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City Cast Pittsburgh

The latest on the hottest places to eat, drink, socialize, and talk about in Pittsburgh.

Francesca Dabecco

Pittsburgh’s vibrant food scene has received a lot of national attention in recent years, from 

Now, Pittsburgh is set to join a global culinary map. Michelin Guide, a prestigious restaurant rating system and guide, announced it’s 

, which includes Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

“This recognition will help attract new visitors, support local hospitality jobs, and strengthen Pittsburgh’s reputation as an exciting culinary destination for taste driven travelers,” VisitPITTSBURGH President and CEO Jerad Bachar said.

The selection is based on evaluations from anonymous dining experts 

: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, how the chef’s personality shines through their menu, and consistency across multiple visits. They eat at a restaurant as many times as it takes to get a grasp on a place — so look around, you might be dining next to a Michelin judge!

restaurants serve “exceptional cuisine that’s rich in flavor, remarkably executed and infused with the personality of a talented chef.”

 is given to restaurants that offer high quality food for a good value.

 honors restaurants that are “pioneers in mindful gastronomy.”

, but they don’t necessarily meet the Bib Gourmand criteria.

The restaurant selections for the American Great Lakes Region will be revealed at a ceremony sometime next year.

Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein recently told City Cast Pittsburgh that 

we don’t need to be part of the Michelin Guide

: “We should be Pittsburgh and be our own place.” (Were we clairvoyant with this episode, or what?)

The rubric for what qualifies a Michelin star is pretty strict. “It puts a certain type of restaurant, with an old school, generally Western European-based service at an advantage,” Klein said. 

Getting the Michelin Guide to come to town is also a big expense, often paid for by a city’s tourism department. 

 that it cost Houston $90,000 per year to join the guide, and Atlanta 

What Pittsburgh restaurant should get a star?

 have name-dropped spots like Pusadee’s Garden, Fet-Fisk, Apteka, One by Spork, Dish Osteria, and Morcilla.

Others say we just don’t hit the mark. 

 “No restaurants here operate on a Michelin star level. That's not an indictment of the service anyone provides here, it's just not a game anyone here plays.”

 (because of the strict criteria) but should still be on everyone's list? Amazing Dumplings, Dish, Tasty Noodle, and Ramen King 2.

"All of those places serve food that's incredibly delicious and prepared from scratch with care,” he said.

Pittsburgh Michelin Star Restaurant

Tell Us: What Restaurant Should Get A Star?

The prestigious restaurant guide is expanding to the Great Lakes region, including Pittsburgh. What restaurants should get a Michelin Star?

What Pittsburgh Restaurant Will Get a Michelin Star?

The Michelin Guide is Coming to Pittsburgh. How Does it Work?

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Pittsburgh has so many delectable dishes to try on any given day, but there’s something special about snagging some nosh from a pop-up spot. It’s like going on a treasure hunt. The reward could be anything from droolworthy pizza to melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Track down these pop-ups (not food trucks) for delicious bites and bevs around the Burgh.

Taste the bold and rich flavors of Malaysian cuisine with 

, often set up at Novo Asian Food Hall. Order something savory like rendang pot pie or chili pan mee, wash it down with a cendol slushie, and get some treats to go like pandan cake and cornflake clusters. Tip: My favorite is the cashew cookies. They are so buttery and just the right amount of sweet!

While we wait for this deep dish pizza spot to open in Lawrenceville, there’s still a way to get their pie — and dessert! 

 in Lawrenceville on “Tiramisu Tuesdays.” And they’ve added something new to the mix: Test Kitchen Mondays, a totally take-out pop-up out of The Vandal. Make sure to get in your order on Fridays. It’s pre-sale only!

Green tea fans must try the creamy, dreamy drinks from 

, from boutique shops to vintage markets. Look for speciality matcha latte flavors like coconut cream, strawberry, and banana bread. If you’re lucky, you might find a dessert, like 

 Luncheonette in Bloomfield? They were famous for farm-fresh ingredients and stellar soups, sandwiches, and pastries. The restaurant lives on today as a pop-up — and you don’t want to miss their 

 at Nancy’s Revival in Wilkinsburg. Menu items include pesto buccatini, arancini, Caesar salad, and chocolate cake with apricot jam.

I thought nothing could replace the hole in my heart left by the closure of Bae Bae’s Kitchen in Downtown — until I ate 

. The all-vegetarian Korean pop-up serves hearty bowls of japchae and bibimbap, side dishes like pickled radish and kimchi, and more. Find them at markets and festivals, and look out for future 

Get Malaysian goodies, deep dish pizza, veggie-packed Korean bowls, creamy matcha drinks, and more at these Pittsburgh pop-ups.

5 Favorite Food and Drink Pop-Ups in Pittsburgh

5 Food and Drink Pop-Ups Worth Tracking Down in Pittsburgh

Megan Harris

Eating farm fresh food can be good for you — and the local economy. Consider a subscription to these Pittsburgh-area community supported agriculture (CSA) shares to get a seasonal harvest straight from the source.

Wondering if a CSA will work for you? Here’s what to think about:

Prepaying for months of farm-fresh goodies ensures our farmer neighbors have what they need to provide for their land, livestock, and whatever nature throws their way. And once you’re in, it’s magic: fewer grocery buying decisions, fewer impulse buys, and a steady stream of food you’ve already budgeted for.

 Split a share with friends, roommates, or neighbors. If you have more time than cash, consider workshare and volunteer programs like the ones with 

, and more. Or if you receive SNAP benefits, check out Just Harvest's 

 for matching dollars at local farmers markets.

For most CSAs, farmers choose what you get. You're trading control for peak-season, just-picked bites that'll make your cooking even better. And if you like being nudged out of your routine (or finally learning what to do with kohlrabi), unfamiliar flavors can be a really fun culinary challenge.

Western PA is covered in farmland, and there are tons of places to retrieve your CSAs, like farmers markets and coffee shops. Look for providers that deliver to spots you already frequent on days you'll actually be there. The best CSA is the one that fits into your real life, not your aspirational one.

CSA boxes can be generous. For a household of one or two, smaller or every-other-week shares usually hit the sweet spot, and you can often add on to your box week-to-week with additional produce, cheese, eggs, mushrooms, meat, soaps, flowers, syrups, herbal teas, and more. Find one that offers the right amount of the right kinds of food for you.

 for a taste of the CSA lifestyle without the season-long commitment.

If you travel a lot or have vacations coming up, plan ahead. Some shares let you skip weeks. For those that don't, line someone up to pick up your box and drop it off in your fridge. Or better yet, think of your CSA as a tool to help build community and share the wealth with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We're betting someone will happily take that box off your hands!

You’re helping farmers cover upfront costs and sharing in the risk and reward of a growing season. You may also get an email or handwritten letter that tells you about the family's new swing set or the antics of a mischievous goat. There's something grounding about it. So yes, the food is fresher, but the connection is sometimes what matters most.

 lets you select your items each week. A regular share comes with seven choices, and you'll 

 from the stand like you're shopping at a farmers market. Plus, their newsletters feature a vegetable of the week!

 has CSAs for produce, dairy, and meat, but you'll need to 

 if you want one. You can also buy at their store in Butler.

 offers fruits and vegetables. If you're a pickier eater, consider their "swap boxes," which let you 

 for others you like more. Tap into "Jane's Specials" for extra produce (sometimes a half bushel!), herbs, honey, and even fall decor.

specializes in homemade goat milk soaps, medicinal and foraged plants and herbs, pastured pork and poultry, and more. Find 

 at the Sewickley farmers market and through occasional CSAs.

 offers small and large options with up to a dozen varieties of vegetables each week, harvested within 24 hours of pickup. Make your table pop with 

, like petite or full bloom flower bouquets or a local bread from Driftwood Oven.

 at their farm in Natrona Heights. Get a half or whole share, plus a ton of sundry farm staples in their 

has three different share sizes and an abundance of add-ons (mushrooms! coffee! cheese!), 

 to opt out if you don’t like something or have an allergy. Pro-tip: Their gift cards come loaded with bonus money.

 is a great option if you're looking for a 

. They sell whole and half chicken shares, and you can also get your chicken broken down into cuts for an additional charge.

 grows hundreds of florals — peonies and ranunculus in the spring, cosmos and dahlias in the summer, and zinnias and mums in the fall. If you want a weekly bundle of blossoms, check out their 

 and pick up a new bouquet in Bloomfield.

Pittsburgh CSAs!

Don’t see your favorite? Let us know here!

Your Guide To Pittsburgh CSAs

How to Choose a Pittsburgh Farm Share

You can eat pie for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert at these 11 local bakeries.

If variety is what you’re looking for, order a butter-crusted beauty from 

. Pick from mixed berry oat crisp, bourbon pecan, apple brown butter crumb, and more. Keep an eye out for their large sheet pan pie trays at pop-up markets around town, or put in a special catering order.

Grab a coffee from Espresso a Mano (located inside the bakery) to enjoy with a slice of pie from 

. In addition to fresh European-style breads and pastries, the bakery offers hand-sized pies in flavors like apple, chocolate pecan, and blueberry.

The Pittsburgh Pie Guy (which is actually two people) has sweet and savory pies in a range of sizes: mini, medium, and large. Look forward to their table at 

 — you can almost always find Pittsburgh Pie Guy at the Bloomfield Saturday Market.

 in the Strip District this Saturday. Check it out for beer, pizza, pie, and … math?

While they’re known for their biscuit breakfast sandwiches with bacon jam, don’t skip 

 mini sweet and savory hand pies in flavors like cherry berry, apple, samosa, and broccoli cheddar.

 has it! Get a whole pie or just a slice in flavors such as coconut cream, walnut chocolate, or key lime.

The next time you’re shopping in the South Hill Village, swing by 

 for flavors like fruits of the forest or peanut butter chocolate. They also offer “take and bake” pies that you can freeze for up to a month until you’re ready to bake.

 has mini blueberry, apple, and cherry pies to mark the occasion, plus full-sized pecan, caramel apple, peach, and more.

 fresh fruits. Get a 6-, 8-, or 9-inch pie in flavors such as Dutch apple, French silk, lemon meringue, or apple berry rhubarb.

Did you know that the popular dinner and cocktail spot has a bakery called 

? Sit down at the cozy cafe for a cup of coffee and a slice (vinegar pie, anyone?), or order a 

You can’t talk about pie in Pittsburgh without reminiscing about a late-night treat at 

. Their famous strawberry pie recipe was created in 1954, and at the time, the restaurant was one of the first places in Pittsburgh to receive fresh strawberries by air freight, according to 

OK, so cobbler isn’t technically a pie. For one thing, the dough placement is flip flopped. But the flavors are the same, and that's good enough for us! From pear to peach apple, there’s something for everyone at 

Grab a slice of pie at these Pittsburgh bakeries on 3.14 Pi Day and beyond.

The Best Places To Eat Pie in Pittsburgh

Where To Get Pie for 3.14 Pi Day in Pittsburgh

After sitting empty on the North Side for nearly 20 years, the historic Garden Theater building is finally ready for a show.

, is bringing fresh eats and local goods to W. North Avenue — a street dotted with businesses, a popular busline, and a large urban green space.

“When it was a theater, it was a really important, thriving part of the community, and that just fits with the whole ethos that we have,” market owner Ann Gilligan says. “We want to be a part of a thriving, healthy community, and this just feels like it was meant to be.”

Mayfly previously operated out of a rowhouse on Arch Street, just a few blocks away. The shop is now double the size and carries everything you’d need in a pinch — pantry staples, produce, eggs, meat, dairy, bread, and snacks — plus deli offerings like sandwiches, soups, and salads.

The menu rotates seasonally, but you can always expect something fresh at the counter and grab-and-go meals in the fridge. (I’m a big fan of the curry chickpea sandwich.)

You can find lots of local goods in stock, too: Pittsburgh Pickle Company, Best Ever Granola, Goat Rodeo Cheese, and a freezer full of Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches.

If you can’t do dairy, don’t worry. Mayfly makes their own Gilligan’s Sorbet in-house. Choose from flavors like kiwi, mango lime, and blueberry lemon. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a stroll through nearby Allegheny Commons Park.

Look out for more action coming to the Garden Theater. Homestead’s Golden Age Beer is launching a new brewery concept in the other half of the space called “The Bohemian.” Gilligan says she’s excited to expand Mayfly’s menu to appeal to the happy hour crowd.

The effort to restore this early 20th century theater has been years in the making. TREK Development Group and Q Development led the project and also built 

“I have to give credit to them. They saw this and saw the potential and made it happen.” Gilligan says. “Just inviting everyone back into the building has been really special to watch.”

More New Openings!

The Garden Theater is back in action with Mayfly Market & Deli — and soon a brewery from Golden Age Beer.

Shop at Mayfly Market & Deli Inside the Renovated Garden Theater

Mayfly Market & Deli Brings New Life to North Side’s Historic Garden Theater

Pittsburgh is buzzing with new places to grab a fresh cup of joe — from themed cafes to a creative co-working space to a late-night spot for decaf and community.

Want coffee or tea past 4 p.m.? Or a cozy hangout space that isn’t a bar? 

 on Murray Avenue is your spot. Stop in for “espresso-fusion” drinks, fresh smoothies, and Mediterranean pastries from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Listen to tunes while you sip on a latte at 

, packed with shelves of vinyl for every music taste. Look out for special events like coffee tastings, jazz-only Sundays, and rotating food concepts. You won’t want to skip a 

 from their current kitchen concept, Mortadella.

With canoes suspended from the ceiling and walls decorated with wooden oars, 

 is on brand for the city of three rivers. The owner is an outdoorsman who roasts the coffee in-house. Try a pistachio latte, pear and sage matcha, and a treat from Nancy B’s Bakery.

If you’ve ever wanted to drink coffee with Jeff Goldblum, here’s your chance — there’s a giant mural of the Pittsburgh-born actor at this 

. Book a desk, set up your laptop, and sip on the Goldblum latte made with lavender and honey.

Need something quick on your Downtown commute? The Shaler cafe 

 in the former EQT Building on Liberty Avenue. There’s coffee and espresso drinks, fresh breakfast items, and grab-and-go bites.

, and everything on the menu feels like a treat. Stop in for specialty coffee flavors like tiramisu, Fluffernutter, and black forest cold brew.

. Come for the coffee, stay for the colorful local graffiti. On the walls, you’ll find the city skyline, a Fred Rogers quote about heroes, and Rosie the Riveter. The menu is broken up into categories: epic, legendary, and mythic. Order the vibe you want for the day!

Pittsburgh is buzzing with new places to grab a fresh cup of joe — from themed cafes to a creative co-working space to a late-night spot for decaf and community. 

The Best New Coffee Shops in Pittsburgh

7 New Coffee Shops To Try in Pittsburgh

Sophia Lo

Feb. 17 marks the Year of the Fire Horse 🐎 As we ride into this hopeful transition between winter and spring, we’re welcoming local food blogger Sophia, aka 

 to talk about her favorite Lunar New Year foods in Pittsburgh.

! Mark your calendar for Feb. 21-22 and 27-28 to shop from local vendors and grab tasty eats from multiple restaurant stalls.

Want to start your celebration a little earlier? 

 will be popping up at Novo Feb. 7. You can preorder nasi lemak, a coconut rice dish topped with anchovies and eggs, and cookies for pickup. Sophia recommends trying their cornflake clusters!

Start off with some fresh rolls with ground pork and shrimp, then warm up with a bowl of pho or bún bò Huế. Both 

 locations have plant-based options, but the main location in Squirrel Hill has an extensive vegan menu.

 is watching the chefs pull the noodles before you dive into your bowl. While noodles may be in the name, everything on the menu is delicious. Order soup dumplings, shao mai, and crispy buns to share with the whole table.

 serves up hot Sichuan beef noodles with and without soup. Even if you have a low spice tolerance, there’s something for everyone’s taste on both their traditional Chinese and American Chinese menus.

 offers sticky rice with pork and a few other dishes from their selection of dim sum. Can’t decide? The dim sum platter offers a sample of four different dumplings. Extra tasty tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, check out 

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with Pittsburgh’s best noodles, dumplings, and more traditional Lunar New Year eats.

The Best Lunar New Year Eats in Pittsburgh

Our Favorite Food for Lunar New Year in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is known for being gritty, unpretentious, and having a strong sense of community — kind of like a neighborhood dive bar!

City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris sat down with Aubrey Halliburton and Lisa Considine, owners of Lo Places Social Club and 

favorite places to drink when they're off the clock

In a past life, Lo Places Social Club was known as Take A Break Too, so it's no surprise that Aubrey and Lisa love 

. With motorcycle and Steelers memorabilia, wood paneling, and pool tables, this is the dive bar with the most yinzer spirit. And if you're lucky, there's going to be something delicious cooking in a Crock-Pot.

 wins the award for best bathroom…that just may raise your expectations. It's marble and well-lit, which is a stark contrast to the smoky velvet walls and tiny wall lamps by the bar. Sip your beverage of choice while playing Skee-Ball or picking tunes on the jukebox.

Usually it's best practice to skip anything "freshly squeezed" at a dive bar, but 

 keeps whole oranges and grapefruits behind the counter for their signature greyhound. The cocktails are strong, and you can order a juice with your preferred liquor or order off the menu. Come for the drinks, stay for the jukebox and great neighborly vibes.

Drinking for cheap is the expectation at any dive bar, but 

 has some affordable pours that are worth the trip. Aubrey says they make the best Bloody Mary in the city, and there are often specials on shots. She begrudgingly tried a cinnamon toast pudding shot that ended up being quite tasty. Plus, this bar's off East Carson Street, so you can avoid the bigger crowds.

Feeling chatty? If you're looking to make friends or get the best neighborhood gossip, 

 is the place. While the bar is known for its punk scene (and punk shows!), anyone and everyone is welcome.

 is the spot for seasoned dive bar enthusiasts. In fact, Lisa says that you really don't 

 to go. It's dark, grimy, and smoker-friendly. The interior seems like it hasn't been touched since the steel mills closed, and in true dive bar fashion, you'll find regulars there at 7 a.m. when it opens.

Where to go for cheap drinks and good vibes in Pittsburgh.

The Best Dive Bars in Pittsburgh

The Bartenders' Guide to Pittsburgh Dive Bars

Stay tuned as we update you on the newest places to grab a bite or bev in the Burgh 

 publishes dedicated food shows every Thursday. 

Nosh With Us! 🎧

The Strip District’s newest restaurant and nightlife lounge features a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and Asian cuisine. Get cozy in a plush velvet booth, sip on a themed cocktail, and vibe out to DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights.

The next time you’re seeing a show at this Lawrenceville venue, plan some extra time to grab pizza beforehand. With an entrance at the back of the house, it feels like a 

. Get a cocktail or nonalcoholic drink at the bar, slide into a cozy booth, and dig into a classic white pizza topped with caramelized onion.

The Franks transformed the former Bado’s on Beverly Avenue into a stylish restaurant and bar, serving their Brooklyn-famous pizza known for its naturally fermented crust. The pies feel fresh yet traditional, taking inspiration from both Neapolitan and NY styles. Go for the pizza, but don’t skip the small plates like arancini, greens and beans, and vodka rigatoni.

 his favorite is the Tomato Pie. “I love the simplicity,” he said. Castronovo loves the Partanna with red onions and calabrian chili. “It's the perfect amount of cheese, vegetables, and spice. It's a balanced bite.”

What's new to eat and drink in Pittsburgh?

Food & Drink

The Michelin Guide is Coming to Pittsburgh. How Does it Work?

5 Food and Drink Pop-Ups Worth Tracking Down in Pittsburgh

How to Choose a Pittsburgh Farm Share

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