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 (167)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

268 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Experiences

Plating With Purpose - Italian Style
$65.00 per person
Prepaid
Jun 18, 2025 only
5:30 PM
A 3-Course, Family-Style Italian Feast Wednesday, June 18 5:30pm $65 per person Beer & Wine are complimentary Tax & Service Charge included in price! 1st Course Charred Leek Focaccia w/ black garlic butter Caprese Salad fresh mozzarella, basil, local tomatoes, arugula 2nd Course House Made Potato Gnocchi peas, mushrooms, pecorino, lemon, garlic, mint AND Branzino Caponata filleted mediterranean sea bass, eggplant caponata 3rd Course Strawberry Tiramisu

What 167 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 inspiring dining experience with "excellent food" and a mission to mentor young people. Guests praise the flavorful dishes like smoked fried chicken and lobster ravioli, attentive service, and relaxed atmosphere. The BYOB policy and "outstanding" staff make it a must-visit for food and community-minded diners.

167 Reviews

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.
Is this helpful?
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 :)
Is this helpful?
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.
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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.
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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!
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d
deb
Pittsburgh / Western PA1 review
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time for our anniversary dinner. I don’t typically enjoy dinning out due to my expectations. However, quality of meals exceeded my standards. I value well prepared food. The braised short ribs melted in your mouth. The smoked southern fried chicken is the house dish and was incredibly prepared. If you like mushrooms the appetizer is delish. Service was outstanding friendly. Atmosphere was city vibe relaxed with dimmed lighting. Music was at a level that conversation was easy. Above all the concept of mentoring young people makes you feel great to be apart of. Looking forward to returning and sharing with others.
Is this helpful?
E
Edward
Pittsburgh / Western PA10 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food. Great service. Enthusiastic staff.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh is rated 4.8 stars by 167 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 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Experiences

Plating With Purpose - Italian Style

Menu

$85 Menu

What 167 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