Travel the globe, all without leaving Pittsburgh, by visiting these cultural cuisine restaurants. TABLE contributor Kate Oczypok covers everything from Middle Eastern cafés to British pubs and everything in between. See something that sounds intriguing? Try it out and let us know!

Cultural Cuisine at Pittsburgh’s Restaurants

Ali Baba

404 S. Craig Street, Oakland

Ali Baba has been around since 1972, when a Syrian grad student opened the doors to this Oakland restaurant. Going with a group of friends? There are options for gluten-free and vegan guests, like a tasty moussaka with layers of eggplant and tomatoes, or a create your own plate vegetarian trio. The vintage Modern interior is also a draw.

Christos

130 6th Street, Downtown

Downtown comfort food spot Christos is the brainchild of Christos Melacrinos, a Greek immigrant who began his career as a merchant marine cook for the Aristotle Onassis fleet. He worked as a server in Pittsburgh and in 1996, established Christos. Now, three generations work to make baba ghanouj, spanakopita, moussaka, and many, many more authentic favorites. If you’re Downtown at dinner time, consider the lamb shank with orzo. It’s delicious.

Khalil’s

4757 Baum Boulevard, North Oakland

Like Ali Baba, Khalil’s has also been open for over 50 years. Immigrants Mikhail and Agnes Khalil’s children now manage the restaurant their parents created in 1972, serving Syrian dishes like Mowzat, a lamb shank in a tomato sauce served with rice, kebabs, falafel, and a decadent baklava sundae to top off your meal. The ethic of hospitality is alive and well here, so prepare for a warm welcome and lots of TLC.

Max’s Allegheny Tavern

537 Suismon Street, Deutschtown

Pittsburgh has plenty of German ancestry, and Max’s Allegheny Tavern is in the city’s Deutschtown neighborhood. Don’t miss their “Great Schnitzels of Europe,” like the Schnitzel ala Holstein, a Viennese-style dish topped with a fried egg, capers, and anchovies, created by Bismark’s former foreign minister Count Holstein. You could also go with a more traditional Wiener schnitzel.

Paris 66 Bistro

6018 Centre Avenue, East Liberty

Travel to France without ever having to get on a plane by stepping into East Liberty’s Paris 66 Bistro. Try the cozy Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stew), or for lighter fare, Paris 66’s Steak Salade. The wine list is traditional, and so is the flavor and feeling of the food. Family owned, the restaurant supports local businesses and farms.

Piper’s Pub

1828 East Carson Street, South Side

If you are counting down the days (years?) until the new season of Ted Lasso, you’ll want to have a meal at this British restaurant, which gives vibes similar to the pub Ted frequents. Piper’s Shepherd’s pie is spectacular, and so is the noteworthy Toad In The Hole, which is sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding and served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Polska Laska

11 North Canal Street, Sharpsburg

Tucked away in Sharpsburg is Polska Laska, a cozy spot with mismatched décor reminiscent of your Polish grandmother’s house. They dish up pierogies (they even have a vegan option) and other traditional plates like a kielbasa sandwich with sauerkraut, onions, banana peppers, mustard, and a pickle. The kielbasa sandwich is, of course, served on Pittsburgh’s own Mancini’s bread.

Poulet Bleu

3517 Butler Street, Lawrenceville

This French-inspired bistro in Lawrenceville is a Francophile’s dream. Their menu is simple but sophisticated, like a roasted chicken served with sesame soubise, kale, sunchoke, and a thyme jus or Gnocchi Parisienne with mixed mushrooms and walnuts. Before your meal, treat yourself to a baguette with cultured butter and sea salt or some escargot. Do not miss the chocolate mousse.

Tana Ethiopian Cuisine

5929 Baum Boulevard, East Liberty

Nearly 30 years ago, Seifu Haileyesus left Ethiopia for Pittsburgh in pursuit of an education. In 2007, he founded Tana. His heritage and affinity for great food are the forces behind dishes like spicy Ye Sega Tibs, sautéed beef strips with onions, herbs, and spices. There are plenty of vegan options if that’s your thing. Come hungry: the food is delicious.

Story by Kate Oczypok
Styling by Keith Recker
Photography by Dave Bryce

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