18 Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

With 5 locations, including the vibrant Strip District and trendy Shadyside, Pamela’s Diner is an iconic Pittsburgh restaurant renowned for its classic American breakfast fare and retro ambiance.

The diner is famous for its crepe-style pancakes, a delightful twist on the traditional breakfast staple, and hearty sides like Lyonnaise potatoes.

Pamela’s Diner is a fan favorite, from families enjoying a weekend brunch to students and professionals looking for a satisfying start to their day. The friendly service and welcoming atmosphere add to its charm, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Whether you're a breakfast lover or simply in search of top-notch comfort food, Pamela’s Diner is a must-visit in Pittsburgh.

A true Pittsburgh staple, Primanti’s started as a cart and has now expanded with over 40 restaurants across the eastern United States.

Primanti Bros is known for its massive sandwiches packed with flavorful coleslaw, crispy fries, and other classic American fare. It’s the perfect place to stop after a day of exploring Pittsburgh if you’re looking for hearty, no-nonsense fare that still tastes absolutely delicious.

Set in a historic converted church in Lawrenceville, The Church Brew Works is an incredibly unique dining experience that is probably on every list of best restaurants in Pittsburgh. The building still has its original stained glass windows and architectural elements, making it a must-visit for those who love historic buildings. You’ll be able to sit in pews that have been repurposed into dining booths and see beer being brewed on the former altar.

The food here is hearty pub food at its finest, with house-brewed beers and creative dishes like pierogi pizza. You’ll come for the unique atmosphere and stay for the food.

Located in the Strip District downtown, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina brings the fiery flavors of Argentina to Pittsburgh. In fact, you can literally smell the grill from down the street.

This restaurant is famous for its wood-fired meats and classic Southern American fare, making it a haven for meat lovers and those looking to explore international cuisine in a casual setting.

Reviewers have nothing but remarkable things to say about the dishes bursting with flavor. The spot is busy and popular, so to secure a prime-time dining spot, we recommend making a reservation a few weeks in advance.

Noodlehead offers authentic noodle dishes inspired by Thai street markets at an affordable price in Shadyside. Known for its vibrant flavors and popular dishes like Pad Thai and Street Noodles, this restaurant is perfect for a quick and flavorful bite. The thousands of 5-star reviews make it obvious that this is a favorite spot among locals and beyond.

Feel like having a drink with your meal? Noodlehead is BYOB and has no corkage fees, so bring your favorite bottles. They are also cash-only, so you’ll want to plan ahead of time. (But they do have an ATM if you’re in a pinch.

If you’re familiar with Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you might be familiar with Kelly O’s Diner. Located in Pittsburgh’s North Hills and the Strip District, Kelly O's Diner offers a quintessential American diner experience.

You’ll find the menu packed with tons of classic breakfast and lunch comfort foods with a fun twist. Such as a Gyro Omelette or the Pittsburgh Benedict with pierogies and kielbasa. Make sure to try the Polish Haluski which was a favorite of Guy Fiery.

Looking for Italian food in the Cultural District? Look no further than Sienna Mercato.

While they’ve got tons of food on the menu, their entire first floor specializes in meatballs. Yep—you read that right. Be sure to try the meatball sliders or build your own.

The second floor features classic Italian fare, with pasta, pizza, and other classic dishes like Osso Bucco. Then the top third floor is a stunning rooftop bar patio bursting with drinks and the best views of the Burgh. Sienna Mercato is a fun and unique experience for everyone.

If you’re back in Shadyside and also looking for Italian, we’ve got another great option for you to try: Girasole.

Girasole features authentic and traditional Italian fare. Favorite dishes like gnocchi and risotto make it a favorite among pasta lovers and those seeking a warm, intimate dining experience. The salads also get rave reviews, which is always the mark of a great spot.

The quaint little restaurant will have you feeling like you’ve stepped overseas to Italy and you’ll be back for more in no time at all.

Located on the South Side, Piper’s Pub serves traditional British fare such as fish and chips, Scotch eggs, and other pub classics. Stop by in the mornings for an authentic English breakfast packed with beans and the whole nines.

With its wide beer selection and authentic pub atmosphere, it’s perfect for those missing the UK or anyone wanting to experience a bit of British culture in Pittsburgh. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, they’ve almost always got the latest football or rugby game on the screens.

In the Oakland neighborhood, you’ll find the unassuming Union Grill. But inside, you’ll find heart portions of American classics. Favorites like the Union Grill burger and Reuben sandwich make it a staple for students, locals, and visitors seeking reliable, comforting food in a friendly environment.

Looking for a starter? The French Onion Soup is a favorite, and you can even get it in burger form. The burgers here always hit, and the full bar is perfect for those end-of-day (or middle-of-the-day) drinks. Just steps away from the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and the Carnegie Museum of Art, Union Grill is the perfect place to dine and unwind after a day of exploring the city.

A true PA classic. With multiple locations, including Shadyside and Robinson, Mad Mex is known for its big burritos and massive margaritas. So, if you’re looking for Tex-Mex, this is the spot to be.

You’ll often find groups of friends and families looking for hearty, flavorful meals and a fun and casual atmosphere. They also have a great vegan and vegetarian menu, including Seitan wings, for those with dietary restrictions looking for an affordable and delicious meal.

Burgatory claims to have the best burgers and shakes you’ve ever tasted. Now, that’s a bold statement, but it seems that they’re able to live up to the hype.

With several locations around Pittsburgh, including the North Shore and East Liberty, Burgatory is famous for its customizable burgers. And while the burgers are delicious, they’ve also been known to deliver incredible value with their massive burgers.

It’s definitely a must-visit for burger lovers and anyone wanting to look for a quick bite to eat while exploring the city.

Voted the best hot dogs in Pittsburgh, D’s Six Pax & Dogz is known for its massive beer selection and creative hot dog options. But they don’t just do hot dogs, they’ve got pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and classic sides, so you’ll be able to find something for the whole family.

And, of course, they’ve got well over 1000 beers to choose from and 28 draft offerings. The perfect laid-back dining spot—if you like hot dogs, that is. If you wanna escape the city a little, the Murrayville location also has a golf simulator you can book in advance.

Feeling fancy? The answer is oysters. Or just southern eats.

Muddy Waters Oyster Bar in East Liberty offers fresh oysters and New Orleans-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and gumbo. It’s a smaller space but packed with tons of delicious options from brunch to dinner. Stop by during Happy Hour for oysters and a sample of the delicious eats on the menu. The drinks here are also inventive for those who love a good cocktail. And you’ll often find yourself serenaded with jazz music while dining here.

This spot can get busy, so make a reservation in advance if you can!

Pittsburgh may not have the famous pies of NYC or Chicago, but the pizza at Beto’s is pretty fantastic.

Located in Beechview, Beto’s Pizza stands out with its unique square-cut, made-to-order pizzas topped with cold ingredients after it’s baked. The Ohio-Valley style pizza is a unique experience but one you’ll have to try for yourself. And as many reviewers will attest to—you’ll likely be surprised.

Plus, it’s fast. You’ll have a crunchy-crust, piping-hot pizza in your hands in less than 10 minutes.

A Southside staple, this casual saloon has been a pioneer in bringing craft beer to Pittsburgh since 1992. You’ll find over 40 craft beers on tap here, including some house brews.

And, of course, the menu is packed with classic American pub favorites—from giant pretzels to wings and their iconic sandwiches. These ‘Headwiches’ are packed to the brim with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor in every bite.

It’s a fun and iconic spot for any visitor to Pittsburgh.

You really can’t go wrong with tacos, and Condado Tacos is no exception.

With a few locations around Pittsburgh, Condado Tacos is known for its build-your-own tacos and other Mexican-inspired fare. They’ve got an extensive food menu, and the margaritas are always a hit with the crowd. And we can’t forget to mention the multiple varieties of queso dips for your chips.

This spot can get busy, so make sure to plan ahead as this taco joint doesn’t take reservations.

Grilled cheeses just got an upgrade at the Yard. In fact, they’re so good they’re The Official Grilled Cheese of the Pittsburgh Penguins. If that’s not high praise, we don’t know what is.

The Yard takes classic pub fare but has given it a delicious upgrade. There are dozens of grilled cheese combinations on the menu, as well as burgers and other pub favorites. On the weekend, you’ll also find the crew here whipping up brunch. And if you have dietary restrictions, you’ll love that they’ve got an extensive gluten-free menu.

Make reservations if you plan to stop by one of The Yard’s locations, as you’ll find a line out the door on busy nights (and for brunch).

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