There is a specific kind of confidence that’s birthed when you grow up eating “the best Italian food” made by “the greatest family” in the entire world. (Don’t judge: you probably say the same about the meals shared around your childhood family table.) This is why skepticism simmers within me like a pot of Nonna’s Sunday sauce when it comes to recommending an Italian restaurant: it feels a little like betrayal. Please don’t tell a single member of my family that I am recommending these Italian restaurants as great opportunities to explore foodways outside the home. Nota bene: Every place on the list serves their own house-made handmade pasta.
Classic Pasta, Pizza, and More: Where to Get Your Italian Food in Pittsburgh
Dish Osteria and Bar
128 S. 17th Street, South Side
When people ask me what I think is the best restaurant in the Pittsburgh area, Dish rolls right off my tongue. I love the atmosphere of this unassuming gem tucked in the heart of the South Side, not to mention the thoughtful approach to every dish. I’ve never had a meal there that I haven’t enjoyed immensely. My recommendation? Close your eyes and drop a finger down onto the menu. Order that! You will not be disappointed!
Cork and Crust
5130 Bigelow Boulevard, Oakland
A newcomer to my list is Cork and Crust with renowned chef Kristin Butterworth at the helm. Though you’ll hear many reasons to flock to this newly-opened restaurant on the first floor of the Oaklander Hotel for the pizza, I have found the Chicken alla Milanese to be the draw. A perfectly hammered, lightly breaded breast of chicken from Footprints Farm sits on a plate of cracked black pepper cream, topped with arugula and tomato. Do not miss the lemon tiramisu for dessert.
Pino’s Contemporary Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar
6738 Reynolds Street, Point Breeze
The first time I ate at Pino’s, many years ago, the atmosphere reminded me of some of the little restaurants I visited on the Upper East Side of NYC while taking weekend trips with my sisters. Before I even filled my belly, my heart was full. My typical order at Pino’s starts with the crispy fried roman artichokes served with lemon aioli and an order of fried calamari. When it comes to the main dish, one of my favorites is the bolognese served with paccheri. Pino, the chef, is truly Italian, and so are his flavors.
Alta Via
46 Fox Chapel Road, Fox Chapel
Fresh, handmade pastas are the center of attention at Alta Via. There’s a pasta shape for everyone and gluten-free options for those with alternative diets. While I am pretty sure I have tasted every pasta dish on the menu (perhaps some stolen from the plates of dinner companions), the one I order with regularity is the beef short rib pappardelle. The rich ragu over fresh pasta is as comforting as a warm hug from Nonna.
Alla Famiglia
804 E. Warrington Avenue, Allentown
Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, you’ll find several classics on Alla Famiglia’s menu, but for me, there’s only one choice when it comes to this Pittsburgh treasure: the vodka sauce. With so many incredible offerings, you might wonder, “Why such a modest choice?” Since I have found none who do it better in the city, it’s cavatappi alla vodka all the way, every time.
Bar Marco
2216 Penn Avenue, Strip District
For over a decade, this popular spot with a charming vibe in the Strip District has been a favorite. They focus on the use of seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors. They also offer incredible craft cocktails…but don’t expect to see a cocktail menu. Just tell your server your spirit of choice and the flavor profile you prefer, and they’ll create a cocktail just for you. A standout dish is the rich and earthy tagliatelle “Fun-Gal.” One bite draws you into the next with this deeply savory dish prepared with house-made pasta, tossed with locally grown mushrooms, shallot, and sage butter.
Fish Nor Fowl
5523 Penn Avenue, Garfield
This chic, modern restaurant may not be traditionally Italian, but the pasta dishes are delightful, nonetheless. Before ordering your main course, don’t pass on the opportunity to graze on the buckwheat focaccia. But be careful, you may find yourself in carb overload before you’ve had a chance to twirl the first bite of pasta onto your fork. I’m going with a Roman classic here, the bucatini all’amatriciana. I’m a sucker for the texture of a thick, hollow bucatini noodle smothered in a savory, spicy sauce of guanciale and tomatoes with a heavy snowfall of pecorino.
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
1411 Grandview Avenue
Although MBFG is not an Italian restaurant, it is a great choice for fresh seafood dishes. If you’re longing for some coastal Italian cuisine, this just might fit the bill. Truthfully, I dream of enjoying a plate of grigliata mista di pesce overlooking the Ligurian Sea from the town of Monterosso al Mare. But magnificent view of the city from atop Grandview Avenue on Mt. Washington is a sight to behold while enjoying classically prepared broiled shrimp, scallops, flounder, and petite lobster tails.
Story by Star Laliberte
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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