By “best,” I am referring to establishments that I could never get tired of – places I could go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, every day. That’s why places like Primanti Bros. and the Original Hot Dog Shop do not appear on this list.
I simply could not get myself to put these places in rank order, so I have decided to list them alphabetically. Here are the 15 best food places in Pittsburgh, PA:
1. Amazing Café
Location: 1506 E Carson Street
This cute little cafe in SouthSide offers a variety of healthy and delicious foods and drinks. Smoothie bowls and fresh juices are among the most popular items on the menu.
Website: http://www.amazingyoga.net/cafe-1/#cafe-2
2. The Bagel Factory
Location: 420 S Craig Street
The Bagel Factory, home of the rainbow bagel, is situated right between Pitt's and CMU's campuses. They offer your typical breakfast foods (bagels, bagel sandwiches, omelets, french toast, etc.), however, recently, many people have been going there for the colorful rainbow bagels (see above).
3. Burgatory
Locations: 342 N Shore Drive (North Shore), 299 W Bridge Street (The Waterfront), CONSOL Energy Center, and Heinz Field
I could honestly write a novel about my love for Burgatory.
It is probably my favorite restaurant on this list, for many reasons. Burgatory
is best known for their milkshakes (you may or may not have seen them on
Buzzfeed {#2 on the list}: https://www.buzzfeed.com/annakopsky/im-lactose-intolerant-this-is-my-porn?utm_term=.nr7og9W5g8#.uj4Jwe4rwo). I cannot stress enough just how good these milkshakes are. I have had tons of milkshakes in my life from places all over, and none of them compare to Burgatory's. They also offer "make your own" burgers with an endless amount of options to choose from. 10/10 would definitely recommend.
Website: http://www.burgatorybar.com/
4. The Capital Grille
Location: 301 Fifth Avenue
The Capital Grille is definitely one of the more expensive places on this list. While dinner here might cost you an arm and a leg, it is absolutely worth the price. They offer everything from filet mignon to lobster mac 'n' cheese. This is the place to go if you want to be able to order anything off the menu and be guaranteed that it will taste like it came straight from Heaven.
Website: http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/home
5. Casbah
Location: 229 S Highland Avenue
Casbah is another fairly expensive Pittsburgh restaurant, however, it is one of the best. By doing a simple Google search on "best restaurants in Pittsburgh," you will see that Casbah is at the top of the list. They offer a variety of decadent Mediterranean dishes, including an array of pastas, meats, and seafood.
Website: http://casbahpgh.com/
6. Hello Bistro
Locations: 3605 Forbes Avenue (Oakland), 292 Forbes Avenue (Downtown), 1922 E Carson Street (SouthSide)
Hello Bistro is what I like to think of as the perfect restaurant for college students. With a salad bar that seems to stretch for miles, Hello Bistro offers many healthy options (like "make your own" salads), as well as amazing burgers and sandwiches for reasonable prices (the California Turkey Burger is only $6.50 and it is fabulous).
Website: http://hellobistro.com/
7. The Milkshake Factory
Location: 1705 E Carson Street (SouthSide), 314 Fifth Avenue (Downtown)
While I still do not think it measures up to Burgatory, The Milkshake Factory is my second favorite milkshake place. They offer many more options than Burgatory does, even though the final product is not as glamorous or attractive as that of Burgatory (see above). Aside from my criticism, these milkshakes are out of this world. There are so many options to choose from, including Brownie Fudge, Chocolate Covered Bacon, Red Velvet, Chocolate Rasperry Truffle, and Cookie Dough, just to name a few.
Website: http://www.themilkshakefactory.com/
8. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Location: 1411 Grandview Avenue (atop Mount Washington)
Let me just start by saying that Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is an experience. When you first arrive, a glass elevator takes you several floors up to the restaurant. While ascending, you have spectacular views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Immediately, you know that you are in a special place. Once seated, not only do you have hundreds of first-class food items to choose from on the menu, but you also have a tremendous view of downtown Pittsburgh (see above). I cannot rave enough about this restaurant. However, all of these perks come with a price. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is one of the most expensive places on this list. Regardless, I highly recommend you give it a visit if you have the chance. You won't regret it.
Website: https://montereybayfishgrotto.com/
9. Pamela's Diner
Locations: 3703 Forbes Avenue (Oakland), 5527 Walnut Street (Shadyside), 60 21st Street (The Strip District)
Pamela's is another perfect hang-out spot for college students. Conveniently located right on Pitt's campus, Pamela's is the ideal place to go for breakfast. They offer everything from waffles and "hotcakes" (pancakes) to wraps and sandwiches, all at very reasonable prices.
Website: http://www.pamelasdiner.com/
10. Peace, Love, and Little Donuts
Location: 118 Meyran Avenue
This tiny little donut shop is tucked away in the heart of Oakland. They offer an assortment of mini-donuts that are simply perfection. Flavors include: s'mores, maple bacon, boston creme pie, and apple pie, just to name a few.
Website: http://www.peaceloveandlittledonuts.com/
11. The Porch at Schenley
Location: 221 Schenley Drive
Located directly across from Hillman Library, the Porch is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious meal while not breaking the bank. Popular menu items include: margherita pizza, caesar salad, crispy taters (potatoes), and sorbet. Side note: the margherita pizza is one of the most amazing pizzas I've ever eaten.
Website: http://www.theporchatschenley.com/home.aspx
12. Salud Juicery
Location: 733 Copeland Street (Shadyside)
At first, it's hard to find Salud when you're walking past it. This cute little juicery in Shadyside offers a bunch of super healthy juices, smoothies, shots, and bowls. Stereotypic white girls (like myself) flock to Salud for amazing acai bowls that you can't find anywhere else.
Website: http://www.saludjuicery.com/
13. Sonoma Grille
Location: 947 Penn Avenue
When people ask me what my favorite restaurant is, I usually tell them that it's Sonoma. This is mainly because the food is spectacular, and it's not too expensive (compared to places like Monterey Bay Fish Grotto - secretely my all-time fave). Here are some of my favorite menu items to make your mouth water: Avocado and Jumbo Lump Tian (that's fancy talk for gourmet pita chips and guac), grilled salmon, coconut shrimp, and roasted potatoes.
Website: http://www.thesonomagrille.com/
14. Spoon
Location: 134 S Highland Avenue
Yet again another fabulous but pricey Pittsburgh restaurant. Spoon is located between East Liberty and Shadyside and offers fresh, local, modern American cuisine. The menu is relatively small in that it has little to choose from, and contains items such as meats, seafoods, and pastas.
Website: http://www.spoonpgh.com/
15. The Yard
Location: 736 Bellefonte Street
This is the place to go if you are a grilled cheese lover. Located in Shadyside, the Yard is a bar best known for their gourmet grilled cheeses. There are 23 options, including: mac 'n' cheese, BBQ pulled chicken, sauteed shrimp, and crab cake, just to name a few.
Website: http://www.theyardpgh.com/
Hopefully this list has provided you with some new ideas and places to visit. Happy eating!