The city of Pittsburgh, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, is a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. From its rich history to its vibrant cultural scene, Pittsburgh has evolved into a foodie’s paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the city’s culinary landscape is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best places to eat in Pittsburgh, exploring the city’s hidden gems, trendy eateries, and iconic restaurants that showcase the city’s unique flavors and traditions.
Classic Pittsburgh Eats
Pittsburgh is famous for its hearty, comforting dishes that reflect the city’s industrial heritage and European influences. From traditional pierogies to classic sandwiches, these iconic Pittsburgh eats are a must-try when visiting the city.
Pierogies and Other Eastern European Delights
Pierogies, dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat, are a staple of Pittsburgh’s Eastern European cuisine. You can find them at many local restaurants, but for a truly authentic experience, head to Pierogies Plus, a family-owned eatery that serves up traditional pierogies, kielbasa, and other Polish favorites.
- Pierogies Plus – 1424 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
- Primanti Bros. – 46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (more on this iconic sandwich shop below)
- Gene and Georgetti – 628 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Italian-American cuisine)
Classic Pittsburgh Sandwiches
Pittsburgh is famous for its unique sandwiches, which often feature coleslaw and fries on top. The Primanti Bros. sandwich, named after the iconic sandwich shop, is a must-try. This sandwich features a juicy kielbasa, coleslaw, and fries piled high on a crusty roll.
Other classic Pittsburgh sandwiches include the Italian sub, which features salami, ham, and provolone cheese, and the Polish sandwich, which features kielbasa and sauerkraut. For a taste of these iconic sandwiches, head to Primanti Bros., a Pittsburgh institution since 1933.
Primanti Bros. – A Pittsburgh Icon
Primanti Bros. is more than just a sandwich shop – it’s a Pittsburgh institution. Founded in 1933 by two brothers, Primanti Bros. has been serving up classic Pittsburgh sandwiches for over 80 years. The shop’s signature sandwich, featuring coleslaw and fries on top, is a must-try for any visitor to the city.
Primanti Bros. has expanded to several locations throughout the city, but the original shop on 18th Street is still the most popular. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere and long lines, but the food is well worth the wait.
Trendy Eateries
Trendy Eateries
Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and bars popping up all over the city. From trendy eateries to upscale dining experiences, here are some of the hottest spots to try in Pittsburgh.
South Side Eats
The South Side is one of Pittsburgh’s trendiest neighborhoods, with a vibrant food scene that showcases the city’s diverse culinary influences. Here are some of the top spots to try:
- The Original Hot Dog Shop – 2701 S Water St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (gourmet hot dogs)
- Butcher and the Rye – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (upscale American cuisine)
- Legume – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (French-inspired bistro)
The Original Hot Dog Shop is a South Side institution, serving up gourmet hot dogs with creative toppings. Try the “Mac Daddy,” topped with mac and cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions.
Butcher and the Rye is a modern American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails. Try the dry-aged ribeye or the pan-seared scallops.
Legume is a French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like duck confit and steak frites.
Strip District Eats
The Strip District is another vibrant neighborhood in Pittsburgh, known for its street vendors, ethnic markets, and trendy eateries. Here are some top spots to try:
- Wholey’s – 1711 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (seafood market and restaurant)
- Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 – 1800 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 (sports bar and grill)
- Il Tetto – 210 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Italian cuisine)
Wholey’s is a seafood market and restaurant that offers fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere. Try the fish tacos or the seafood paella. (See Also: Where to Eat in Manhattan? Foodie Guide)
Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 is a sports bar and grill owned by former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis. Try the burgers or the wings, and catch a game on one of the many TVs.
Il Tetto is an Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto.
Upscale Dining
Upscale Dining
Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is not just about casual eats and trendy eateries. The city is also home to some of the finest upscale dining experiences in the country. Here are some of the top spots to try:
Fine Dining
Pittsburgh’s fine dining scene is led by some of the city’s top chefs, who offer creative, farm-to-table cuisine in elegant settings. Here are some top spots to try:
- The Capital Grille – 301 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (steakhouse)
- Morton’s The Steakhouse – 200 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (steakhouse)
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room – 201 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (seafood)
The Capital Grille is a high-end steakhouse with a sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional service. Try the dry-aged steaks or the seafood options.
Morton’s The Steakhouse is another upscale steakhouse with a classic menu and elegant atmosphere. Try the filet mignon or the lobster tail.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room is a seafood restaurant with a retro-style atmosphere and a menu that features fresh seafood options like lobster, shrimp, and fish.
Contemporary American Cuisine
Pittsburgh’s contemporary American cuisine scene is led by some of the city’s top chefs, who offer creative, farm-to-table cuisine in trendy settings. Here are some top spots to try:
- Butcher and the Rye – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (upscale American cuisine)
- Legume – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (French-inspired bistro)
- Spak Brothers Pizzeria – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (gourmet pizza)
Butcher and the Rye is a modern American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails. Try the dry-aged ribeye or the pan-seared scallops.
Legume is a French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like duck confit and steak frites.
Spak Brothers Pizzeria is a gourmet pizzeria with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and creative toppings. Try the “Spak’s Special” with pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.
International Cuisine
International Cuisine
Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is not just about American cuisine. The city is also home to a diverse range of international restaurants, offering everything from Asian fusion to Mexican cuisine. Here are some top spots to try: (See Also: Where to Eat in La Boqueria Barcelona? Foodie Delights Await)
Asian Fusion
Pittsburgh’s Asian fusion scene is led by some of the city’s top chefs, who offer creative, pan-Asian cuisine in trendy settings. Here are some top spots to try:
- Legume – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (French-inspired bistro with Asian fusion options)
- Spak Brothers Pizzeria – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (gourmet pizza with Asian fusion toppings)
- Thai Basil – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Thai cuisine)
Legume is a French-inspired bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails. Try the duck confit or the steak frites, both of which feature Asian-inspired flavors.
Spak Brothers Pizzeria is a gourmet pizzeria with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and creative toppings. Try the “Spak’s Special” with pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, or the “Asian Fusion” pizza with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables.
Thai Basil is a Thai restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like pad thai and green curry.
Mexican Cuisine
Pittsburgh’s Mexican cuisine scene is led by some of the city’s top chefs, who offer creative, farm-to-table cuisine in trendy settings. Here are some top spots to try:
- La Taqueria – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Mexican cuisine)
- El Vez – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Mexican cuisine)
- Chipotle Mexican Grill – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (fast-casual Mexican)
La Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
El Vez is a Mexican restaurant with a focus on creative, farm-to-table cuisine. Try the tacos or the burritos, both of which feature fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with a focus on sustainable, responsibly-sourced ingredients. Try the burritos, bowls, or tacos, all of which feature fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Breakfast and Brunch
Breakfast and Brunch
Pittsburgh’s breakfast and brunch scene is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. From classic diners to trendy eateries, here are some top spots to try:
Classic Diners
Pittsburgh’s classic diners are a staple of the city’s breakfast and brunch scene. Here are some top spots to try:
- Primanti Bros. – 46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (classic diner with a Pittsburgh twist)
- The Original Hot Dog Shop – 2701 S Water St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (gourmet hot dogs and breakfast options)
- Gene and Georgetti – 628 Smithfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (Italian-American cuisine with breakfast options)
Primanti Bros. is a classic diner with a Pittsburgh twist. Try the “Primanti Bros. Breakfast” with eggs, sausage, and coleslaw.
The Original Hot Dog Shop is a gourmet hot dog shop with a focus on creative toppings. Try the “Mac Daddy” with mac and cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions.
Gene and Georgetti is an Italian-American restaurant with a focus on classic dishes like pasta and pizza. Try the breakfast options like eggs benedict or the breakfast burrito. (See Also: Where to Eat in Fremont Seattle? Flavorful Finds)
Trendy Eateries
Pittsburgh’s trendy eateries offer creative breakfast and brunch options in a lively atmosphere. Here are some top spots to try:
- Butcher and the Rye – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (upscale American cuisine with breakfast options)
- Legume – 212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (French-inspired bistro with breakfast options)
- Spak Brothers Pizzeria – 211 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (gourmet pizza with breakfast options)
Butcher and the Rye is a modern American bistro with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative cocktails. Try the breakfast options like eggs benedict or the breakfast burrito.
Legume is a French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like duck confit and steak frites. Try the breakfast options like eggs benedict or the breakfast burrito.
Spak Brothers Pizzeria is a gourmet pizzeria with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and creative toppings. Try the “Spak’s Special” with pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, or the “Breakfast Pizza” with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Recap
Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is a vibrant and diverse destination for foodies and locals alike. From classic diners to trendy eateries, the city offers a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are some of the top spots to try:
- Classic diners like Primanti Bros. and The Original Hot Dog Shop
- Trendy eateries like Butcher and the Rye and Legume
- Upscale dining options like The Capital Grille and Morton’s The Steakhouse
- International cuisine like Asian fusion and Mexican
- Breakfast and brunch options like Spak Brothers Pizzeria and Gene and Georgetti
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your culinary adventure in Pittsburgh. Remember to try the local specialties like pierogies and kielbasa, and don’t be afraid to explore the city’s many neighborhoods and hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best pierogies in Pittsburgh?
Pierogies Plus is a family-owned eatery that serves up traditional pierogies, kielbasa, and other Polish favorites. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for authentic pierogies in Pittsburgh.
What’s the best way to get around Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and the “T” (light rail). You can also walk or bike around the city, or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Where can I find the best Mexican food in Pittsburgh?
La Taqueria and El Vez are two popular Mexican restaurants in Pittsburgh that offer creative, farm-to-table cuisine. Try the tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
What’s the best time to visit Pittsburgh?
The best time to visit Pittsburgh is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals to enjoy. However, the city is also beautiful during the fall and winter months, with plenty of holiday events and activities to enjoy.
Where can I find the best breakfast in Pittsburgh?
Primanti Bros. and The Original Hot Dog Shop are two classic diners that offer delicious breakfast options, including eggs, sausage, and pancakes. Try the “Primanti Bros. Breakfast” or the “Mac Daddy” for a tasty and filling breakfast.
