Pizza$regent-square
Slice on Broadway in Beechview runs an award-winning by-the-slice pizza in Pittsburgh. A local chain that has won national pizza competitions.
Signature: By-the-slice pizza, Specialty pies
Order: A specialty slice or a whole pie; the crust is the draw.
Tip: Quick counter pizza with several locations. The Beechview shop is the original.
Caribbean$$strip-district
Kaya on Smallman Street in the Strip District serves Caribbean cooking from big Burrito in Pittsburgh. Jerk, plantains and rum cocktails in a bright room.
Signature: Jerk plates, Plantains
Order: A jerk plate, fried plantains and a rum cocktail.
Tip: A big Burrito Group room good for groups. The brunch and rum list are draws.
Thai$$shadyside
Noodlehead on South Highland Avenue in Shadyside serves cash-only Thai street noodles in Pittsburgh. A big Burrito room built around bowls and bold spice.
Signature: Street noodles, Curries
Order: A bowl of street noodles and a Thai iced tea.
Tip: Cash only and no reservations. Quick, loud and good value; expect a wait.
Detroit-style pizza$$strip-district
Iron Born Pizza in the Strip District bakes crispy-edged Detroit-style square pizza in Pittsburgh. A pan-pizza specialist that grew out of a stall.
Signature: Detroit-style pizza, Pepperoni square
Order: A Detroit-style square with crisped cheese edges and pepperoni.
Tip: Different from the Pittsburgh-square style; this one is Detroit pan. Squares sell out.
German Alpine$$east-liberty
Lorelei on South Highland Avenue in East Liberty serves German and Alpine bar food in Pittsburgh. Schnitzel, pretzels and a deep German beer list.
Signature: Schnitzel, Pretzel
Order: Schnitzel and a soft pretzel, with a German lager or hefeweizen.
Tip: A bar-leaning room good for beer and groups. The patio is the seat in summer.
New American$$$oakland
Spirits & Tales atop the Oaklander Hotel serves New American plates with a rooftop view in Pittsburgh. Seasonal cooking above the university district.
Signature: Seasonal plates, Rooftop cocktails
Order: Share seasonal plates and a cocktail on the rooftop at sunset.
Tip: The rooftop is the draw in warm weather. Reserve a terrace table ahead.