Burgers$$north-side
Burgatory on the North Shore serves build-your-own burgers and spiked milkshakes in Pittsburgh. A homegrown chain near the stadiums and rivers.
Signature: Build-your-own burger, Spiked milkshakes
Order: A build-your-own burger and a hard milkshake.
Tip: Handy near the North Shore stadiums. The spiked shakes are the gimmick worth trying.
British$$south-side
The Pub Chip Shop on East Carson Street in the South Side serves British fish and chips and savoury pies in Pittsburgh. A pub kitchen on the bar strip.
Signature: Fish and chips, Savoury pies
Order: Fish and chips wrapped in paper, or a savoury meat pie.
Tip: Deep-fried British comfort on the South Side. Good ballast before a night out.
Pizza$bloomfield
Spak Brothers on Penn Avenue in Garfield serves pizza and hoagies with deep vegan options in Pittsburgh. A neighbourhood counter loved by plant-based eaters.
Signature: Vegan pizza, Hoagies
Order: A vegan pizza or a seitan hoagie; the meat versions are good too.
Tip: One of the city's best for vegan pizza and subs. Quick counter and delivery.
Laotian Thai$$squirrel-hill
Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery in Squirrel Hill serves Laotian and Thai cooking in Pittsburgh. Larb, sticky rice and northern curries in a small room.
Signature: Laotian larb, Khao soi
Order: Laotian larb with sticky rice, and a bowl of khao soi.
Tip: Ask for the Laotian dishes, not just the Thai standards. Small room; reserve weekends.
Sandwiches$$strip-district
Primanti Bros on 18th Street is the 1933 Strip District original in Pittsburgh. The sandwich with fries and vinegar slaw stacked inside the Italian bread.
Signature: Almost Famous sandwich, Capicola and cheese
Order: An Almost Famous sandwich with grilled meat, slaw and fries packed inside the bread.
Tip: This is the original location, open since 1933 and late into the night on weekends.
Tuscan Italian$$lawrenceville
Piccolo Forno on Butler Street in Lawrenceville serves Tuscan wood-fired pizza and pasta in Pittsburgh. A neighbourhood Italian room locals book on Tuesdays.
Signature: Wood-fired pizza, House pasta
Order: A wood-fired pizza or the daily fresh pasta, with a glass of Chianti.
Tip: Small and popular; reservations help on weekends. BYOB nights vary, call ahead.