Good food isn’t hard to find in Pittsburgh—it’s part of the city’s DNA.
Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall spot perfecting pierogi or a neighborhood joint dishing out bold, creative plates, the Steel City knows how to eat well.
This guide is here to highlight the places locals swear by, and visitors keep talking about.
From no-frills classics to spots redefining what dining out looks like in Pittsburgh, these are the restaurants worth your time (and appetite).
Morcilla
It only makes sense to start with Morcilla in Lawrenceville, and it easily earns its spot as one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh.
With a menu rooted in Spanish flavors and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly welcoming, it’s the type of spot where you’ll want to try everything.
Kick things off with the oxtail montaditos—rich, meaty bites that pack serious flavor.
The charred octopus brings just the right amount of smoky intensity, while the chicken liver mousse, paired with cherries and pistachios, strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
The restaurant’s laid-back yet buzzing vibe makes it perfect for catching up with friends or sharing a relaxed meal.
At Morcilla, a great night out doesn’t need to be complicated—just good food, good drinks, and the right people at the table.
Pusadee’s Garden
Pusadee’s Garden has become a Lawrenceville favorite for a reason.
After a years-long renovation, this Thai spot made a statement.
Now, it’s one of the most talked-about Pittsburgh restaurants, and it’s clear why.
Chef Bootsaba “Gik” Tongdee delivers a menu packed with bold Thai flavors.
From rich, creamy curries to stir-fries with just the right kick, every dish feels full of heart.
And the setting matches the food’s energy.
Redesigned by MossArchitects, the multi-building space features an interior garden that feels like a mini oasis. Think soft lighting, lush plants, and a unique vibe that’s super hard to find anywhere else.
While reservations can be tricky, it’s worth trying for a walk-in spot.
Add your name to the waitlist, explore the neighborhood, and let the anticipation build.
Apteka
Apteka, over on Penn Avenue in Bloomfield, isn’t here to fit Pittsburgh’s meat-heavy stereotype.
It’s a vegan restaurant serving Eastern European-inspired dishes that absolutely deliver.
The pierogies are crispy and satisfying and come with a smoky czarna salsa.
Plus, the stuffed cabbage with mushrooms and preserved tomato hits all the right notes.
Drinks are another highlight—house-made cordials, especially the tart cherry liqueur, bring everything home.
Out of all the restaurants in Pittsburgh, Apteka feels like a quiet game-changer—simple, thoughtful food that surprises you in the best way.
Soju
The best restaurants in Pittsburgh, PA, don’t always come with white tablecloths or big-name hype, and Soju is a perfect example.
Tucked away in Garfield, this Korean-fusion joint is practically a love letter from Chef Simon Chough to his grandmother’s cooking.
And the galbi jjim shows off his creativity—classic braised short ribs with a French onion soup twist, right down to the Hawaiian bread croutons.
Then there’s the kimchi jjigae, packed with three kinds of kimchi because, apparently, one isn’t enough.
If the mandu makes an appearance on the menu, do yourself a favor and order them—they’re hands-down some of the best dumplings in Pittsburgh.
Soju also goes beyond its own plates, hosting pop-ups that give other chefs a platform to shine.
Pretty cool, right?
Gi-Jin
Gi-Jin in Downtown Pittsburgh is tiny, moody, and laser-focused on doing three things really well: sashimi, handrolls, and gin.
The toro gets a little boost from yuzu salt, scallion, and wasabi—not that it needs it, but you’re not complaining.
Then there are the mouthwatering handrolls: beef tartare with pickled shiitakes or hamachi with pomegranate jam.
The gin list is thoughtfully curated, but let’s be honest—you’re here for the food and the atmosphere.
The small space, anchored by a massive dragon mural, strikes the middle ground between sleek and approachable, and details such as these make the difference (and the food, of course).
Tessaro’s American Bar & Hardwood Grill
Tessaro’s American Bar & Hardwood Grill in Bloomfield is where Pittsburgh goes for a burger done right.
Since 1981, they’ve been serving up thick, juicy patties, ground fresh daily, and cooked over a blend of hardwoods for the perfect smoky char.
Longtime grillmaster Courtney McFarlane is the one behind the flames, and you can taste the craft in every bite.
And while the burgers might be the star, Thursdays bring something special: rib night, where the smoky, fall-off-the-bone ribs are the highlight.
The rest of the menu keeps it classic with steaks, chicken, and hearty sides.
Although the sprawling seating options have grown over the years, the front room, with its 1933 art deco Sears and Roebuck bar, is still the spot to soak in the old-school vibe.
Since you’re searching for the best restaurants Pittsburgh, PA, has to offer, Tessaro’s is a joint that’s hard to pass—a place where tradition, quality, and unmistakable hardwood grill flavor come together.
Chengdu Gourmet
Chengdu Gourmet in Squirrel Hill might just be one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh for a laid-back BYOB night.
You’ll experience bold Sichuan flavors, and the setting is unapologetically casual.
What’s not to love?
The dan dan noodles are spicy, messy, and necessary, while the cucumbers in garlic dressing are something else.
Not to mention, the cumin beef has just the right amount of heat, and even if eggplant isn’t your thing, the garlic sauce here might convert you.
Just show up with a bottle of whatever you like, grab a table, and let the dishes pile up.
Lilith
I had to save one of the best until last.
Lilith on Spahr Street is a collaboration between Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano, two chefs who’ve been shaping Pittsburgh’s dining scene for years.
Borges’ menu takes cues from her Puerto Rican roots, with dishes like scallop crudo topped with coconut oil, chili, and lime.
DeStefano handles the bakery side, turning out fresh bread and desserts like baked Alaska with crème fraîche semifreddo, strawberry, lemon, and coriander streusel.
The space, formerly home to Cafe Zinho, carries on the tradition of thoughtful, welcoming dining.
So, while you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Pittsburgh, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Now You Know Exactly Where to Eat In Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh might be known for its sports teams and steel legacy, but don’t let that distract you from one simple truth: the town loves to eat.
Whether you’re snagging a crunchy pierogi at Apteka or diving into galbi jjim at Soju, what you’re really tasting is the city’s spirit—relaxed, a little experimental, and totally unafraid of bold flavors.
In short, bring your appetite, maybe a friend or two, and let Pittsburgh handle the rest.
Chances are, you won’t leave hungry.
