The Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

40 North at Alphabet City opened in 2021 under the direction of chef Beth Zozula, a James Beard Award-nominated chef. Its menu includes appetizers like smoked trout and entrees such as pan-roasted ribeye served with two side dishes. Stylish desserts and a wide selection of wines and cocktails are also offered. This restaurant shares space with a non-profit center that caters to artists, writers and musicians. Its sophisticated decor features a wall bar cabinet, white columns, salmon pink accents, and classic wood dining room tables and chairs.

Diners at Fig and Ash will appreciate its contemporary decor. Some of its highlights include hardwood floors, globe lights, white bar stools, an open kitchen, and a high gloss bar. Both indoor and outdoor dining are possible at Fig and Ash. Its menu features upscale dishes such as pork belly meatloaf, stuffed acorn squash and Moroccan lamb. From its bar, diners can order from a wide assortment of mocktails, wines, and draft beers. This restaurant was opened by executive chef Cory Hughes in 2018.

Celebrate a special occasion with a dinner at Altius. This fine-dining restaurant serves upscale dishes such as chilled oysters, Australian lamb rack, prime rib, and side dishes like garlic butter carrots and pommes frites. Its decor is charming and elegant. This includes white leather benches, wood tables, drum barrel lights, and round tables for large groups. From its dining room, diners can take in beautiful views of the Allegheny River. Altius opened in 2014. Josephine “B” Defrancis is the owner of this and other local restaurants.

Gi-Jin specializes in sushi and seafood dishes such as Maine lobster and bluefin tuna. Choose from an assortment of wine, cocktails, and bottle or can sakes to accompany a meal at Gi-Jin. Its decor is ultra-sleek and contemporary. Some of its features include a dramatic wood ceiling, wall murals, bamboo tables, and wooden bench stools. Gi-Jin is owned by a restaurant group. It opened in 2017.

We were outside on patio, hence the noise level rating but highly recommend sitting there. Fried mozzarella, Gnocchi, Bolognese, and Tiramisu were all fabulous.

The decor at Siempre Algo features an open kitchen, black wood furniture and concrete floors. A large wall cabinet provides ample space for displaying china and showing off its extensive wine collection. It serves homestyle dishes with a twist such as deviled eggs, pork stew, pretzels, bread pudding, and chicken liver pate. Stylish cocktails like a Spice Girl and a variety of beers are on its extensive drink list. Siempre Algo is chef-owned and operated. It opened in 2018.

Experience Italian cuisine at Joseph Tambellini. It has a country-chic decor with red and white fabric-covered chairs, burgundy leather bar stools, hanging lights, and white wood ceiling accents. The menu at Joseph Tambellini includes veal chop, salmon or pasta with added dishes like vegetables, soup and salad. Spirits, wines and stylish cocktails are also served here. This restaurant is named for its owner who opened its doors in 2007.

The Forge is a 21 and older cocktail bar. It serves Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on dishes from Israel, Greece, and Egypt. Most of its dishes are for sharing and include foods like drunken mushrooms, braised briskets, vegan shawarma, and wood-fired pizzas with different toppings. A wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails, including herbaceous drinks, are also served here. Its decor has many smart design pieces such as its blue, purple, and green velvet chairs, wallpaper-covered walls, mirrored art, Moroccan style lights, and a floor-to-ceiling bar with backlighting. The Forge opened in 2019. Alan Goldblum is its general manager and a co-owner.

Enjoy Spanish cuisine in Pittsburgh at Morcillas. Its specialties are tapas or small plates such as beef tartare, duck confit, oysters, and oxtail. For more hearty appetites, there is farm trout and roasted duck served with vegetables and other side dishes. Morcilla has a rustic decor with a wooden floor, wood-paneled ceiling, brick walls, hanging meat (a unique design feature), and jars of pickles and olives displayed on shelves. Morcilla is managed under the direction of executive chef Justin Severin. This restaurant opened in 2015.

This Shadyside restaurant specializes in sushi and other Japanese fare. Some of its dishes include miso soup, yellowtail tartare, teriyaki chicken, and squid pasta with garlic sauce. Its dining room is simple with stylish touches like green plants, chocolate brown walls, track lighting, and oriental artwork. Umi Japanese Restaurant is owned by the Big Burrito Restaurant Group who owns several restaurants in Pittsburgh. One of its partners, chef Shu, grew up in Taiwan and uses his experience in the kitchen at Umi Japanese Restaurant. This restaurant opened in 2000.

Acorn has an eclectic menu that includes dishes like clam chowder, mussels, ribeye, ramen noodles, beignets, quiche, and fish tacos. The dining room is bright and airy. It has natural wood floors, a large bar with a white-tile wall, booth seats, pendant lights, industrial ceilings, and eye-catching artwork. Acorn is a restaurant of chef Scott Walton which opened in 2017.

Spork is a chef-owned restaurant. Its menu features small plates like crispy octopus, seared scallops and hummus with crackers. Large plates such as fried chicken and are also available. Its menu changes seasonally to take advantage of local produce. The dining room at Spork combines bling with an industrial flair. Some of its highlights include an open ceiling, a bar with repurposed wood, glitzy lights, and chic bar cabinets. This restaurant has been serving Pittsburgh since 2016.

Diners can indulge in dishes made with fresh produce at the Vandal. This is a chic neighborhood bar with an all-white decor, an open kitchen and globe/pendant lights. Its menu is inspired by Polish cuisine and includes dishes like chicken liver mousse, potato fondue, pork chops, and panna cotta. A variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and natural ciders are available for its bar. The Vandal is a partnership between Joey Hilty and Emily Slagel. It first opened in 2015.

Dine indoors or outdoors at Carmella's Plates and Pints. The menu at Carmella's is a fusion of American and European meat dishes such as bison burgers, fried fish, roasted duck, and filet mignon. From its bar, diners can enjoy a wide variety of beers, wines, cocktails, and spirits. Its decor has a European flair which includes a fireplace, vintage artwork, floral wallpaper, and stained glass windows. This restaurant was started by Carmella Salem and Michael Alberter in 2013.

The Vault Taproom is a modern bar that offers self-serve draft beers. Its dining room is ultra-sleek with orange bar stools, a large, square-shaped bar, and a bar cabinet with LED lighting. Televisions are mounted on the walls to let diners watch the Pittsburgh Steelers in action. It serves modern bar foods with a Southern twist. Some of its most popular dishes include macaroni and cheese, fried green tomatoes, chicken wings, chorizo tacos, and a smoked brisket Reuben sandwich. From the bar, there is a wide choice of cocktails along with wines and bottled beers. Kyle Wolfe is the visionary behind this restaurant venture. He launched this business in 2019.

Enjoy upscale dining while taking in views of the river at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. Its menu includes appetizers, dishes for sharing, main courses, and desserts such as butternut squash ravioli, truffle frites, crispy calamari, lobster tail, and pumpkin cheesecake. Family-friendly, this restaurant also has a kids' menu. Its dining room has a classic look with white tablecloths, blue carpet, fabric-covered dining room chairs, and wood-covered columns. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide unobstructed views of the water and the city. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto has been around since 1997. It is owned by Glenn and Lisa Hawley.

This restaurant serves Italian cuisine in a cozy but stylish dining space. Diners will appreciate its modern decor which includes yellow walls, a bar cabinet that shows off its wine collection, hardwood floors, and tables covered with black tablecloths. Its menu offers Italian fries, beef meatballs, lemon roasted half chicken, bolognese, pizza, and a wide selection of wines. This family-owned and operated restaurant first opened in 2011.

Alta Via specializes in pasta and seafood. Some of its most popular items are its fried calamari, butternut squash ravioli, steak florentina, and its flourless chocolate cake. Diners can also add their choice of wines, beers, cocktails, or mocktails to any meal. This restaurant's decor is suave. Some of its design features include brown leather benches, light wood tables, soft lighting, and colorful artwork. Alta Via is owned by the Big Burrito Group who owns many restaurants in Pittsburgh. It first opened in 2019.

Diners who have a taste for Italian food will enjoy eating at Senti Restaurant. Its menu features freshly-made pasta, fresh fish, Italian desserts like tiramisu, and an extensive wine list. Its contemporary decor offers the feel of an upscale cocktail bar. It has dark walls, abstract wall art, tables covered with white linens, and a bar with soft lighting. Its executive chef is Shawn Carlson who has experience in other international cooking. This restaurant opened in 2015.

Enjoy the meal outdoors or indoors at Bonfire Food and Drink. Its menu is chef-inspired and includes dishes like baked ricotta, cheesesteaks, fried chicken and pickles, and pork chop mole. A drink menu with beers, wines, and stylish cocktails are also available. This restaurant has two floors, an upstairs and downstairs. A modern decor with an aluminum ceiling, brick wall and a black-and-white color scheme welcomes diners to the Bonfire Food and Drink. This restaurant is chef-owned and operated. It first opened in 2018.