10 of the Best Pittsburgh Restaurants to Visit This summer

A Top-Rated American Food City!

It may be off the radar as a great place to visit this summer or even fall, but we're here to tell you not to overlook the increasingly exciting city of Pittsburgh. In particular, you'll want to make a trip to eat your way through the top Pittsburgh restaurants, a surprising representation of the city itself.

Sitting at the confluence of three rivers, Pittsburgh has long been an industrial-America powerhouse. Today, the city is filled with remnants of his shiny, gilded-age history, various fascinating museums, including the Carnegie Museum of the Arts and the modern Andy Warhol Museum, and many other attractions worth seeing.

This summer will also be one filled with vibrant festivals that you can only find here. At the heart of all this fun are lunches and dinners out at the top Pittsburgh Restaurants. Like many modern American cities, the food scene in Pittsburgh has recently started to undergo a dramatic transition, bringing the city away from the simple but hearty fare of the industrial age to creative, soulful, and expressive cuisine that says much about the city and those who live here.

Several of the top Pittsburgh restaurants continue to earn national and even international attention. So much so that BBC Good Food named Pittsburgh one of the top 10 destinations for foodies, making it the only U.S. city to make the list. 

Surprising to you, maybe, but not to us. We've always known just how special Pittsburgh is, which is partly thanks to the wonderful Select Registry Bed and Breakfast located in Pittsburgh. Like many of the top Inns around the country, this Inn is backed by a brand dedicated to excellence in hospitality. This summer, it's never been more essential to select your lodging for the best stay imaginable. 

The 15 Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

Food is such a central part of the human experience, especially when we're traveling and experiencing new people and places. Luckily, Pittsburgh restaurants are dressed and ready to impress! Pittsburgh restaurants are as diverse and interesting as the city they inhabit. 

Here, you'll find everything from high-end, upscale eateries with James Beard-nominated chefs to shockingly good dives and take-out-only establishments. The cuisine is diverse, too. Enjoy eastern-European peirogis, classic Italian-American favorites, savor something with Latin flare, or indulge in modern Chinese cuisine. 

It's all here - and though Pittsburgh restaurants took a big hit and saw a lot of closures throughout the pandemic, Pittsburgh restaurants are still cranking out delicious food and keeping the city prominent on the American food map.  We've combed through a number of publications, reviews, and personal recommendations to find what we'd consider the 10 best Pittsburgh restaurants to enjoy this summer. Bon Appetit!

1. One of the swankiest Pittsburgh restaurants is Con Alma, which translates to "with soul." Soul is exactly what you'll find here.  It's located in the historic cultural district and showcases incredible jazz artists alongside sensational Latin-inspired dishes and exceptional cocktails.
2. Great cocktails and pan-Asian cuisine await at The Warren Bar & Burrow. The speakeasy vibes are also in the heart of the city's Cultural District, which makes this a "must" when it comes to Pittsburgh restaurants. 
3. If you're looking for an affordable meal that will also rock your tastebuds, head to Love Rocks Cafe. The menu is simple, with staples like burgers and shrimp and grits, but your tastebuds will thank you. 
4. Exquisite seafood in Steel City?  It may not be your first go-to, but you'll love every bite - not to mention the view - at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto.
5. Poulet Bleu, owned by famous local chef Richard DeShantz, is a classic French-style bistro that won't disappoint.  It's one of those must-go Pittsburgh restaurants to add to your list. 
6. For an elegant meal out with your sweetheart, one of the best Pittsburgh restaurants is Grand Concourse. The food is great, but the setting is the real star here. It's housed inside the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station where one word comes to mind: opulent.
7. Chengdu Gourmet is another must-do when it comes to Pittsburgh restaurants. Chef and owner Wei Zhu has been nominated for James Beard awards, and it shows in the incredible dishes made here. 
8. There are a lot of great pizzerias in Pittsburgh, including staples like Beto's pizza, and newcomers Ephesus Pizza. But one of our favorites is Driftwood Oven, featuring house-made sourdough crust and a broad range of locally and ethically-sourced toppings.
9. When was the last time you feasted on Hungarian food? This summer, you have the perfect opportunity waiting at Huszár in Pittsburgh!
10. There are plenty of great bars in Pittsburgh, but one of the best is Bridges & Bourbon. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, celebrate something special, or for something to enjoy before and after a show at the Benedum Theater.
11. Cilantro & Ajo serves up some of the best Venezuelan street food you've ever had - even if you've never had any before. Arepas, empanadas, and delicious contemporary rice bowls add up to one delicious and understated meal, and make this one of the most interesting Pittsburgh restaurants.
12. You can't leave Pittsburgh without eating Pierogi and/or other Polish staples.  For that, you'll want to go to S&D Polish Deli. While you're grabbing your Pierogi's, you should also add in some Haluszki, a Pittsburgh favorite.
13. For a surprising bite of southern comfort, head to Carmi Soul Food Restaurant. chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fish stew, and other classics keep this establishment bustling. 
14. If food trucks are your thing, Pittsburgh won't disappoint.  A popular favorite is the Pittsburgh Sandwich Society Food Truck, which just so happens to have an amazing Nashville hot-style fried chicken sandwich.
15. Though it's located just outside of downtown Pittsburgh, this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Al an' Ruben's Bar and Grill. It's about 40 minutes outside the city but offers some seriously good Italian food that is worth the drive. Did we mention the 260+ cheesecake flavors?

As great as these Pittsburgh restaurants are, there are much more worth mentioning and plenty of newcomers that will be added over time. This at least serves as a very yummy start!

Aside from dining out at the top Pittsburgh restaurants, this summer is also an incredible opportunity to get back and experience the city's best food-related festivals! Popular annual festivals, like Picklesburgh, Pierogi Festival, and Barrel & Flow Fest (formerly Fresh Fest), are making a much-welcomed reappearance this year. 

More Things to do in Pittsburgh

It's worth the trip to eat at any (or all) of these Pittsburgh restaurants, but we recognize you can't eat all day long - even though we think you're going to want to. Luckily, there are plenty of other fantastic things to do in Pittsburgh!

As we mentioned above, the city is home to some really wonderful museums, plenty of interesting neighborhoods, lots of bars, breweries, wineries, and even plenty of outdoor adventure. There's a little bit of something for everyone here, so let's get to it. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Pittsburgh this summer! 

1. Take in a great view of the city from two inclines: The Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline. 
2. Visit the fantastic Andy Warhol Museum, home to the most extensive collection of Warhol art in the world.
3. Visit one of the Carnegie museums in Pittsburgh, including the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. 
4. Shop, browse and enjoy visiting the diverse Pittsburgh neighborhoods. There are more than 90 of them, and it's a great way to get an authentic taste of the city. Mt Washington is one of the most popular neighborhoods, thanks to the incredible view of the city skyline you'll enjoy from here. 
5. Visit The Frick in East Pittsburgh. This meticulously restored home and museum has 6 acres of lush gardens, fantastic art exhibitions and collections, and a great gift shop and cafe.
6. With three rivers coming together in Pittsburgh, getting out on the water is an obvious choice for things to do in Pittsburgh. A great way to take in the sights and get oriented is via the Gateway Clipper Riverboat. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards for a self-guided adventure full of fun.
7. Take a day trip out of the city to visit the stunning Fallingwater, built by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
8. With several riverside and area trails, Pittsburgh and the surrounding Allegheny County is a great biking city. Rent a bike and start exploring. 
9. Visit Rivers a Steel, a national historic landmark and remnant of a legendary U.S. Steel Plant. 
10. Spend your day simply walking around the city, admiring the stunning architecture around every corner. From churches and bridges to skyscrapers and historic buildings, there's plenty to love about this city.
11. Check out the beautiful gardens and exhibits at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

You'll work up a big appetite walking around the exploring all of the great things to do in Pittsburgh this summer. Thankfully, you're now armed with some of the best Pittsburgh restaurants to visit. Complete your trip and book a room at one of the best places to stay in Pittsburgh; our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast. 

Best Place to Stay in Pittsburgh

The Inn on Negley

Our distinguished boutique hotel offers outstanding luxury with the highest level of personalized service and attention to the needs of our guests. All of our guest rooms are equipped with private baths and are appointed with the finest quality furnishings, linens and bedding.

In addition to classic elegance, the rooms at our bed and breakfast in Pittsburgh, PA are completely modernized with wireless internet, cable television, and private phone lines.
Our professionally trained chefs prepare delightful gourmet breakfasts and excel at creating house-made breads, pastries, jams and sweets. A full-menu breakfast is served each morning for overnight guests, and also to the public by reservation. Our talented chefs are also pleased to enhance your visit with afternoon High Tea service or other custom meals at your request.

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, or you are a local seeking the extraordinary, you will find that our highly trained staff will anticipate needs and help to create the perfect visit. We are proud to offer all the amenities of a luxury hotel with the charm of a bed and breakfast.

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