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Discover the best restaurants in Downtown Pittsburgh!
Downtown Pittsburgh is the heart of the city, with bustling sidewalks, urban parks, and a newly flourishing dining scene. From ethnic eats to gastropubs, you can find a wide variety of excellent restaurants in this booming area.
1. Harris Grill
With two locations in the city, Harris Grill is your friendly neighborhood restaurant for any occasion. Parents in town for the weekend? Harris Grill. Looking for a stiff drink? Harris Grill. Craving bacon? Harris Grill. (Make sure you go on a Tuesday for Bacon Night, though.)
2. The Speckled Egg
Sometimes, the best way to spend a Sunday morning is treating yourself to a delicious pile of French toast. When that craving hits, The Speckled Egg is there for you. The upscale diner has menu items such as brown butter French toast, the goat omelette, and a full cocktail menu. If waffles are more your thing, see #13, further down this list.
3. Bae Bae's Kitchen
Bae Bae's Kitchen is the place to go for quick, but delicious Korean-inspired food. Not only is the restaurant interior cheerful and inviting, but their ingredients are organic and locally-sourced.
Another popular downtown eatery is Gaucho Parrilla Argentina. The restaurant, which specializes in sandwiches and wood-fired meat, moved downtown a while back to accommodate their growing foodie fan base.
5. Nicky's Thai Kitchen
Look no further than Nicky's Thai Kitchen for the best Thai food in town. They have a lengthy menu to fit all tastes, and you can typically find dinner specials on their website. Plus, customers can choose between the bar or BYOB.
6. täkō
No "best restaurant" list is complete without informing the masses where to get superb tacos and tequila. In Downtown Pittsburgh, täkō is one such place. With a variety of tacos on the menu and even a taco board, this restaurant is sure to satisfy that ever-returning craving. For another taco and tequila downtown Pittsburgh favorite, see #12 further down this list!
The Standard provides a “something for everyone” establishment! Whether you're looking for a spot to work over coffee and a fresh breakfast, a unique lunch or a place to enjoy drinks and dinner with friends, you can get it all at The Standard.
8. The Original Oyster House
For a tried-and-true Pittsburgh tradition, head to The Original Oyster House - the oldest bar and restaurant in the city. There you'll enjoy some tasty fried seafood and tavern drinks, right inside a historic landmark.
Photo credit: Sienna Mercato Facebook page
9. Sienna Mercato
Sienna Mercato is a 3-story Italian food "marketplace" in Pittsburgh's historic Cultural District, each floor with its own distinct dining destination. Emporio, on the bottom floor, specializes in meatballs, whereas Mezzo, on the second floor, has a small wine bar and an extensive menu of classic and creative Italian dishes, including artisanal pizzas, Italian cheeses, charcuterie, and more. Il Tetto, the top floor, boasts city skyline views and a beer and wine garden that can be enjoyed year round, thanks to the retractable glass ceiling.
10. Bridges and Bourbon
For "dining done differently," modernistic cocktails that are visually stunning and food that engages the senses, head to Bridges and Bourbon. The sophisticated and yet social and interactive atmosphere makes this the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion or date night.
11. The Commoner and Biergarten
The Commoner is Pittsburgh's modern American tavern, and it's anything but common. It specializes in American classics with a touch of the unexpected. During the summer season, the restaurant's rooftop open-air biergarten is open Thursday through Saturday evenings. It's the perfect spot for happy hours or weekend meet-ups with friends.
Photo credit: Bakersfieldtacos.com
12. Bakersfield
Craving tacos and tequila? Head to Bakersfield for authentic Mexican street fare and a selection of over 100 tequilas and whiskeys. This is the place to go for simple food and an upbeat atmosphere set against a backdrop of the finest country-western music.
13. Waffles, INCaffeinated
At Waffles, INCaffeinated, you can sample "exquisitely wicked" delicious waffles, both savory and sweet, along with creative sandwiches and custom coffee drinks. Bring your family and friends along for this affordable and unique boutique dining experience in downtown Pittsburgh.
Photo credit: Eatscarpino.com
New Downtown!
14. Scarpino
Scarpino, with its welcoming environment and robust flavors, is a "good-for-the-soul" kind of place. Everyone in the family will find something to love at this Italian eatery, where food is crafted with care using high-quality, fresh ingredients. There is also an extensive wine list!
15. The Eagle Food and Beer Hall
In the mood for some straightforward American fare, craft beer, and blues music? Dining at The Eagle is like a warm hug from an old friend. Don't miss out on their fried chicken, which earned them a place on the Travel Channel's list of the "10 Most Hype-worthy Fried Chicken Restaurants."
16. The Rebel Room
Tucked away in the Industrialist Hotel is the Rebel Room, inspired by the rebels who revolutionized Pittsburgh. This is a bar-centric modern restaurant featuring an impressive mixology program and a creative twist on American fare. This place is both sophisticated and easygoing; check it out to see for yourself what it's all about.
Photo credit: Rebel Room Facebook page
Coming Soon!
17. Adda Coffee & Tea House
In early fall, 2021, you will be able to spice up your caffeine routine by visiting the Adda Coffee & Tea House. You will find an eclectic mix of internationally sourced coffees and teas and light bites. At this downtown Pittsburgh location, Adda plans to host cultural events, including a high tea service and educational demonstrations. A refreshing and inspiring change from your run-of-the-mill coffee shop!
Photo credit: Adda Coffee & Tea House Facebook page
18. CobblerWorld
Sweet tooth? No problem. The Black-owned CobblerWorld has nostalgic confections to temporarily cure you of your ailment, with treats such as cobblers, cheesecakes, cookies, and pies that one can only dream about.
19. Millie's Homemade Ice Cream
Come to Millie's Homemade Ice Cream for a deliciously fresh treat. With hand-crafted, in-season ingredients, it's some of the best ice cream you can get in Pittsburgh. Pick up a post-dinner cone and enjoy a stroll around Downtown Pittsburgh.
