10 Amazing Food Places In Pittsburgh You Have To Try
Oh Hail to Pittsburgh, where the rivers flow with black and gold waters, and the long ago steel fortunes have turned into market-fueled tech wealth. When it comes to the food industry, Pittsburgh has achieved something miraculous-the food cuisine places just keep getting better. No matter what your palette craves, Pittsburgh will have a place for you. Here are 10 of the amazing food places in Pittsburgh.
1. Nine on Nine
So downtown. So elegant. So darn delicious. Nine on Nine is a beautiful restaurant in a beautiful location. However, anyone who has eaten there can tell you that the most lovely thing about Nine on Nine is their food. Offering exquisitely crafted plating and flavors, Nine on Nine is simply perfect for any occasion in which you could ever find yourself. If you need a private lunch or dinner, Nine on Nine offers both, with an option of either 3 or 4 courses. Then, there are the vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. And of course, let’s not forget about the C.A.B. Pounded Tenderloin, sure to bring a happy-tear to the hungriest man.
2. Altius and Its Phenomenal Views
There aren’t really words in the English language that can adequately describe this bad boy. This restaurant is one of the food places in Pittsburgh that is exquisite. Altius is located on Mount Washington, overlooking the entire city, and when it gets dark, the city lights paint a Monet-like scene for your eyes to enjoy. The menu has consistency for people like my parents, and new things for those of us who like to mix it up. The craft cocktails are highly spoken of by the locals, while the wine list received the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine in both 2015 and 2016. This restaurant is a standing ovation for the city of Pittsburgh.
3. Butcher and the Rye
Paying homage to the vintage-feels in all of us is the unique and versatile downtown restaurant, The Butcher and the Rye. This restaurant houses two-stories and multiple rooms, that are each decorated with a different theme. It has two bars; the downstairs bar hosts a large and lively crowd enjoying the Whiskey Hall with 600+ types of whiskey. The upstairs bar is smaller and sultrier for a date night, complete with craft cocktails, cutesy of the in-house mixologists. The menu is just as interesting as the interior décor, offering you eats from fried duck to tartare. Whether you’re looking for a night on the town with your friends or a place to mingle with your special someone, you won’t go wrong when you hit this downtown hot spot.
4. Eleven, The Authentically Pittsburgh Restaurant
This restaurant is located in the Strip District. It offers seasonal eats and the wonderful chef, Eli Wahl, lets the ingredients speak for themselves. The kitchen serves refreshingly healthy and versatile dishes, which make them appealing to a vast audience. This restaurant is symbolic of the backbone of food places in Pittsburgh, forged with authenticity and hard work. Eleven is decorated with an industrial theme, which mirrors the history of Pittsburgh, and this eatery offers a wonderful atmosphere for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
5. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Don’t let the homely name fool you. This Mount Washington restaurant is one of the best places to go for seafood in Pittsburgh. Overlooking the city, this restaurant is a feast for the eyes and taste buds. If you would like crab cakes, that’s no problem because this restaurant has multiple kinds at your convenience. If you’re a purist, the seafood options are well prepared and artistically-plated. Because everyone loves caviar atop their lobster. Thank you Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, for making us believe in love again.
6. Istanbul Sofra
An exciting addition to the food places in Pittsburgh, this Mediterranean restaurant is full of unique, cultural dishes. For the itinerant in all of us, this restaurant transports you to a blissful place where culinary wonder and cultural appreciation collide. From lentil soup for the plant lovers to the Manti (Turkish dumplings) for the anthropologist in all of us (which will transcend you to Mecca). The menu at Instanbul Sofra has something delicious for everyone. And it is so refreshing to meet a menu with a sense of humor, just look for the dish called: Imam Bayidi (the imam fainted).
7. Legume, Celebrating Locally Sourced Ingredients
One of the top-rated dining experiences in Pittsburgh is the centrally-located Legume restaurant. This restaurant supports locally-grown and sourced ingredients. Legume crafts dishes that stay true to the featured ingredients and the local businesses of Pittsburgh. There are many interesting dishes on the menu, which changes a little each day. Dining here truly is a local experience, which teaches you to appreciate your food and where it comes from.
8. Primanti Bros
Primanti Bros. originated from right here in Pittsburgh. Where else in the country can you get a sandwich with cole slaw, French fries, and meat, piled between Italian slices of bread? Primanti Bros is a beloved staple and everyday favorite for every person in the ‘Burgh. There are so many wonderful things about Pittsburgh, and you can ponder them all while being food-drunk on a Primanti’s sandwich.
9. The Yard
The Yard has four separate locations around Pittsburgh. This restaurant is infamous for its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soups. It is a popular destination for college students and young professional for its practicality. With its multiple locations, you’re never far from a dish that takes you back to mom’s house for a Sunday afternoon lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Whether you’re shopping on the popular Walnut Street or you’re looking for a fun meal after an event at the PPG Paints Arena, The Yard is a welcomed moment.
4. The Melting Pot
Perhaps you’re looking for more of an interactive time out? If so, The Melting Pot is the place for you. This restaurant is for the individuality in all of us and one of the more popular food places in Pittsburgh. It is a Fondue restaurant that “plans” your evening around you. If you’re a member of the hungry man club, then you want the four-course experience including a cheese fondue course to start, and a chocolate fondue course to end the evening. If you are looking for a unique experience with some friends but aren’t looking to spend a ton of money, then you can simply end your evening out with a course of chocolate fondue.
Pittsburgh is a can’t-miss gem, comprised from hard-working men and women. It is a place where the food reflects the practicality, uniqueness, and ingenuity of the surrounding Pittsburgh locals. The food in Pittsburgh is always changing with the times, offering you new and innovative choices along with the beloved eatery traditions in the Steel City. Come and eat!
