The Steel City may be known for its champion sports teams and its industrial past, but it is also home to great museums, a growing art scene, and tons of fun outdoor activities!

If you think Primanti Bros and pierogies are all the city has to offer, think again! Pittsburgh is also a wonderful city for foodies with lots of unique restaurants and great meals to try. Check out this restaurant guide for places to dine while visiting Pack Up + Go’s hometown!

Written by Corinne Hogge + Christina Potenza

Breakfast + Brunch:

Square Cafe ($$)

At the Square Cafe, you can enjoy your breakfast in a colorful + friendly environment. Using local ingredients whenever possible, Square Cafe has a menu filled with both classics + fun new meals you have never had before. Their menu is labeled to indicate which items are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian making it easy for anyone to enjoy a meal there. The best part about breakfast at the Square Cafe? Their rich bottomless coffee!

Address: 134 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Hours: Open Daily: 7 AM-3 PM

Pamela’s Diner ($)

Pamela’s is famous among Pittsburghers. At breakfast time you will usually find a line forming outside no matter what day of the week it is, so we recommend arriving early! Regardless, it is definitely worth the wait if you are hoping to find some warm + tasty comfort food in the morning. With a few locations throughout Pittsburgh, you can pick which one to visit based on what else you have planned for the day. Be sure to try their famous hotcakes + lyonnaise potatoes while you are there!

Strip District Address: 60 21st St Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Open Daily: 8 AM-2 PM

Oakland Address: 3703 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Hours: Thu-Tue: 8 AM-2 PM

The Speckled Egg ($$)

The Speckled Egg is the perfect for spot for your morning cravings and has an extensive daily menu available. Plus, if you’re tired from your travels and excursions and need to sleep in, no worries! They’ll still be serving up your breakfast faves well into the afternoon. Whether you’re craving sweet, savory, or something in between, this menu has you covered. Be sure to try one of their unique brunch cocktails like the Kimchi Bloody Mary or a Pineapple Kombucha Mimosa. Kick off your day with a burst of energy from their coffee drinks too!

Address: 501 Grant Street Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Hours: Wed-Fri: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM, Sun + Sat 8:00 AM 3:00 PM

Coffee

La Prima Espresso ($)

With multiple locations across town, Downtown + the Strip District, you can easily grab a cup as you explore the city. In the Strip, you’ll find a simple neighborhood coffee shop frequented by locals + visitors alike, and you’ll always see the regulars speaking Italian outside. Downtown, the vibe is quite different. Located on the bottom of the AC Marriott hotel, you’ll find an updated style of bright wood + crisp blue branding that is strikingly modern yet classic.

Downtown Address: 1100 Smallman St Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Mon-Wed: 6 AM-4 PM, Thu-Sat: 6 AM-5 PM, Sun: 7 AM-4 PM

Strip District Address: 205 21st St Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 AM-2:30 PM, Sat-Sun: 7 AM-3 PM

Adda Coffee & Tea House ($)

Maybe you didn’t stop by either Pamela’s or the Square Cafe to take advantage of their bottomless coffee in the morning or maybe you just need some more caffeine to fuel the rest of your day, either way, Adda Coffee & Tea House is the place for you! Adda is a Bengali word that means “a place where people gather for conversation and food” Adda brings in the best coffee and teas from around the world for you to try in the city of Pittsburgh.

Shadyside Address: 200 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM-4 PM, Sat + Sun: 8 AM-5 PM

Downtown Address: 725 Penn Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM-3 PM, Sat + Sun: 8 PM-4 PM

Lunch

Noodlehead ($)

A small trendy restaurant located in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood, Noodlehead has quick service + great menu options. There is often a wait during dinner time but it’s a great place to stop in for a late lunch if you are looking to avoid the rush! Their small menu is great if you are indecisive but don’t let its size fool you, because they still have plenty of delicious options to choose from. Their menu is inspired by the street markets of Thailand so if you like Thai food you are coming to the right spot. Whether you get the Pad Thai, Chiang Mai Curry, Street Noodles, or the Love Boat, you will leave Noodlehead satisfied + wanting more! Noodlehead is cash only but they have an ATM at the back of the restaurant for convenience. They are also BYOB (with no corkage fee) so feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy for a small 75 cents per person recycling fee.

Address: 242 S Highland Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Hours: Open Daily: 12 PM-10 PM

Mediterra ($$)

Mediterra is a hip spot newly opened in the Lawrenceville neighborhood serving up breakfast and lunch on the daily. Previously only available in Pittsburgh suburbs, Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley, they have expanded to a location that matches their unique and community-focused vibe. From irresistible pizza to stacked sandwiches, there are a variety options to satisfy all diners. Take something special to-go after perusing their artisan breads and selection of fine cheeses.

Address: 5202 Butler St Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Hours: Mon-Sat: 8 AM-5 PM, Sun: 8 AM-3 PM

Bae Bae’s Kitchen ($$)

Bae Bae's offers healthy + organic Korean cuisine in a trendy but casual setting. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting with a modern and vibrant interior that features a colorful mural, exposed brick walls, and wooden accents.

The menu at Bae Bae's Kitchen is inspired by the owners' cultural backgrounds, experiences, and passion for sharing local, healthy, organic ingredients with the community. It is known for its delicious “build your own” boxes that enable diners to choose their own culinary adventure from a selection of delectable sides and inspiring main courses. The restaurant also has a selection of Thai iced tea, coffee, craft beers, cocktails, and Korean rice wine, known as soju, to complement your meal.

Overall, Bae Bae's Kitchen is a must-visit restaurant for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience in Pittsburgh. The combination of Korean, along with the welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, make it a standout destination for foodies and casual diners alike.

Address: 951 Liberty Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Mon-Wed 4 PM-9 PM, Thu 12 PM-9 PM, Fri + Sat 12 PM-10 PM, Sun 12 PM-8 PM

Dinner

DiAnoia’s Eatery ($$)

DiAnoia’s is another Pittsburgh favorite! If you like Italian food you are going to love DiAnoia’s. They have just about every Italian dish that you can imagine but what DiAnoia’s is known for is their gnocchi. The gnocchi is served with meatballs (made using a family recipe!), red sauce, and pecorino romano but if you are feeling ambitious, order the gnocchi in the bread bowl. The bread bowl is made using fresh-baked pizza dough + the gnocchi is made with fresh Idaho potatoes to create the ideal meal for any carb-lover. This meal is delicious + super-filling so we recommend sharing it with a friend.

Address: 2549 Penn Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Tue-Thu: 5 PM-9 PM, Fri: 5 PM-10 PM, Sat: 4 PM-10 PM

Federal Galley ($$)

Federal Galley is a food hall located on Pittsburgh's North Shore. What is a food hall? It is a launchpad for noteworthy new restaurant concepts in Pittsburgh. At any given time, there are 4 different restaurants serving up varied dishes for guests. The space is sleek + sprawling, but believe us - it fills up! Stop in for tacos, burgers, pizza, plus a full bar + beer garden and a dog-friendly patio.

Address: 200 Children's Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Hours: Tue-Thu: 11:30 AM-9 PM, Fri: 11:30 AM-10 PM, Sun: 10 AM-8 PM

Altius ($$$$)

Looking to splurge on a fine dining experience with a view? Altius is the perfect spot for anniversaries, milestones, or just a “treat yourself” night out. Situated on Grandview Ave in the Mt. Washington neighborhood, Altius offers a chef-curated menu featuring seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Take an indulgent journey beginning with appetizers like salmon ceviche and chilled oysters, make your way to entrees like rack of lamb and filet mignon, and end with decadent desserts (if you have room!) Share amongst your group small plates such as caviar and pommes frites for an added adventure.

Between bites, marvel at the cityscape just outside the dining room window. This view makes Altius quite the hot ticket, so remember to make a reservation.

Be sure to let the staff know if you are celebrating something special and you may be lucky enough to score a complimentary dessert!

Address: 1230 Grandview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Hours: Mon-Thu: 5 PM-9 PM, Fri: 5 PM-10 PM, Sat: 4 PM-10 PM

Sweets and Treats

Millie’s ($)

With several locations around the Greater Pittsburgh Area, Millie’s is a Pittsburgh ice cream staple for both classic flavors like Best Chocolate and Cookie Dough, as well as unique creations like Honey Cake and Lavender Lemon Ripple. Millie’s began as a passion project for founder Chad Townsend and grew into the popular business it is today selling scoops at local storefronts and pints in a number of grocery stores. Their mission is to spread joy and love throughout the community by serving up delicious ice cream, creating memories for the whole family, and partnering with local businesses and organizations. A cone or bowl at Millie’s will be sure to hit the spot as a summer day delight or a post-dinner sweet treat. For visitors with dietary restrictions, there are gluten-free and vegan flavors available!

Lawrenceville Address: 3803 Butler St Pittsburgh PA 15201

Hours: Sun-Thu: 2 PM-10 PM, Fri + Sat: 12 PM-10 PM

Downtown Address: 46 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Open Daily: 12 PM-10 PM

La Gourmadine ($$)

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with a little taste of France, make sure you hit up La Gourmadine. The French-born and raised owners recognized the need for traditional French baking in the ‘burgh and opened their first location in Lawrenceville in 2010. You’ll find decadent pasteries, fresh breads, and several more enticing treats along with coffee or tea to pair with your selections. We personally recommend the choux à la crème and pain au chocolat as must-haves!

Address: 4605 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Sat + Sun: 9 AM-2:30 PM

Thirsty?

The Confidant

If you’re looking for craft cocktails, hip music, and a chill vibe, look no further than the speakeasy tucked away behind The Goldmark. The Confidant is a cozy little lounge, perfect for anyone looking for a more intimate scene than your typical cocktail bar. Some standouts from the menu include the sweet and floral Rose Quartz and the refreshing and spicy Caliente Amor. They also frequently rotate in featured cocktail specials and have a selection of beers available. To find the entrance, head to the back of The Goldmark and look for the black door and green light.

Address: 4517 Butler St Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Hours: Fri + Sat: 8 PM-2 AM

Trace Brewing

Trace Brewing is one of Pittsburgh’s many popular breweries located in the Bloomfield neighborhood. Stop in for one of their brews filled with unique fruits and flavors, like gooseberry and hibiscus. You can pick up some to-go or enjoy a draft in their outdoor beer garden. Their head brewer has a history of making incredible beers around the Pittsburgh area and beyond, and wants to share his craft with others interested in the industry. Trace Brewing offers a unique 6-month long vocation program to help interested candidates get their start as a professional brewer.

Address: 4312 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Hours: Mon-Thu: 8 AM-10 PM, Fri + Sat: 8 AM-11 PM, Sun: 8 AM-8 PM

Pittsburgh Winery

The Pittsburgh Winery is a winery in the Strip District that makes PA wine with CA grapes. They offer a wine club, wine tastings, social events, live music, and more! Right now they are in the midst of renovating their space to make even more space for great wine + fun activities. Want to learn more? Check out their feature on our blog.

Address: 2710 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hours: Wed + Thurs: 4 PM-7 PM, Fri: 4 PM-9 PM Sat: 12 PM-8 PM, Sun: 12 PM-6 PM

As Pittsburgh natives, we love and appreciate our diverse food scene. Whether you’re looking for familiar favorites or want to try a new cuisine, the ‘burgh has it all.

Looking for all the best things to do in Pittsburgh, PA? Don't miss out on our comprehensive Destination Guide, packed with our must-see sights and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

With our guide in hand, you'll have everything you need to create unforgettable memories and make the most of your trip.

Don't wait any longer, get your Destination Guide for Pittsburgh here!

Originally published July 19, 2019