an exhibition kitchen. Wide and varied menu
features daily specials and something for everybody, but specialty is
fresh seafood. M-F, 11am-1am; Sat-Sun, 1pm-1am. Full menu served until 1am.
Good place, though somewhat noisy.
Original Oyster House
20 Market Square, 412/566-7925
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
No credit cards
Pittsburgh tradition offers jumbo fried-fish sandwiches and other fresh seafood.
M-Sat, 9am-11pm.
A local, somewhat grungy, gem. Pittsburghers traditionally drink buttermilk with the fish sandwich. Many prefer beer.
Moe's Southwest Grill, http://www.moespittsburgh.com
210 Forbes Ave., Market Square, downtown
412/224-4422
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
Southwestern cuisine. M-Th, 11am-6pm; F, 11am-10pm; Sat, 11am-7pm.
More like a diner.
Market Square Ale House
1 Market Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 745-2337 phone
Inexpensive bar with some decent food. Nice view of the Square.
Cigar Bar
430 Market St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 880-4080
Quiet bar; decent prices, and cigars allowed!
The Strip (Penn Ave and Smallman Street, just East of Downtown; from 11th Street to 33rd Street)
La Prima Espresso
20th and Smallman
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 565-7070
Best espresso in Pittsburgh. Italian style coffee bar.
Cioppino
2350 Railroad St., Strip District412/281-6593
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggestedParking/freeBYOB (until they get their liquor license)
Named for a popular San Francisco fish stew, which is the signature dish. Seafood and chop-house-style menu featuring Tuscan-inspired American cuisine. Upscale cigar bar and four main dining rooms. Smoking only permitted in cigar bar. Sun, 11am-9pm; M-F, 4-10pm (small plates available until midnight at bar); Sat, 11am-10pm (small plates available until midnight at bar).Newly opened; renowned chef.
Primanti Brothers
46 18th St., Strip District
412/263-2142
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
A Pittsburgh original; sandwiches on Italian bread stuffed with sweet-and-sour coleslaw and french fries.
Eleven
1150 Smallman St., Strip District
412/201-5656
Price for three-course meal: More than $40
Reservations suggested
Parking/free. Contemporary American menu includes shrimp shooters, veal medallions, butter-poached lobster and molten chocolate cake. Lunch: M-F, 11:30am-2pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-10pm; F-Sat, 5-11pm; Sun, 5-9pm.
Kaya
2000 Smallman St., Strip District
412/261-6565
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Tropical/Latin-themed restaurant. Try "tropas" (appetizers with tropical flavors), jerk chicken wings, vegetarian choices and nightly entree specials. M-W, 11:30am-10pm; Th-Sat, 11:30am-11pm; Sun, noon-9pm.
Deluca's
2015 Penn Ave., Strip District
412/566-2195
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
No credit cards. No alcohol. Popular breakfast spot. Hotcakes, frittata, omlettes and more. Large portions and strong coffee. M-Sat, 6am-3pm; Sun, 7am-3pm.
Pamela's P & G Diner
60 21st St., Strip District
412/281-6366
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15 Local favorite for breakfast. Huge, crepe-style pancakes are the signature dish. M-Th, 8:30am-4pm; F-Sun, 7:30am-3pm.
Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle
2329 Penn Ave., Strip District
412/642-6622
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested
Parking/free
Wood-trimmed Irish pub serves Irish brews along with many domestics. The same holds true for the menu, which features traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie and fish & chips, along with American fare. T-Th, 11:30am-1am; F-Sat, 11:30am-2am.Good bar.
Lidia's Pittsburgh
1400 Smallman St., Strip District
412/552-0150
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Launched by New York City chef/restaurateur and PBS star Lidia Bastianich, Lidia's Pittsburgh features her signature mix of Northern Italian and Eastern European cooking. Specialties include osso bucco, zuppa di pesce and a daily pasta trio sampler with endless refills. Lunch: M-F, 11:30am-2pm. Brunch: Sat-Sun, 11am-2:30pm. Dinner: M-Th, 5-9pm; F-Sat, 5-10pm; Sun, 5-8pm. Parking validated during weekday lunch. Nonsmoking.Good food; good prices for quality.
Sushi Kim
1241 Penn Ave., Strip District
412/281-9956
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested Korean specialties and sushi. Sushi bar by woodworking artist Tadao Arimoto. Sushi menu offers an expanded selection of vegetarian and cooked sushi. M, 5-9pm (sushi only); T-Th, lunch: 11:30am-2:30pm, dinner: 5-10pm; F-Sat, 11:30am-10:30pm; Sun, noon-9pm.
East Liberty – will need to take a cab or go by car or bus.
Red Room Cafe And Lounge
134 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty
412/362-5800
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40Reservations suggestedGroup reservationsDinner and late-night fare. Full bar and extensive wine list. Featuring globally-fused modern American cuisine. M-W, 5-10pm; Th, 5-11pm; F-Sat, 5pm-mid; Bar open later.
Sharp Edge Beer Emporium
302 S. St. Clair St., E. Liberty
412/661-3537
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Parking/free
Belgian beer bar serving Belgian-style thin-crust pizza, panini on herbed foccacia, St. Louis ribs and fish and chips. M-Sat, 11am-mid; Sun, 11am-10 p.m.
Richard Chen Pan Asian Cuisine
5996 Penn Circle South
Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 924-0080
Newly opened. World-class food; Very expensive. Reservations a must. His other restaurant is in Las Vegas and has one Michelin star.
Typhoon
242 S Highland Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 362-2005
Upscale, well prepared Thai cuisine, Prices are reasonable for good food.
Southside
Cambod-Ican Kitchen
1701 E. Carson St., South Side
412/381-6199
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Nonsmoking throughout
Cambodian-American fusion cuisine. Selections include noodles, curry, stir-fry, shish-kabobs and freshly brewed ginger or jasmine tea. T, 3-11pm; W-Th, noon-11pm.
BYOB
Cafe Allegro
51 S. 12th St., South Side
412/481-7788
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
French and Italian Riviera. Menus change seasonally. All food is cooked to order. Housemade breads, pastries and ice cream. Free parking behind restaurant. Sun-Th, 5-10pm; F-Sat, 5-11pm.
Dish Osteria And Bar | Review
128 S. 17th St., South Side
412/390-2012
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
No credit cards
Small dining room behind a lively bar offers appetizers, fish, pasta and meat, daily specials and desserts. M-Sat, 5pm-2am (kitchen open until midnight).
Very good bar; good food.
Le Pommier
2104 E. Carson
412-431-1901
Price: $25-$40
Good French Bistro Fare. Well chosen French wine list.
Ibiza Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar
2224 E. Carson St.,
412/325-2227
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Parking/free
Reservations suggested
Over 45 tapas from Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil and more. Seasonal menu with fresh vegetables, seafood and fruit. M-Th, 4pm-mid, bar open until 2am; F-Sat, 4pm-1am, bar open until 2am.
Very nice place.
Mallorca
2228 E. Carson St.,
412/488-1818
Price for three-course meal: $25-$40
Reservations suggested
Parking/free
Paella, seafood, garlic soup; portions are large. European-trained staff. Outdoor patio dining in warm weather. M-Th, 11:30am-10:30pm; F-Sat, 11:30am-11:30pm; Sun, noon-10pm.
Large portions, good food bustling fun atmosphere.
Club Café, http://www.clubcafelive.com/
56-58 South 12th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-431-4950
Mostly for the live music.
Oakland (the area of Pitt and CMU)
These restaurants are fine for lunch in case you visit the University of Pittsburgh or CMU. The most interesting of them is Spice Island Tea House.
Spice Island Tea House
253 Atwood St.,
412/687-8821
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Southeast Asian food. M-Th, 7am-3pm; F-Sat, 11:30am-10pm.
Ali Baba
404 S. Craig St.
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Group reservations
Hummus, baba ghanoush and shish kebab. M-F, 11:30am-2:30pm, 4-9:45pm; Sat-Sun, 4-9:45pm.
Beer only. BYOB wine.
Recommended for Vegetarians.
India Garden
328 Atwood St.
412/682-3000
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Full range of Indian dishes, including many curries. Dinners are 50 percent off 4-6pm and 10pm-1am daily. Full bar and club. M-Sun, 11:30am-1am; daily lunch buffet, 11:30am-3pm.
Nice atmosphere, but food is not as good
Joe Mama's Italian Deluxe
3716 Forbes Ave., Oakland
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Reservations suggested
Retro Italian diner serving big portions of homestyle Italian specialties. M-Sun, 11am-10pm.
Dean Martin style Italian with the likes of Dean Martin for background music.
La Fiesta
346 Atwood St
412/687-8424
Price for three-course meal: $15-$25
Mexican fare includes burritos. M, 11:30am-10pm; T-Sat, 11:30am-1pm; Sun, noon-9pm.
Lulu's Noodles
400 S. Craig St.,
Price for three-course meal: Less than $15
Fresh Asian cooking. Use your noodle, eat at Lulus
Dine-in, pick up and catering. Call 412/421-9346 for delivery. M-Sun, 11am-9:45pm.
Fast, cheap, non-authentic, reasonably tasty.
The Original Hot Dog Shop,
3901 Forbes Ave.
Open almost 24 hour.
Truly great hot dogs. Good greasy French fries and onion rings. Beer. Grungy atmosphere. Next to no seating unless you go upstairs.
Maggie’s Mercantile
300 South Craig Street
412-621-8200
Open every day 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Friday, Saturday open until 10 p.m.
Fresh, organic, veggie friendly, and good.
Chipotle Grill
3619 Forbes Ave
11:00 AM--10:00 PM.
It's a chain. It's fast food. But it's designed by a student of Jeremiah Tower, who learned his lesson well.
If the weather is good or you've brought warm clothes, you can eat lunch from several reasonably good take out places in the park with a carousel across from the Cathedral of Learning on one side and the Hillman Library on another.
Added attraction: Dave And Andy’s Ice Cream. 201 Atwood. 11:330 AM (1:00 PM on Sunday)?9:00 PM. A USA Today top 10 ice cream places in the nation pick. The malt flavors are remarkable.
Oakland is short on good bars. The Union Grill 413 S. Craig is ok, as is the bar in Holiday Inn Select, 100 Lytton.