Pittsburgh's Multicultural Dining Scene - From Polish Fare to Sushi

Downtown Pittsburgh

 

From steakhouses to top-end Italian joints, Downtown Pittsburgh is where you'll find many of the city's more exclusive eateries. But there are plenty of options in other price brackets. If you want to dine al fresco, head to the old Market Square. This leafy central plaza is surrounded by restaurants, many of them with large outdoor dining areas. These include the Italian-themed Sienna on the Square. Elsewhere in Downtown, Meat & Potatoes not only serves steaks, but also a regularly changing selection of fresh seafood dishes.

 

• Meat & Potatoes, 649 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; Tel: +1 412 325 7007; Website: Meat & Potatoes

 

• Sienna On The Square, 22 Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; Tel: +1 412 281 6363; Website: Sienna On The Square

 

The Strip

 

The Strip is where many locals head for a good-value evening out. The neighbourhood is full of warehouses, many converted into cafés and bakeries, and the air fills with the aroma of coffee and fresh bread. There are also several markets. Wholey's fish market - in operation for over a century - is home to Andy's Sushi Bar. The original Primanti Bros. deli, now a citywide food empire, has been serving customers since 1933. It's open 24/7. Their signature sandwiches all contain fries and coleslaw - in addition to other fillings.

 

• Andy's Sushi Bar, 1711 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222; Tel: +1 412 281 8272; Website: Andy's Sushi Bar

 

• Primanti Bros., 46 18th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222; Tel: +1 412 263 2142; Website: Primanti Bros.

 

East End

 

There are several lively dining areas east of Downtown. Collectively known as "East End," they comprise the multicultural and student neighbourhood of Oakland, and prosperous, residential, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside. Oakland has informal cafés and multicultural eateries that appeal to its large student population. In Shadyside you'll find chic places such as Casbah, a restaurant and wine bar serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Pamela's is a chain of American diners with outlets in all 3 neighbourhoods. Be prepared to queue for a table, as they are always very busy.

 

• Casbah, 229 S Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206; Tel: +1 412 661 5656; Website: Casbah

 

• Pamela's Shadyside, 5527 Walnut St., Pittsburgh, PA 15232; Tel: +1 412 683 1003; Website: Pamela's Shadyside

 

South of the Monongahela

 

The area south of the Monongahela River covers 2 distinct neighbourhoods. The narrow strip of flat land beside the river is South Side, a rejuvenated district that is filling with trendy bars and burger joints. You'll find dozens lining central East Carson Street. Up above, Mt. Washington offers you the chance to dine with a view along Grandview Avenue, also known as "Restaurant Row." Here, places such as Altius and Tin Angel serve exclusive European cuisine. They also have large panoramic windows, allowing you to gaze out across Downtown Pittsburgh as you eat.

 

• Altius, 1230 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211; Tel: +1 412 904 4442; Website: Altius

 

• Tin Angel, 1200 Grandview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211; Tel: +1 412 381 1919; Website: Tin Angel