Good Eats: Best of the best

Don’t just eat. Eat well. Just like the city itself, Pittsburgh’s restaurants are a glorious combination of new flavor enhancers and old local stops that are exciting our taste buds. From trusty stuffed sandwiches and pierogies to chicken and waffles or wood-fired pizza, here is a list of my all-time favorite places to dine in the burgh.

Butcher and the Rye
Butcher and the Rye

Butcher and the Rye. The second you walk in, you are enticed to think on a grand scale at Butcher and the Rye. The downstairs bar is built around a towering wall of whiskey among the deepest lists in the country with more than 600 American and international selections. The multilevel, whimsical dining room brings in the masses. Make sure to try the scallops with blue-crab risotto.

Meat & Potatoes
Meat & Potatoes

Meat & Potatoes. This is definitely best of the best and did I mention the Mac & Cheese? To die for! Pittsburgh sports stars and visiting celebrities agree that Meat & Potatoes is the place to be for a big night out. Hunky cuts of beer are first on the agenda. If you’re a weekday reveler, the Monday Nightcap is just for you!

Nicky-s-Thai-Kitchen
Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen. Two in-town locations to satisfy the cravings for freshly prepared Thai food are available at Nicky’s. The Western Avenue spot, set in a house, is perfect for a cozy vibe. For lunchtime or pre-theatre dining check out my favorite location in the Cultural District on Penn Ave. It is the perfect spot for pad Thai and spicy curry.

Poros
Poros

Poros. The Big Y Restaurant Group specialized in creating one of a kind culinary experiences in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. From their signature restaurant Sonoma Grille to the French Quarter revelry at NOLA, they never disappoint. The latest venture, based on the coastline of Greece, is located in Market Square. Poros is Mediterranean focused with prominent seafood, lamb from local farms, ouzo, and Greek herbs.

Sesame Inn
Sesame Inn

Sesame Inn. Best of the best! A longtime favorite of mine for the best Chinese in all of Pittsburgh. Sesame Inn is a great spot for family gatherings with a comfortable atmosphere and multiple choices for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. They offer an extensive menu of traditional Chinese cuisine, as well as Thai dishes and sushi.

Stagioni
Stagioni

Stagioni. Being Italian, I am very pick when it comes to the Italian cuisine, but I must say that Stagioni definitely has the stamp of approval even from my nonna! Enjoy perfectly prepared, straightforward cuisine in the South Side dining room. It feels like you’ve left the burgh and have traveled back to the motherland.

Tako
Tako

Tako. With a bold and funky design, cutting-edge cocktails and modern spins on familiar dishes, tako has definitely become best of the best. If you are looking for good eats, take a whirl at this street food inspired destination. Don’t forget to create your own customized guacamole.