Restaurants in Pittsburgh

5 Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh

If you're on this page, you’re probably not searching for Pittsburgh’s most adequate restaurants, or even if its slightly above-average restaurants. You’re looking for the best restaurants in Pittsburgh, doggone it. And while this is merely our opinion, we doubt these five eateries will let you down:

1. Omni William Penn Hotel’s Palm Court: This is the place in Pittsburgh (and possibly in all of Pennsylvania) to have an afternoon tea–surrounding by an historic 1916 lobby. See our Palm Court deal.  
2. Bar Marco: Named one of the city’s best by Pittsburgh magazine, Bar Marco creatives whimsical brunch and dinner dishes in a classy but casual dining room that seems tailor-made for a date.
3. Bella Frutetto: Its signature dish, the apple ravioli, is worth visiting all its own. It’s a cheesy pasta topped with figs, golden raisins, and Granny Smith apples–an absolute delight. See our Bella Frutetto deal.
4. Merchant Oyster Co.: Located in Lawrenceville, perhaps Pittsburgh’s trendiest neighborhood, this seafood spot has a “shuck n’ suck” competition on the 1st Monday of every month.
5. Dijlah Restaurant & Cafe: Another Lawrenceville gem, this Middle Eastern spot offers Halal dishes like shawarma, kebab, and hummus–with a side of hookah, if you’d like. See our Dijlah Restaurant & Cafe deal.

Spotlight On: Omni William Penn Hotel’s Palm Court

See our Palm Court deal here.

For one of Pittsburgh’s best meals, you have to visit one of Pittsburgh’s most-historic buildings. Palm Court offers traditional afternoon tea Monday through Saturday from an elegant perch overlooking the lobby of Steel City’s most-prestigious hotels, the Omni William Penn Hotel. When it opened in 1916, the now-Pittsburgh landmark was called the “grandest hotel in the nation,” and has since hosted four different U.S. presidents. Its gilded-age-inspired lobby (with several stunning chandeliers) makes the ideal setting for an elegant tea.

See what actual customers say about William Penn Hotel’s Palm Court:

“Such a lovely experience...even my husband enjoyed it! Beautiful lobby. You just don't get to see architecture like this anymore. The tea was fabulous. All of the little sandwiches and scones/sweets were top notch. Will be back to do it again!” - Debbie L.

“This is the second time we have used a Groupon for the high tea at the Omni William Penn, and we have purchased another set. We had an excellent experience both times. This time we had young girls with us, and the staff catered to them and made them feel 'all grown up'. It is relaxing and the food is excellent.” - Karen M.

“What an elegant, beautiful afternoon to spend with a dear friend. The waitress was friendly and professional, the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the atmosphere makes one feel special. I absolutely love it!” - Pam M.

Great Downtown Pittsburgh Restaurants

Whether you’re in downtown Pittsburgh for business, to catch a show, go to a museum, or to head over the river to PNC Park or Heinz Field, it’s good to have solid dining options. That in mind, here are our favorite downtown Pittsburgh restaurants, in no particular order:

• Little Bangkok in the Strip: This tiny but welcoming Thai restaurant might be the best-kept secret in the city. Try the drunken noodles or pad Thai, and be sure to specify just how spicy you want it...because this food can get very hot. See our Little Bangkok in the Strip deal.

• Meat and Potatoes: Gastropub from chef Richard DeShantz that focuses on the standards (think burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, and salads) but done innovatively and with the best ingredients.

• Buca di Beppo: National chain is the ultimate stand-by for a pre- or post-show meal. Grab a pizza or pasta and celebrate a special occasion with tiramisu and chocolate chip cannoli. See our Buca di Beppo deal.

Spotlight on: Micro Diner

See our Micro Diner deal here.

The “micro” in Micro Diner is evident the moment you step into the Mt. Washington restaurant: located inside a tiny former law office, the diner only fits about 20 people. But that just makes the space more cozy, and the food somehow feel a little more special. From classic breakfast grub to old-fashioned burgers, Micro Diner’s menu makes it a winner for early-morning meals...or late-night grub, if you’re stopping by on the weekends.

See what actual customers have to say about Micro Diner:

“This place is just absolutely fabulous! I have nothing but great things to say. The staff was friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was small and cozy. The decor was nice with lots of pictures of Pittsburgh. ... The burgers are huge! Lots of toppings. This place is also BYOB. ... Thumbs up!” - Kris V.

“Everything about it is excellent. The staff is very friendly and polite. They take your order in a timely manner. The food is not costly and it is brought to you without a long wait. The food is serviced hot just the way I like it. The fries are the best I ever had.” - Debra M.

“Food was delicious—killer fish sandwich, fries, and slaw. Customers and staff super friendly. Great vibe and a good time. Looking forward to next visit.” - Ray O.

Best Donuts in Pittsburgh

When you’re hankering a bit of fried dough, rest assured there’s a top-quality donut somewhere around the corner. A great town like Pittsburgh deserve great donuts, and luckily there are several bakeries who answer the call:

• Peace, Love & Little Donuts: This psychedelic-themed bakery specializes in the mini-donut, with 50+ different flavors so you have to keep coming back to try another one. See our Peace, Love & Little Donuts deal.

• Better Maid Donuts: These donuts are so good, they often sell out within an hour of the bakery’s opening. Get there right at 6 a.m., when it usually opens.
• The Dapper Doughnut: This New Stanton bakery is worth the trip, with variations ranging from blueberry-lemon glaze to Nutella dream. See our Dapper Doughnut deal.

Spotlight on: Peace, Love and Little Donuts

See our Peace, Love and Little Donuts deals.

A dozen delicious mini-donuts—all different colors and flavors—temptingly laid out in front of you. Sounds pretty far out, right? That’s the idea behind Peach, Love and Little Donuts: lip-smacking tennis-ball sized donuts with a side of psychedelia. There are 50+ different flavors here (nearly one for every Phish live bootleg), so you can try everything from chocolate chip pancake to the savory salted-caramel macchiato to the Snickers-topped “Snick Jagger.”

See what actual customers have to say about Peace, Love and Little Donuts:

“I love going to Peace, Love and Little Donuts! The girl that waits on me is very nice, always in a good mood and makes the trip enjoyable! The donuts are the best, especially in the a.m., when they are still warm!” - Danielle F.

“What a great place for a little something extra special. Great donuts, made right in front of us. The staff is awesome. We will be back.” - Donna E.

“I was amazed at the burst of flavor from the very first bite. First time trying them. Loved them. Will definitely be a repeat customer.” - BJ P.