The best restaurants to try in the Pittsburgh Metro
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Pittsburgh may not be the best foodie city in America, however, the up and coming food scene continues to draw much press. While you will not find the world-class dining options of NYC, Boston, San Francisco, and Chicago, there is something here to please all. From iconic Primanti Brothers sandwiches stacked high with coleslaw and fries, to authentic Greek and Polish food, to classic mom and pop diners, you will have plenty of interesting food choices to eat your way through in the ‘Burgh. After living in the area for a year, I have compiled a list of my favorite local businesses. Note that I am a vegetarian so your experience may differ from mine!
Mediterra
Location: Sewickley & Mt. Lebanon
What to try: Shashuka
This upscale bakery plus coffeeshop is the best place to pick up pastries and fresh bread. It’s also one of the best lunch destinations in the city. However, this delicious farm fresh food comes at a cost. Although delicious, the food is quite pricey. Expect crowds all day long on weekends, especially after 9am. Fortunately, the popularity is well deserved. The coffee/espresso is excellent, the scratch made pastries are amazing (try the chocolate croissant or a seasonal danish), and the use of fresh farm ingredients a big plus in a city with limited health options. Try the fantastic Shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern dish consisting of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce.
Chinatown Inn
Location: Downtown
What to try: Veggie Lo Mein
The last remaining restaurant in Pittsburgh’s historic Chinatown neighborhood is one to put on the bucket list. The Yee family has been serving Yinzers for the past 3 generations. The menu now includes Szechuan and Hunan dishes, along with the original Cantonese fare. Everything is delicious and the lunch special is a terrific value which includes an entree, soup, and fried rice for under $15. Their egg drop soup, fried rice, and lo mein are by far the best in the metro area. Best of all, the spacious interior is gorgeous, dimly lit and classy – perfect for a date or special occasion! Bonus points for the gorgeous aquariums!
Badamo’s Pizza
Location: Northside & Dormont (the Mt. Lebanon location closed)
What to try: Cheese pizza
The best NY style pizza in the Pittsburgh metro can be found at a little gem in downtown Mt. Lebanon. Although this is more of a pick up place (limited seating available), the delicious pizza keeps me coming back on at least a monthly basis. The crust is thin, the sauce is flavorful, and the cheese appears to be high quality. They offer many toppings and also pizza by the slice. Sicilian and various specialty pies available, although the plain cheese is fantastic in and of itself, not to mention much cheaper! The garlic knots are also tasty. Salads are huge and topped with plenty of veggies. Pricing is reasonable. Definitely give this gem a shot if you find yourself in the Mt. Lebanon neighborhood.
Mike and Tony’s Gyros
Location: Multiple
What to try: Baked Spinach Pie & Greek salad
This family-owned favorite has been going strong since 1973. Today you can find 5 locations spread throughout the metro. The menu includes an assortment of Greek and American staples including spinach pie, gyros, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. You will definitely want to plan a visit during Happy Hours where you can enjoy various drink and appetizer specials – it’s one of the better deals around. Highlights include a spinach feta dip, a heaping plate of nachos, and loaded fries, all priced half off. Not part of the special, although the stuffed grape leaves, hummus dip with veggies & pita flatbread, and pierogies are all worthy of a splurge. I love that they offer a number of vegetarian options.
My full review of Mike and Tony’s
Bella Notte
Location: Strip District
What to try: Pasta of the day
This casual Italian restaurant is located in the historic Strip District, an old industrial area once home to many factories, that is now being transformed into a dining and shopping hotspot. Here you will find all your favorite Italian classics including pizza, pasta plates, a large selection of hoagies and wraps, and appetizers. Sitting out on the patio on a mild summer day is a fun way to people watch in a now popular touristy section of the city. If you are seeking comfort style Italian food, offered at an affordable price point, Bella Notte is one of your best bets. I usually go with the pasta of the day.
