Top 10 Best Pittsburgh Restaurants

The most famous Pittsburgh food is the Primanti Bros sandwich, which includes grilled meat, melted cheese, French fries, and coleslaw all stacked between two slices of Italian bread. Pierogies are also a staple from the city's large Eastern European population. Other local specialties that are considered some of the best food in Pittsburgh include kielbasa, haluski (a cabbage and noodle dish), and chipped chopped ham sandwiches from Isaly's.

The cost of a meal in Pittsburgh varies by establishment, ranging from as low as $15 to as high as $100+ per person. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs between $15 and $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is between $60 and $90. Fine dining establishments have prices starting at $100 per person for tasting menus.

Pittsburgh's most popular fast-food options include both regional powerhouses and national chains. The most popular spots for fast food in downtown Pittsburgh are listed below:

• Primanti Bros.: A local institution famous for its sandwiches with fries and slaw, offering a quick and iconic Pittsburgh meal right in Market Square.
• Sheetz: While a convenience store, its made-to-order food counter is a hugely popular fast-food destination for sandwiches, burgers, and snacks, with locations near the downtown area.
• Peppi's: A beloved local sandwich shop with a location in the Strip District near downtown, known for its large cheesesteaks and hoagies.
• Eat'n Park: A local diner chain known for its Smiley Cookies and classic American fare, with locations throughout the Pittsburgh suburbs.

These are considered some of the best new restaurants in Pittsburgh:

• Balvanera: Located at 1600 Smallman St. in the Strip District, this restaurant serves Argentinian food with a focus on wood-fired cooking and grilled meats.
• The Parlor Dim Sum: Found at 4401 Butler St. in Lawrenceville, this spot offers a modern take on traditional dim sum with a craft cocktail program.
• BABA: Situated at 113 N. Sheridan Ave. in East Liberty, BABA is a diner serving Eastern European comfort food, including pierogies and haluski.
• Oro: Located at 228 4th Ave. Downtown, Oro is an upscale restaurant from Chef Brian Pekarcik focusing on coastal Italian and Mediterranean food cooked over a live fire.

Yes, Pittsburgh has many affordable casual restaurants. These spots are known for being budget-friendly and relaxed, making them some of the best casual restaurants in Pittsburgh. Primanti Bros. is a classic choice for cheap eats and it is famous for sandwiches loaded with fries and slaw in a no-frills setting. Peppi's is another local favorite, serving large and affordable cheesesteaks and hoagies. For breakfast and lunch, Pamela's Diner is an institution known for its crepe-style hotcakes and casual diner atmosphere. Beto's Pizza offers a unique style with square-cut pizza topped with cold cheese, providing another one of the top affordable restaurants Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh has many excellent restaurants for an evening meal. The best dinner spots Pittsburgh offer a range of atmospheres and food styles, listed below:

• Altius: Located on Mt. Washington, this restaurant offers a romantic, fine-dining experience with panoramic views of the city skyline and a menu of sophisticated contemporary American food.
• Pusadee's Garden: This Lawrenceville spot provides a stunning and transportive dinner setting with its lush garden patio. It serves refined, authentic Thai food.
• Morcilla: Found in Lawrenceville, this Spanish restaurant has a lively, energetic ambiance perfect for a fun dinner. It specializes in tapas and family-style dishes.
• Apteka: This Bloomfield restaurant offers a unique and modern dinner experience with its menu of vegan Central and Eastern European food in a minimalist, stylish setting. These are some of the best dinner places in Pittsburgh.

Downtown Pittsburgh has numerous great places for a midday meal as listed below:

• Primanti Bros.: The Market Square location is one of the top restaurants downtown Pittsburgh for a quick, iconic lunch, serving its famous sandwiches to workers and tourists.
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• Gaucho Parrilla Argentina: Famous for its wood-fired meats, this downtown spot offers delicious sandwiches and platters, making it a popular choice for one of the best lunch in Pittsburgh.
• The Eagle Food & Beer Hall: Known for its fried chicken, this lively spot on Penn Avenue offers a fun, casual lunch experience with Southern comfort food and a large beer list.
• Nicky's Thai Kitchen: A convenient and popular choice for a sit-down lunch in the Cultural District, offering a menu of classic Thai dishes with consistent quality and quick service.

Pittsburgh has several restaurants dedicated to vegan food. Apteka is a nationally recognized restaurant serving entirely vegan Central and Eastern European dishes. Onion Maiden offers a unique experience with its heavy-metal theme and plant-based comfort food. B52 Cafe in Lawrenceville is a popular spot for vegan breakfast and lunch, with a menu of American and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. Reed & Co. in Lawrenceville operates as a vegan deli, serving sandwiches and selling plant-based meats and cheeses.

Many Pittsburgh restaurants accommodate gluten-free diners. Gluten Free Goat Bakery & Cafe is a dedicated gluten-free facility offering a range of baked goods, sandwiches, and cafe items. Piccola Forno in Lawrenceville offers several gluten-free pasta options for its Italian dishes. Many of the city's finer dining restaurants, like Altius, can accommodate gluten-free requests with advance notice due to their scratch kitchens. For casual dining, Federal Galley, a food hall on the North Side, often features vendors with clearly marked gluten-free options.

The most famous types of food in Pittsburgh reflect its industrial heritage and immigrant communities. The most prominent cuisines are listed below.

• Eastern European: This is Pittsburgh's most defining food influence, brought by immigrants from Poland, Ukraine, and other nearby countries. It is why pierogies, kielbasa, and haluski are city-wide staples.
• American Comfort Food: The city is known for its hearty, no-frills American food, epitomized by the iconic Primanti Bros. sandwich and classic diner fare.
• Italian: Pittsburgh has a large and historic Italian-American population, especially in neighborhoods like Bloomfield, which is reflected in the abundance of traditional red-sauce restaurants, pizzerias, and delis.
• New American: In recent years, a strong chef-driven scene has emerged, with restaurants focusing on seasonal ingredients, modern techniques, and creative interpretations of American food.