Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Pittsburgh

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Pittsburgh? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

One by Spork

5.0

5 (1052)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

East Liberty

About the restaurant

ONE by Spork is a NEW, immersive culinary experience from the James Beard nominated team behind Spork, featuring a single tasting menu with curated beverage pairings, served around an intimate 16-seat chef’s counter. Our cooking is hyper-scratch, using produce from our expansive on-site garden to make every plate a balance of tradition and creativity. Pairings are included, with a choice between a cocktail & wine pairing or an N/A pairing that's just as intentional & well-crafted. With one menu, one team, and one seating per night around a shared table, we invite you to let us take care of the details while you step into a guided culinary adventure.

Doors open at 6 PM; dinner begins at 6:30 PM. Reservations required. $275 pp (excludes tax+gratuity)

We cannot accommodate allium, nightshade, or butter allergies, nor vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. We can accommodate some restrictions with advance notice. Call or email at least 7 days before visiting to discuss special requests

Top review

Melanie

Dined 3 days ago

Thank you for an incredible experience. What a thoughtful, playful, innovative and enjoyable journey!!

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Popular dish

Tagliatelle Bolognese

4.9

4.9 (667)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

Lawrenceville

About the restaurant

Laid back neighborhood restaurant, focusing on intently seasonal food and cocktails. Small, ever changing menu ensures that you are experiencing the most exciting food in the most intimate of experiences.

With respect to simplicity and execution, we try to highlight the awesome product from our local purveyors with minimal "fuss"

Top review

Mary

Dined 7 days ago

The food was excellent and we look forward to a return visit!

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Umi Japanese Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (739)

$50 and over

Japanese

Shadyside

About the restaurant

With every detail considered and every arrangement intended, Umi exists to please with gentle perfection. Perfectly fresh fish is prepared in an elegantly and understated manner. Traditional Japanese decor reflects the ancient art of sushi while lively music and contemporary service align with the modern and masterful preparation of the plates. Climb the steps for an exquisitely refined journey.

Umi is located directly upstairs from Soba in Shadyside. Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance; we look forward to serving you!

Top review

Debra

Dined 5 days ago

The sushi is always the freshest & served timely!

Gi-Jin

4.8

4.8 (950)

$50 and over

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

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 of
no 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!

Top review

Felice

Dined 6 days ago

One of the greatest overall culinary experiences that my date and I have had the privilege to enjoy! Reagan is a great “spirit” guide and presented the various selections of fresh fish, with great descriptions delivered as such, with a flourish that were spectacular which all together made for a wonderful evening! The service and presentation almost outdoes the food. Thank you so much. Felice’

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Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh

4.8

4.8 (167)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Hugh and Sonia

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

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.

Golden Gai

4.8

4.8 (146)

$50 and over

Japanese

Point Breeze

About the restaurant

Welcome to Golden Gai, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Pittsburgh’s East End, conveniently located in Bakery Square. Step inside and embark on a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Japan with our Izakaya-style dining experience.

As you enter Golden Gai, you’re greeted by the warm ambiance of traditional Japanese decor fused with modern touches, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both chic and cozy. The soft glow of our stunning light fixtures over the intimate dining space, where the wooden bar top that spans the length of the space, and slate accents evoke the charm of Tokyo’s iconic Golden Gai district.

At the helm of our kitchen is Executive Chef Michael Taylor, a master of Japanese cuisine renowned for his innovative approach to flavor and presentation. With a background honed at the esteemed Gi-Jin, Chef Taylor brings his passion for culinary excellence to every dish, infusing each bite with creativity and precision.

Top review

Lawrence

Dined 4 days ago

Delicious sushi, imaginative cocktails, and a gorgeous interior make this place a standout. There isn’t a children’s menu, but most kids will be satisfied with the fried chicken or potstickers if they’re not adventurous enough for sushi.

SOBA Lounge

4.7

4.7 (2958)

$31 to $50

Pan-Asian

Shadyside

About the restaurant

Located in Shadyside, Soba draws guests in with plush comfort and gentle mystery, featuring a cascading water wall, glass staircase, and hand-painted murals. The spacious lounge and multiple dining nooks allow visitors to meet for drinks, share appetizers with friends, or enjoy a modern dining experience.

Soba cooks from the heart and features an array of small plates and entrees intended for sampling and sharing. The cuisine draws inspiration from China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, though it also incorporates elements from other Southeast and South Asian cultures. Soba offers a seasonal cocktail list with both classic and contemporary offerings.

Reservations are available up to 30 days in advance; we look forward to serving you!

Top review

DEEPAK

Dined 3 days ago

Quick, courteous and efficient staff. Good was excellent, drinks were average.

Alfabeto

4.7

4.7 (805)

$30 and under

Italian

Northside

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Northern Italy at Cucina Alfabeto, located in Pittsburgh's Northside. This culinary gem offers a unique dining experience that delights your taste buds.

Cucina Alfabeto celebrates Northern Italy's rich culinary traditions with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with passion and precision, showcasing the region's vibrant flavors.

Step inside to experience rustic elegance, where the warm ambiance and the aroma of freshly baked bread create an unforgettable atmosphere. Indulge in handmade pasta, succulent grilled meats, and seafood, each bite reflecting Chef Esposito's dedication to excellence.

Cucina Alfabeto also offers cultural immersion with live music, poetry readings, and author talks on select nights. Whether for a romantic evening, a gathering with friends, or a solo escape, Cucina Alfabeto promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Experience the magic of Northern Italy with us.

Top review

LaurieVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Delicious dinner. Scallops, pasta with seafood, bronzino and lamb filled pasta. Everyone loves their dinners. Service was excellent. Nice addition to pgh dining.

Tapville Social - Wexford PA

4.4

4.4 (113)

$30 and under

American

Wexford

About the restaurant

A socially-driven dining experience celebrating the people and places that make us say "Cheers!". The perfect escape to create fun and memorable moments with friends. From our creative cocktail flights and pairings to our self-pour wine and beer walls, Tapville Social removes the obstacles of the restaurant experience and puts you in control of the journey.

Top review

Gregory

Dined on May 24, 2025

Our experience was very good. The service was prompt and attentive from the waitress we had this particular evening. I LOVE being able to access the beer/drinks wall and self-serve drinks from a wide variety of selections. It lends itself to being able to try multiple drinks on your own time, which is great. The food was solid and the value is pretty good. It may lean towards the pricey side, but both the meals and appetizers we got on this visit were quite good. Overall recommend as a place to try.

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Experience

50% Off Beer & Cider Wednesdays

Experience

Trivia Wednesdays

Experience

Boozy Brunch with Iced Coffee Flights

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