Chinese$$squirrel-hill
Everyday Noodles is a squirrel hill room where a glass-walled team pleats soup dumplings by hand, a quiet draw away from the marquee restaurants.
Why locals love it: A Squirrel Hill room where a glass-walled team pleats soup dumplings by hand, a quiet draw away from the marquee restaurants.
Tip: Watch the dumpling team through the window. Order xiao long bao and hand-pulled noodles; expect a wait.
German$$north-side
Max's Allegheny Tavern is a century-old german tavern tucked in deutschtown that survives the north side's changes, off most visitors' radar.
Why locals love it: A century-old German tavern tucked in Deutschtown that survives the North Side's changes, off most visitors' radar.
Tip: Order schnitzel or sauerbraten with a German beer. A nod to the North Side's German immigrant roots.
Cafe$$north-sideTue-Fri 17:00-02:00, Sat 15:00-02:00, Sun 12:00-16:00
Scratch Food + Beverage is a community-minded cafe and restaurant up on troy hill, a steep north side neighbourhood that few food visitors reach.
Why locals love it: A community-minded cafe and restaurant up on Troy Hill, a steep North Side neighbourhood that few food visitors reach.
Tip: Go for coffee by day or a seasonal dinner by night. The Troy Hill setting is half the appeal.
Argentine$$north-side
Refucilo Winery in Pittsburgh: An Argentine-rooted winery tasting room on the North Side that few realise makes Malbecs with a family link to Mendoza.
Why locals love it: An Argentine-rooted winery tasting room on the North Side that few realise makes Malbecs with a family link to Mendoza.
Tip: Try the Malbec in the tasting room. A low-key alternative to the city's beer-heavy drinking scene.
Street food$$north-side
Gus and Yiayia's Ice Balls is a summer-only, cash-only ice-ball cart on the north side that has run since 1934 and only locals seem to know.
Why locals love it: A summer-only, cash-only ice-ball cart on the North Side that has run since 1934 and only locals seem to know.
Tip: Bring small bills; it is cash only and summer only. A few dollars buys a shaved-ice ball and popcorn.
Italian$$strip-district
S&D Polish Deli in Pittsburgh: A Polish deli, grocery and pierogi counter on the Strip that gets overshadowed by the bigger Italian market names.
Why locals love it: A Polish deli, grocery and pierogi counter on the Strip that gets overshadowed by the bigger Italian market names.
Tip: Buy a dozen pierogi to go and a kielbasa. Ask about the monthly pierogi-making class if you want to learn.