Top Pittsburgh Dining Destinations
Get your tastebuds ready for some of Pittsburgh's finest eats
June 14, 2023
Looking for some blow-your-hair-back Thai food, or seeking the ambience of an old-world Italian dinner? Whether you are looking to linger over wine and risotto or take a two-hour escape to the shores of Thailand or a corner European bistro, the thriving Pittsburgh dining scene has an option for every mood and a meal for every palate. Below is a top ten list of Pittsburgh eateries vetted by Pittsburgh foodies. And if you prefer more casual meals, check out our article on best barbecue, sushi, vegetarian options, and more.
Note: In the sections below, we have provided transit directions for each location from the Convention Center.
Around Pittsburgh
Apteka explores Eastern and Central European culinary traditions, combining them with a completely vegan menu. While the inspirational cuisines are often achieved with heavy, meat and cheese-based ingredients, Apteka’s menu challenges that approach with a fantastic plant-based menu. From potato-based pierogi to spaetzle, the menu marries old world classics with modern ingenuity.
From the convention center, catch the 88 bus route at the Liberty Ave. opposite 11th St. stop and ride to Penn Ave. & Pearl St. in Lawrenceville. Walk 1 minute to destination. Dinner Only
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Experience masterfully prepared dry aged steaks, fresh seafood, and world-class wines in the heart of Pittsburgh, PA’s financial district. Long before Capital Grille's steaks meet the grill, they are meticulously dry aged on premises for 18 – 24 days to achieve incomparable flavor and texture. Then, each is hand-carved by in-house butchers to exacting standards. Lunch, Dinner
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Located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, DiAnoia’s blends old-school Italian recipes with contemporary culinary influences. From savory pizzas and pastas to delicious cocktails and desserts, DiAnoia’s has some of the best Italian food in the Burgh, and is perhaps best known for its luxurious Sunday brunch. From the convention center, catch the 86, 87, 88, or 91 bus at the Liberty Ave. opposite 11th St. stop and ride to Liberty Ave. & 26th St. stop. Walk 1 minute to destination. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch
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Located in a rehabilitated warehouse next to old Pennsylvania rail lines, Eleven offers a seasonal menu and elevated wine list. Its industrial backbone and polished interior pay homage to the city’s history, and its Strip District location is conveniently located near downtown. There are nightly tasting dinners, a Tavern menu and locally famous Sunday brunch. From the convention center, walk five minutes to your destination. Dinner, Sunday Brunch
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From authentic Cubanos and barbacoa tacos to show-stopping soups and risottos, Fig & Ash elevates the traditional modern American menu to something transcendent. Its signature wood-fire cooking style is noticeable in every dish, including vegetarian dishes and dessert. From the convention center, catch the 1, 2, 4, or 6 bus at Penn Station Stop C and ride to E. Ohio & James St. Walk 1 minute to destination. Dinner Only
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Located right in downtown Pittsburgh, Gi-Jin focuses on sushi, hand-rolls and an extensive gin menu. Referred to by local food reviewers Discover the Burgh as “borderline over-the-top with their theming and ambiance while also delivering consistently amazing food,” this restaurant is a can’t miss for sushi lovers! Gi-Jin is only a one minute walk away from the convention center. Dinner Only
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For a little piece of Spain in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, visit Morcilla. From tapas and cocktails to entrees, Morcilla is a wonderful spot for a drink and a snack or a longer dining experience. The menu proudly includes the chef’s signature charcuterie, as well as a wide variety of cocktails, wines and sherries. From the convention center, catch the 91 bus at Liberty Ave. opposite 11th St. and ride to Butler St. & 35th St. Walk 1 minute to destination. Dinner Only
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A visit to Point Brugge Cafe in Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood feels like being transported to a bustling European restaurant. Most famous for its selection of mussels and frites, Point Brugge also has a wide variety of salads, sandwiches and entrees that will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike. From the convention center, catch the 71D bus at 6th Ave. & Smithfield St. and ride to 5th Ave. & Beechwood Blvd. Walk 6 minutes to the destination. Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch
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For the quintessential Pittsburgh dinner experience, visit Primanti Brothers – the restaurant that made french fries and coleslaw on sandwiches famous. With sandwiches, salads, pizza and wings, Primanti’s is the perfect place for all your bar food cravings. From the convention center, walk 14 minutes to the location in Market Square. For the Strip District location, catch the 86/87/88/91 at Liberty Ave. opposite 11th St. and ride to Liberty Ave. & 17th St. Walk four minutes to destination. Lunch, Dinner
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With a lively combination of small plates and main courses, Pusadee’s Garden will make you feel like you wandered into a beachside restaurant in Thailand. Traditional Thai dishes combine with the chef’s innovative approach using Thai flavors as a starting point. Dinner Only
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Mt. Washington Options
Altius is an upscale American dining restaurant with an incredible view! Somewhat new to Mt. Washington dining scene, Altius has received rave reviews from its inception. The chef-driven menu features the very best our region has to offer, including seasonable, sustainable products whenever possible. The menu ranges from whimsical dishes to family favorites. From the convention center, catch the G2 bus at Liberty Ave. at William Penn Place and ride to Duquesne Incline. Take the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 1 minute to destination. Dinner only - reservations are required.
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Famous for its burgers, Coughlin’s Law is a modern gastropub featuring a seasonal menu and 43 rotating drafts, as well as some of the best happy hour deals in the city! From the convention center, take the T to Station Square. Then, take the Monongahela Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 4 minutes to destination. Dinner, Sunday brunch.
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The self-proclaimed sweetest spot in Pittsburgh, Grandview Bakery is located on Shiloh Street and home to a wide variety of breads, gourmet desserts and baking supplies. From the convention center, catch the T at Wood St. Station and ride to Station Square. Then, take the Monongahela Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 4 minutes to destination. Open Daily
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Grandview Saloon & Coal Hill Steakhouse
This steakhouse and bar has some of the best views of the city. The ambiance is casual but professional, and its team of chefs and waitstaff are committed to an outstanding customer experience. From the convention center, catch the G2 bus at Liberty Ave. at William Penn Place and ride to Duquesne Incline. Then, take the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 1 minute to destination. Open Daily for lunch and dinner, Saturday & Sunday brunch
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LeMont is Pittsburgh’s only five star diamond award-winning restaurant. It is one of the best locations in the city for fine dining and stunning views of the city, and considered one of the premier reception venues in the city. From the convention center, catch the G2 bus at Liberty Ave. at William Penn Place and ride to Duquesne Incline. Then, take the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 5 minutes to destination. Dinner Only
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Featuring arguably the best view of Pittsburgh, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto serves an impressive variety of fresh fish, sushi, and other items that make it perfect for large groups or a romantic evening out. From the convention center, catch the G2 bus at Liberty Ave. at William Penn Place and ride to Duquesne Incline. Then, take the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 3 minutes to destination. Dinner Only - Reservations are required.
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Redbeard’s is a classic Pittsburgh sports bar where you can find burgers, wings, perogies and so much more. Redbeard’s kitchen stays open until midnight, making it a great last stop for a late night bite during a night out on Mt. Washington. From the convention center, take the T to Station Square. Then, take the Monongahela Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 2 minutes to destination. Open Daily
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Shilo Gastro dishes out contemporary comfort food with regional and international influences. Located in the heart of Mt., Washington, swing by Shiloh Gastro for craft beer, hand-made cocktails and global wines while enjoying a relaxed yet energetic vibe. From the convention center, take the T to Station Square. Then, take the Monongahela Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 2 minutes to destination. Dinner served daily, open for lunch Thursday through Sunday.
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La Tavola is Pittsburgh’s go-to place for a slow-dining Italian experience. From fried calamari and homemade pasta to pizza bianca and tiramisu, it’s an Italian food lover’s dream come true. From the convention center, take the T to Station Square. Then, take the Monongahela Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 8 minutes to destination. To note: La Tavola is BYOB and reservations are recommended. Dinner Only.
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Bingham’s is a modern gastropub tucked away on Bingham street. Bingham Tavern prides itself on being the welcoming extension of home that people look for in a neighborhood bar. Consistently serving excellent food and drinks, Bingham welcomes all families, neighbors, friends and out-of-towners to visit. From the convention center, catch the G2 bus at Liberty Ave. at William Penn Place and ride to Duquesne Incline. Then, take the Duquesne Incline to Mount Washington. Walk 10 minutes to destination. Open Daily, serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
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Bakery Square
Bakery Square was once home to the Nabisco Bakery. It has since been transformed into a mixed-use space with includes retail shopping, office space and a wide-variety of dining options. From Mexican street food at tako torta or a quick coffee at Starbucks to specialty pizzas at Alta Via Pizzeria and from-scratch ice creams at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Bakery Square offers a diverse range of dining experiences.
You certainly won’t go hungry during your stay in the Steel City – in fact, Pittsburgh has dominated foodie lists for several years in a row! Check out additional best restaurant lists here (Foodie Flashpacker) and here (Discover the Burgh).
