What's Cooking Pittsburgh
From chef-driven dishes to new restaurant offerings, Pittsburgh has built a reputation as a foodie city.
The Pittsburgh food scene has received its fair share of global acclaim over the last five years. From earning Bon Appétit’s title as The Next Big Food Town to garnering praise from Yelp as “a top U.S. destination for good food,” Pittsburgh has staked its claim as a foodie city.
Much of this recognition can be attributed to the talented chefs who are behind some of the city’s best dishes. New restaurants and concepts also play a large role in Pittsburgh’s host culinary renaissance. One local chef with a long, successful history in Pittsburgh is Kevin Watson. A graduate of the former Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, he opened Chef’s Table in 2020. A fresh, made-to-order restaurant, Chef’s Table is focused on serving healthy meals for the good of the heart and soul. With a menu that features all-natural twists on classic favorites, Chef’s Table also makes a direct impact on the Pittsburgh community, too, through its “Buy a Meal, Give a Meal” program, which donates meals to local senior citizens.
Chef’s Table wasn’t the only new restaurant to open its doors in 2020. Read on to learn more about a few of Pittsburgh’s freshest culinary offerings. And, when creating an itinerary for your next Pittsburgh visit, don’t forget to build in time for a bite to eat!
Fig & Ash
Located in the energetic Deutschtown community, Fig & Ash takes a hands-on approach to serving “delicious, one-of-a-kind epicurean experiences” made from scratch. Many of the dishes are finished in the restaurant’s literal hearth – a custom, locally built wood fire oven from local design studio Temper and Grit. Whether you choose to dine inside or take advantage of the outdoor, intimate courtyard, this fresh take on old favorites – like the Wood-Fired Double Cut Pork Chop - will keep you coming back.
Coop de Ville
Come for the chicken, stay for the arcade games! The latest offering from the James Beard-nominated Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, Coop de Ville is a southern table, fast-casual restaurant, bar and entertainment space conveniently located on Smallman Street. Choose from a handful of chicken sandwich selections, tack on your favorite southern side and top it all off with a cocktail from the large, spacious bar area or the can’t-miss tiki cocktail trailer. And, don’t forget to add a dessert – like Bourbon Pecan Pie – from the unique coffee bar located at the front of the restaurant. The fun doesn’t end when your meal does, as Coop de Ville also offers a plethora of activities, like duck pin bowling, vintage arcade games, pinball and more.
2 Sisters 2 Sons
Struck by a craving for Caribbean cuisine? 2 Sisters 2 Sons has you covered! A family-run establishment conveniently located off the Highland Park Bridge, 2 Sisters 2 Sons is co-owned by Denise Josephs and Marlene Siddo and their sons, Michael Brown and Kwasi Prince. Together, the quartet is delivering authentic Jamaican dishes like Oxtail, Goat Curry, BBQ Jerk Chicken, Seafood and Saltfish Fritters and a large variety of seafood offerings, plus plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Make sure you call before you go to check on the availability of dishes.
The Speckled Egg
Enjoy a refined diner experience in the heart of Downtown at The Speckled Egg, located inside the Union Trust Building. From The Nester, a fun take on Eggs in a Basket, and the Millennial - avocado toast, of course! - to the Goat Omelette, Buttermilk Poppyseed Pancakes and more, the restaurant’s brunch offerings are sure to satisfy any early-morning appetite. No brunch is complete without a fun cocktail, and The Speckled Egg certainly aims to please, incorporating local distilleries – like Maggie’s Farm Rum and Lawrenceville Distilling Co. – into its many offerings. For those who appreciate a slower-paced brunch, try one of the cold pressed juices by Pittsburgh Juice Co.
Cobra
Enjoy an entire weekend of entertainment under one roof at Cobra in Bloomfield. Chill cocktail offerings are just the beginning at this full-immersion experience that combines the worlds of Yakiniku & Korean BBQ. Diners can grill up bites to their liking at 10 smokeless Shinpo Yakiniku grills. It’s important to note that Cobra’s beef is all American or Japanese wagyu. Compliment your dinner with tasty sides like Cobra Caviar Potato and Kimchi Fried Rice. In the mood to chill after your meal? Check out Cobra’s intimate lounge or one of its three private karaoke rooms.
