A bounty of restaurants that celebrate international cultures from around the globe helps make Pittsburgh a beautiful tapestry of communities, and a welcoming home for people from everywhere. With this assignment TABLE contributor Corinne Whiting was able to travel the globe without leaving the 412!
International Restaurants in Pittsburgh
40 North
40 West North Ave, North Side
Delight in sophisticated, Eastern European-inspired fare from James Beard Award-nominee Bethany Zozula, and unforgettable cocktails too. The intriguing Alphabet City space, also home to an indie bookstore and performance stage, is operated by City of Asylum, a nonprofit that houses exiled writers.
African Eats Cuisine
2032 Murray Ave, Squirrel Hill
Expand your palate with traditional Nigerian and West African meals such as fried plantain-and-pepper stir-fry, fried crunchy snails, shrimp spring rolls and isi-ewu, or spicy goat head.
APTEKA
4606 Penn Ave, Bloomfield
Steadfast fans flocked to this innovative vegan outpost long before its James Beard acclaim, thanks to understatedly cool vibes and consistently outstanding Central and Eastern European dishes, all with plant-based twists.
Elia Mediterranean Grill
400 Warrendale Village Dr, Warrendale
Enjoy generous portions of tasty fare in this former sports-bar-turned-elegant eatery in an unexpected locale. A cozy fireplace and (faux) central olive tree create a warm vibe, as do the welcoming first- and second-generation Greek owners.
Essence Café
1924 East Carson St, South Side
On the South Side, Chef Ojok Grichang melds vegan and African cuisine that sources directly from local farmers. Think spinach-filled samosas, harissa wraps, flavorful stews, and East African pilau with rice and chickpeas.
Jak’s Bakery
4310 Main St, Bloomfield
Pop into this small cafe next to Trace Brewing for “tradition with a twist.” This means handmade Bulgarian pasties both savory (beef kielbasa rolls and feta-butter-egg milinka) and sweet (try the walnut-layered pogacha).
Kaya
2000 Smallman St, Strip District
This cheery Strip District space serves up island eats that adapt culinary customs from the Caribbean Islands, South America, the Pacific and beyond. Eat the rainbow with vibrant poke bowls, chock-full salads and tropical paella.
Polska Laska
1100 North Canal St, Sharpsburg
When a popular Polish pop-up found its new permanent location in Sharpsburg, loyal pierogi patrons couldn’t have been happier. Think pierogi, kraut cakes, cabbage rolls, plus bagels and pastries from Farmer x Baker.
ShadoBeni
1534 Brighton Rd, North Side
In this bright cafe, stretch your palate with vegan Trinidadian food—from salads to curries—that’s a tasty mix of many cultures (and a reflection of the country’s complicated colonial past).
Tamarind
10 Saint Francis Way, Cranberry
Lauded by the local Indian community, this inviting Cranberry restaurant serves traditional cuisine, while keeping up with current trends. Don’t miss the chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo or Sunday lunch buffet.
Story by Corinne Whiting / Styling by Anna Franklin / Photography by Dave Bryce
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