While this is traditionally a slow time for restaurants, it’s the perfect time to snag a reservation or walk-in at some of the hottest spots in the city.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, February is a tough month for the hospitality industry: between financial imbalances in the new year and people not wanting to leave their house thanks to the brutal Pittsburgh weather. While I would never tell you what to do, there is a slight silver lining to this slowdown…
That restaurant you’ve had bookmarked on Insta, but haven’t been able to get a reservation for? Now is the time to make it happen. Bonus points for cozy lighting that makes you feel relaxed, as if you hadn’t even left your own house.
You’ll also get bonus points from me for supporting local, small businesses! A morning coffee or takeout meal can really help our local businesses now more than ever.
Hungry Jess Shares What’s Hot on Pittsburgh Restaurant Menus This February 2026
Fet-Fisk
4786 Liberty Ave, Bloomfield
Insider Tips: Check reservations day of, don’t forget they’re open Mondays, and sit at the bar.
Chances are, you’ve heard of Fet Fisk, and for good reason. Not only have they made national news since opening, but they have also continued honor their deep roots while innovating on their own terms. Don’t sleep on their version of the chicken wing, which is not only delightfully crispy but also topped with caviar… and only available on Mondays. Now is the time to stop in for an impromptu seat at the bar, and don’t be afraid of a later-evening excursion.
Dish Osteria
128 S 17th St, South Side
Insider Tips: Turn on Resy alerts for day-of cancellations and walk-in for bar seats if you’re able.
I’ve been asked a lot recently what my favorite Italian restaurant in the city is. Every time, Dish is my answer. They check every box for me. The perfect dim lighting, an old-school yet exciting energy, and a wine and cocktail program that has stood the test of time. January is the ideal time to get into Dish, whether with friends, on a date night, or with the fam. Honestly, I fully support a solo moment at the bar; while the rigatoni has been my go-to for years, I have a new favorite dish: the Gnocchi with hearty, Elysian Fields lamb shoulder ragù. Salute!
The Vandal
4306 Butler St, Lawrenceville
Insider Tips: Their burger night is on Thursdays, don’t be scared to book a bar reservation, and split everything!
I am one of the biggest fans of The Vandal, and I genuinely have been ever since I moved back to Pittsburgh almost eight years ago. Watching their evolution and growth has been remarkable, from their brunch days to our Galentine’s Day spaghetti dinner right before the pandemic hit… never forget! These days, I love nothing more than texting a girlfriend, ordering a round of cocktails (to start), and splitting an array of dishes. On the most recent visit, I couldn’t get enough of the bread service with the marinated nardello peppers add-on (I am begging them to please jar these! I will buy them all). Oh, and their Thursday burger? I need a moment alone with it… it’s that good.
Jillian’s Restaurant
400 Freeport St, New Kensington
Insider Tips: CALL ahead! Even for bar seats. Check their weekly menu posting on Instagram as it rotates.
Oh, how I wish I lived closer to Jillian’s… while great for my wallet, I dream of every dish I’ve ever had here often. With a chalkboard menu, excellent cocktail program (their pickle martini with housemade pickle brine? Yes, I order that filthy!), and a genuinely kind staff, it’s impossible not to keep coming back. While they have their burger night every Wednesday, I can’t recommend their other dishes enough, from the chips and dip to baked oysters.
Umami
202 38th St, Lawrenceville
Insider Tips: Happy hour is every day, and the happy hour miso salmon is not to miss! Don’t be scared of a late-evening reservation.
Full disclosure: Umami is a client of mine, but I was a long-time lover of this sexy sushi spot before I took over their socials years ago. It’s truly an underrated oasis in the city that has it all: moody red lights, an open kitchen, happy hour every day, aaaand weekend specialties. Literally something for everyone. Not only do they get fresh uni and specialty tuna cuts every Thursday through Saturday, but they also have DJs on those same nights. While I dance in my seat with every bite of nigiri, the DJs always enhance those vibes. While weekends are a hot time for them, don’t miss out on after 9 p.m. reservations; they serve food until after 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sit back, vibe out, and sip on some sake. You deserve it.
What’s currently on your own hot list? Send me a note to jess@hungryjessbigcity.com!
Curious about other Pittsburgh food trends and scrumptious restaurants? Check out our article about how Multicultural Cuisine Shapes the Restaurant Industry of Pittsburgh in 2026.
Story and Photo by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)
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