There are likely those who are far better equipped than I to write this diary, but I love to eat, like to support eateries that I think do things the right way, and know just enough about the local eating scene to provide some fairly good guidance.
So for those attending this week's festivities here in the 'Burgh, consider this some friendly guidance on how to feed yourself well.
To begin with, I have eaten at most, but not all of these places. In the latter case, I am relying on reports at foodie sites (Chowhound, Urbanspoon, etc.) from regulars whose opinion I trust.
A (L/S) means the restaurant, as far as I know, is supportive of and sources food from local farms and/or sustainable operations. A (NB) means I've never been to this restaurant and am writing based on others' opinions.
This is not in any way meant to be a comprehensive list, just a few examples of Pittsburgh's finest eats. I've tried to cover a variety of styles of cuisine, as well as a variety of price points and spots throughout the city. I'm sure that other 'Burgh locals will weigh in with their recommendations. If there are some must-go type places that are routinely recommended in the comments, I'll update the list.
For no other reason than convenience, I'll break it down by cost, starting with...
Cheap Eats
LuLu's Noodles - Just a few block's from the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, this college student favorite has a wide array of tasty and cheap noodle dishes. Anything with the dumplings, shipped in regularly from San Francisco, is a winner. For those who have never tried a bubble tea, here is the chance to give it a shot, along side a good, cheap bowl of noodles.
Spice Island Tea House (NB) - Also in Oakland, this eatery gets raves for tasty, authentic Asian food in a cool, casual environment.
Penn Avenue Fish Company - In Pittsburgh's historic Strip District, this relatively newcomer to the seafood offerings in the Strip is a culinary gem. Fromm the unique fish tacos to truly fresh sushi, this is an excellent lunch stop for a hungry progressive. Limited dinner hours here as well.
Lucy's Banh Mi stand - Located about a block or so up Penn Avenue from Penn Avenue Fish Company in the Strip District, this little sidewalk stand is well known to Pittsburgh foodies. While Lucy's banh mi are not your classic style, they are remarkably delicious. And at $5, one of the best deals in the entire city.
Yo Rita (NB) - With a menu that's been recently overhauled by Kevin Sousa -- who could be considered, by Pittsburgh standards, to be one of the area's few star chefs - the tacos here are reportedly to die for. And you'll have to expand your vision of what a taco is, because marrow and duck are regular visitors to the menu here. The margaritas are reportedly top-notch, and the beer offerings are robust and affordable.
Primanti Brothers - A Pittsburgh institution. Thick slices of fresh Italian bread that barely holds some sort of protein (kielbasa, cappacola, etc.) cheese, maybe a fried egg, a unique coleslaw (no mayo here), and some thick, house-cut fries. There are those who think Primanti's is overrated. I'm not one of them. I love it. You will, too.
La Prima Espresso (L/S) - Okay, not technically a restaurant. But one of the best, if not the best, coffee in town. The cappuccino here is just ridiculously good. During the day time, right next door at Colangelo's, you can get some Italian homestyle specialties like beans and greens. So get your caffeine fix, and then dig into a hearty Italian lunch.
Tram's Kitchen (NB) - While the service is rumored to be on the gruff side, this eatery gets good marks for well-prepared Vietnamese food, including pho. Located in Lawrenceville, this is one of the few Vietnamese restaurants in the area.
Middle of the Dollar
Dinette(L/S) - A forerunner in Pittsburgh's green movement, and part of the burgeoning dining scene in East Liberty, Dinette is nothing short of spectacular: 8-10 pizzas, 8-10 appetizers -- both constantly changing -- and approximately 20 wines, all available by the glass and affordable (by wine standards). Ingredient-driven food prepared with care. This could also fit into the Upper Crust category, depending on the quantity of food you order. But for $22-25, you could get a fantastic pizza and glass of wine and be a happy camper.
Kassab's - In the more well-worn section of Pittsburgh's South Side, Kassab's offers quality Middle Eastern food at an affordable price. Not much more to say. In the mood for a falafel sandwich, some hummus, maybe some moussaka, here's the joint for you.
Max's Allegheny Tavern (NB) - Authentic German food in Pittsburgh's North Side, not too far from the beautiful PNC Park. While there are other options for German food in Pittsburgh, including the recently opened Hofbrahaus in Pittsburgh's South Side and the historic Penn Brewery, Max's seems to get the nod among locals as the best German fare in the city.
Point Brugge Cafe - In the uppercrusty Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, just down the road a bit from the University of Pittsburgh, Point Brugge is nestled back in a beautiful tree-lined neighborhood. It can get very busy, but if you're in the mood for some excellent mussels and Belgian beer, this is the place to go.
Church Brew Works - Just up the street from the Strip District, but technically located in Lawrenceville, good beer brewed on the premises and an eclectic array of dining options (kobe beef cheese steak, anybody?). Did I mention it's an old church?
The Upper Bracket
Dish- Resting comfortably in the back streets of Pittsburgh's South Side, Dish is an ideal place for a good glass of wine and classic, authentic Italian fare - simple, elegant Italian food in a relaxing environment. If I lived closer, it's pretty certain I'd spend way too much money here.
Kaya(L/S) - Kaya could also fit into the Middle of the Dollar category, depending on what you get. You could just as easily sit at the bar, get an expertly made cocktail or some sangria, nosh on some Jamaican jerk wings or lentil and corn beignets, and come out perfectly happy without having dropped too much coin. Or you could do the Full Monty and sit down to a wonderful dinner of delicious, Caribbean-influenced fare and, for the quality of what you'll get, still leave fairly satisfied that you got an excellent meal for the price, particularly compared with what you would spend for a similar meal in other large cities.
Bona Terra(L/S) - Listed by Gourmet magazine in years past as one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the country, Bona Terra isn't the most conveniently located restaurant, but it is an enjoyable experience worth seeking out. Again, ingredient-driven food that is prepared with such care and perfection in such a comfortable atmosphere, it's hard to avoid not taking a huge, relaxing siiiggghh after every few bites. BYOB.
Legume(L/S) - A small operation in the increasingly hip Regent Square, the folks at Legume are extremely committed to local, sustainable food and a relaxed dining experience. This is food done right, a small, constantly changing menu meant to reflect the best of local food and agriculture. BYOB.
Eleven(L/S) - Part of the same restaurant group as Kaya, Eleven is more upscale, but not stuffy. Like other good restaurants in Pittsburgh, Eleven lets the quality of its ingredients do the talking. If you are able and in the mood to splurge, Eleven is a place worthy of such a meal.
Other Notables
Breakfast - Deluca's and Pamela's, both in the Strip, are, like Primanti's, Pittsburgh institutions. Not for the calorie conscious.
Pizza - Il Pizzaiolo , in the nearby suburb of Mt. Lebanon, makes, according to those in the know, the finest Neapolitan style pizzas in the city (they may be the only such pizzas in the city, aside from the one's we make at our house, of course). Mineo's is a famous Pittsburgh pizza joint. Nothing special about the pies themselves, but, I have to admit, even though they are a little greasy for my taste, they are darn good.
Fine dining - Yet another Big Burrito Group restaurant (Kaya, Eleven), Casbahhas a great atmosphere and excellent Mediterranean-influenced food. Located in Shadyside, which also has other quality dining options and shopping.
Well, I hope those of you coming to Pittsburgh for a few days enjoy our fine city. Buon Appetito!