When I hear Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, I think about reaching out to my friends, combing through the menus together, getting dressed up, and making a night—or two!—out of the experience. It reminds me of the movies I watched growing up, with the main It Girl character living in New York City. She’s wearing heels, skipping across town, and enjoying martinis and exclusive menus. 

Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week runs August 10th through the 16th this year, with some locations having an early-access period. From menus that are splurges to items that are exclusive to the week, here are just a few of the standouts for me.

Where I’m Eating During Pittsburgh Restaurant Week 

The One I’ve Been Meaning to Try 

Khalil’s

4757 Baum Blvd, Bloomfield 

Restaurant Week menu: $35.26 dinner

Khalil’s tops my Restaurant Week must-visit list. Their dinner menu for the occasion offers both a meat and a vegetable option, giving diners a taste of what their regular menu is known for. They have a specialty cocktail that sounds intriguing, and it takes a lot for me to be as deeply intrigued by a cocktail as I am by the food: Flirting Camel Cocktail, made with camel milk from Dubai and Iraqi date syrup.

The Newcomer I’m Most Excited About 

Teocalli

1831 East Carson Street, South Side 

Restaurant Week menu: $22.26 lunch or dinner 

While quite a few new restaurants are emerging this year, Teocalli is one I’ve had on my list to try. As a South Side resident and Mexican-food enthusiast, I’ve heard nothing but great things about them.

Their Restaurant Week menu offers a lot of room for customization, where you can try a bit of everything. For me, it would be hard to pick between guacamole and queso. Plus, with the option to stop in for lunch or dinner, it’s ideal for a mid-work lunch break. 

The Dish I Can’t Stop Thinking About

Meat & Potatoes

649 Penn Ave, Downtown 

Restaurant Week menu: $20.26 featured dish

Fun fact: Meat & Potatoes was the first restaurant I ever ate at when I visited Pittsburgh in 2013. Since then, they’ve been the spot I’ve celebrated graduation, birthdays, and even date nights. They have my favorite steak frites in the city, along with one of the best Lemon Drop martinis. It’s my go-to for an ideal solo night out. 

I can’t stop thinking about their special for Restaurant Week: Wagyu Smash Burger. My nickname growing up was meat and potatoes, so this has my name written all over it. 

The One Worth the Splurge

Sushi Tomo

South Side or North Hills

Restaurant Week menu: $55.26 dinner 

Not only am I very, very impressed by the menu selection, I’m also impressed by the value. From the Tokyo Carbonara to the option to choose omakase as your main, this menu is worth the splurge. And the dessert options? I’m ready to devour this right now.

The Most Creative Menu

Cafe Momentum

268 Forbes Avenue, Downtown 

Restaurant Week menu: $20.26 lunch, $42.26 dinner 

Cafe Momentum may be one of the most talked-about spots in my circle. While their burger stands out to me on their lunch menu, I’m also impressed by the main options for dinner: the Smoked Fried Chicken, served with black pepper gravy, and the Elote Ravioli, topped with Tajín for a touch of spice. 

The Comfort Food I’m Craving

Garbarino’s

5925 Baum Boulevard, East Liberty 

Restaurant Week menu: $39.26 dinner 

As an Italian-food enthusiast since before I could talk, there’s something about a great Italian restaurant I just can’t pass up. After all, my ideal way to reshape pasta leftovers is to make it for breakfast with an egg on top. 

I have my eye on Garbarino’s because this is somewhere I haven’t been to in a while during my Italian eats escapades. And their Restaurant Week menu is nothing short of impressive. They had me at the Beans and Greens, although there are endless options for each course. 

Looking for recommendations from Pittsburgh food influences? See what other influencers will be ordering up during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week.

Story and Photos by Jess Iacullo (Hungry Jess)

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