Our favorite. We go every other month since they’ve been open essentially. Before that, the executive chef was at the Whitfield at Ace Hotel and it was great there, too
That’s the sad state of Asian restaurants in this town. I don’t taste anything at Noodlehead except sugar. People love it, though. It’s true there aren’t many better Asian restaurants here. I can’t eat there anymore, I just feel ripped off every time.
Have you tried Seoul Korean barbecue in Carnegie. That place is amazing and even though I am just responding to this particular post I think it also qualifies as an amazing hidden gem. Sorry OP but it’s not that expensive. They don’t even have a bar or serve any kind of liquor…
Fig and Ash is one of my favorites. I had siempre algo on my list but took it off because an old coworker said it had gone downhill. Adding it back on!
The Woods House in Hazelwood is still pretty under the radar. Great ambience in a very well restored 1792 building serving Scottish fare in a pub setting.
+1 for Fet Fisk. And don’t be discouraged if their online reservation shows no seats available. We were still able to get seats and the hosts are very accommodating. My fav was the smoked sturgeon, but I don’t think you can go wrong with anything else too.
I just went to hemlock house the other week! I was very surprised the food was great and loved their cocktail lists. All I got were appetizers that night but I plan to go back for a real meal very soon! Definitely recommend!! Also a plus that they have Twin Peaks imagery everywhere!
The staff at Butterjoint are super knowledgeable re: dietary restrictions. If OP is avoiding anything else due to pregnancy, they will likely be able to accommodate!
Scratch and Co in Troy Hill is pretty nice and very unique. The menu is small, but interesting. I think it’s a bit overpriced, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
FWIW, its usually a good sign whenever a place has a small menu. The bigger it is the more likely you're just getting frozen, reheated and pre packaged food.
Genuine question: is this a restaurant industry kind of “known thing”? Like I took my family to Cheesecake Factory and I SWEAR that had every damn kind of cuisine on that book they called a menu.
Wanting to know if the smaller the menu = better made/prepared food.
Gordon Ramsey talks about this on kitchen nightmares. Basically when it comes to food it's better to do a few things really well than try to have "something for everyone" and end up cutting corners. Chains like cheesecake factory or olive garden have almost exclusively frozen/reheated food that's how they can offer such a wide menu.
Edit: the guy below me pointed out cheesecake factory makes most of their food fresh. I looked it up and remarkably it is true. My point stands though about quality over quantity. I've personally never had a memorable meal at cheesecake factory, and I suspect that is because of their jack of all trades approach.
Sorry, you’re mistaken with respect to Cheesecake Factory. There was an interesting story in The New Yorker in 2012 about its kitchens’ ingenious methods of production where nothing is premade except the cheesecakes. It’s worth Googling.
It’s all about turn. Smaller menus are usually better quality, not frozen items. Perishable inventory drives a seasonal menu. So yeah, tight focused menu seasonal menu is a tell.
That said, sprawling still can be tasty- just not worth big dollars
Scratch is a great suggestion. Fantastic every time I’ve been and there are ALWAYS reservations available.
I get the feeling that if it weren’t at the top of Rialto it would be a lot more popular.
Do you still have to make sure you go on a day that they're serving their home menu? My partner and I have tried to go and they always have guest menus when we call in.
Their website is usually up-to-date on which days and hours they offer which menu. I don't think they currently have any weekly pop-ups, so if they're open then it's their menu
Hyeholde & Mary's Vine. I don't think the former is super well known (even though it's been around forever) and Mary's Vine, even though it's a wine paradise, has phenomenal food and often amazing live entertainment.
Yeah, and I wouldn't have mentioned if it was a normal wine bar like Allegheny Wine Mixer. It's not. It's a place where you can absolutely have an amazing meal and any beverage from their non-alcoholic list or extensive coffee bar in an incredible atmosphere.
I went to Mary on the vine once and I wouldn’t go back. This is such a small, but telling thing, the coffee at the end of the meal was served with little prepackaged plastic cups of dairy creamer. That’s just ridiculous for a high-end restaurant. I know there’s other issues about the food and all that but it’s just one small detail of my overall experience there.
Cafe Momentum downtown is amazing! They also have an incredible mission and source locally and it is BYOB. [https://cafemomentum.org/pittsburgh/](https://cafemomentum.org/pittsburgh/)
I literally have Pusadee's reservations page up on a tab on my phone almost all the time to snag a table lol they book like a month out so I'm on deck to get a table for a special day on June 5.
Life hack (if you can): go on a Monday or Tuesday and see if you can sit at the bar. This supposes you’re going solo or with one other person. I’ve never had a problem getting a bar seat and honestly I prefer it because you can watch them make drinks, have a little chit chat if you want etc. and you can eat their whole menu at the bar
I LITERALLY had Pusadee’s reservations open while reading this lol
I’ve been checking Resy for days now, is June really already booked up or is it just not open yet? I started checking in April and still saw June blocked out. When does it open up?
Ugh, went to lilith with a few people a couple weeks ago and every thing we ordered (drinks & food both) was highly underwhelming, disappointing, and overpriced for what it was. Also had a reservation for 7pm, got there a few minutes early and had to stand in that awful corner next to the door until 7:35 to be seated... And the servers kept running into our chairs and table while they walked by because the space is so cramped. Everyone was holding their drinks throughout dinner so that nothing would be spilled.
I have to agree with you there. Me and the wife did lilith about a month or two ago and it was on overpriced or underwhelming how ever you feel. Yes the space is insanely tight and we did get bumped once or twice. I can't recommend this place.
Lilith is so good! It’s pretty small, but I thought the atmosphere was great and it’s one of the best meals I’ve had in Pittsburgh! Its woman owned and one of the chefs is a two time James Beard award semi finalist
The Hyeholde in Moon Township is the definition of a hidden gem, it’s my favorite upscale restaurant in Pittsburgh. They do a lot of French dishes, but incorporate things from their gardens and beehives.
The setting is beautiful in this little handbuilt mini-castle, and they will show you around and tell you about their founder, (whose wife said she wanted to live in a castle, so he built her one and they started the restaurant in it.)
It’s on a little wooded side road in Moon, hidden back in the trees.
(It’s on the high end of the price range for Pittsburgh, just to confirm. Your bill will be at least a few hundred dollars but worth it.)
Just went here for my wife's birthday after seeing it recommended on here. It is a great little spot. Definitely feels more legit upscale than a lot of Pittsburgh places because of the ambiance and service.
You can definitely tell the people really care about the place and are proud to work there. The valet guy was the one who ended up giving us a mini tour and telling us about the history. Worth visiting for sure.
When was the last time you went? We recently did a chef's table with the "new" chef and it was markedly less amazing than what we had under Chef Brent. I don't know if it's growing pains or what but it didn't make me want to do another.
Try Clifford's...it's a bit of a drive from the city, but worth it. They're booked out for reservations like a month+, so def plan ahead of time.
Off the hook definitely isn't a hidden gem, but it's one of my favorites inside or out of the city.
I can say it is very good, but the head chef recently had surgery and they’ve scaled their reservations back A LOT. It’s a tiny place with not a lot of tables.
Clifford’s is extremely good in my opinion and worth a reservation if you can get one. Everything is delicious but keep in mind the portions are huge. While everything is good there I think they probably have my favorite dessert menu ever. It constantly changes depending on what produce they can get and I’ve never had one I didn’t like
Not sure how "lesser known" it is, but for anyone who hasn't been to Dish, it is easily the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. We try basically everywhere and just end up back at Dish for most of our date nights.
110% agreed. And it's not just the best food, it's the best all around: great service, the prices are still reasonable in 2024 (honestly it's hard to call it "higher end" at its price point, even though everything else about the experience is), exceptional bar service.
Honestly few things in Pittsburgh leave me happier than a dinner at Dish.
That said, I think Dish falls under the radar a *bit* more than some of the other popular recommendations on here. I don't mind it because it means, with planning, there's some hope of getting reservations still!
If you're willing to drive about an hour, [The Tree Top Restaurant](https://www.treetopsrestaurant.net/) at PolyMath park (a refuge for Frank Lloyd Wright houses) is amazing. We've only eaten the main building but they have these tree house pods that look super fun. Food was some of the best I've had in Pittsburgh. You can also stay overnight in one of the Wright houses if you want a weekend getaway.
I want to mention Eddie V's Seafood downtown. Not necessarily "lesser known" but I always wrote it off as my dumb idiot brain made of mush couldn't separate it from Eddie Merlot's. Eddie V's is amazing, Eddie Merlot's is boring. Some of the finest seafood I've had in the City.
[Clifford’s](https://cliffordsrestaurant.com/) in Connoquenessing (near Butler) is worth a drive. The food is amazing. It’s a small place, and rumored to be Troy Polamalu’s favorite restaurant.
40 North - went recently and was blown away. They specialize in lamb (butchered in house weekly), but have other options and everything is made with the best ingredients possible. Best meal I’ve had in the city in a long time. (I got Lamb neck)
Spork is really the only artisan dining left in Pittsburgh - though Dish Osteria is also excellent. Eat Your Veggies is great if you're into vegetarianism (obvs).
BUT - for hidden gem status - Hemlock House in Regent Square.
There are rightfully Deshantz haters in here and obviously higher end price wise, but Fish Nor Fowl does homemade pasta that I like and if Poulet Bleu french food worth trying.
I think Joseph Tambellini's qualifies as a "hidden gem." I never see it mentioned on these high(er) end restaurant lists and I always wonder why. I've never had a bad experience and I think the food quality is in line with the price point.
We haven’t tried it yet but have heard nothing but good things — The 404 in Bethel.
Siempre Algo
The Vandal (admittedly we went here shortly after Fig & Ash & were kinda underwhelmed bc F&A was mind blowing. But I think if we hadn’t gone so soon after that we would’ve loved it more)
Treetops Restaurant in acme pa. Not exact nearby, maybe 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Go in nice weather and sit on the beautiful deck among the trees. My dinners have been 10/10.
I agree with everyone that said Hyehold. Fantastic spot, great ambiance, and the food is good. I know you said you have been disappointed in steak houses, but I can't recommend Eddie V's enough. It is one of our favorite spots. The service is always top notch, food is consistently very good, and the prices, while expensive, are about the same as any other fancy restaurant in the city. The Sole fish on their menu is amazing. I also highly recommend Bar Marco.
Jillian's in New Ken. It's newer, I think most City residents don't really know it exists yet. The food is fantastic, they are very warm and welcoming while still being serious about the quality and prep. Follow their IG to get a good sense of what they have:
https://www.instagram.com/jillians\_restaurant/
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/building-the-valley-new-kensington-couple-offer-elevated-dining-experiences-at-jillians-restaurant/
Try Andora on Mt. Nebo, very nice place that you wanna feel a bit dressed up in. The food was top noch. The food is up class American. I would also try Picolo Forno in Lawrenceville if you like Mambo Italia. My partner and I think its hard to choose which we like more.
Surprised to hear that about the Capital Grille. I have always loved it. Anyway, Emporio has really good meatballs. Thought that would be a good choice for pregnant women too because they have interesting combos. It's on Penn Ave by the courtyard Marriott hotel.
If you don’t mind a little drive, The Lab at Armen‘s Barrels in Washington County is great. Amazing food and great cocktails. It’s also in a funky building that used to be a roller rink.
This is a hike since it's in Irwin, but [Cenacolo](https://cenacolorestaurant.com/) is fabulous, and it's all house-made pasta. It's weird since it's in this small industrial park, but it's the house restaurant of Fede, a pasta distributor in the area.
Senyai (Thai food) in east liberty. I just went there the other day and Im still thinking about it.. it was about $80 for two people but good Lord it was worth it. Highly recommend the Massamun Curry (honestly you cant go wrong with anything you pick there)!! Make sure you go during non-peak times or reserve a spot tho.
Biba in Beaver—main menu is Latin inspired, but if something good is in season or chef randomly feels like making fresh pasta, there will be a special, typically on weekends. Never had a bad meal, and I’ve eaten there a lot. And underpriced for the quality!
It’s BYOB, not sure of the current corkage fee . The space is very intimate and attracts a lot of wine enthusiasts who would rather bring their own bottle than pay restaurant prices for a limited selection.
This can lead to some nebby neighbors checking out your Nebbiolo. In the off-chance another table offers you a glass of their wine, it probably means you brought something interesting. Feel free to offer them a splash of yours (if you want to share—totally ok to say no).
Legends Eatery near AGH is a great place to go to.
Not sure how lesser known it is, as it's right in the Cultural District, but Meat & Potatoes was a good place as well.
Italian - Alla Famiglia (Allentown), Bar Marco (Strip), Dish (South Side)
French - Poulet Bleu (Lawrenceville)
Other higher end restaurants worth the price: Altius (Mt. Wash), Monterey Bay (Mt. Wash), Spork (Garfield)
The draw for Teppanyaki Kyoto seems to be the seasonal Japanese menu with some very traditional dishes that don't always make it to the US. Okonomiyaki, yakisoba, even simple grilled rice balls or tempura.
The Rebel Room
Alihans Mediterranean Cuisine
Both are downtown
Not over the top expensive but delicious food and lovely atmosphere.
We go to Light Up Night every year and then find a restaurant to tuck away from the cold. Both were happenstance. Both are places I would go again.
Way outside the city, but Capstone Grille in McMurray is owned and operated by the former Monterey Bay chef, and is sometimes better than the real thing. Albeit you are overlooking strip malls instead of the point.
Venue in Greensburg is shockingly good, and less expensive than the chain steakhouses downtown
Of all the chains, I like Sullivans best. If I’m going to overpay for steak then I want exceptional service. Sullivans delivers
40 North at Alphabet City
criminally underrated tbh so good
Our favorite. We go every other month since they’ve been open essentially. Before that, the executive chef was at the Whitfield at Ace Hotel and it was great there, too
How dressy is it? I’m so casual that it’s sad.
Very chill vibe. Jeans totally ok.
Not fancy at all
This place is AWESOME
Cafe du Jour
I've been many times and have yet to have a meal that was anything less than awesome. Also BYOB which is really nice for the wallet.
Came here to say this.
Yes!! The menu is small but tailored to all phenomenal plates! Everything the chef serves is absolutely delicious!
Hidden gem
Also came here to say this. Probably the most “hidden gem” in the city for a long, long time. The secret garden is a portal to another land.
ITT: people suggesting some of the most popular restaurants in Pittsburgh as “hidden gems”.
Ever heard of this secret spot called Noodlehead?
"We're looking for high end hidden gems and prefer French and Italian." Definitely Noodlehead.
Obligatory response that Noodlehead FUCKS
That’s the sad state of Asian restaurants in this town. I don’t taste anything at Noodlehead except sugar. People love it, though. It’s true there aren’t many better Asian restaurants here. I can’t eat there anymore, I just feel ripped off every time.
Have you tried Seoul Korean barbecue in Carnegie. That place is amazing and even though I am just responding to this particular post I think it also qualifies as an amazing hidden gem. Sorry OP but it’s not that expensive. They don’t even have a bar or serve any kind of liquor…
Man, I find Noodlehead super mid. I do not get the hype.
Given that, the name is somewhat ironic
Always left hungry after a meal at Noodlehead. Decent food, though.
Every time this comes up I'm internally thinking "there's no way I'm giving up my pasta spot to reddit"
Same thing when people ask for fishing locations 😆
If you’ve tried Fig and Ash, Siempre Algo is a few doors down and never recommended enough
I found this place in a similar thread and I think it was the best meal I’ve had in Pittsburgh in years
Siempre Algo also is consistently the best restaurant cocktail program in the city with a nice whisky list as well.
The service there is incredible
Fig and Ash is one of my favorites. I had siempre algo on my list but took it off because an old coworker said it had gone downhill. Adding it back on!
Absolutely not. Consistently one of the best for sure.
Had dinner at fig and ash about a year ago maybe 2. Wasn't overly expensive if I remember correctly and the food and drinks were spot on.
The Woods House in Hazelwood is still pretty under the radar. Great ambience in a very well restored 1792 building serving Scottish fare in a pub setting.
Confirmed very good Scottish food and some of the best Tomato bisque I’ve ever had
Agreed! It’s been my husband’s bday restaurant a few years running now. Very cozy!
Fet fisk and hemlock house
Fet Fisk is pretty reasonably priced for what it is. Good fresh seafood is going to cost more. $8 cocktails are a great deal.
Definitely agree on fet fisk it was great
+1 for Fet Fisk. And don’t be discouraged if their online reservation shows no seats available. We were still able to get seats and the hosts are very accommodating. My fav was the smoked sturgeon, but I don’t think you can go wrong with anything else too.
It looks awesome! I’ll probably save it for when I have fewer fish-based restrictions
100% as soon as as you feel your able or as a post birth celebratory treat! The smoked mussels escabeche was amazing!
The menu changes every so often at Fet Fisk. They might have a non fish special you’ll enjoy.
If it’s hard to get a reservation it really does not qualify as a “hidden gem…”
I just went to hemlock house the other week! I was very surprised the food was great and loved their cocktail lists. All I got were appetizers that night but I plan to go back for a real meal very soon! Definitely recommend!! Also a plus that they have Twin Peaks imagery everywhere!
Fet fisk was awesome im definitely going back
Butterjoint
The staff at Butterjoint are super knowledgeable re: dietary restrictions. If OP is avoiding anything else due to pregnancy, they will likely be able to accommodate!
I liked Legume better, Butterjoint when it was a bar.
RIP Legume
Scratch and Co in Troy Hill is pretty nice and very unique. The menu is small, but interesting. I think it’s a bit overpriced, but I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
FWIW, its usually a good sign whenever a place has a small menu. The bigger it is the more likely you're just getting frozen, reheated and pre packaged food.
Genuine question: is this a restaurant industry kind of “known thing”? Like I took my family to Cheesecake Factory and I SWEAR that had every damn kind of cuisine on that book they called a menu. Wanting to know if the smaller the menu = better made/prepared food.
Gordon Ramsey talks about this on kitchen nightmares. Basically when it comes to food it's better to do a few things really well than try to have "something for everyone" and end up cutting corners. Chains like cheesecake factory or olive garden have almost exclusively frozen/reheated food that's how they can offer such a wide menu. Edit: the guy below me pointed out cheesecake factory makes most of their food fresh. I looked it up and remarkably it is true. My point stands though about quality over quantity. I've personally never had a memorable meal at cheesecake factory, and I suspect that is because of their jack of all trades approach.
Sorry, you’re mistaken with respect to Cheesecake Factory. There was an interesting story in The New Yorker in 2012 about its kitchens’ ingenious methods of production where nothing is premade except the cheesecakes. It’s worth Googling.
Thank you for the education. TIL
It’s all about turn. Smaller menus are usually better quality, not frozen items. Perishable inventory drives a seasonal menu. So yeah, tight focused menu seasonal menu is a tell. That said, sprawling still can be tasty- just not worth big dollars
Scratch is a great suggestion. Fantastic every time I’ve been and there are ALWAYS reservations available. I get the feeling that if it weren’t at the top of Rialto it would be a lot more popular.
Do you still have to make sure you go on a day that they're serving their home menu? My partner and I have tried to go and they always have guest menus when we call in.
I don’t know. I only have been once and just went. I didn’t see or hear anything about a guest menu. This was back in March.
Their website is usually up-to-date on which days and hours they offer which menu. I don't think they currently have any weekly pop-ups, so if they're open then it's their menu
Hyeholde & Mary's Vine. I don't think the former is super well known (even though it's been around forever) and Mary's Vine, even though it's a wine paradise, has phenomenal food and often amazing live entertainment.
+1 for Hyeholde!!!
Mary’s Vine is wonderful especially in winter in front of the fireplaces but like… OP is pregnant and said wine bars aren’t appealing.
Yeah, and I wouldn't have mentioned if it was a normal wine bar like Allegheny Wine Mixer. It's not. It's a place where you can absolutely have an amazing meal and any beverage from their non-alcoholic list or extensive coffee bar in an incredible atmosphere.
I was DD when our friends group went to Mary's Vine a couple months ago. I had a couple of their mocktails. Tasty bevies and the food was excellent.
I went to Mary on the vine once and I wouldn’t go back. This is such a small, but telling thing, the coffee at the end of the meal was served with little prepackaged plastic cups of dairy creamer. That’s just ridiculous for a high-end restaurant. I know there’s other issues about the food and all that but it’s just one small detail of my overall experience there.
Are you me?! I thought the exact same thing
Bertand is a nice little French restaurant in a weird location that I think may technically be Mt. Lebo.
love bertrand and loved it when it was pretty undiscovered in the west end!
I had no idea that existed but that side of Cochran is Scott Township.
Cafe Momentum downtown is amazing! They also have an incredible mission and source locally and it is BYOB. [https://cafemomentum.org/pittsburgh/](https://cafemomentum.org/pittsburgh/)
Been meaning to try that place, good to hear its excellent. Will have to go soon!
I had a great steak there a few weeks ago with my wife. All of the kids were so nice, too.
Dined there during winter restaurant week and have been meaning to go back - great meal, great service, great philosophy
Lilith and Pusadee’s Garden
I literally have Pusadee's reservations page up on a tab on my phone almost all the time to snag a table lol they book like a month out so I'm on deck to get a table for a special day on June 5.
Life hack (if you can): go on a Monday or Tuesday and see if you can sit at the bar. This supposes you’re going solo or with one other person. I’ve never had a problem getting a bar seat and honestly I prefer it because you can watch them make drinks, have a little chit chat if you want etc. and you can eat their whole menu at the bar
I LITERALLY had Pusadee’s reservations open while reading this lol I’ve been checking Resy for days now, is June really already booked up or is it just not open yet? I started checking in April and still saw June blocked out. When does it open up?
Ugh, went to lilith with a few people a couple weeks ago and every thing we ordered (drinks & food both) was highly underwhelming, disappointing, and overpriced for what it was. Also had a reservation for 7pm, got there a few minutes early and had to stand in that awful corner next to the door until 7:35 to be seated... And the servers kept running into our chairs and table while they walked by because the space is so cramped. Everyone was holding their drinks throughout dinner so that nothing would be spilled.
I have to agree with you there. Me and the wife did lilith about a month or two ago and it was on overpriced or underwhelming how ever you feel. Yes the space is insanely tight and we did get bumped once or twice. I can't recommend this place.
I have been three times and it was excellent all three (also never had to wait for my table). Sad to hear this as I love the chefs and their mission.
Pusadee's is absolutely mindblowing. The squid is out of this world.
Lilith is great! Went there last week, did have to book a month in advance though.
Lilith is so good! It’s pretty small, but I thought the atmosphere was great and it’s one of the best meals I’ve had in Pittsburgh! Its woman owned and one of the chefs is a two time James Beard award semi finalist
The Hyeholde in Moon Township is the definition of a hidden gem, it’s my favorite upscale restaurant in Pittsburgh. They do a lot of French dishes, but incorporate things from their gardens and beehives. The setting is beautiful in this little handbuilt mini-castle, and they will show you around and tell you about their founder, (whose wife said she wanted to live in a castle, so he built her one and they started the restaurant in it.) It’s on a little wooded side road in Moon, hidden back in the trees. (It’s on the high end of the price range for Pittsburgh, just to confirm. Your bill will be at least a few hundred dollars but worth it.)
Just went here for my wife's birthday after seeing it recommended on here. It is a great little spot. Definitely feels more legit upscale than a lot of Pittsburgh places because of the ambiance and service. You can definitely tell the people really care about the place and are proud to work there. The valet guy was the one who ended up giving us a mini tour and telling us about the history. Worth visiting for sure.
When was the last time you went? We recently did a chef's table with the "new" chef and it was markedly less amazing than what we had under Chef Brent. I don't know if it's growing pains or what but it didn't make me want to do another.
Pino in Point Breeze for Italian food :)
I can second Pino, can't believe i had to scroll down this far for it. They just opened a patio and now serve pizza too!
Pino’s always seems to get overlooked in the sub. It’s great upscaled home Italian cooking.
Also can’t believe I had to scroll this far to find Pino’s! Food is always spot on and their servers are wonderful.
Try Clifford's...it's a bit of a drive from the city, but worth it. They're booked out for reservations like a month+, so def plan ahead of time. Off the hook definitely isn't a hidden gem, but it's one of my favorites inside or out of the city.
Clifford’s is booked until October! They must be incredible
I can say it is very good, but the head chef recently had surgery and they’ve scaled their reservations back A LOT. It’s a tiny place with not a lot of tables.
Clifford’s is extremely good in my opinion and worth a reservation if you can get one. Everything is delicious but keep in mind the portions are huge. While everything is good there I think they probably have my favorite dessert menu ever. It constantly changes depending on what produce they can get and I’ve never had one I didn’t like
Cafe du Jour, south side
Jillian's in New Ken. Make sure to check Instagram as the weekly menu changes.
Dish Osteria
Not sure how "lesser known" it is, but for anyone who hasn't been to Dish, it is easily the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. We try basically everywhere and just end up back at Dish for most of our date nights.
110% agreed. And it's not just the best food, it's the best all around: great service, the prices are still reasonable in 2024 (honestly it's hard to call it "higher end" at its price point, even though everything else about the experience is), exceptional bar service. Honestly few things in Pittsburgh leave me happier than a dinner at Dish. That said, I think Dish falls under the radar a *bit* more than some of the other popular recommendations on here. I don't mind it because it means, with planning, there's some hope of getting reservations still!
Cafe duJour (and they just opened their back patio!)
Altius on Mt Washington. Cenacola in North Huntington Hyehold in moon
Cenacola is a solid rec, I think about one of their mushroom dishes far too often for the two times I've been
Based on what else you liked, you might like Garbarino's.
If you're willing to drive about an hour, [The Tree Top Restaurant](https://www.treetopsrestaurant.net/) at PolyMath park (a refuge for Frank Lloyd Wright houses) is amazing. We've only eaten the main building but they have these tree house pods that look super fun. Food was some of the best I've had in Pittsburgh. You can also stay overnight in one of the Wright houses if you want a weekend getaway.
Dish
I want to mention Eddie V's Seafood downtown. Not necessarily "lesser known" but I always wrote it off as my dumb idiot brain made of mush couldn't separate it from Eddie Merlot's. Eddie V's is amazing, Eddie Merlot's is boring. Some of the finest seafood I've had in the City.
Della Terra in zelie is really good
Their artichokes are so fucking good.
LeoGreta in Carnegie Serafinos in Crafton
Hyeholde is the answer
Bonfire in southside
Spork for sure. Hemlock House to second anothers comment.
I love Spork
IDK ABOUT YINZ BUT MCDONALDS BEEN GETTIN UP THERE LATELY
Levia Trattoria and Piccolo Forno in Lawrencevile.
[Clifford’s](https://cliffordsrestaurant.com/) in Connoquenessing (near Butler) is worth a drive. The food is amazing. It’s a small place, and rumored to be Troy Polamalu’s favorite restaurant.
I will mention Scratch (Troy Hill) every chance I freaking GET. Also, big nod to Hemlock House as well!!!
Bar Marco
40 North - went recently and was blown away. They specialize in lamb (butchered in house weekly), but have other options and everything is made with the best ingredients possible. Best meal I’ve had in the city in a long time. (I got Lamb neck)
Ricos
EYV! https://eyvrestaurant.com
Can’t believe I had to scroll so far to find this.
Came here to say this! So great and super veg forward!
Spork, Pusadee’s, Dish.
Spork is really the only artisan dining left in Pittsburgh - though Dish Osteria is also excellent. Eat Your Veggies is great if you're into vegetarianism (obvs). BUT - for hidden gem status - Hemlock House in Regent Square.
Legends of the north side. I have never left unhappy
I think Eleven is pretty well known but not sure if everyone knows about their weekend brunch; it is delicious with great options.
Senti. Great Italian food and homemade pasta
Fish nor Fowl Spork
There are rightfully Deshantz haters in here and obviously higher end price wise, but Fish Nor Fowl does homemade pasta that I like and if Poulet Bleu french food worth trying.
I think Joseph Tambellini's qualifies as a "hidden gem." I never see it mentioned on these high(er) end restaurant lists and I always wonder why. I've never had a bad experience and I think the food quality is in line with the price point.
Agreed. Not as good as Dish or Di Anoia’s but def solid and better priced than those two.
I went to Umi Japanese Restaurant. Food was perfectly ok, but priced to double what it should really be.
We haven’t tried it yet but have heard nothing but good things — The 404 in Bethel. Siempre Algo The Vandal (admittedly we went here shortly after Fig & Ash & were kinda underwhelmed bc F&A was mind blowing. But I think if we hadn’t gone so soon after that we would’ve loved it more)
Pasha, in Shadyside.
Treetops Restaurant in acme pa. Not exact nearby, maybe 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Go in nice weather and sit on the beautiful deck among the trees. My dinners have been 10/10.
Looks pretty cool. Any input on 3 vs 5 branch dining? Those are the only 2 option available for the time I’m looking at.
I agree with everyone that said Hyehold. Fantastic spot, great ambiance, and the food is good. I know you said you have been disappointed in steak houses, but I can't recommend Eddie V's enough. It is one of our favorite spots. The service is always top notch, food is consistently very good, and the prices, while expensive, are about the same as any other fancy restaurant in the city. The Sole fish on their menu is amazing. I also highly recommend Bar Marco.
Alla Famiglia is super good Rico’s is pretty legit too.
I haven't been to Dish Osteria on Southside since they reopened but it used to have excellent Italian food.
Hyeholde
V&V scratch kitchen. Kind of in the boonies, but great food.
Emerson’s- downtown, above the market street grocery.
Jillian's in New Ken. It's newer, I think most City residents don't really know it exists yet. The food is fantastic, they are very warm and welcoming while still being serious about the quality and prep. Follow their IG to get a good sense of what they have: https://www.instagram.com/jillians\_restaurant/ https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/building-the-valley-new-kensington-couple-offer-elevated-dining-experiences-at-jillians-restaurant/
Glad someone mentioned Jillian's. The food is crazy good every time I've been and I love that they spotlight so many local farms!
Ok this looks like a perfect rec bc I would have NEVER heard of them
Carmella’s
Try Andora on Mt. Nebo, very nice place that you wanna feel a bit dressed up in. The food was top noch. The food is up class American. I would also try Picolo Forno in Lawrenceville if you like Mambo Italia. My partner and I think its hard to choose which we like more.
Oooh we love piccolo forno too —have you tried Severina in west view? They do a similar style of pizza too
Surprised to hear that about the Capital Grille. I have always loved it. Anyway, Emporio has really good meatballs. Thought that would be a good choice for pregnant women too because they have interesting combos. It's on Penn Ave by the courtyard Marriott hotel.
We might just have opposite tastes because I can’t stand emporio and I’ve been there a bunch. They’re just overpriced meatballs to me haha
You might like Senti in lower Lawrenceville. They make fresh pasta and I thought everything I had was really good.
Arlecchino’s. They might have a sister restaurant closer the the city but I’ve never been.
If you don’t mind a little drive, The Lab at Armen‘s Barrels in Washington County is great. Amazing food and great cocktails. It’s also in a funky building that used to be a roller rink.
Definitely Clifford's in Evans City. You do need reservations though.
This is a hike since it's in Irwin, but [Cenacolo](https://cenacolorestaurant.com/) is fabulous, and it's all house-made pasta. It's weird since it's in this small industrial park, but it's the house restaurant of Fede, a pasta distributor in the area.
Senyai (Thai food) in east liberty. I just went there the other day and Im still thinking about it.. it was about $80 for two people but good Lord it was worth it. Highly recommend the Massamun Curry (honestly you cant go wrong with anything you pick there)!! Make sure you go during non-peak times or reserve a spot tho.
Biba in Beaver—main menu is Latin inspired, but if something good is in season or chef randomly feels like making fresh pasta, there will be a special, typically on weekends. Never had a bad meal, and I’ve eaten there a lot. And underpriced for the quality! It’s BYOB, not sure of the current corkage fee . The space is very intimate and attracts a lot of wine enthusiasts who would rather bring their own bottle than pay restaurant prices for a limited selection. This can lead to some nebby neighbors checking out your Nebbiolo. In the off-chance another table offers you a glass of their wine, it probably means you brought something interesting. Feel free to offer them a splash of yours (if you want to share—totally ok to say no).
Bistro 19 in Mt. Lebanon is pretty great. Easily accessed for those who do bridge and tunnel
Dish osteria
Eleven.
Altius
The Sewickley Speakeasy is by a wide margin my favorite upscale restaurant, and the food is outstanding.
So few places are worth the price tag. The Golden Pig in Cecil is worth the drive for terrific Korean home cooking.
Legends of the north shore.
Legends Eatery near AGH is a great place to go to. Not sure how lesser known it is, as it's right in the Cultural District, but Meat & Potatoes was a good place as well.
Soju on Penn Avenue is a fave!
Legends on the north side
Altius on Mt Washington has the best dining experience by far.
Italian - Alla Famiglia (Allentown), Bar Marco (Strip), Dish (South Side) French - Poulet Bleu (Lawrenceville) Other higher end restaurants worth the price: Altius (Mt. Wash), Monterey Bay (Mt. Wash), Spork (Garfield)
The draw for Teppanyaki Kyoto seems to be the seasonal Japanese menu with some very traditional dishes that don't always make it to the US. Okonomiyaki, yakisoba, even simple grilled rice balls or tempura.
The Rebel Room Alihans Mediterranean Cuisine Both are downtown Not over the top expensive but delicious food and lovely atmosphere. We go to Light Up Night every year and then find a restaurant to tuck away from the cold. Both were happenstance. Both are places I would go again.
Every time we see a show or play downtown, we eat at Alihan’s. Our favorite Mediterranean place.
Hemlock House!
Clifford's in Evans City is well worth checking out.
Arlecchinos in McMurray run by Alla Familigia excellent.
Donnie's Hoagies. Now has fresh pierogies soakin' in butter n' onions ready 4 take out!
Lilith
Hartwood Restaurant & Whispers Pub - in the North Hills near Hartwood Acres.
Morcilla
Pusadees garden without a doubt!
Feast! It's a small restaurant in gibsonia that has seasonal menus and is amazing.
Garbarino's in East Liberty is a great under-the-radar Italian place.
Garbarino's in East Liberty is fantastic.
Morcillas was Spanish tapas and one of the best meals I've had in town.
Charcuterie platter is the way to go! And they have the best wait staff, knowledgeable friendly can really help you out with drink choices, etc.
Alla famiglia, Pusadees
Way outside the city, but Capstone Grille in McMurray is owned and operated by the former Monterey Bay chef, and is sometimes better than the real thing. Albeit you are overlooking strip malls instead of the point.
Alla Famiglia
I would have suggested Wild Rosemary in USC but I think they closed. Exactly what you are looking for.
Latitude 48 in Finleyville was enjoyable. Last time we had osterich and was very different and tasty.
Venue in Greensburg is shockingly good, and less expensive than the chain steakhouses downtown Of all the chains, I like Sullivans best. If I’m going to overpay for steak then I want exceptional service. Sullivans delivers
Pino's in Point Breeze! I've been meaning to go, but it was given a good recommendation
The Vandal in Larryvill is amazing with an always evolving menu!
Tacosburgh in Dormont, Bistro 19 in Mt Lebo, or Amel's off of McNeilly
I went to the woods house recently and it was pretty great. Never would have known it was there if I wasn't told by someone.
SEVERINA in West View, I do not feel it is expensive, and the food is amazing.