Restaurants
O ften overlooked as a city for foodies, Pittsburgh has lately been going through a culinary renaissance. While you’re in town, make some time to try out one of these great restaurants! We’ve listed them by neighborhood (plotted on the map above) so you can find one that’s along your way to other local attractions.
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The Commonplace
A regional favorite coffeehouse featuring their own freshly roasted beans and a charming location in the nearby Mexican War Streets. Enjoy a special buy one, get one beverage deal as a Parador Inn guest.
Hyde Park
Prime Steakhouse offers riverside dining between Heinz Field and PNC Park – a great spot to grab a cocktail or glass of wine. Have The Parador Inn make your reservation for a free appetizer and priority seating.
Grand Concourse
Get VIP seating and a free appetizer or dessert of the day when reserving a table at this elegant spot, be sure to let them know you are a guest at The Parador to receive their special.
The Church
This Brew Works puts the beer on an altar – literally! Great drinks and food are the sermon in this converted church. Our guests get a complimentary handcrafted beer or soda and priority seating.
Peppi’s
Since 1983, Peppi’s has been serving great subs to Pittsburghers and beyond. Convenient location just down the street from The Parador. Guests get a free fountain soda with sandwich purchase!
The Melting Pot
There’s just something about a fondue pot that invites conversation – and laughter. Discover the joy of The Melting Pot and get 20% off a four course meal or free dessert with entrée purchase as our guest!
Adda Coffee & Tea
Adda is a Bengali word; it means to indulge in informal or friendly conversation – and it also refers to the place to have that conversation. Make yourself at home and receive 10% off as a Parador guest.
Giorgio’s Place
Since 1993, Giorgio’s Place has been serving homemade Italian cuisine to the Greater Pittsburgh area. Everything is homemade, some come try the pizza and receive a free topping and fountain soda.
Legends of the North Shore
Legends has consistently had some of the best Italian cuisine in the city. Small place, but remember: it’s all about the food. Guests at The Parador Inn will pay no corkage fee when bringing their own wine.
Restaurants by Neighborhood
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen
Right down the street from The Parador, Nicky’s has the best Thai food in the city. Local hint: in nice weather, try to get a table in their courtyard. BYOB
(412) 321-8424 856 Western Avenue
Adda Coffee & Tea House
Adda is a Bengali word; it means to indulge in informal or friendly conversation with a group of people, such as friends, family, or colleagues. It also refers to the place to have that conversation.
Ask Ed for a coupon during your stay for a rotating selection of free goodies!
(412) 742-4477 926 Western Ave
Monterrey Pub
Very neighborhood-y local watering hole and restaurant, a five minute walk from The Parador. American menu with an English pub accent. Full Service Ba
(412) 322-6535 1227 Monterrey Street
Giorgio’s Place
Since 1993, Giorgio’s Place has been serving homemade Italian cuisine to the Greater Pittsburgh area. Everything, from the savory sauce to the delicious gnocchi dinner, is homemade.
Parador Inn guests will receive one free topping on a large pizza and a free fountain soda.
(412) 322-0404 908 Western Ave
Legends of The Northshore
Has some of the best Italian food in the city. Small place, but remember: it’s all about the food. Reservations recommended (to needed). BYOB
Guests at the Inn will pay no corkage fee when you bring your own wine to Legends.
(412) 321-8000 500 E North Avenue
Max’s Allegheny Tavern
Serving an authentic German menu since the early 1900′s. A quaint warren of rooms behind the original tavern. Full Service Bar
(412) 231-1899 537 Suisman Street
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Located on the river between Heinz Field and PNC Park, Hyde Park is an ideal spot to rub elbows with pro athletes, coaches and sports media, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine – and have a fantastic steak with a great view.
Get a free appetizer and take advantage of priority seating when you have The Parador Inn book your reservation.
(412) 222-4014 247 North Shore Drive
Peppi’s
Since 1983, Peppi’s has been serving great subs to Pittsburghers and beyond. They offer an array of specialty subs and salads that will make your mouth water as well as four locations throughout the city – including one just down Western Avenue from the Inn!
Get a free fountain soda when you order any sandwich as a guest of The Parador Inn.
(412) 231-9009 927 Western Avenue
The Commonplace Coffeehouse
The Commonplace started out in Indiana, PA in 2003 and has since grown to include multiple locations, most recently opening in the Mexican War Streets, just steps from The Parador. Stop by for great coffee made with fresh roasted beans, stay for a cozy spot to people-watch.
Mention you are staying at the Inn and enjoy a buy one, get one deal!
Most downtown restaurants are clustered around the Cultural District and Market Square. As such, you might want to pay attention to when the big showtimes are: these restaurants can get jammed with performing arts patrons!
Sonoma Grille
The restaurant I find myself at most often is Sonoma Grille: it’s fairly affordable and its ever-changing menu always gives new and fresh ideas to choose from.
(412) 697-1336 947 Penn Avenue
Six Penn Kitchen
The Six Penn Kitchen is a nice option with a creative menu that gives many choices and prices depending on your mood.
Seviche
Seviche has a Spanish tapas menu.
(412) 697-3120 930 Penn Avenue
McCormick & Schmick’s
McCormick & Schmick’s has excellent fresh seafood and steaks right in the center of town, across from the new PNC Tower being built.
(412) 201-6992 301 Fifth Avenue
The Capital Grille
Almost next to McCormick & Schmick’s is The Capital Grille. This dining spot is known for its aged beef, wine list and even some private dining rooms.
(412) 338-9100 301 Fifth Avenue
Nine on Nine
Nine on Nine does a nice job in the heart of the Cultural District with its upscale American menu.
(412) 338-6463 900 Penn Avenue
Meat & Potatoes
Though they have a full service menu, their emphasis is locally sourced meals that lean hard toward beef entrees. Always a nice option for your carnivores.
Shiloh Grill
A Parador favorite casual restaurant “up there”. Great food, staff and hysterical menu.
(412) 431-4000 123 Shiloh Street
Monterrey Bay Fish Grotto
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is the pricey restaurant where I usually end up – when willing to pay. They obviously lean towards seafood, but have a full menu. Great staff and views.
(412) 481-4414 1411 Grandview Avenue
LeMont
LeMont is one of the original Mt Washington restaurants. Dress code is business casual.
(412) 431-3100 1114 Grand View Avenue
Tin Angel
Tin Angel is the other long standing Mt Washington restaurant that requires a business casual dress code.
(412) 381-1919 1200 Grandview Avenue
Bigham Tavern
A very local pub with excellent sliders. A great place to watch sports without going to a “sports bar”.
(412) 431-9313 321 Bigham Street
La Tavola
La Tavola features Sicilian cuisine and is one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets. Because of its small size, reservations are recommended.
Southside can become pretty unpleasant with drunken college students after 10:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly.
Dish Osteria Bar
Dish Osteria Bar is one of my favorite Southside restaurants. Very low-key. It’s located in a small house, so you may get a table in what once was the living room, dining room, etc. Italian cuisine.
(412) 390-2012 128 S 17th Street
Pittsburgh Steak Co.
An affordable steak house compared to Ruth’s Chris, etc. This restaurant, with a casual atmosphere, has been in the heart of Southside for years.
(412) 381-5505 1924 E Carson Street
Mallorca & Ibiza
Sister restaurants Mallorca and Ibiza are right next door to each other. Like the Pittsburgh Steak Co., Mallorca has been around for years offering quality Spanish cuisine. Little sister Ibiza specializes in tapas.
(412) 488-1818 (Mallorca) (412) 235-2227 (Ibiza) 2228/4 E Carson Street
The Grand Concourse
The Grand Concourse is worth a visit for two reasons. One: its architecture is amazing. Two: it’s the train station formerly owned by Joshua Rhodes, the gentleman that built the mansion that now hosts The Parador Inn. When Chuckie Muer’s restaurant group remodeled and opened the derelict station, it was outstanding. Football coach Tom Landry has a chain of restaurants and the Concourse is now a part of that organization. It’s worth going in just to see the interior.
Ask The Parador Inn to book your reservation and enjoy a free appetizer or dessert of the day and VIP seating.
(412) 261-1717 100 W Station Square Drive
Kassab’s
Kassab’s can easily be missed with all the other eateries along Carson Street. But if you are looking for authentic Lebanese food, this is the spot for you.
(412) 381-1820 1207 E Carson Street
Carmi Soul Food
Voted best soul food in Western Pennsylvania, Carmi serves up Pittsburgh’s best fried chicken as well as other comfort favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Show the registration form for your stay at The Parador Inn and get 10% off your check!
(412) 231-0100 1825 E Carson St
The Melting Pot
The same Melting Pot experience you’ve found across the country is available right in the bustling nightlife of Southside. A perfect stop for a date night out with drinks or catch up spot with friends.
Parador guests can take advantage of either 20% off a four course meal or free dessert with entrée purchase.
Strip District is a wildly popular shopping district right on the edge of Downtown and has some excellent dining options.
Kelly O’s Diner
Kelly O’s has taken over the location of Jo-Jo’s diner across from the Cork Factory apartments. This diner has some fabulous breakfast specials, some real creative omelets and good lunch specials.
(412) 232-3447 100 24th Street
Kaya
Big Burrito Group has two of their themed restaurants in the Strip. My preference is Kaya with a Caribbean themed menu. Naturally.
(412) 261-6565 2000 Smallman Street
Eleven
The other Big Burrito Group restaurant in the Strip is Eleven, a more upscale restaurant with contemporary American cuisine.
(412) 201-5656 1150 Smallman Street
Roland’s Seafood Grill
Roland’s serves reasonably priced seafood, but it can get a bit crowded so consider a reservation.
(412) 261-3426 1904 Penn Avenue
Lidia’s
Lidia’s is an upscale Italian restaurant by famed New York Chef Lydia Bastianich.
(412) 552-0150 1400 Smallman Street
Primanti Brothers
A visit to Pittsburgh isn’t complete without at stop for a sandwich at Primanti Brothers, as featured on many television restaurant shows. The sandwich is a complete meal with the coleslaw and French fries right inside. The Strip District originally was strictly wholesale: you had to own a business to shop there. Back then, the city didn’t permit large trucks anywhere in the city except from 10:00 pm until 6:00 am. Primanti’s came up with the idea of combining all three courses on one sandwich for these working drivers. Since then, the restaurant has become wildly popular. Now a chain, there are 16 Pittsburgh locations and even 3 in Florida. If you are going to experience Primanti Brothers, you really should go to the 24 hour original.
Reyna Foods
An authentic Mexican grocery and restaurant. I particularly like the grocery because the knowledgeable staff can almost always answer questions – and if they can’t, Reyna herself is generally around.
(412) 261-2606 2031 Penn Avenue
Pamela’s P&G Diner
You can’t talk Strip dining without including Pamela’s original location (there are several now). Famed for their paper thin pancakes – it’s Michele Obama’s favorite breakfast spot (they’ve brought Pamela’s staff to the White House).
Lawrenceville is a very hip area of the city with a lot trendy small artists in residence shops, boutiques and restaurants. Several of my favorites are include here.
Tamari
Tamari features an interesting Latin-Asian fusion menu and an open kitchen so that you can sit at the counter and watch the culinary professionals at work on your meal.
(412) 325-3435 3519 Butler Street
The Church Brew Works
The Church Brew Works is a pretty unique dining option. Housed in the old St. John the Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, most of the original architecture is still in place. They have their brewing equipment where the alter used to be for all to see them making their beers. There’s a four foot wall going down the length of the church where the main aisle used to be. On the left side is the bar (called “The Bar”) and on the right side there is no bar (creatively called, “The Restaurant”). An insider tip: they are famous for their brick oven pizzas, but they consider this bar food, so if you sit in The Restaurant, you may have to ask for the pizza menu (they will be happy to serve it).
Get a complimentary handcrafted beer or handcrafted soda and priority seating as a Parador guest.
(412) 688-8200 3525 Liberty Avenue
Piccolo Forno
One of the many great Italian restaurants in da ‘burg. Piccolo Forno features authentic Tuscan cuisine and your favorite wine: it’s BYOB. The restaurant is very popular but doesn’t take reservations so prepare to wait for a table. The restaurant has done so well, that will be anchoring the Garden Theater project here on the Northside when they open a second location.
(412) 622-0111 3801 Butler Street
Round Corner Cantina
Round Corner Cantina has reasonably priced Mexican food – and is the location people waiting on a table at Piccolo Forno use as their hang out-bar.
(412) 904-2279 3720 Butler Street
Legume
Legume is just a block past the Carnegie Museums and features a fresh menu made each day. They take great pride in locally sourced products and creative uses of them.
(412) 621-2700 214 N Craig Street
Casbah
Casbah has a Mediterranean/European menu and caters to vegetarians and vegans as well. Casbah is a part of the Big Burrito Group.
(412) 661-5656 229 S Highland Avenue
Soba
Soba is an pan-Asian restaurant, another of Big Burrito’s themed restaurants.
(412) 362-5656 5847 Ellsworth Avenue
Girasole
Girasole is a small Italian restaurant that’s very popular in the Shadyside area.
(412) 682-2130 733 Copeland Street
Salt of the Earth
Salt of the Earth is Chef Kevin Sousa’s first venture. Set in an old car showroom, it’s family style seating with an a la carte menu posted daily on a chalk board. Kevin “goes to market daily and sees something that strikes his fancy and then he pairs it up with other items.” As you’d expect, a very eclectic menu. Kevin’s other current ventures are Union Pig & Chicken, Station Street Food and Superior Motors (to open) in Braddock in 2015).
Casa Rasta
A real mom and pop, recent start up with Caribbean-style cuisine in Beechview. Casa Rasta has been so successful since opening less than two years ago that they have left their storefront’s initial restaurant to take a full service establishment with full bar two doors down the street – and even another storefront of Federal Street here on the Northside.
(412) 344-4700 2056 Broadway Street
Mendoza Express
Located in Greentree, Mendoza Express reminds me of all the small Latin “greasy spoons” you find all over in South Florida. Very affordable and authentic, without being gourmet.
