Though city life has its benefits, Mt. Lebanon proves that a small town can punch far above its weight for restaurants, bars, and cafés. A township of just 34,000 people is home to some of the most diverse restaurants in the city, with Uzbek, Lebanese, and Greek fare easily available. The town locals call “Mt. Lebo” is a cute, quaint oasis in the hills, arguably the center of suburban life in the South Hills. Make it the start of a night out, heading later towards the Hilltop or the South Side, or take it slow with a brunch or a happy hour to see what Mt. Lebanon has to offer.
Indulge in a Night Out in Picturesque Mt. Lebanon
Restaurants
Piyola
663 Washington Rd
From the chef behind Chaykhana in the West End, this Uzbek restaurant has a friendly-yet-upscale atmosphere. The word “piyola” means teacup in Uzbek, so ceramics line the wall in the gently lit space where you can enjoy samsa, plov, and other Uzbek classics. If you’re new to Uzbek food, Piyola is a great place to start—but you can also explore so many other Uzbek restaurants in Pittsburgh.
Bistro 19
711 Washington Rd
A Mt. Lebo favorite, Bistro 19 uses all local produce to craft a refreshing and decadent New American menu. They prove that New American style cuisine doesn’t have to be run-of-the-mill, that in fact the key to it is to continually evolve and let the ingredients express themselves fully. The steak and the Bay of Fundy salmon are two continual staples on Bistro’s menu to try out. The cocktail menu is also a treasure trove.
Aladdin’s
630 Washington Rd
Ever wondered how Mt. Lebanon got to be named after a mountain range on the other side of the earth? (The original Mt. Lebanon is in northern Lebanon). One Rev. Joseph Clokey brought back two Lebanese cedars and planted them in front of his house on Bower Hill Rd. That was a bit bold, because the only place where those cedars natively grow is the Lebanese mountain range. So, get a taste of the real Lebanon at Aladdin’s, where you can try Lebanese tabbouleh, fattoush, and baklava for dessert with a glass of Lebanese wines.
Il Pizzaiolo
703 Washington Rd
Pizza aficionados swear by Il Pizzaiolo, but beyond that, their pasta dishes, meat mains, and arancini are equally delicious. They use San Marzano D.O.P. Tomatoes and Mozzarella di Bufala straight from Italy, and make fresh mozzarella in house, too. It’s romantic and lowkey for a date night spot, or grab brunch there with an Aperol spritz and a slice for your Euro summer.
Coffeeshops & Bakeries
Mediterra
292 Beverly Rd
Ordinarily, a night out guide doesn’t include coffeeshops and bakeries, but Mt. Lebo gets an exception because its cafés are just so good. Everyone in Pittsburgh who has good taste knows Mediterra. It’s rare that anywhere (in America anyways) has great coffee, cocktails, baked goods, and standard meal fare. Mediterra has it all. Get yourself over there now.
Anthos Bakery & Café
3803 Willow Avenue
It’s surprisingly hard to find good Greek food in Pittsburgh. Anthos Bakery makes fresh, authentic Greek staples like with imported Greek ingredients. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Greek olive oil, this is the place to get it. The whipped Greek coffee is also delightful.
Panaderia Jazmin
300 Beverly Rd
Anyone who grew up in a predominantly Latin neighborhood can identify the smell of conchas from a mile away. The colorful Mexican sweet bread is the perfect treat. Panaderia Jazmin has conchas and more, including marranitos (gingerbread-like cookies shaped like pigs), orejas (ear-like pastries), and abanicos (puff pastry). Panaderia Jazmin is Pittsburgh’s first Mexican bakery, but we hope to see many more!
Orbis Caffé
675 Washington Rd
Like Mediterra, Orbis Caffé does it all. Where else can you get a Port-au-Prince Daiquiri or Rose Bergamot Negroni, a perfectly roasted espresso, and a plate of smoked mussels? (Perhaps not all in one meal). Orbis also has a great cheese board. From Thursday to Saturday, they’re open until 9, one of the few cafés to serve a later crowd.
Needle & Bean
320 Castle Shannon Blvd
For both coffee and music lovers, Needle & Bean is the place to be. Their menu is no-frills but high quality, and their record selection is top notch. Owner Michael Butala has been an avid record collector for 20 years, and decided to bring his passion to the public with Needle & Bean. Their coffee is all organic and fair trade, sourced from Onyx Coffee Lab from Arkansas and Just Coffee Cooperative from Wisconsin.
Drink
Luma
186 Castle Shannon Blvd
Whether you’re out for brunch or a late-night bite, Luma is one of the best in the South Hills for a hearty meal and a bottle of wine. Fan favorites include the bacon brussels sprouts, the veal marsala, and the filet mignon. Or, sip on a pear martini or a glass of Barossa Valley Shiraz to get a buzz in their bucolic outdoor seating deck.
East End Brewing Company
651 Washington Rd
Missing the East End as a transplant? Larimer’s East End Brewing Company crossed the Mon and created an outpost on Washington Road. They have a brew for every mood—and for many Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Try Regent Square or Greenfield in a glass and see what you taste!
Mullett’s
297 Beverly Rd
The brother and sister team behind Mullett’s have made it one of Mt. Lebo’s hippest cocktail bars, hitting the often-missed pleasant middle of the road between ultra-luxe $20 drinks and a shot-and-a-beer a sports bar. Mullett’s also has an entirely gluten free kitchen, making it an accessible option for a night out with a celiac friend! Respecting food sensitivities is always a plus for any bar or restaurant, and Mullett’s exemplifies the hospitality that Mt. Lebanon does best.
Take a look at the rest of our neighborhood night out series:
- A Night Out in Sharpsburg, A Gem Just Outside of Pittsburgh
- A Night Out in Lawrenceville Is Never Boring
- Downtown Pittsburgh’s Best Bars and Restaurants for Happy Hour and Beyond
- Saturday Night on the Hilltop
- A Night Out on the South Side Beyond the Dive Bars
- A Night Out on the North Side, Not Just Stadium Food
- A Night Out on the East End, Part One (Bloomfield, Garfield, Highland Park)
- A Night Out on the East End, Part Two (Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, East Liberty)
- Plan A Night Out in Wilkinsburg, Edgewood, Swissvale, & Regent Square
- Find the Unexpected on a Night Out in Sewickley, Emsworth, and Bellevue
- A Night Out in Oakland, The Heart of Pittsburgh
Story by Emma Riva
Cover photo courtesy of Anthos Café
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