Pittsburgh Restaurants

1. Casbah

The décor in this Shadyside eatery is desert chic. An eclectic menu, influenced by the cuisines of southern France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Tunisia, includes double-cut pork chops, duck breast, and lamb osso bucco. The extensive wine list includes more than 40 labels available by the glass.

2. Chaya

The menu at this intimate sushi bar includes traditional sushi and sashimi platters and à la carte options. If you like your food cooked, Chaya serves scrumptious gyoza (pan-fried pork-and-cabbage dumplings) as well as fried chicken and pork cutlets. Bring your own beer or wine.

3. Kaya

Woodwork and tapestries hanging from the ceiling lend a Jamaican flavor to this converted warehouse, as does the reggae music. A friendly crowd often clings to the full bar after work. Tropical paella, Jamaican green-curry stir-fry, and fish specials are on the menu.

4. Le Mont

Dark wood, candlelight, and crystal accent the unique dining area at Le Mont, one of several restaurants on Mt. Washington. If you visit at night, you can enjoy the city's illuminated skyline. Specialties include rack of lamb, roast raspberry duck, and steak Diana. There's live music and a pianist.

5. Max's Allegheny Tavern

Tiffany lamps above wooden booths and old mosaic tile floors give this tavern a late 19th-century feel. Enjoy a potato-pancake Reuben, German sausage, or veal. Dinner is a bit more formal; brunch is served on Sunday.

6. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

On top of Mt. Washington, this restaurant offers an impressive selection of fresh fish and an unrivaled view of the downtown skyline.

7. Point Brugge Cafe

This friendly Belgian-style bistro is tucked in cozy Point Breeze. The menu features mussels with white wine or curry, steak frites, seafood waterzooi (a Belgian bouillabaisse), and carbonnade flamande (a beef stew made with Belgian brown ale). Grab a cheese plate and some Belgian beer at the bar while you're waiting for your table. Point Brugge doesn't accept reservations and diners there know to expect a wait, especially on the weekends.

8. Primanti Brothers

9. Primanti Brothers

10. Primanti Brothers

What started out in 1933 as a working-class bar is now a Pittsburgh favorite with eight locations. The cheese steak comes with fries, coleslaw, and tomato—all in the sandwich.

11. Soba

This chic restaurant has three dining levels. The main bar is on the first floor, there's a small dining area on the mezzanine, and glass sculptures adorn the two dining rooms on level three. The top floor also has a small bar and an enclosed deck. The pan-Asian menu includes sushi, tuna tartare, and seaweed salad appetizers. Entrees include seared rare tuna with ginger fried rice and kimchi, and filet mignon with chili-garlic mashed potatoes.

12. Spice Island Tea House

This student favorite serves eclectic Southeast Asian cuisine, ranging from the classic pad Thai to spicy fish cakes and exotic salads. Slow-roasted Shan Hin Lay Pork is especially good on cold nights. The single, tastefully decorated (and dimly lit) dining room is often crowded.

13. Terrace Room

An ornate ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and elaborate floral arrangements highlight this room in the Omni William Penn, which has been restored to its original 1916 appearance. You can enjoy seafood, steak, or prime rib. There's a weekend breakfast buffet from 6:30 am to 2 pm.

14. The Church Brew Works

This converted 1902 Catholic church offers a variety of brewed-on-site ales and lagers (the brewing equipment sits front-and-center, on what was once the altar) and a satisfying menu. The original stained-glass windows are still in place. Buffalo-and-wild-mushroom meat loaf, wood-fired pizzas, black pepper glazed pork chops, and pierogies are on the menu. The wide central aisle and kid-friendly menu make it a good place to come with children.

15. The Shiloh Inn

The menu at this Mt. Washington eatery includes chicken and lobster tart, lump crab cakes, apple butter–glazed pork chop, and steaks. There is a deck for outdoor seating (but unfortunately, no citywide view). Valet parking is available on the weekends.

16. The Steelhead Brasserie & Wine Bar

Situated on the ground floor of the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center across from Mellon Arena, this restaurant's menu has entrées such as lump crab cake with roasted corn hash and lime aioli; cedar-plank king salmon with sweet potatoes, asparagus, and ancho beurre blanc; and grilled swordfish with roasted eggplant, capers, olives and tomatoes. Also available are the Brasserie "Mac 'N' Cheese," with prosciutto and white truffle essence, as well as salads, wraps, and sandwiches. If you score a table by the window, you'll have a clear view of the skyline. Brunch is served on weekends.