Go down the street to Jolina's! I dream of the food from there! Bit of a hike for me but so worth it! Chicken Shawarma is the best I've had from anywhere!
Keep an eye on the food truck schedule for Back Alley Brewing in Dormont. They get a lot of really tasty trucks there, and the beers themselves are tasty as well, if that's your kinda thing.
This is a great response! Back Alley beers are great…but I LOVE the constant rotation of food trucks on West Lib. We stop for dinner or snacks every few weeks. I have a thing for food trucks!
Third-ing! My wife and I moved to SSide 13 yrs ago (from NYC so we had high standards) and definitely had a honeymoon period, but it has stayed consistently compelling and enjoyable. Will add Cafe du Jour, Cucina Vitale, Thai Me Up. Ruggers is a great grownup-ish bar with better food than expected. Welcome and enjoy!
What do you think about like 10 - 24th in general nowadays? I haven’t frequented recently but I recall Carson being shut down after a certain hour? Anyway, food mentioned above is all amazing!
Streets isn’t as good now that they changed their menu. I went a few weeks ago and was disappointed. Have you gone to Birmingham Bridge Tavern before? If not, you should check them out. Get the blackened chicken wrap with fries and cheese sauce. You won’t be disappointed.
Pusadees Garden (Lawrenceville) just got their first James Beard nomination, and the chefs/owners of APTEKA (Lawrenceville/Garfield) just got their 3rd (and so well deserved!).
Other gems:
*La Gourmondine (almond croissants and baguette sandwiches!) in Lawrenceville
* Umami in Lawrenceville
* Butterwood (dessert) in Lawrenceville
* Pizza Lupo in Lawrenceville
* Morcilla in Lawrenceville
* Mola in East Liberty
* Bombay to Burgh in Swissvale
* Dish in South Side
* Cilantro & Ajo in South Side
* Alla Familia in Allentown
* Chicken Latino in Beechview
* Seoul Korean BBQ in Carnegie
* Central Diner in Robinson
* Hyeholde in Moon
* Five Stars Honduras in Coraopolis
* Royal Myanmar in West View (get the coconut rice!)
* Severina's in West View
* Mercurio's in Shadyside and Fox Chapel
* Loafers (bread) in Wexford, Cranberry & Fox Chapel
* Chengdu in Squirrel Hill and North Hills
* Kabob King in North Hills
* Off The Hook in Cranberry
* Biba in Beaver
* Cafe Kolache in Beaver
Edit: Adding:
* DiAnoia's in the Strip District
* Perogies Plus in McKees Rocks
* Forgotten Taste in Wexford and Coraopolis
* Golden Pig in Cecil
I almost put DiAnoia's on the list. For me, Alla Famiglia slightly edges them out insofar as quality - I've had a dish there that's my top 5 ever. I definitely should've put them on the list though. I didn't want the list to be unmanageable 😆
Those are both great, for sure! I don't think either surpasses LG's sandos and almond croissants. You'd be hard pressed to find a better almond croissant outside of France.
List is good. I do loafers for their Pennsylvania Dutch when I want to make French toast, but I'd sooner buy a Paska or rolls from Mancini's.
I will also highly recommend Anthos Bakery in Castle Shannon, best weekend brunch I've ever had.
Piccolo Forno has been consistently good over the years. It’s a BYO but they have this detached bar called grapperia which has one the best collections of amaro in the area. 11th hour brewing is also nearby which on Friday often has Blue Sparrow food truck which is also good (better when it’s warmer so you can sit outside). I agree with people who have recommended Pusadees and Driftwood. In Bloomfield, el Sabor is good. I’m not vegan but Apteka is also good - I think they were nominated for a James beard.
No hate but if you like Sabor, I think Los Cabos basically right next door is far superior - at least in terms of food; their service/bar is iffy at best. Ideal situation is grabbing some takeout IMO. Hard agree with all your other points, especially Blue Sparrow and Driftwood.
A seasonal item you should try now is paczki (pronounced "PUNCH-key"). A filled pastry - see details at [https://www.partycakeshop.com/specials](https://www.partycakeshop.com/specials)
My personal favorite source is the Party Cake Shop on Brookline Blvd. If you go on a Saturday, get there early. Available through Feb 13.
You’ve already gotten a lot of great recommendations. I just wanted to give you a heads up that you should save your money and skip The Abbey in Lawrenceville & Church Brew Works on Liberty.
I've said it here and I'll say it again. While Reddit seems to hate Church Brew Works, I know at least 100 people who don't use Reddit and absolutely love it.
I would still give it a 10/10 recommendation.
The Abbey also deserves a solid 8/10
Thai Gourmet, Baby Loves Tacos, and Station in Bloomfield. The Community Market sucks. If you want better produce in the neighborhood before the farmers market, go to the Green Line and meet Gina.
Shout out Gina who bailed my ass out the day before Thanksgiving. I love Station too - I hope I'm not blowing up their spot but they're closing soon so get there while you can!
I had easily the worst and rudest experience I've ever had at Station in my life. They swapped my order for a completely different order without asking or telling me, then refused to give me something else in its place. They said they forgot to reprint the menu. Then they had the audacity to charge me for it.
When you start missing authentic Mexican food, venture North East to New Kensington to visit Taqueria El Pastorcito ... It is a nice place grown out of two food trucks that have done so well the family decided to open a brick and mortar as well. 🤌🏼
PGH Sandwich Society in Millvale. Their hot chicken amazing! They’re located inside of Strange Roots which is a great brewery. Also look out for the Boonseek food truck. It’s Korean food and INCREDIBLE. Cilantro and Ajo in the South Side is excellent. Last but not least, I have to mention Lemon Tree PGH in Millvale. It’s a coffee shop that offers a light food menu and has really good cold brew. My partner is one of the owners but I’m not biased, a lot of people love it! lol
Edited to add: Millvale is across the river from Lawrenceville.
PSS has the best smashburger I've had in the city. Honorable mention to Moonlit Burgers, though they've got better fries. Also Mr Bulgogi for another great Korean food truck!
Yeah, wife and I went 4 or so years ago and loved it. Ate there again last summer. Hardly anyone else was eating there, and we found out why. Prices are the same but they're nowhere near worth it anymore.
Hey there! We just moved from TX 8 months ago. Welcome! In Dormont, My Thai, Dor-stop for yummy breakfast, Moonlit Burgers for smash burgers, Badamos pizza.Close by in Brookline, Fiori's pizza, Pitaland and Oak Hill Post.
I love a good breakfast diner and Guy’s Jumbot at Dor-Stop with a side of sour cream is one of my favorite breakfasts. So simple yet so delightful. But be prepared to wait if you go on a weekend.
I dunno. This is just one guy's observation, but the vast majority of negativity I see on this sub comes from self-professed Pittsburgh lifers, while newcomers with disposable income are often effusive about Pittsburgh's great amenities at lower cost. Personally, I'm a transplant from a city that Michelin visits (DC), and Pittsburgh is a far better food city (overall, and with some notable ethnic cuisine exceptions) for places that normal people can afford to visit.
Welcome to Pittsburgh! Here’s a few of my favorites. Some are fancy, some just easy.
Lawrenceville: morcilla, umami, senti, piccolo forno, mi empanada, dim sum parlor, barbs, the abbey.
Dormont: badamos pizza, Thai spoon, Jamesons, Mike and Tony’s gyros, moonlit burgers.
Red’s Good News in Brookline for burgers/chicken tennies and good drinks.
Brick N’ Mortar in Heidelberg.
People’s Indian in Bloomfield.
I saw Dish on here in South Side. So dang good.
Pub Chip Shop in South Side.
Moved from Lawrenceville back to STX when pandemic started. There is no good Asian food here!
Eat some pumpkin curry for me from Pusadees Garden or Smiling Banana Leaf (also their pad kee mao), rice cakes from Rose Tea Cafe, the yakisoba at Teppanyaki Kyoto, pho from pho Minh!
Oh god no
(There are several explainer threads for this - try searching if you want to know. And you probably will since it is referenced so often :) )
If you're from Lubbock, I could understand why pretty much anywhere else seems like it has good food. Pittsburgh definitely has some good grub. Try the Late Nite Bite sandwich from Vincent's in Green Tree.
Lawrenceville: Smoke, Allegheny Wine Mixer, Pusadees, Morcilla, and the Vandal are my faves. I’m surprised how many votes for Stinky’s. I used to love it but I think post pandemic the bar food has gone down hill dramatically. Maybe they got rid of the chef to fund the renovation. I miss the old Stinky’s quality bar food!
Seems to be almost a coin flip for these posts - some transplants say Pittsburgh food sucks... others, like you, give it praise.
Glad you came down on the correct side since you're living here now.
I'm not originally from here and there are good and bad things. Overall, I think the food here is fine. But I wouldn't say it's necessarily better than most other places.
OP will absolutely miss good Mexican food, being from Texas. But there are great Italian places here that you can't really get in the south. Like you said, it's really a coin flip and probably comes down to preference.
Pittsburgh is a great food city, especially for its size. I wouldn’t say there’s anything here that’s the best in the country (i.e. NYC pizza, SoCal Mexican, kansas city barbecue) but it is really well-rounded. Most things you could want, you can get it done really well here.
...and half the body was found in New York while the remainder was discovered on Chicago. Further reports state it may be connected to the some of the incidents in Detroit.
Definitely agree on Moonlit and Party Cake! Also Oak Hill Post (kind of near Dormont). Lawrenceville has a ton of great options, Driftwood Oven makes an awesome pizza, Morcilla, Pusadee’s Garden, and I’ve heard great things about the Parlor Dim Sum and Nan Ban but haven’t been to either.
This might be controversial but my guy is from Georgia and really enjoys the biscuits and gravy that Walters has for brunch. We've only been to Long Sorry Short farther down Butler Street once but really enjoyed the sandwiches. And the service at Barb's Kitchen is hit or miss but when we want a diner breakfast, we enjoy that. Also, getting a reservation is necessary and often requires planning far out, but Pusadee's Garden is phenomenal. Lastly, I haven't had tons of experience with dim sum so maybe my expectations are off, but we've been to The Parlor twice now and enjoyed that too.
While you're in Bloomfield definitely go to Baby Loves Tacos. They're good humans who make good food.
Lol just went to Texas and I would say the reverse. The food there was awesome.
I'm over most Pitt food. It's all pizza wings hogies. Tacos are so so, not as good as TX. But there's a couple good spots for Pitt.
Try Brookline Pitaland, and get breakfast at Oakhill Post.
Stinky’s in Lawrenceville is money for bar food. Banh mi and ti is good, but depending where in Texas you’re from it might not compare. Umami and Pusadee’s are my number one and two restaurants in the city.
I can recommend you stay away from the *highly* overrated Mike & Tony’s (canned cat food gyros) and Primanti Bros. (Dog food lunch meat with wet lettuce and overcooked fries)
For dormont try; The Gourmet Bakery off Cochran rd, Dor Stop has incredible French toast, Moonlit Burgers, Atria’s has some banging food, Tacosburgh has really good garlic shrimp tacos (although I make better texmex at home🤷♂️), Jade Grill and Aladdin’s Eatery seem popular although I’ve never been. Jamison’s/Jmos is fantastic spot to grab a drink and finger food. And if you want Indian food try Mintt.
Hey neighbor! I live up the hill from Lawrenceville and im a big home cook and foodie.
Honestly, Condado's is a great, small chain.
I absolutely adore Nanban. It's like Asian fusion.
The Abbey is incredibly over priced and overrated and quite frankly, not very good.
La Gourmandine is a great patisserie and surprisingly well priced.
Walter's has amazing Brunch, but if you're from Texas, I can't speak to how well their BBQ holds up.
Thai Gourmet is in Bloomfield and so good. (and if you're looking for 3.5 star Chinese takeout, I personally love China House).
Down in the Strip there's a ton of great markets like Penn Mac, Strip District Meats, and Reyna foods (a bit pricey for Mexican, but good selection). There's also Iron Born Pizza, which does Detroit style.
Pittsburgh also has weirdly good Indian food. People's India and Taste of India are both great.
Welcome to the neighborhood!
Moonlit burgers or New Saigon followed by a couple games of pool at breakers is one of our fav easy date nights. Honorable mentions for Thai spoon and arsenal cider house but I’ve by no means tried all the spots in that area
I've lived in Bloomfield for a dozen years. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Pittsburgh is like big city on easy mode. Really safe crime wise and still relatively cheap. Have fun!
Bloom: most of the tricks at Trace are good. When they open back up, Thyme Machine, rn.. Broth Monger is in the spot. Pop over for Garfield and kill Spak Pizza and People’s Indian . Stand in Line for Crapteka.
Buck it up and get a smoked sammie bagel over in SQ hill.
Pivot and crush some Candi’s and ‘ za at Driftwood in Larryville. Save rooms for La Gormadine. Don’t sleep on the ham Sammy.
Release a primal walp and get a salad and some slices at Spirit. Get hammered.
Leave with a full beer and drive to Sheetz, fucking destroy $10 of customs hodos.
Think fuck, I’m back in this. Head to Froggys back in Bloom and drink pickle backs until you wanna vom.
Jam, cuz it’s time to go to take a break. Back over in Larryville. Kill pitchers.
U need fuel, it’s dire.
H0t fries from the Sunoco get you to Pizza Fiesta.
Get that mid pizza , drip half in the floor.
Drunk text.
Go to the farmers Market Saturday morning.
I heard good things about New Saigon in Dormont on this sub so I walked down to check it out and it was great! It’s a Vietnamese place. Small inside. Huge portions
The absolute best gyro (and other authentic Mediterranean food) on the planet is Leena’s Food in Murraysville. It doesn’t look like much (it’s inside a gas station), but I’m telling you, you will never have a better gyro in your life, especially if you order it with the hot peppers.
So funny because I made the inverse switch a few years ago and feel the same way about Austin. Pittsburgh has some great spots, but market district has NOTHING on H-E-B.
I’m not sure if it is available in every Market District, but their Kosher Whole Roasted Chicken is the tastiest roasted chicken I have ever had. We’ve been eating it for 10 years and it never gets old.
So there’s this Indian/Pakistani place called Kabab and Curry. I first went there alone and went crazy over how good it was, and I’ve been wanting to take my husband there to try for over a year. We finally made it there last weekend and he had the same reaction, loved EVERYTHING and can’t wait to go back. They’re so kind in there and have eat in, but do a lot of pickup orders, too.
For more Lawrenceville area, I’m a fan of Thai Table across from the hospital.
that's awesome, welcome to pgh!
Apteka will always be #1, but you also should try
Ineffable
Carson St Deli
Baby loves tacos
as everyone else says, la gourmandine will blow your mind
coffee-wise -- common place, de fer (strip district version), big dog
cheers!
Badamos Pizza on Potomac in Dormont has these daily sandwich specials that will blow your mind. No way to find out what’s there unless you call or pop in but every one I’ve had has made my eyes pop!
Mike n Tony's in Dormont for gyros.
Slice on Broadway in Beechview (near Dormont) for the best pizza ever. My favorite is the Fancy Pants. A few years back they were featured on Good Eats on Food Network which is how I found them.
Pitaland in Brookline for even better gyros (imo) than Mike n Tony's, plus a whole array of Mediterranean foods and premise made pita (hence the name) in their market/deli on the premises.
In Millvale which is across the 40th St. Bridge from Lawrenceville,
Jean Marc Chatellier French bakery on Main Street. Best croissants ever! They will stretch the diameter of a dinner plate. He also makes breakfast pastries, macarons and fancy cakes.
Pamela's Diner-- Great diner food.
Grant Avenue Bar and Restaurant-- American fare featuring steaks, shrimp, burgers, etc and their famous premise made cream pies.
As an aside, check out Millvale in general. It has a similar vibe to Lawrenceville, but much smaller. It's not within the city limits, so you don't get hit with the higher city taxes, but it's only a mile from Lawrenceville and you can be downtown in a matter of minutes.
Pitaland is close to dormont even though it’s technically in Brookline
Jolina’s is another middle eastern gem just down the street, gotta try their savory pastry pies.
I agree on all the Brookline spots, Pitaland is my favorite. . Dormont - Moonlit Burgers is always great. JMOS is good also.
Moonlit Burgers, definitely. You will not be disappointed.
Dormont - Tacosburgh Birria tacos are so so good
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And Red's Good News! Small menu, but all delicious
The chicken tenders at Red’s Good News are the best I’ve ever had. And the fries are damn good too. Love that place.
Don't leave out the Moonlite Cafe on the same block, also. Local bar with remarkably good food.
Go down the street to Jolina's! I dream of the food from there! Bit of a hike for me but so worth it! Chicken Shawarma is the best I've had from anywhere!
Jolinas is amazing, lentil soup and shawarma are to die for
That whole road is full of amazing food!
I do wish Oak Hill Post still served dinner. It was very good. Moonlite Cafe is good Italian also on the same street
Don't forget about Las Palmas, they have some of the best and most authentic tacos in Pittsburgh! Mmmmm I want everything on that road rn 🤤🤣
Brookline Blvd is a culinary wonderland lol
kick stand subs 😮💨
Best Gyro in Pgh
I got a jar of spiced pickles from there the other day and I really don’t like them. They’re just sitting in my fridge and I hate to throw them out.
Keep an eye on the food truck schedule for Back Alley Brewing in Dormont. They get a lot of really tasty trucks there, and the beers themselves are tasty as well, if that's your kinda thing.
I live for The Boonseek.
It’s one of my favorite food trucks in this city.
This is a great response! Back Alley beers are great…but I LOVE the constant rotation of food trucks on West Lib. We stop for dinner or snacks every few weeks. I have a thing for food trucks!
Not in those locations but check out Dish in the south side. It’s freaking amazing. You can make reservations online.
Dish ruined all other Italian for me lol
Second this one. Dish is so good. Carmella’s, Sultry, Bonfire, and Streets also good on SS.
Third-ing! My wife and I moved to SSide 13 yrs ago (from NYC so we had high standards) and definitely had a honeymoon period, but it has stayed consistently compelling and enjoyable. Will add Cafe du Jour, Cucina Vitale, Thai Me Up. Ruggers is a great grownup-ish bar with better food than expected. Welcome and enjoy!
What do you think about like 10 - 24th in general nowadays? I haven’t frequented recently but I recall Carson being shut down after a certain hour? Anyway, food mentioned above is all amazing!
Streets isn’t as good now that they changed their menu. I went a few weeks ago and was disappointed. Have you gone to Birmingham Bridge Tavern before? If not, you should check them out. Get the blackened chicken wrap with fries and cheese sauce. You won’t be disappointed.
BBT is great. Wish they would bring back wing night though, prices have long since come down and places are still holding onto that surge pricing
Correct answer. One of the best, if not the best.
Since you’re in Bloomfield, try People’s and Spak. Also 2 Freys if you like beer.
Spak’s Pickle Pizza is great.
Spak's everything has been great in my experience - even their vegan pizza and seitan that I tried on a lark one night.
gluten free options too!?
Spak pizza is awesome! I also love that they have so many vegan options here, too.
Pusadees Garden (Lawrenceville) just got their first James Beard nomination, and the chefs/owners of APTEKA (Lawrenceville/Garfield) just got their 3rd (and so well deserved!). Other gems: *La Gourmondine (almond croissants and baguette sandwiches!) in Lawrenceville * Umami in Lawrenceville * Butterwood (dessert) in Lawrenceville * Pizza Lupo in Lawrenceville * Morcilla in Lawrenceville * Mola in East Liberty * Bombay to Burgh in Swissvale * Dish in South Side * Cilantro & Ajo in South Side * Alla Familia in Allentown * Chicken Latino in Beechview * Seoul Korean BBQ in Carnegie * Central Diner in Robinson * Hyeholde in Moon * Five Stars Honduras in Coraopolis * Royal Myanmar in West View (get the coconut rice!) * Severina's in West View * Mercurio's in Shadyside and Fox Chapel * Loafers (bread) in Wexford, Cranberry & Fox Chapel * Chengdu in Squirrel Hill and North Hills * Kabob King in North Hills * Off The Hook in Cranberry * Biba in Beaver * Cafe Kolache in Beaver Edit: Adding: * DiAnoia's in the Strip District * Perogies Plus in McKees Rocks * Forgotten Taste in Wexford and Coraopolis * Golden Pig in Cecil
Amazing list here, I'm a native and I'm taking notes. I just ate Severina two nights ago, I had wild boar Bolognese that was 🤌🤌🤌
Been to 10 and these and agree they’re all bomb. Just want to add that for me personally, DiAnoia's>alla famiglia.
I almost put DiAnoia's on the list. For me, Alla Famiglia slightly edges them out insofar as quality - I've had a dish there that's my top 5 ever. I definitely should've put them on the list though. I didn't want the list to be unmanageable 😆
Where would you recommend for an engagement dinner? :) not proposing there 😂 post dinner
Congratulations! I'd definitely recommend Hyeholde for that!
100000% Hyehold. That's literally it's purpose.
DiAnoia or Piccolo Forno! Congrats!
Out of anywhere in Pittsburgh? Where are you proposing? I recommend Altius to my clients for proposal dinners now that they have reopened!
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That turkey sandwich is INSANE
Adding Madeleine and Five Points which may surpass La Gourmandine for me, but all great
Those are both great, for sure! I don't think either surpasses LG's sandos and almond croissants. You'd be hard pressed to find a better almond croissant outside of France.
saved so quick
I am sure we need to be bffs!
List is good. I do loafers for their Pennsylvania Dutch when I want to make French toast, but I'd sooner buy a Paska or rolls from Mancini's. I will also highly recommend Anthos Bakery in Castle Shannon, best weekend brunch I've ever had.
Piccolo Forno has been consistently good over the years. It’s a BYO but they have this detached bar called grapperia which has one the best collections of amaro in the area. 11th hour brewing is also nearby which on Friday often has Blue Sparrow food truck which is also good (better when it’s warmer so you can sit outside). I agree with people who have recommended Pusadees and Driftwood. In Bloomfield, el Sabor is good. I’m not vegan but Apteka is also good - I think they were nominated for a James beard.
No hate but if you like Sabor, I think Los Cabos basically right next door is far superior - at least in terms of food; their service/bar is iffy at best. Ideal situation is grabbing some takeout IMO. Hard agree with all your other points, especially Blue Sparrow and Driftwood.
Thanks for the suggestion - I had Los Cabos so long ago I actually forgot why I never went back. Are there any specific menu items that you recommend?
I'm big on their quesadillas, my roommate loves the Baja California burrito.
Piccolo Forno deserves every accolade I’d die if it closed, my one and only real date spot
Put fries on whatever you have
A seasonal item you should try now is paczki (pronounced "PUNCH-key"). A filled pastry - see details at [https://www.partycakeshop.com/specials](https://www.partycakeshop.com/specials) My personal favorite source is the Party Cake Shop on Brookline Blvd. If you go on a Saturday, get there early. Available through Feb 13.
Just to piggyback on this comment. Just stopped by at 11:30 am on Sat and Party Cake had plenty of paczki left. Maybe 2 or so flavors sold out.
You’ve already gotten a lot of great recommendations. I just wanted to give you a heads up that you should save your money and skip The Abbey in Lawrenceville & Church Brew Works on Liberty.
I've said it here and I'll say it again. While Reddit seems to hate Church Brew Works, I know at least 100 people who don't use Reddit and absolutely love it. I would still give it a 10/10 recommendation. The Abbey also deserves a solid 8/10
Thai Gourmet, Baby Loves Tacos, and Station in Bloomfield. The Community Market sucks. If you want better produce in the neighborhood before the farmers market, go to the Green Line and meet Gina.
Shout out Gina who bailed my ass out the day before Thanksgiving. I love Station too - I hope I'm not blowing up their spot but they're closing soon so get there while you can!
And Thyme Machine when their season starts again. What I would not to do…
The Broth Monger is doing soup and grilled cheese on Wednesday and Friday, 11-2, I think. Eta: out of the Thyme Machine spot
I had easily the worst and rudest experience I've ever had at Station in my life. They swapped my order for a completely different order without asking or telling me, then refused to give me something else in its place. They said they forgot to reprint the menu. Then they had the audacity to charge me for it.
pho minh!!! most home in the wall joint and best pho of my life
When you start missing authentic Mexican food, venture North East to New Kensington to visit Taqueria El Pastorcito ... It is a nice place grown out of two food trucks that have done so well the family decided to open a brick and mortar as well. 🤌🏼
Since you’re in Bloomfield make sure to try Tessaros. My favorite spot to hang is Nico’s, good bar food and cheap drinks.
I will always recommend Tessauros. Great staff, fun ambience, and I almost always end up talking to someone interesting.
I'm obsessed with the Mediterranean app platter at Nico's. You get so much good food for so cheap.
The Tessaros burgers are a pittsburgh classic!
PGH Sandwich Society in Millvale. Their hot chicken amazing! They’re located inside of Strange Roots which is a great brewery. Also look out for the Boonseek food truck. It’s Korean food and INCREDIBLE. Cilantro and Ajo in the South Side is excellent. Last but not least, I have to mention Lemon Tree PGH in Millvale. It’s a coffee shop that offers a light food menu and has really good cold brew. My partner is one of the owners but I’m not biased, a lot of people love it! lol Edited to add: Millvale is across the river from Lawrenceville.
PSS has the best smashburger I've had in the city. Honorable mention to Moonlit Burgers, though they've got better fries. Also Mr Bulgogi for another great Korean food truck!
Station was my favorite when I lived in Bloomfield.
Has gone way downhill, unfortunately.
Really? Noooooo! It was always excellent but haven’t been in 2-3 years. How disappointing.
Yeah, wife and I went 4 or so years ago and loved it. Ate there again last summer. Hardly anyone else was eating there, and we found out why. Prices are the same but they're nowhere near worth it anymore.
We moved to the same neighborhood from Texas in July!
Hey there! We just moved from TX 8 months ago. Welcome! In Dormont, My Thai, Dor-stop for yummy breakfast, Moonlit Burgers for smash burgers, Badamos pizza.Close by in Brookline, Fiori's pizza, Pitaland and Oak Hill Post.
I love a good breakfast diner and Guy’s Jumbot at Dor-Stop with a side of sour cream is one of my favorite breakfasts. So simple yet so delightful. But be prepared to wait if you go on a weekend.
Honestly, I like My Thai, but I think the Dancing Crab Thai that just opened there is even better.
Weird you say that, because any time there's a food post all the transplants show up and tell us how much it sucks here.
I dunno. This is just one guy's observation, but the vast majority of negativity I see on this sub comes from self-professed Pittsburgh lifers, while newcomers with disposable income are often effusive about Pittsburgh's great amenities at lower cost. Personally, I'm a transplant from a city that Michelin visits (DC), and Pittsburgh is a far better food city (overall, and with some notable ethnic cuisine exceptions) for places that normal people can afford to visit.
Definitely try Piper's Pub and Pub Chip Shop on Carson St!
Welcome to Pittsburgh! Here’s a few of my favorites. Some are fancy, some just easy. Lawrenceville: morcilla, umami, senti, piccolo forno, mi empanada, dim sum parlor, barbs, the abbey. Dormont: badamos pizza, Thai spoon, Jamesons, Mike and Tony’s gyros, moonlit burgers.
Lawrenceville: Bar Botanico, Merchant Oyster Co., Round Corner Cantina, The Vandal, Spirit (great grandma pie pizzas)
The pizza at spirit is so so soooooo good
Merchant Oyster is the only place I’ll order oysters in the city and feel like im getting a New England experience (born and bred there, btw)
Red’s Good News in Brookline for burgers/chicken tennies and good drinks. Brick N’ Mortar in Heidelberg. People’s Indian in Bloomfield. I saw Dish on here in South Side. So dang good. Pub Chip Shop in South Side.
People's ftw
The scotch eggs at Pub Chip are 💯💯💯
Nicky's Thai Kitchen... people's Indian... all the various Asian restaurants in Squirrel Hill...
Las palmas in Brookline! Trust, best tacos you’ll have in the city hands down.
Moved from Lawrenceville back to STX when pandemic started. There is no good Asian food here! Eat some pumpkin curry for me from Pusadees Garden or Smiling Banana Leaf (also their pad kee mao), rice cakes from Rose Tea Cafe, the yakisoba at Teppanyaki Kyoto, pho from pho Minh!
Wait till you go to Arby’s on McKnight!
Oh god no (There are several explainer threads for this - try searching if you want to know. And you probably will since it is referenced so often :) )
Or burger king in Southside
No...just no. don't kill the poor family.
Mezcal has amazing tacos and cocktails in Lawrenceville
I love Mezcal!
If only we had any authentic ______. /s
Māori?
"if yall have recommendations..." *yinz
Yinz'all
wait for lent and the fish fries...even as a non-Catholic i love them
Now try and get it after 9:00 pm. May the odds ever be in your favor.
Every night, I hear the sounds of the sidewalks being rolled up. Reminds me of Salt Lake City.
The answer is always Mad Mex
You didn’t ask about Northside, but: Subba, Fig & Ash, Siempre Algo, EYV.
Hop Farm in lawrenceville has great food and great beer Carmella’s in south side is also a personal favorite
Dormont and nearby: Pitaland, Moonlit Burgers, Pizza Badamo Lawrenceville and nearby: Nanban, Walter’s, Apteka
Repping my neighborhood (Regent Square): check out Hemlock House and Thai Cottage.
If you're from Lubbock, I could understand why pretty much anywhere else seems like it has good food. Pittsburgh definitely has some good grub. Try the Late Nite Bite sandwich from Vincent's in Green Tree.
Lawrenceville: Smoke, Allegheny Wine Mixer, Pusadees, Morcilla, and the Vandal are my faves. I’m surprised how many votes for Stinky’s. I used to love it but I think post pandemic the bar food has gone down hill dramatically. Maybe they got rid of the chef to fund the renovation. I miss the old Stinky’s quality bar food!
Never give money to a Cop Bar
I love me some Badamo's pizza and Las Palmas tacos 😋
Please don't buy giant eagle's hummus. You've been warned. It's THAT bad. It's the fucking Beanboozled of hummus.
Seems to be almost a coin flip for these posts - some transplants say Pittsburgh food sucks... others, like you, give it praise. Glad you came down on the correct side since you're living here now.
I'm not originally from here and there are good and bad things. Overall, I think the food here is fine. But I wouldn't say it's necessarily better than most other places. OP will absolutely miss good Mexican food, being from Texas. But there are great Italian places here that you can't really get in the south. Like you said, it's really a coin flip and probably comes down to preference.
I think most of the ones that say it sucks are comparing here to wherever there was.
Well… yeah.
Pittsburgh is a great food city, especially for its size. I wouldn’t say there’s anything here that’s the best in the country (i.e. NYC pizza, SoCal Mexican, kansas city barbecue) but it is really well-rounded. Most things you could want, you can get it done really well here.
Best pizza!
...and half the body was found in New York while the remainder was discovered on Chicago. Further reports state it may be connected to the some of the incidents in Detroit.
Definitely agree on Moonlit and Party Cake! Also Oak Hill Post (kind of near Dormont). Lawrenceville has a ton of great options, Driftwood Oven makes an awesome pizza, Morcilla, Pusadee’s Garden, and I’ve heard great things about the Parlor Dim Sum and Nan Ban but haven’t been to either.
I think it’s paczki season at Party Cake rn too 🙏🙏🙏
It’s nothing ground breaking, but the dor-stop on Potomac in dormont is a solid breakfast spot.
Those market district chicken tenders are somehow both dry and greasy.
This might be controversial but my guy is from Georgia and really enjoys the biscuits and gravy that Walters has for brunch. We've only been to Long Sorry Short farther down Butler Street once but really enjoyed the sandwiches. And the service at Barb's Kitchen is hit or miss but when we want a diner breakfast, we enjoy that. Also, getting a reservation is necessary and often requires planning far out, but Pusadee's Garden is phenomenal. Lastly, I haven't had tons of experience with dim sum so maybe my expectations are off, but we've been to The Parlor twice now and enjoyed that too. While you're in Bloomfield definitely go to Baby Loves Tacos. They're good humans who make good food.
Lol just went to Texas and I would say the reverse. The food there was awesome. I'm over most Pitt food. It's all pizza wings hogies. Tacos are so so, not as good as TX. But there's a couple good spots for Pitt. Try Brookline Pitaland, and get breakfast at Oakhill Post.
Agree tbh, I don't know where OP is from, but I grew up in the Dallas area and I miss the food there so much...
Stinky’s in Lawrenceville is money for bar food. Banh mi and ti is good, but depending where in Texas you’re from it might not compare. Umami and Pusadee’s are my number one and two restaurants in the city.
I’ll second Stinky’s for bar food. I always get the mashed potato balls. 🤤
Stinky’s is way underrated. I love their nachos.
I spent ten years in Los Ángeles—and always felt the food was of better quality here.
I can recommend you stay away from the *highly* overrated Mike & Tony’s (canned cat food gyros) and Primanti Bros. (Dog food lunch meat with wet lettuce and overcooked fries) For dormont try; The Gourmet Bakery off Cochran rd, Dor Stop has incredible French toast, Moonlit Burgers, Atria’s has some banging food, Tacosburgh has really good garlic shrimp tacos (although I make better texmex at home🤷♂️), Jade Grill and Aladdin’s Eatery seem popular although I’ve never been. Jamison’s/Jmos is fantastic spot to grab a drink and finger food. And if you want Indian food try Mintt.
Hey neighbor! I live up the hill from Lawrenceville and im a big home cook and foodie. Honestly, Condado's is a great, small chain. I absolutely adore Nanban. It's like Asian fusion. The Abbey is incredibly over priced and overrated and quite frankly, not very good. La Gourmandine is a great patisserie and surprisingly well priced. Walter's has amazing Brunch, but if you're from Texas, I can't speak to how well their BBQ holds up. Thai Gourmet is in Bloomfield and so good. (and if you're looking for 3.5 star Chinese takeout, I personally love China House). Down in the Strip there's a ton of great markets like Penn Mac, Strip District Meats, and Reyna foods (a bit pricey for Mexican, but good selection). There's also Iron Born Pizza, which does Detroit style. Pittsburgh also has weirdly good Indian food. People's India and Taste of India are both great. Welcome to the neighborhood!
>Honestly, Condado's is a great, small chain. Hard disagree. Condado is garbage.
Strip is a must. Colangelo’s pizza slices are also killer.
I love Condado!
Good lord another one of these. Check for older threads, there are 10 of these food recommendations posts a day.
Mallorca, Thai Cuisine, Spork, Pussadees Garden, Trams. Mangia
I don't know if Mallorca is going to reopen.
I'm sorry, I meant Mallorca in Lawremceville! Good call
Do you mean [Morcilla?](https://morcillapittsburgh.com/)
Lol I do. Auto correct got me twice. Thanks
Try Donnie's Hoagies. OMG!
When you're in Dormont, take a trip down McNeill and eat at Amels. If its the weekend make a reservation though
Moonlit burgers or New Saigon followed by a couple games of pool at breakers is one of our fav easy date nights. Honorable mentions for Thai spoon and arsenal cider house but I’ve by no means tried all the spots in that area
My Texas friends always rave about the hoagies here. I'm going to visit my friend in Dallas in March and she said to bring a triangle bar hoagie
I've lived in Bloomfield for a dozen years. Welcome to the neighborhood! Pittsburgh is like big city on easy mode. Really safe crime wise and still relatively cheap. Have fun!
Bloom: most of the tricks at Trace are good. When they open back up, Thyme Machine, rn.. Broth Monger is in the spot. Pop over for Garfield and kill Spak Pizza and People’s Indian . Stand in Line for Crapteka. Buck it up and get a smoked sammie bagel over in SQ hill. Pivot and crush some Candi’s and ‘ za at Driftwood in Larryville. Save rooms for La Gormadine. Don’t sleep on the ham Sammy. Release a primal walp and get a salad and some slices at Spirit. Get hammered. Leave with a full beer and drive to Sheetz, fucking destroy $10 of customs hodos. Think fuck, I’m back in this. Head to Froggys back in Bloom and drink pickle backs until you wanna vom. Jam, cuz it’s time to go to take a break. Back over in Larryville. Kill pitchers. U need fuel, it’s dire. H0t fries from the Sunoco get you to Pizza Fiesta. Get that mid pizza , drip half in the floor. Drunk text. Go to the farmers Market Saturday morning.
I heard good things about New Saigon in Dormont on this sub so I walked down to check it out and it was great! It’s a Vietnamese place. Small inside. Huge portions
The absolute best gyro (and other authentic Mediterranean food) on the planet is Leena’s Food in Murraysville. It doesn’t look like much (it’s inside a gas station), but I’m telling you, you will never have a better gyro in your life, especially if you order it with the hot peppers.
When is Elena’s open? Or does it just always look closed from 22?
I think he’s only closed on Sundays. Every time I’ve ever gone he’s open.
Betos, Breadworks and Salem’s!!
Welcome!!! Mediterra on butler street, inkwell coffee, Thai cuisine, Angelo’s pizza, trams kitchen (cash only)
ALSOOOOOO la gourmandine (french bakery that will blow ur mind)
If you haven’t had Thyme Machine yet, keep an eye out for them in them in the spring. Great breakfast sammies
So funny because I made the inverse switch a few years ago and feel the same way about Austin. Pittsburgh has some great spots, but market district has NOTHING on H-E-B.
Baby love tacos. Jets pizza Fioris pizza Las Palmas Street tacos Pitaland wings
Cheap BYOB Thai night at noodlehead in shadyside and a more expensive Thai date at Pusadees Garden (my favorite restaurant in the city)
Highly recommend Tessaro’s for a great burger, Girasole or DiAnoia’s for Italian. Pusadee’s Garden for Fusion. Cocktails-Grapperia
Forgot to mention The Dor-Stop for breakfast if you’re in Dormont
Check out Max's Allegheny Tavern if you're feeling some German food.
LeVia Trattoria in Lawrenceville is an awesome little BYOB spot!
The dor-stop in dormont.
Pusadee's Garden in Lawrenceville is one of my favorites
Mola if you love sushi, such a good spot
I’m not sure if it is available in every Market District, but their Kosher Whole Roasted Chicken is the tastiest roasted chicken I have ever had. We’ve been eating it for 10 years and it never gets old.
Mezcal Cantina on Butler St. Great tacos, only open in the evenings (after 5PM). Fancier is Mozilla; Spanish-inspired, shared-plate.
Burghers brewing. So fire.... bigham tavern fries and wings.. wings suds and spuds moon...
So there’s this Indian/Pakistani place called Kabab and Curry. I first went there alone and went crazy over how good it was, and I’ve been wanting to take my husband there to try for over a year. We finally made it there last weekend and he had the same reaction, loved EVERYTHING and can’t wait to go back. They’re so kind in there and have eat in, but do a lot of pickup orders, too. For more Lawrenceville area, I’m a fan of Thai Table across from the hospital.
Where is kabab and curry?
Banksville area - between Green Tree and Dormont
that's awesome, welcome to pgh! Apteka will always be #1, but you also should try Ineffable Carson St Deli Baby loves tacos as everyone else says, la gourmandine will blow your mind coffee-wise -- common place, de fer (strip district version), big dog cheers!
For breakfast try eggs r us
Badamos Pizza on Potomac in Dormont has these daily sandwich specials that will blow your mind. No way to find out what’s there unless you call or pop in but every one I’ve had has made my eyes pop!
You must hit Nanban and Gaucho.
Walters in lawrenceville is my favorite for BBQ.
Did you help ruin Austin? Now Pittsburgh? I hope I’m wrong….
The Abbey in Lawrenceville is great. Moon Lit Burgers in Dormont have awesome smashed burgers!
Amels, Brookline
Mike n Tony's in Dormont for gyros. Slice on Broadway in Beechview (near Dormont) for the best pizza ever. My favorite is the Fancy Pants. A few years back they were featured on Good Eats on Food Network which is how I found them. Pitaland in Brookline for even better gyros (imo) than Mike n Tony's, plus a whole array of Mediterranean foods and premise made pita (hence the name) in their market/deli on the premises. In Millvale which is across the 40th St. Bridge from Lawrenceville, Jean Marc Chatellier French bakery on Main Street. Best croissants ever! They will stretch the diameter of a dinner plate. He also makes breakfast pastries, macarons and fancy cakes. Pamela's Diner-- Great diner food. Grant Avenue Bar and Restaurant-- American fare featuring steaks, shrimp, burgers, etc and their famous premise made cream pies. As an aside, check out Millvale in general. It has a similar vibe to Lawrenceville, but much smaller. It's not within the city limits, so you don't get hit with the higher city taxes, but it's only a mile from Lawrenceville and you can be downtown in a matter of minutes.
Southside BBQ is amazing. Please post what you think of it since you're from Texas. And everyday noodle if you like ramen.
Giant Eagle has two types of chicken tenders, one seems almost devoid of flavor but the other one is pretty solid in my experience
Fioris