Balvanera- Pittsburgh

Name: Balvanera- Pittsburgh
Address: 1660 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, 15222
Telephone: (412) 586-5617
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (16)

$31 to $50

Argentinean

1660 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 59 times today

About this restaurant

Hot spot
Good for special occasions
Lively

BALVANERA is an Argentine-style brasserie founded by celebrated Argentinian Chef, Fernando Navas, and Meredith Boyle, who is originally from Pittsburgh. It honors its European heritage and embodies the lifestyle and cuisine of Buenos Aires. BALVANERA offers a carefully chosen collection of South American wines, aperitifs, and beef, all presented with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Since its opening, the popular and vibrant restaurants have become a leading spot for Argentinian food and wine in the U.S. Chef Navas, officially recognized by the Argentine government as a Culinary Ambassador, uses BALVANERA to share his culture through events, collaborations, and special menu items.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Argentinean, American, Steakhouse
Hours of operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:45 pm
Phone number
(412) 586-5617
Website
https://www.balvanerarestaurants.com/location/balvanera-pittsburgh/
Dress code
Business Casual
Catering
While we don't currently offer comprehensive catering packages, we may be able to private a custom service for your special event. Please reach events@balvanerarestaurants.com with your request!
Private party facilities
MAKE MEMORIES AT BALVANERAEnjoy 3 unique spaces for gathering:‘Bodega’ & Bar - lively social events; up to 40 guests standingMain Dining Room - brunch, lunch or dinner; up to 60 seated / 80 standingPrivate Dining Room - full A/V capabilities; up to 28 seated / 40 standingOr, host a lively event throughout the entire space for up to 150 guests

Location
1660 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Parking garage at the end of 1660 Smallman closer to 16th street.
Parking details
Street Parking

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Aceitunas
assorted olives, orange peel
Gildas
guindilla pepper, anchovies, onions, manzanilla olives
Boquerones
white anchovies, pan con tomate
Caviar
Oscetra, potato dominó, creme fraiche, fine herbs
Crudo
yellowtail sashimi, guindilla pepper, shallots, apple, Arauco olive oil
Tartare
grass fed beef, capers, shallots, egg yolk, aged Parmesan
Harlow's Caesar
the way Chef's daughter prefers
Ensalada de Endivias
endives, pearl onion, orange, valdeon cheese, champagne vinaigrette
Lengua al escabeche
tongue, cauliflower, onion, egg
Jamon Iberico
Spanish Iberico ham, 100% acorn fed, 36-months aged
Arancini de Coliflor
cauliflower & rice croquettes, quince purée
Empanadas de Carne
handcut roast beef, hard boiled egg. onion, cumin
Empanadas de Humita
sweet corn, roasted red pepper, provolone, aji amarillo
Remolachas Roti
rotisserie beets, ricotta salata, pistachios, crispy garlic
Setas Salteadas
mushrooms, truffle sherry vinaigrette, soy, poached egg
Pulpo de Playa
octopus a la plancha, olivada, aji ahumado
Mollejas
crispy sweetbreads, celery root, green apple, broken almonds, lime

Milanesas│Main Plates

Pollo
crispy breaded chicken cutlet, avocado salad, herb aioli
Pescado
crispy skate, heirloom tomato, castelfranco, basque pepper, garlic aioli

Embutidos│Sausages

Salchicha Parrillera
housemade pork sausage, piquillo and guindilla peppers
Chorizo Especial
housemade pork & guanciale sausage, piquillo & guindilla peppers
Morcilla
blood sausage, roasted red pepper
Matrimonio
morcilla & chorizo, the happy couple
Rueda de Cordero
housemade lamb sausage, pear chutney, herb salad

Carnes│From the Grill

Steaks are served with fresh chimi and salsa criolla. Grass-fed options are imported from Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture raised. Corn-fed cuts are domestic, regionally-sourced premium beef.

Angosto
Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture-raised striploin
Lomo
Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture-raised filet mignon
Ancho
Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture-raised ribeye
Angosto
domestic, regionally sourced USDA prime striploin
Entraña
domestic, regionally sourced USDA prime skirt steak
Dry Aged Ancho
domestic, regionally sourced USDA prime ribeye, 36 days aged

Guarniciones│Sides

Papas Fritas
crispy, house cut french fries
Puré de Papas
super mashed potatoes
Berenjenas
eggplant caponata, pine nuts, capers

Platitos | Small Plates

Empanadas
choose your flavor, 2 pieces: Huevo, Jamón y Queso • egg, ham, provoleta Carne • handcut roast beef, hard boiled egg, onion, cumin Humita • sweet corn, roasted red pepper, provolone, aji amarillo
Arancini de Coliflor
caulifower and rice croquettes, quince purée
Gildas
guindilla pepper, anchovies, onions, manzanilla olives
Boquerones
white anchovies, pan con tomate
Harlow's Caesar
the way Chef's daughter prefers
Jamón Ibérico
Spanish Iberico ham, 100% acorn-fed, 36-months aged

Brunch

Serving local eggs from Footprint Farms where hens forage freely in open fields, fresh air, sunshine.

Torrejas Lola
sweet milk brioche, dulce de leche, caramelized banana, berries
Ensalada Nicoise
tuna, soft-boiled egg, tomatoes, onion, olives
Salmón Ahumado
smoked salmon, toasted sourdough points, all the fixings
Clásico
two free range eggs ~ freestyle, Nueske bacon, papas
Huevos a Caballo
2 sunny eggs, grass-fed striploin steak, papas rotas, fresh chimi
Huevos Florentinos
spinach egg benedict, tomato hollandaise
Hamburguesa Balvanera
house blend, tomato, lettuce, provoleta cheese, garlic aioli, papas
Sandwich de Pescado Frito
crispy skate sandwich, basque pepper remoulade, cabbage, housemade potato chips

Guarniciones | Sides

Papas Fritas
crispy fries
Papas Rotas
smashed potatoes, pimenton, aioli
Bacon
Toast
Five Points Bakery sourdough

Embutidos | Sausages

Chorizo Criollo
housemade pork sausage, piquillo & guindilla peppers
Chorizo Especial
housemade pork & guanciale sausage, piquillo & guindilla peppers
Morcilla
blood sausage, roasted red pepper
Matrimonio
morcilla & chorizo, the happy couple
Rueda de Cordero
housemade lamb sausage, pear chutney, herb salad

Carnes | From the Grill

Angosto
Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture-raised striploin
Ancho
Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture-raised ribeye
Entraña
domestic, regionally sourced premium beef, skirt steak
Lomo
Pampas Argentinas, certified Angus, pasture-raised filet mignon
Dry Aged Ancho
domestic, regionally sourced USDA prime ribeye, 36 days aged

Brunch Cocktails

Cosmosa
cranberry, Combier, Cava
De San Martin
Bordiga bitters, vanilla syrup, fluffy OJ
María Sangrenta (Bloody Mary)
Tito’s vodka, fresno chili tincture, house mix
Espresso Martini
Afficionado coffee roasters premium espresso, coffee liqueur, Averna
Julep American
aperitivo blend, grapefruit, blood orange, soda
Romera Spritz
rosemary-infused vermut blanco, orange syrup, Cava
Negroni
Apostoles gin, La Fuerza vermouth blend, aperitivo blend
Pisco 75
pisco, Lillet, house citrus mix, brut rose

Dulces│Sweets

Desserts by Pastry Chef Ginger Fisher Baldwin

Flan
Fernet Branca burnt caramel
Tarta de Chocolate
chocolate tart, whipped mascarpone, cardamom crust
Almendrado
housemade vanilla ice cream, almond brittle
Maracuyá
passion fruit pudding cake, coconut cream
Brûléed Basque Cheesecake
membrillo agrodolce
Helado Casero
housemade pistachio ice cream topped with candied pistachios

Cocktails for Dessert

Espresso Martini
Afficionado coffee roasters premium espresso, coffee liqueur, Averna

Fortified Wine

Pablo Fallabrino "Alcyone" Late Harvest Tannat
Oak Farm "Il Padrone" Late Harvest Zinfandel
2019
Mauro Vergano Chinato de Nebbiolo

Coffee

Proudly serving Afficionado Coffee Roasters

Espresso
Drip Coffee
Cappuccino, Latte

COCKTAILS

Salud! Enjoy our classic cocktails with a South American twist.

Rebujito
fino sherry, lemon soda
Vermut
blanco or tinto vermouth, seltzer
Julep American
aperitivo blend, grapefruit, blood orange, soda
Romera Spritz
rosemary-infused vermut blanco, orange syrup, Cava
Buenos Aires x Manhattan
bourbon, Fernet Branca, a perfect blend of vermouths
Negroni
Apostoles gin, La Fuerza vermouth blend, aperitivo blend
Gin + Tonic
Apostoles gin, vermouth, grapefruit
Picante
reposado tequila, lime, cilantro, fresno chile
Pisco 75
pisco, Lillet, house citrus mix, brut rose

ZERO & PROOF

You Do You
Two Frays, kolsch style, 16oz, <.05%
Mate Tereré
traditional Argentine tea, lemon, ginger, mint
Poco Picante
lime, cilantro, fresno chiles, Pellegrino
Eins Zwei Zero Sparkling Rose
Leitz, 0%

CERVEZAS│BEERS

We're proud to showcase a range of freshly-brewed small batch beers from Two Frays Brewery, a family-owned, neighborhood brewery & taproom in Garfield, Pittsburgh.

Together Better
kolsch
5113
NEIPA
Salty Ginger
ginger rose
Freeze Tag
plum & apricot wheat ale

What 16 people are saying

Balvanera- Pittsburgh reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Balvanera in Pittsburgh promises an exceptional dining experience with "amazing food, atmosphere and service." Guests rave about the "best dining experience" and commend the attentive staff for special touches like birthday candles. While the modern, lively setting impresses, some find seating arrangements less ideal. Despite occasional service hiccups, the menu delights with diverse offerings.

16 Reviews

M
Michaela
Los Angeles1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The best in Pittsburgh. Service. Food. Ambiance. Noise level. Everything.
Is this helpful?
L
Laura VIP
Phoenix / Arizona7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great dinner, the corn empanadas and yellowtail crudo were amazing!
Is this helpful?
L
Laura
Pittsburgh / Western PA1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Have been a few times now, quickly became a favorite. Food is always amazing, service is incredible. Wine and cocktails are great. The manager Bill is the best! Highly recommend!!!
Is this helpful?
S
Shawn
Pittsburgh / Western PA1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Outstanding. We had the crusted chicken, steak, one of the sausages, tomato salad, and the mashed potatoes. Service was also top notch...our food was at our table in 10 minutes. Not too loud and you can have a conversations.
Is this helpful?
J
Johanna
Pittsburgh / Western PA4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had a lovely experience dining at Balvanera. Food was excellent and so was the service. Our waiter Jack was super kind and paid attention to the fact that it was my friend’s birthday. Little candle detail on the dessert goes a long way! Thank you Balvanera team!
Is this helpful?
M
Montgomery
Philadelphia County1 review
5.0
Dined on July 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our party of four ordered four small plates to share, separate entrees for everyone, and three desserts. We also had four cocktails and one mocktail, a bottle of wine, three desserts, and two different small glasses of amaro. Out of all of those choices, we were not disappointed in a single thing we ordered. The service was excellent, though it may have helped that we went on the Sunday night of a holiday weekend, when the restaurant was doing good business but wasn't slammed.
Is this helpful?
K
Kat
New York City1 review
1.0
Dined on July 2, 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Our waiter was rude, inattentive and acted as though we were a burden. We ordered drinks and they took a half hour to arrive, it was the wrong order, we drank them and requested the check and left to eat at a different restaurant. The entire staff including managers looked miserable. I noticed many tables had empty drinks and were waiting on having their orders taken for a while.
Is this helpful?
G
Gina VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA10 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food, atmosphere and service! Will definitely return!
Is this helpful?
D
Darrell VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA24 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Service, food, drinks were spectacular! The only negative was they seated us in a hallway???
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
Los Angeles8 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 27, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great location, and excellent service. Restaurant was modern and lively. Food was okay. Steaks weren’t seasoned and appetizers were all just okay. Would bring people here for a drink but eat elsewhere. Kitchen needs to step it up at these prices. We had the crudo, octopus, caviar, Cesar salad, strip loin, ribeye and chicken.
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FAQs

Balvanera- Pittsburgh is rated 4.6 stars by 16 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 17, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 59 times today

1660 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Additional information

Cross street
Parking garage at the end of 1660 Smallman closer to 16th street.
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 11:00 am–2:45 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Argentinean, American, Steakhouse
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking

Website
https://www.balvanerarestaurants.com/location/balvanera-pittsburgh/
Phone number
(412) 586-5617
Catering
While we don't currently offer comprehensive catering packages, we may be able to private a custom service for your special event. Please reach events@balvanerarestaurants.com with your request!
Private party facilities
MAKE MEMORIES AT BALVANERAEnjoy 3 unique spaces for gathering:‘Bodega’ & Bar - lively social events; up to 40 guests standingMain Dining Room - brunch, lunch or dinner; up to 60 seated / 80 standingPrivate Dining Room - full A/V capabilities; up to 28 seated / 40 standingOr, host a lively event throughout the entire space for up to 150 guests

Balvanera- Pittsburgh

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Platitos│Small Plates

Aceitunas

Gildas

Boquerones

Caviar

Crudo

Tartare

Harlow's Caesar

Ensalada de Endivias

Lengua al escabeche

Jamon Iberico

Arancini de Coliflor

Empanadas de Carne

Empanadas de Humita

Remolachas Roti

Setas Salteadas

Pulpo de Playa

Mollejas

Milanesas│Main Plates

Pollo

Pescado

Embutidos│Sausages

Salchicha Parrillera

Chorizo Especial

Morcilla

Matrimonio

Rueda de Cordero

Carnes│From the Grill

Angosto

Lomo

Ancho

Angosto

Entraña

Dry Aged Ancho

Guarniciones│Sides

Papas Fritas

Puré de Papas

Berenjenas

Platitos | Small Plates

Empanadas

Arancini de Coliflor

Gildas

Boquerones

Harlow's Caesar

Jamón Ibérico

Brunch

Torrejas Lola

Ensalada Nicoise

Salmón Ahumado

Clásico

Huevos a Caballo

Huevos Florentinos

Hamburguesa Balvanera

Sandwich de Pescado Frito

Guarniciones | Sides

Papas Fritas

Papas Rotas

Bacon

Toast

Embutidos | Sausages

Chorizo Criollo

Chorizo Especial

Morcilla

Matrimonio

Rueda de Cordero

Carnes | From the Grill

Angosto

Ancho

Entraña

Lomo

Dry Aged Ancho

Brunch Cocktails

Cosmosa

De San Martin

María Sangrenta (Bloody Mary)

Espresso Martini