Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh

Name: Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh
Address: 268 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, 15222
Telephone: (412) 315-7765
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (169)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

268 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

Innovative
Good for groups
Good for special occasions

Café Momentum is more than just a restaurant—it’s a nonprofit culinary training program transforming the lives of justice-impacted youth. Our locally sourced, chef-driven menu provides the backdrop for hands-on learning, where young people rotate through every aspect of the restaurant, from front-of-house service to kitchen prep, all under the guidance of award- winning Chef Robert "RC" Carter.

Don't miss our signature smoked fried chicken, served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, a southern buttermilk biscuit, and black pepper gravy. Plus, we’re BYOB! Enjoy your favorite beverage with dinner for a $5 per person corkage fee.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(412) 315-7765
Website
http://www.cafemomentum.org/pittsburgh
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Robert "RC" Carter
Catering
Learn more about our catering, private event options, and view the menu at https://cafemomentum.org/cafe-momentum-pittsburgh-catering/.
Private party facilities
With our stunning event space, state-of-the-art kitchen, and a tailor-made menu to suit your vision, Café Momentum is the perfect place to host your private event. By choosing us, you're not just serving a meal; you're helping write a success story for Pittsburgh’s justice-impacted youth.

Location
268 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Neighborhood
Downtown
Parking details
None
Additional
BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Vegan

What 169 people are saying

Cafe Momentum - 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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Pittsburgh / Western PA
Best Value
Pittsburgh / Western PA
Innovative
Pittsburgh / Western PA
Contemporary American
Pittsburgh
Best Value
Pittsburgh
Innovative
Pittsburgh
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cafe Momentum in Pittsburgh offers an exceptional dining experience with "excellent food" and attentive service. Guests appreciate the "great mission" of mentoring youth, and enjoy standout dishes like smoked fried chicken and lobster ravioli. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the value is remarkable. The restaurant is a "nice little gem downtown."

169 Reviews

N
Nicole
Pittsburgh / Western PA2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The entire experience is beautifully designed with reminders of the true commitment and purpose of this restaurant…. The youth they serve. The thoughtful placement of seating and open kitchen promotes a view of the collaboration between the staff and the youth. During our ticketed family style dinner, the chef detailed each course, explaining the pairings and sourcing. I really enjoyed each course, even trying new items! I love supporting the mission and the great food is a wonderful bonus.
Is this helpful?
G
Giles VIP
New York City9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The branzino served with a tapenade was delicious! The tiramisu with a layer of fresh strawberries was both unique and delicious. Kudos to the chef and staff.
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H
Hugh and Sonia
Dallas - Fort Worth2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a group of 6 for dinner. It was a quiet night at the restaurant, which we hope was because of the Phillies playing the Pirates that day. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The collard greens were amazing. Waitstaff was a newer intern but did a great job of taking care of us. If we are ever back in Pittsburgh we will visit again.
Is this helpful?
B
Barbara VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA31 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Had a birthday celebration dinner there with 4 other guests. Service was attentive, even though our trainee-server was only one week into his program. His manager / mentor made sure that everything was recorded correctly. Several other staff checked in with us periodically to ensure that things were good and our needs were being met. Food was excellent - pork chops and salmon were prepared exactly as requested and were delicious, as were the sides, the focaccia and the desserts. We were extremely satisfied with the food and the dining experience. And the value is excellent - we had appetizers, entrees and desserts for about $60 per person. No liquor license, so you are welcome to bring your own wine.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA17 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 29, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I love dining at Cafe Momentum. The food is great and the service is good. I like the fact that you are supporting our youth. The Parmesan fries, smoked fried chicken and lobster ravioli were standouts on this visit.
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E
Eshita VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA11 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We loved the ticketed experience, it truly connected us to the mission of cafe momentum and we had delicious food :)
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D
David
Pittsburgh / Western PA9 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was simple yet flavorful Filling We love the work organization abd watching workers and trainers find their niche
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S
Samuel VIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA57 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our server, Ashton, was very pleasant while he and the entire staff continue to learn and understand the restaurant industry as servers and cooks. The food was very very good, fresh, hot, and flavorful. It was our first visit and Carly was kind to explain the program that the staff is learning all of the positions and rotates positions over a year of learning. Great experience, we will return for sure.
Is this helpful?
A
Amy
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was excellent. Presentation was very nice. Service was prompt.
Is this helpful?
K
Kristyn
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our meal was delicious! Would go back in a heartbeat!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh is rated 4.8 stars by 169 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 22, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 6 times today

Google Map for Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh

268 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Additional information

Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Tue–Fri 11:00 am–2:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
None
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Robert "RC" Carter
Additional
BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Vegan

Website
http://www.cafemomentum.org/pittsburgh
Phone number
(412) 315-7765
Catering
Learn more about our catering, private event options, and view the menu at https://cafemomentum.org/cafe-momentum-pittsburgh-catering/.
Private party facilities
With our stunning event space, state-of-the-art kitchen, and a tailor-made menu to suit your vision, Café Momentum is the perfect place to host your private event. By choosing us, you're not just serving a meal; you're helping write a success story for Pittsburgh’s justice-impacted youth.

Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Menu

$85 Menu

What 169 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information