Best Authentic Restaurants in South Side

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Pittsburgh

Neighborhoods

AspinwallBridgevilleDowntownEast LibertyFox ChapelHomestead

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

31 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Alla Famiglia

4.8

Exceptional(1101)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • South Side

Booked 50 times today

Alla Famiglia has been delighting local and traveled guests in this very same location for over two decades. This "diamond in the rough" is conveniently located on the hilltop of Pittsburgh's South Side. Boasting a fine dining atmosphere, its family owned and operated, and promises to deliver a consistent product with every visit. You will be greeted and treated like family, as you enjoy homemade scratch Italian specialties, an award winning wine list, and complex scratch cocktails. Dine in an old world atmosphere under paddle fans, exposed brick, antiquities from all around the world. Six unique and interestingly decorated dining rooms comprises the character of this institution which started with just 8 tables, 25 years ago. Choose from daily provisioned fishes and exotics from the sea, dry and wet aged Prime beef, tender milk fed veal, and homemade maccheroni are just some of the choices you will have to select from. Crown the evening with our pastries prepared on site.

2. Gi-Jin

4.9

Exceptional(932)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 23 times today

Gi-Jin is a gin and raw bar that re-imagines the sushi experience where we marry global ingredients with traditional Japanese flavors to create inspired combinations of color, technique, and style.Our intimate space operates on a reservation-only basis for parties ofno more than FOUR (4) people per table and ONE/TWO per seating at our counter.Online reservations are always open with real-time availability.Each reservation seating is designated 2 hours per booking.We do not allow any outside alcohol. if you have a request for a specific beverage please email info@gijinpgh.com prior to your visit and we will try our best to bring it in!

A photo of Pizzaiolo Primo - Market Square restaurant

3. Pizzaiolo Primo - Market Square

4.5

Awesome(997)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 33 times today

Welcome to Pizzaiolo Primo, home of truly Authentic Italian Cuisine. Pizzaiolo Primo roots trace back to Pittsburgh circa 1996, with an original credo: create Neapolitan pizza and other authentic dishes using old-world techniques and the highest quality ingredients available.

4. OTARU

4.8

Exceptional(336)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Creative Japanese • Mt. Washington

Booked 14 times today

Step into the world of OTARU, an enchanting Japanese dining haven nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh. Immerse yourself in a culinary odyssey that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and the exquisite artistry of Japanese gastronomy. Our goal at OTARU is to transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo, offering an extraordinary dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary.OTARU is more than just a menu; it is a haven where the warmth of Japanese hospitality converges with contemporary elegance. Thoughtfully designed to reflect the minimalist beauty of Japan, our space invites you to indulge in intimate dinners, lively gatherings, and special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned sushi enthusiast or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, we extend an invitation to embark on a gastronomic adventure with us—a journey where every bite narrates a tale of dedication, culture, and a profound love for exceptional food. Visit OTARU and uncover the soul of Japan through the art of dining.

A photo of Alta Via - Market Square restaurant

5. Alta Via - Market Square

4.7

Exceptional(604)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 23 times today

Located in Pittsburgh's Downtown Market Square, wood hearth cooking and fresh handmade pastas are the heart of Alta Via. Seasonal modern Italian cooking with passionately sourced ingredients celebrates the way we like to live and like to eat; fresh, clean, active.Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance; we look forward to serving you!

6. Senti Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(1909)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Lawrenceville

Booked 6 times today

Top 100 Fit For Foodies in America: Senti Restaurant is an Italian restaurant and wine bar/lounge located on Butler St. in Lawrenceville (off street parking available). We serve authentic, modern Italian food originated from traditional recipes. Our automated wine dispenser is available for customers to self serve, if desired, using a prepaid gift card. We offer fine Italian wines both by the bottle or in measured pours in the wine dispenser.We are also equipped to provide a private and elegant space for your private events, business luncheons, lunch and learns, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby Showers, holiday parties and birthday parties.

7. Yuzu Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(265)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

Yuzu Kitchen brings a experience unique to the 'burgh. Our focus is to use the highest quality ingredients we can obtain and serve ramen, dons, and wok fired stir fry amongst other east asian fare to the highest of standards. We are strong believers that high quality ingredients lead to a better end product in both food and drink. With a hip and fun atmosphere our casual dining room fills with the sound of hip hop and R&B. Drawing in a wide range of diners; from college students and patrons of the arts to couples out on a night on the town. Within walking distance to many downtown attractions from Market Square to Heinz Hall. Come join us before a show at the Pittsburgh Playhouse or a game at PPG Arena!

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Pittsburgh restaurant

8. Tupelo Honey - Pittsburgh

4.4

Awesome(1132)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Mt. Washington

Booked 21 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Please arrive on time with all members in your party present. We will cancel reservations 15 minutes after the scheduled time. The combining of separate reservations will not be honored. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A photo of Vallozzi's Pittsburgh restaurant

9. Vallozzi's Pittsburgh

4.6

Exceptional(2296)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 23 times today

Vallozzi's started over 50 years ago when Helen Vallozzi was selling homemade pastas out of her home. Helen opened a take out restaurant in Latrobe, PA a few years later where her popularity exploded. In 1977, Ernie Vallozzi moved his mothers location to Greensburg where it is still open and operating today. In 2012 Ernie's son Julian expanded the tradition in to downtown Pittsburgh. Vallozzi's Pittsburgh has recently joined a mere 1,200 restaurants worldwide as a recipient of the Wine Spectator Magazine's Best of Award of Excellence and is the only Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh to receive such an honor. We can host your intimate date, family dinner, business meetings, or larger parties in our banquet room. Or come enjoy a specially made cocktail in our bar area and a small bite.

10. Fish nor Fowl

4.8

Exceptional(612)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • East Liberty

Booked 25 times today

Fish Nor Fowls chic, Italian influenced menu centers on beautiful ingredients, simply executed to deliver an experience like none other in Pittsburgh. The natural, clean design of the space combines functionality with comfort and beauty. Visionary Chef, Richard DeShantz, creates a rustic menu with modern takes on classic Italian inspired dishes.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
jonathan
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food is outstanding. Must have the artichokes. Tender and flavorful.
More info
Alta Via - Market SquarePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
S
Susan
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was really delicious! Pricier than it needs to be. But a really wonderful meal!
More info
Alla FamigliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• South Side
•
4.8
M
MariellaVIP
Miami - Dade •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Went with my husband and our 2 teen daughters. We ordered a pizza margherita, which was good but we also ordered the chicken marsala, chicken picatta and a gnocchi with Alfredo sauce and a side of plain pasta with oil and garlic. Everything with the exception of the pizza has WAY TOO MUCH garlic. We couldn’t even eat the pasta, even though we sent it back to see if they could remove some of the garlic. Three of us has an upset stomach that night and we could feel the garlic in our bodies. Food was good overall, but they need to be careful with the garlic next time.
More info
Pizzaiolo Primo - Market SquarePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.5
R
RichardVIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great good. Extremely fresh and high quality sushi. Excellent service, great view, an absolutely wonderful experience.
More info
OTARUPrice: Very Expensive• Creative Japanese• Mt. Washington
•
4.8
J
JimmyVIP
Los Angeles •31 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 23, 2025
Excellent as always Raw fish related dishes ( sushi/sashimi/hand roll) etc Is truly the best in Pittsburgh. Heather is excellent!!!!!!!!! Should offer Kubota Manju sake to pair with the top notch foods. I think it’s the Best restaurant in Pittsburgh PA
More info
Gi-JinPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.9

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