Soooo long story short, I eat a lot of delicious food…and I want you guys to eat a lot of delicious food, too. For today’s post, I’ll be recapping 8 of the best things I ate in Pittsburgh this time ’round.
My parents still live in the area so I visit quite a bit. Suburban PA isn’t the most exciting place for good eats, but I make do. I’m always on the search for amazing restaurants so I’ll be blogging more about my travels moving forward. Who’s ready to talk noms? LFO.
1. Off The Hook’s Crab Cake
It’s a bit of a food desert in the PA burbs, but Off The Hook is a pretty solid choice if you’re in the area. I only go for lunch…and I only ever get 3 things, but those 3 things are pretty damn delicious.
So, here’s what you gotta get: their crab cake (love it with their house made remoulade), their French onion soup (SO good), and their classic New England lobster roll with fries. BOOM! I live in Maryland so I’m a stickler when it comes to crab, but they do a great job here. Highly recommend.
Actually, I lied. Get 4 things. Their triple chocolate latte dessert is insaaaaaanely good so it’s worth the splurge. It’s flourless chocolate cake made with bittersweet + milk chocolate, that’s then topped with a freshly whipped Chantilly cream. The epitome of decadence. Sweet, sweet perfection.
2. Dudt’s Bakery Almond Torte
No trip to Pittsburgh’s ever complete without stopping by Dudt’s. I’ve loved this bakery ever since I was a little girl, and their almond torte’s so good, I could cry. It’s my go to cake for any and every occasion.
And since it was my dad’s birthday, I got one for the fam to enjoy. Each bite is heavenly bliss – think fluffy goodness that almost makes me believe there’s a higher power at play. And only $15. Get all the cake.
3. Red Orchid’s Spicy Noodles Hut
People love noodle soup during the winter, but I love noodle soup all year ’round. It could be 100 degrees out, and I’d still slurp up every last bit of their Spicy Noodles Hut. Stop by to enjoy their uber-satisfying spicy lemongrass soup, made with steamed rice noodles, bean sprouts, mushrooms, onions, scallions, cilantro and a protein of your choice.
I always get chicken because that’s my personal preference, but I think you can also get shrimp, beef, pork or tofu? I also ask for 10/10 spice because I’m a psycho, but to each their own. Go and experience their deliciousness for yourself firsthand.
4. Jimmy Wan’s Longhorn Pepper Flank Steak
As mentioned previously, the PA burbs are a bit of a food desert. With that said, Jimmy Wan’s is definitely a go-to of mine, and my favorite dish there is their longhorn pepper flank steak…or pork with firm tofu. It’s literally the same dish, just with different names and proteins, lol. Both are made with firm tofu, longhorn peppers, bamboo, scallions, and chili pepper. Spicy, filling and super satisfying.
5. Lola’s Eatery Bagel Sammies
I’m such a huge fan of this small mom-and-pop shop. They’re not offering dine-in at the moment, but you can get their food via takeout Thursday-Friday 8AM-1PM and Saturday-Sunday 9AM-1PM. Their menu’s small but mighty, and they have specials often so make sure you follow them on instagram to stay in the know.
The bagels here are nomtastic. They offer 5 different flavors (everythingl hot chili, plain, rosemary and jalapeño cheddar), and you’re bound to love ’em all. I recommend “The Hangover-Cure,” a house made bagel with American cheese, fried or scrambled egg, sausage, bacon or turkey bacon, and sriracha aioli, plain or garlic and herb cream cheese.
Add on hashbrowns or homefries for a small upcharge, and level up your bagel with everything from pickled red onion to avocado. PS. If they have donuts, get some donuts.
6. Piccolo Forno’s Pizza
I’m a sucker for ‘za so when Justin Severino recommended I check this place out, I immediately added it to my PA list. I got to try a handful of different dishes here, but the star of the show (at least for me), was their pizza.
I got their Piccante (crushed tomatoes, fresh mozz, fontina, spicy peppers, hot sausage, kalamata olives) this time ’round, but I’ll definitely be back for more. It was a tough decision between the different combos, but I’ll be getting their prosciutto, funghi and rucola next.
7. DiAnoia’s Eatery Pasta
DiAnoia’s can do no wrong in my book. They have some of the most amazing pasta in the city, and their pizza’s delicious as well. You can’t go wrong with any of their noodz so get whatever your heart desires. I personally LOVE their cacio e pepe, but their gnocchi sorrentina bread bowl’s a close second. PS. don’t sleep on their pastries. You’re welcome.
8. Morcilla EVERYTHING
Man, Morcilla was insane. In fact, so insane, that I need to feature them in a separate post. This was easily THE BEST dining experience I’ve had in the ‘Burgh thus far. I’ll be highlighting them within the next week or so keep an eye out. In the meantime, just go ahead and book a table here because anything and everything you get will be straight fire. I promise.
How many of y’all have been to Pittsburgh? I feel like it’s super underrated. It reminds me a lot of Baltimore in terms of vibe! I’m going to try and most more PA content because I never really explored the area growing up. The F&B scene’s pretty damn good though so I’m excited to share more with y’all. For more on food, click here!
