Food at the Confluence

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountain range, at the confluence of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers, lies a unique city. With blue collar roots that run deep, and a modern renaissance looking toward a future of innovation and technology, Pittsburgh is a model of resilience.

Pittsburgh has an extensive history as a place for immigrants to establish themselves in the United States. The industrial history of the city meant attracting workers from across the world to work in the steel mills and coal mines of the surrounding area — workers who helped turn Pittsburgh into the city that built America.

With a history rooted in the traditional European foods of pierogies, stews and pastas, today the international dishes of the city also include curries, steaming bowls of ramen or pho, and nkwobi. Bar menus have expanded from the Iron City pint to lists of Mexican mezcals, Japanese whiskeys and Italian amaros. Food in the Steel City has changed drastically and continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

But while tastes have continued to evolve, one thing remains constant — Pittsburghers’ general love of food! Portion sizes here lean toward the Midwest, which guarantees patrons will never leave a restaurant hungry. Whether a Pittsburgher is watching a Sunday game at their friend’s place or having a date night out on the town, food is always front and center.

close up of a Primanti's sandwich in front of the Primanti Bros. Bar
Now THAT'S a portion (Primanti Bros. location on Market Square)

While we cannot ignore the quantity of food available in Pittsburgh, perhaps the more important thing to highlight is the actual quality of food in the city. Restaurants all over the City of Bridges make it a point to use local ingredients and purveyors, helping to support the regional economy.

Nationally acclaimed chef Justin Severino opened Morcilla as a tapas restaurant in Lawrenceville in 2016 and was immediately a James Beard semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in the country. Using local ingredients as much as possible, his team has carefully curated a tapas experience that will transport you to Spain. Be sure to try the house-made charcuterie!

Morcilla
Credit |
Laura Petrilla

Pittsburgh restaurant groups like big Burrito and the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group continue to open concepts that push boundaries. The highly anticipated recent opening of Sally Ann’s, a casual dining restaurant from Richard Deshantz with a killer brunch menu, gives diners a unique, fun option in the Cultural District.

Eat your heart out, Millennials. Avocado toast at Sally Ann's

For drinks, enjoy cocktails at Bridges & Bourbon before seeing a show in the Cultural District. As its name suggests, its extensive liquor selection puts bourbon, whiskey and rye front and center. And in a cozy, elegant environment, it’s perfect for kicking off a date night. La Palapa serves up some of the best Mexican food in the city and features a bar list sure to impress the mezcal drinker.

Don’t miss any of the breweries helping to transform Pittsburgh into a beer drinker’s paradise, either. Somehow, craft beer tastes better when sipped under the stained glass of a historic church at The Church Brew Works. Enjoy an icy pint in the biergarten at Penn Brewery or sip an American pale ale in the taproom at Dancing Gnome. To enjoy the crisp apples of fall all year round, visit Arsenal Cider House for hard cider tastings.

Dancing Gnome's taproom
Credit |
Julie Kahlbaugh

For Asian flavors, try the city’s newest Cantonese restaurant, The Parlor Dim Sum, or enjoy Sichuan-style menus at Chengdu Gourmet or Sichuan Gourmet. Everyday Noodles’ soup dumplings are easily the best crafted in any of the ‘Burgh’s neighborhoods, served in the traditional bamboo steam baskets with a burst of scalding pork broth when bitten. Pho Van in the Strip District features traditional Vietnamese pho with a rich depth of flavor to the broth that’s hard to beat.

The Parlor Dim Sum

Try the South Indian dish, Goat Briyani, at Tamarind, or savor the chaats at Cafe Delhi. If Mediterranean food sounds better, enjoy Turkish Kebab House in Squirrel Hill or the charming basement Italian bistro, Girasole, in Shadyside. Enjoy traditional West African dishes at African Cuisine, where the menu features Nigerian recipes from the owners’ homeland.

Girasole in Shadyside
Credit |
@delectable_adventures on Insta

The Strip District still boasts classic food markets like Wholey’s Fish Market, S&D Polish Deli and Pennsylvania Macaroni Company. But be sure to also take a look at Pennsylvania Libations, a liquor store dedicated to selling and supporting Pennsylvania-made craft beverages. Salem’s Market and Grill further into the Strip District is a great place for any Halal needs. They also sell meat fresh from local farms. Spice blends from Penzeys will spruce up any meal but be sure to check out Steel City Salt Company in Millvale, too.

Wholey's visits are always magical
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@stripdistrictneighbors on Instagram
No matter the taste or budget, Pittsburgh has something to offer every food lover. Discover the beauty, diversity and grit of our city and indulge in some delicious food along the way!

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Elaine Z.

Author

Elaine Z.

Elaine is a graduate student in the Food Studies program at Chatham University. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her loved ones, and having a book in her hand. Pittsburgh passionate, Elaine loves showing out-of-towners new places to go and restaurants to try.

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