When I moved to Pittsburgh, someone warned me “Pennsylvania is one giant construction zone.” This summer, the warning certainly seems justified, often to the chagrin of businesses all over the city. 2025 is a particularly intense construction summer because of the upcoming NFL draft in 2026: the city wants things to be in tip-top shape, with a special focus on Downtown. One of the construction initiatives is the Market Square Modernization project, which began in April. Though the results of the $1.5 million renovation, on track to finish by April 2026, will be positive when it’s finished, surrounding businesses are suffering right now because of the noise, air pollution, lack of street parking, and decreased foot traffic.
This means it’s time to give Market Square restaurants some extra love.
Keep in mind, first of all, that Market Square has its own valet parking service, so for only $10 per vehicle you don’t have to worry about street parking. Second, consider this list of Market Square mainstays and plan an evening visit, after construction hours.
Market Square Restaurants to Support During Construction
Alta Via
PPG Place 2, #150
This modern Italian restaurant from Big Burrito (also the parent company of Kaya, Soba, Casbah, and Eleven) has another location in Fox Chapel, but valet parking Downtown beats sitting in traffic on Rte. 28. Alta Via’s Market Square happy hour from 4PM-6PM means $9 cocktails and wine specials, perfect for 9-5’ers in nearby PPG Place or other downtown businesses. Plus, their pasta is always handmade, so you know it’s legit.
The Original Oyster House
20 Market Square
Even in the event of a nuclear apocalypse, Oyster House would still probably serve their traditional fish sandwich. It’s one of Pittsburgh’s very oldest restaurants, at 154 years old. “We still get a lot of people because we’re a known place, but [construction] does affect the foot traffic,” a front of house staffer at Oyster House told TABLE. It’s a classic Pittsburgh experience, no frills and delicious even occluded a bit by construction.
fl.2
510 Market Street
Though fl.2 isn’t directly inside of the square, it still misses out on foot traffic when there’s an overall decrease. We love fl.2 for their luxurious small plates and excellent bar service. All you have to do is go up to the second floor of the Fairmont, and you have a little oasis from the hustle and bustle of the street. The Fairmont is also a great choice if you have someone visiting from out of town (or when you have someone visiting for that storied 2026 NFL draft).
Vallozzi’s
220 Fifth Avenue
Each of the Italian restaurants in Market Square has something a little different to offer, including Vallozzi’s on the stretch of Fifth Avenue just outside of the square. Vallozzi’s is a fine dining destination that’s both classic and homey. While Helen Vallozzi’s first restaurant was in Latrobe, the family’s downtown location has been open since 2012. It’s the perfect combination of lowkey and lively, with delicious pasta and a diverse Italian wine list.
City Works
2 PPG Place
cOne of downtown Pittsburgh’s best offerings is the plethora of happy hours at local restaurants. City Works is one of the best, especially for those working in the PPG Place building. All you have to do is go down to the ground floor! Though City Works is an outpost of a national chain, it still has local flavor through themed brews and events like live watch parties for the Penguins draft. They also have a surprisingly detailed NA program if you’re looking to order a mocktail.
Primanti’s
2 Market Square
The Market Square Primanti’s is physically closest to the original Primanti’s location in the Strip, founded in 1933. While it’s hard to recapture the nostalgia of Primanti’s over the years, this location is a lot of fun for people-watching. Even with construction around it, it has a slightly cozier feel than some of the other locations. Grab your sandwich with fries on it and affirm your status as a true Pittsburgher!
Whiskey B’s
5 Market Square
This unassuming burger joint is known for its stellar service—a quick look at the Google Reviews will show you how much customers appreciate the care and attention they get there. You can get Pittsburgh classics like pierogis and the sandwich with fries, but they also do a great brunch. The bar menu specializes in whiskies, but you can also get bottomless mimosa if you’re passing through downtown on the weekend.
The Aperitivo Club
435 Market Street
The Aperitivo Club is an under the radar spot just on the outskirts of Market Square. Think of it as a slightly more authentic Spritzery, with a curated selection of Italian wines and spirits. It’s a chill, mood-lit nook in the chaos of downtown that’s ideal for pre-meal cocktails with friends before heading to a bigger meal at one of the nearby restaurants, construction or not.
Café Momentum
268 Forbes Avenue
The James Beard Awards accoladed Café Momentum founder Chad Houser with the “Humanitarian of the Year” Award in 2025 for his restaurant’s commitment to social change through food. Though it started in Dallas, Café Momentum brought its mission of employing justice-involved youth to Pittsburgh in 2023. Don’t let downtown construction keep you from enjoying good food for a good cause!
Pizzaiolo Primo
8 Market Square
The original Pizzaiolo Primo in Mt. Lebanon requires braving the Liberty tunnel and the South Hills traffic. Why bother with all of that when you can come to the Market Square location and get the same high-quality pizza you know and love, while supporting a business that needs the extra push? “The construction hasn’t been as bad as we thought it would be. We have a good lunch rush,” a server at Pizzaiolo Primo told TABLE. “But what will be really tough is not having the Christmas market in the winter.” Whatever the season, now is a great time to grab a pizza and a glass of wine while supporting the restaurants you know and love.
Story by Emma Riva
Cover image of projected Market Square seating courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.
