Yes, we’re landlocked. We’re also problem-solving, get-it-done people, and many local restaurants have solved the logistical challenges of getting fantastic, fresh, and flavorful must-try seafood to the table. We love them for it!
Must-Try Seafood in Pittsburgh
Altius
1230 Grandview Ave, Mt. Washington
Co-owners Josephine di Francis and Executive Chef Jessica Bauer serve elevated cuisine from an elevated spot-on Mt. Washington. Reserve a table next to the windows overlooking Downtown. To start, order fresh oysters with preserved lemon mignonette. Follow up with Chilean seabass or salmon, or any of the seafood dishes on the menu. The exacting standards of this kitchen ensure that your entrée offers fresh, nuanced flavors, a variety of textures, and a gorgeous presentation.
Bar Ronin
948 West Erie Plaza Dr, Erie
Chef Dan Kerns devotes heart and soul to his work, citing the ancient samurai code of honor as a major influence. His commitment expresses itself in the excellent, seafood-forward Japanese and Japanese-inflected menu of this izakaya restaurant. Izakaya means “stay drink place” in Japanese, and you will indeed want to stay, drink, and eat, in this vivid and memorable place.
Bistro 19
711 Washington Rd, Mt. Lebanon
Chef Greg Fenton captains this accomplished kitchen, which serves crab cakes, a perennial favorite, as well as scallops, Black Tiger shrimp, several varieties of fish, and other fresh-from-the-ocean ingredients. This destination just to the south of the city deserves a visit… or two or three!
Casbah
229 South Highland Ave, Shadyside
A recent favorite, the Grilled Spanish Octopus appetizer, is spiced up with chorizo and served with an ajvar aioli. If you’ve never had ajvar, a traditional red bell pepper-based condiment from the Balkans, it’s delicious. There is always a selection of fish and seafood main dishes to choose from, and a diverse and interesting wine list with which to pair them.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
501 Grant St, Downtown
As its name indicates, this well-established restaurant is seafood-forward. The East and West Coast oyster selections never disappoint, but the Shellfish Tower is the showstopper. If you’re celebrating something special, start here with a classic martini, or any of the well-prepared cocktails on the menu. When it’s time to choose an entrée, listen to the advice of the skilled staff. Their kitchen insights will elevate the experience.
Hyeholde
1516 Coraopolis Heights Rd, Coraopolis
Owner-Chef Chris O’Brien leans into classic cuisine française with a pristine whole fish, lightly floured, perfectly sautéed in butter, and plated elegantly with just the right sides. The crisp, flavorful simplicity will make you feel as if you’ve wandered into an inn in the French countryside. The restaurant itself, housed in a century-old estate, will deepen that impression. You’ll find yourself lingering happily after the meal, sipping Calvados. C’est si bon.
Two seafood dishes from the Pittsburgh restaurant, Lilith.
Lilith
238 Spahr St, Shadyside
In creating a coastal cuisine restaurant, Lilith’s chef-owners Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano set out to explore their Puerto Rican and Sicilian backgrounds. Both traditions are rich in seafood dishes, and so is their menu. We recently tasted an out-of-this world ceviche that dazzled us with its use of coconut milk and green herb coulis. Because this team thrives in creativity, you will always find a welcome surprise or two on the menu.
Merchant Oyster Co.
4129 Butler St, Lawrenceville
The crowd-pleasing menu here contains hit after hit: Old Bay Peel-and-Eat Shrimp, three kinds of chowder, lobster rolls, and Crab Cake Sandwiches. Classic sides include cole slaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Open Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday for brunch.
Muddy Waters
130 South Highland Ave, East Liberty
There’s a whole lot of shuckin’, peelin’, and crackin’ going on at Cajun-inspired Muddy Waters. Laissez les bon temps roulez with a spicy bowl of gumbo, a cold glass of beer, and some hot live music (on Fridays). Treat yourself to brunch on Sundays. Don’t miss Grindstone oysters, harvested fresh from their very own oyster farm.
Off The Hook
908 Warrendale Village Dr, Warrendale
The menu at Off The Hook is as deep as the ocean itself. Choose your favorite fish and pair it with the scratch-made sauce of your choice, or reel in a carefully crafted entrée from their frequently updated menu. Not everyone in your party needs to love seafood: steaks and other meats are in abundance here, too. Special bonus: they’re open on Mondays.
Penn Ave Fish Company
2208 Penn Ave, Strip District
Keep it light with the fish of your choice atop a fresh salad or a well-seasoned entrée. Adventure across the Pacific with housemade sashimi, nigiri and rolls. Or dive into a white pizza prepared with rosemary and fresh scallops. The casual atmosphere will encourage you to stay a while and sample their broad and varied menu.
Wooden Angel
Sharon Rd and Leopard Lane, Beaver
After a day of antiquing or shopping in the northern townships, stop into Wooden Angel for Lobster Mac and Cheese, Shrimp Cocktail, and Crab Cake starters. Savor main courses of fresh scrod and salmon, or seafood-rich pastas and risottos. Or create your own surf-and-turf treat with a New York Strip steak cooked to your liking with a lobster tail on the side.
Story by TABLE Staff / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
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