Where to eat in Pittsburgh? This is a popular question I am asked a lot. Whether you’re planning a visit to Pittsburgh, or you’re a local in need of some inspiration, my night at Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Restaurants Party might leave you with some restaurants on your “Must try” list. 

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has become quite the foodie destination. Each year, Pittsburgh Magazine tackles the growing list of restaurants and releases its “Best Restaurants” Issue, followed by a major tasting party at Heinz Stadium. This year, I had the opportunity to attend. With only 1.5 hours to make my way through the long list, I barely scratched the surface of the evening’s offerings (those little plates of food add up so quickly!). I missed many of my favorites, but here are some of the dishes I tried. If you’re considering a visit to Pittsburgh, bookmark these restaurants, and check out the full guide for a more complete glimpse into the scene. And you can always hit me up for more suggestions.

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Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Or, The Whale (above)
(American Cuisine, Downtown)
Salmon Tartare “chowder” 
Fresh & smoked salmon, celery aioli, lemon, herbs, potato, celery, pickles red onion, chowder cream

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Superior Motors
(New American, Braddock, PA- a borough of PGH)
(so many layers… I can’t remember!)

*Superior Motors made the list for Food & Wine Magazine’s Restaurants of the Year 2018

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Piccolo Forno
(Tuscan Italian, Lawrenceville)
Chicken Liver Pate with Charred Peach Compote & Pickled Mustard Seeds Crostini

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Vivo Kitchen
(Mediterranean, Sewickley, PA- a suburb of Pittsburgh)
Pickled Radish & Maple Bacon Jam

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Cure*
(Mediterranean, Upper Lawrenceville)
Potato Chip with Crème Fraîche & Trout Roe

Cure* (Upper Lawrenceville)
Paw Paw Cream Pie

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Morcilla* 
(Spanish, Lawrenceville)
Carrot Gazpacho and Chicharron

*Both Cure & Morcilla are owned by Chef Justin Severino, and these restaurants are always my first recommendations to any meat eaters visiting Pittsburgh!

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Union Standard (American Cuisine, Downtown)
Country Ham, Everything Potato Roll, Pickled Ramps, Rhubarb Ketchup

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Floor 2 (American, Downtown)
Confit Duck Wings
(These were a crowd favorite!) 

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Casbah (Mediterranean, Shadyside)
Charred Spanish Rock Octopus, Crispy Fingerling Potatoes, Green Goddess Yoghurt, Chorizo Vinaigrette & Parsley 

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Eleven Contemporay Kitchen
(American Cuisine, Strip District)
Choux au Craquelin
Steak Tartare

Eleven also hosted a Preview Event, so you can see some more drool-worthy plates in my Instagram stories. 

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Dinette
(Mediterranean, East Liberty)
Grilled Shishito Peppers, Goat cheese, fried almonds, fleur de sel

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Umami
(Japanese, Lawrenceville)
Salmon Sashimi with Wasabi Mayo, Watermelon Radish & Micro Cilantro

*My Rustbelt Farmer loves Umami so much he always goes without me- it’s a bit like an affair because he won’t admit it to me. 

(I spaced on this one, but aren’t these rangoons pretty?)

Where to Eat in Pittsburgh: Madeleine Bakery & Bistro
(French Bakery, Wilkinsburg, PA)
Madeleines

Madeleine opened shortly after I returned from traveling in the South. I was full of Asheville envy, but my envy quickly became contentment after one visit to this adorable bakery. When I need a dose of Paris, I put this on my list (which is really every day). 

Happy Birthday, my love!

Even with his mouth full, he’s quite the charmer, wouldn’t you say? Conveniently, this party fell the day before the Rustbelt Farmer’s birthday, so instead of making reservations for only one restaurant, we had the best of the city in one spot. Here’s to a delicious 33rd year on the planet! Thanks for being the best menu sharer around. xoxo

If you’re visiting Pittsburgh, I hope you catch one of these sunsets while eating your way through the city, and if you’re still curious, don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Cheers,