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.
Zuppa’s Deli
Location: Wexford & Cranberry Township
What to try: Veggie panini and tomato basil soup
If you are craving a soup or sandwich, there is no better local choice in the Pittsburgh metro than Zuppa’s. This simple counter service restaurant serves high quality soups, sandwiches, salads, and deli sides (mac and cheese, deviled eggs). The combo, which consists of a half sandwich and cup of soup or salad, is a great value at just 15 bucks. From a Harvest vegetable salad, to a Baked Chicken Panini, to a Tuna melt sandwich, there is a bit of something for everyone here. The fantastic soup menu which includes tomato basil, shrimp and corn chowder, Lobster Bisque, Italian wedding, as well as seasonal specials (try the Butternut Squash). I prefer the Wexford location which is conveniently located within close proximity to the beautiful North Park Ice Rink.
Christo’s Mediterranean Grille
Location: Downtown (Cultural District)
What to try: Spankopita
This old-school Greek joint is one of the few long running gems still going strong downtown. Three generations of Greek families have been providing authentic Greek fare to Pittsburgh locals and tourists in the Cultural District for over 25 years. The setting is really beautiful here, really it’s one of the nicest dining rooms in the entire city – the perfect romantic ambiance for a date. Dinners come with soup or salad, rice, vegetables, and bread, so it is a great value in a pricey downtown district. Must trys include the Spanakopita and the Chicken Kebab and baklava for dessert! On an interesting side note, the owner was once the chef to Jackie Onassis on the Aristotle Onassis fleet.
Primanti Brothers
Locations: Multiple
What to try: Turkey Rachel
The most iconic restaurant in Pittsburgh is Primanti Brothers. Established in 1933, it is also one of the city’s oldest restaurants. It all began during the Great Depression when Joe Primanti opened a sandwich cart in the Strip District. Today, there are many Primanti locations across Pennsylvania. The now famous sandwiches include your choice of meat, tomatoes, homemade coleslaw, french fries, and provolone cheese on Italian bread. Lots of great appetizers and game day specials. Not the best choice for vegetarians (limited options), although a fantastic place to enjoy comfort food and watch a Steelers game!
Mercurio’s
Location: Shadyside & Fox Chapel
What to try: Funghi pizza
This family-owned Italian eatery serves authentic pizza, insalata, panini, and gelato in the Shadyside neighborhood. A number of specialty wood-fired pizzas are available including Funghi, Margherita, Four Cheese, and Marinara. The pizzas are delicious and not over priced like many other establishments in the region. The salads are so fresh and the gelato is a nice post lunch treat. Options change throughout the year and include tempting flavors such as: strawberry cheesecake, tiramisu, death by chocolate, cookie dough, and caramel coffee crunch. The ambiance is pleasing, although quite crowded and noisy on the weekends. Great location nearby many national and local shops in Shadyside.
Pasha Cafe
Location: Shadyside
What to try: Grilled Vegetable Plate
This local gem in a quiet section of Shadyside is the best place to enjoy Mediterranean fare in the city. It’s one of my go to picks for vegetarian fare as there are so many great options. The setting is beautiful, the food is delicious, service is great, and the outdoor patio is a nice bonus during the milder seasons. So many great appetizers, as well as healthy vegetarian, chicken, and seafood based entrees. A good place to start is with the Veggie appetizer platter which includes: falafel, spinach borek, cigarette borek, zucchini and homemade rice. Definitely try the falafel, hummus plate, stuffed grape leaves, rice pudding for dessert, and the rich Turkish coffee.
