The 10 Best Restaurants In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s been making headlines recently as an up -and-coming city that integrates both the old and new. Local chefs have captured this vibe with creative and inspiring menus filled with fresh takes on traditional dishes. We list the top dining experiences Pittsburgh has to offer.

Salt of the Earth

Restaurant, Contemporary

Offering a variety of seasonal items using locally produced ingredients, Salt of the Earth is a must for fans of modernist cuisine. The open kitchen and communal tables on the first floor creates a cozy dining room, while the mezzanine level overlooking the restaurant below provides a more intimate experience. The menu and seating variety provides a friendly experience for solo diners, as well as a cozy option for date night.

Meat and Potatoes

Diner, Gastropub, Restaurant, Pub, American, Gluten-free, Pub Grub

Open seven days a week for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night, Meat and Potatoes exudes an inviting pub atmosphere, with sophisticated food and a well crafted drink menu. The menu offers a decadent take on downhome favorites. Their brunch, heralded throughout Pittsburgh, is a must.

Cure

Restaurant, Mediterranean

The head Chef of Cure, is not only an expert at meat-heavy meals, but creates great vegetable dishes as well. With a rotating menu, Cure provides a spectacular dining experience inspired by the season. In addition to a unique dining experience, the restaurant holds a variety of events, including butchering demonstrations and barbeques.

Sienna Mercato

In the heart of Pittsburgh’s cultural district, Sienna Mercato brings together three unique dining options under one roof. Emporio features gourmet meatballs, including a vegetarian option, and 32 craft beers. At Mezzo, enjoy gourmet Italian food, such as imaginative pastas and wood-fired pizzas. Enjoy light food and an expansive draft beer list at Il Tetto, the rooftop beer garden that offers sprawling views of Pittsburgh’s most famous skyscrapers.

Grand Concourse

Restaurant, Bar, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

Grand Concourse is a classic Pittsburgh dining option. Built in 1901, the restaurant has retained the station’s original look, with accents of marble and mahogany under a regal stained glass roof. While enjoying the views, guests relish steak, seafood and the city’s best brunch.

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina

A carnivore’s paradise, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina serves up wood-fired Latin American food. Gaucho offers an unpretentious atmosphere where guests enjoy a standout meal. While there are a couple vegetarian options, Gaucho is hailed for their grilled meats.

E2

Though it lands on many best brunch lists, E2’s reach expands beyond its brunch, offering innovative European dishes. The bustling, yet homey BYOB spot is known for its communal, family style atmosphere, where friends and strangers dine together at ten large tables. Dedicated to maintaining a strong relationship with the community, E2 uses only local ingredients.

Monterey Pub

Pub, American, Irish, Beer

The Monterey Pub is a local favorite, serving up Irish comfort food like sheperd’s pie and bangers and mash. The antique carved mahogany booths and cozy fireplace create a friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. A family-friendly destination, the menu features options for picky kids and adults.

The Yard Gastropub

Gastropub, Bar, Pub Grub, American, Beer

The Yard Gastropub is a must when it comes to Pittsburgh eats. Guests could spend hours going through the extensive list of witty names however, if you don’t have that kind of time, the crabby patty with pepperjack cheese, mozzarella, a crab cake, siracha mayo, jalapenos, and onion straws is an enticing choice. All sandwiches are served with fries and tomato soup.

SMOKE BBQ Taqueria

Restaurant, Mexican, American

SMOKE BBQ Taqueria focuses on tacos filled with big, bold, barbecue flavors. The restaurant suggests two types of tacos per guests, and offers a variety of smoked meats on freshly made tortillas. The brisket and chorizo are two luring taco options, and the side of mac and cheese is phenomenal. Though the small building fills up quickly around dinnertime, the food is well worth the wait.