Alfabeto

Name: Alfabeto
Address: 40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, 15212
Telephone: (412) 435-1111
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (811)

$30 and under

Italian

40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Great for live music

Cucina Alfabeto is a seasonally inspired Italian restaurant proudly serving the vibrant Northside of Pittsburgh, just steps from the historic Mexican War Streets. At our core, we are committed to sourcing the freshest organic produce, wild-caught seafood, and ethically raised meats to create a 100% scratch-made, ever-changing menu that celebrates the best of each season.

Located inside the home of the celebrated nonprofit City of Asylum, our guests often enjoy more than just dinner, with live music, poetry readings, and literary events adding cultural richness to the dining experience.
Whether you're planning a special celebration, an intimate evening, or a casual night out, Cucina Alfabeto offers an elevated, yet approachable dining experience rooted in community and creativity.

We are proud to be part of the fabric of Pittsburgh’s Northside, and honored to welcome our neighbors, and new friends, to the table.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:30 am–2:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(412) 435-1111
Website
https://cucinaalfabeto.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Jonathan Pruett

Location
40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Neighborhood
Northside
Cross street
Reddour Street
Parking details
Some permit parking on side streets. Parking on W North Avenue.
Public transit
13, 15, 16, 17, 54 Bus Lines
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 811 people are saying

Alfabeto 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Pittsburgh / Western PA
Hot spot
Pittsburgh
Hot spot

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Alfabeto delights with "amazing food" and "wonderful service," offering a warm, friendly atmosphere. The standout lamb agnolotti and homemade pasta receive high praise. Guests appreciate the fresh ingredients and unique menu offerings. While occasional service hiccups and noise from live performances occur, the overall dining experience remains enjoyable and memorable.

811 Reviews

B
Barton VIP
New York City12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The lamb agnolotti is the best pasta dish I have ever had! Leftovers just as good the next day. We also had the arancini appetizer and it was delicious. You will not have better Italian in the Burgh.
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S
Steffi
Pittsburgh / Western PA1 review
3.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was so so for the price and we were disappointed. We love the City of Asylum and come as often as we can to hear jazz or see films. This place deserves the best food in town!!!
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E
E.M. VIP
Chicago / Illinois46 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good food, drinks and service. Tasty desserts also!
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d
diane VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA32 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had two appetizers: the asparagus and arancini. They were delicious and perfect for a late-evening meal. The wait staff members are warm, friendly, and helpful.
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C
Carol VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA17 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 26, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
This restaurant (formerly 40 West) is under new management. It is in a performance venue, which can be a plus or minus if a concert is going on when you are there. It is difficult to carry on a conversation during a performance but if you are there for the concert, not a problem. Last evening the restaurant was woefully understaffed and the kitchen was terribly slow - more than an hour wait for entrees after we had finished the appetizer. Food was randomly delivered - half of the table, then 10 minutes later the other half. We had to ask for silverware when the entrees finally appeared. The Caesar salad was well-prepared but the romaine was warm and the bowl was warm. The entrees were good with the exception of inedibly burnt and flaccid poor quality asparagus. The waiter kindly rounded up some replacement asparagus. Our waiter was hard-working and very professional but the kitchen was apparently overwhelmed and the food was not prepared in a timely manner. We used to enjoy the previous iteration of this venue but will not return for dining given the price point and inferior dining experience.
2 people found this helpful
C
Chris VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA12 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went right after they opened and were not very impressed. We decided to try it again and I have to say it was beyond our expectations. Our server was spot on. She was friendly and accomodating which added to our psitive experiance. The food was perfect. We chose the rice balls for an appatiser and we all had home made pasta dishes for our entries. Everything was cooked and seasoned well and presented beautifully. The pastas were perfection. Next time we want to try the deserts. The restaurant wasn't very crowded wich I hope was just an off night because this restaurant is really good.
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D
David
Washington, D.C. Area3 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
The service was excellent. The food was just ok. The scallops tasted good, but were just the other side of being over cooked — not dry, but firm and rubbery rather than tender. The pasta was cooked properly and the portions appropriate. I find it odd that what should be a generally moderate to upscale restaurant has French fries and goat cheese on a northern Italian menu. Fries are not Italian, and arancini are southern Italian street food. The available side vegetables were spartan — fries or carrots.
2 people found this helpful
L
Laurie VIP
San Diego45 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious dinner. Scallops, pasta with seafood, bronzino and lamb filled pasta. Everyone loves their dinners. Service was excellent. Nice addition to pgh dining.
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E
Edward VIP
New York City16 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Harder to find parking now that Pittsburgh has blocked off parking along north ave. We did find some on side street. Great food, but wish there were more gluten free options, although they do have excellent gluten free pasta.
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B
Beth VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA22 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Dined with girlfriends and all four of us cleaned our plates. Delicious!
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FAQs

Alfabeto is rated 4.7 stars by 811 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 14, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

40 W North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Additional information

Cross street
Reddour Street
Neighborhood
Northside
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 9:30 am–2:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Some permit parking on side streets. Parking on W North Avenue.
Public transit
13, 15, 16, 17, 54 Bus Lines
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jonathan Pruett
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
https://cucinaalfabeto.com/
Phone number
(412) 435-1111

Alfabeto

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

What 811 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Alfabeto restaurant rated?

Is Alfabeto currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information