Are you in search of authentic Latin restaurants in Pittsburgh, but looking for a full-on, sit-down, upscale dining experience? Guatemala-born friend of TABLE, Camila Alarcón, lays out a path for you to follow. While dining out is not her day job (she has one of those, and a big one, at Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety), she loves to hit the town with her husband and friends to explore all the delicious things life in the ‘Burgh has to offer. We’re so glad she’s willing to share her thoughts with TABLE readers.
The Best Latin Restaurants in Pittsburgh
Balvanera
1660 Smallman Street, Strip District
Start here with some small plates, like empanadas and mollejas, which are representative of Argentine cuisine with Spanish origins. These appetizers can be found in many households in Latin America. Move on to the asados, which represent Argentina’s rich tradition of grilling. In that department, their sausage selection is great, and I especially like the Morcilla (a kind of blood sausage) and the slender, deliciously flavorful Salchicha Parrillera. Complete the meal with an authentic cut of beef from Las Pampas Argentinas. Consider pairing all the above, but particularly the latter, with a Malbec from Balvanera’s wine list.
Gaucho
146 Sixth Street, Downtown
Staying in the southern hemisphere for a moment longer, Gaucho offers an array of dishes that remind me of my travels in Argentina. You can’t skip the Provoleta, a sizzling grilled cheese dish packed with herbaceous regional flavors. Chor y Pan is also a must. It’s found in many Latin countries as a late-night snack. Always ask for their chimichurri salsa, and pair everything with their amazing Torrontes wines from Salta.
Morcilla
6018 Penn Ave., East L3519 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Spanish cuisine was and still is a source of inspiration and tradition for Latin/Hispanic food. Spanish colonial history has shaped many dishes in Latin America, including chorizo. Morcilla’s Chorizo features the strong flavors of pimentón and dates. This savory/sweet juxtaposition is a nod to North African cuisine, an influence in Spain from medieval times to the present day. Oxtail, prevalent in Latin and Afro-Caribbean cuisines, is presented in Morcilla’s Montadito, one of my favorite bites. Pair it with a Monastrell from Jumilla and you will be transported to Spain.
Kaya
2000 Smallman Street, Strip District
This lively place features Caribbean and Latin food in the heart of the Strip District. For me, one of the menu highlights is their seafood section, including my favorites, Conch Fritters and Mahi Mahi Tacos. Also try the Red Pepian vegetables, served in a sauce that dates to pre-Hispanic Mayan times. You can also celebrate Afro-Caribbean food with a plate of their Jerk Chicken, which pairs beautifully with bubbly Cava.
Täkō
214 Sixth Street, Downtown
If you are looking for a different kind of taco, I really enjoy the melding of Spanish and Mexican influences on the menu at Täkō. This melding is evident in their octopus Tako Taco, which highlights Hispanic spices and flavors. If you want to go more traditional, stick with the Al Pastor or Carnitas options. Skip the wine list here in favor of a spicy pineapple margarita.
Esquina Cantina
3720 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Expand your taco knowledge at Round Corner. We are lucky to have its Oaxacan-inspired flavors in our list of Latin restaurants in Pittsburgh. Oaxaca is an area in the south of Mexico which, for historical reasons, has its own culinary traditions, and its cuisine is getting international recognition. Round Corner’s Beef Birria tacos taste incredibly authentic. From there, continue your feast with Pork Belly, Carnitas and Camarón tacos. Quench your thirst with a michelada, a Paloma, or their newest drink, Ojala.
Chicken Latino
2100 Broadway Avenue, Beechview
This Peruvian- and women-owned restaurant should be a must on your quest for Latin flavors. They specialize in Peruvian comfort food. A highlight for me is their Pollo a la Brasa (rotisserie chicken,) which is flavored with a traditional, centuries-old spice mix. This restaurant captures the diverse influences of Peruvian food from Europe, Africa, and the Indigenous peoples of the Andes. Make a trip to Beechview and take the time to explore the Latin groceries and restaurants that are influencing American restaurants throughout the city.
Story by Camila Alarcon
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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