Great Pittsburgh Restaurants to Try Downtown

Written by
Albrecht Powell
Albrecht is a lifelong Pittsburgh resident who has been writing about his hometown since 2000.
Tripsavvy's Editorial Guidelines
Albrecht Powell

Updated 06/26/19

Interior of Kaya, including the bar

Kaya

From fusion to American, downtown Pittsburgh boasts a wide array of culinary attractions to please even the most discriminating of palates. Check out these favorite downtown Pittsburgh restaurants for something new. The list stretches the traditional downtown borders a bit, but Pittsburgh is a tiny downtown anyway. All restaurants on this list are in downtown proper, or the nearby Strip District or Lawrenceville—less than five minutes from downtown by cab, if that.

01 of 05

Eleven

Address
1150 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 412-201-5656
Web Visit website

This upscale, innovative restaurant in the Strip District seems to end up on everyone's list of favorite Pittsburgh restaurants. It's the flagship restaurant of the big Burrito Restaurant Group, which manages several other popular Pittsburgh eateries (including Kaya, Casbah, Soba, and Umi). The food is amazing, the presentation is gorgeous, the ambiance is unpretentious, and the wine list is impressive. What else could you ask for?

02 of 05

Kaya

Address
2000 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 412-261-6565
Web Visit website

The big Burrito Restaurant Group shines again with this fun, fusion restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh's Strip District. If flavor is your top priority in a good restaurant, then Kaya is a good choice. It features plenty of spicy and flavorful menu items inspired by a mix of Latin American, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean cuisines. It's fusion at its best!

03 of 05

The Carlton

Address
500 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 412-391-4099

It's a Pittsburgh staple, but still a favorite. Family owned and operated, Carlton's atmosphere is upscale and formal with delicious food and one of the best wine lists in Pittsburgh.

04 of 05

Butcher and the Rye

Address
212 6th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3102, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 412-391-2752
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This two-story restaurant offers creative spins off rustic American dishes. It also features an ambitious cocktail menu. The restaurant's bar earned the first nomination of a Pittsburgh-area bar for the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Bar Program.

Continue to 5 of 5 below.
05 of 05

Spoon

Address
134 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
Get directions
Phone +1 412-362-6001
Web Visit website

Preparing modern American dishes with international influences, Spoon constantly updates their menu with high-end plates. A sample menu may include chicken with golden beet tahini and tabouli alongside a foie gras-topped burger. They also offer a wine list that's been honored multiple times with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

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Try These Popular Downtown Pittsburgh Restaurants