March 2010
Culinary WHIRLED / Pittsburgh Restaurant Guide
WHIRL's Food and Beverage Guide
Belle Vernon
The Willow Room
The marble entrance, exquisite chandeliers, and panoramic views leave a lasting impression. 800 Plaza Drive, Belle Vernon. 724.379.5666. thewillowroom.com.
BLOOMFIELD
Del’s Bar & Ristorante DelPizzo
Offers something for everyone including pastas, famous pizza, great appetizers, and seafood specials. 4428 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield. 412.683.1448. delrest.com.
Canonsburg
Bella Sera by Greco’s
The experts at Bella Sera will help you create an event beyond your expectations at our venue or yours, offering an extraordinary venue in Pittsburgh’s South Hills and upscale catering services throughout Western Pennsylvania. 414 Morganza Road, Canonsburg. 724.745.5575. bellaserapittsburgh.com
Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar
Artful American cuisine with an international flair, featuring signature martinis and a 
wine selection that makes every dining experience memorable. Southpointe Hilton Garden Inn, 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg. 724.743.5005.experiencejacksons.com.
Churchill
LeMont at Churchill Valley Country Club
Private parties available for up to 500 guests for club members and non-members. 800 Beulah Road, Churchill. 412.243.7600. culinaryconceptspittsburgh.com.
Cranberry
Bravo Cucina Italiana
White-tablecloth casual dining at its best with great tasting Italian food and inviting atmosphere under a fun, family-friendly Roman ruin decor. 20001 Route 19, Cranberry. 724. 772.8150. bravoitalian.com.
Jimmy Wan’s Restaurant and Lounge
Pan-Asian delights, the finest sushi and noodle bar, an extensive wine and sake list, and voted best dim sum. 1686 Route 228, Cranberry. 724.778.8978. jimmywans.com.
Mad Mex
Funky Fresh Cal-Mex! 20510 Perry Hwy., Cranberry. 724.741.5656. madmex.com.
Dormont
Café J
Great modern bar and wonderful wine list and tapas menu to complement our full-service lunch and dinner menus. 3220 W. Liberty Ave., Dormont. 412.561.0450.
Downtown
Bella Sera on the Square
This “urban trattoria” offers Pittsburgh’s Downtown crowd a metro-European eating and drinking experience for fast-casual lunch service, with lighter fare for cocktail hour. 22 Market Square, Downtown. bellaseramarketsquare.com.
Braddock’s, an American Brasserie
Inspired by the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 on Braddock’s Hill. To good food, healthy family, and great whiskey! Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, 107 Sixth St., Downtown. 412.992.2005.
Café Euro
A contemporary restaurant with great food, daily happy hours, special pre-hockey game menu, and validated parking for weekday games. 600 Grant St., Downtown. 412.434.0800. cafeeuropittsburgh.com.
Café Zao
Featuring Executive Chef Toni Pais and his exotic ingredients and spices of Portugal, as well as the far-flung destinations of Portuguese exploration such as Mozambique, Goa, Macao, and Timor. 649 Penn Ave., Downtown. 412.325.7007. cafezao.com.
Common Plea Restaurant
In addition to lunch and dinner menus, they offer special programs, including five-course wine dinners, private dining, and suites for events. 310 Ross St., Downtown. 412.697.3100. commonplea-restaurant.com.
The Original Fish Market
An impeccable selection of the freshest seafood and shellfish flown in twice daily, a top-rated sushi and oyster bar, and more than 68 wines served by the glass. Westin Convention Center Hotel, 1001 Liberty Ave., Downtown. 412.227.3657. originalfishmarketpgh.com.
Seviche
A hip nuevo Latino tapas restaurant offering an eclectic blend of traditional Latin American recipes and modern ingredients infused with international influence. 930 Penn Ave., Downtown. 412.697.3120. seviche.com.
Sonoma Grille
A sophisticated yet casual restaurant with an airy dining room, hip diners, and a display of vivid colors, reminiscent of the Sonoma valley. Chef Andrew Hebson’s kitchen is a melting pot of international cuisine, wrapped with a California twist. 947 Penn Ave., Downtown. 412.697.1336. thesonomagrille.com.
The Steelhead Brasserie & Wine Bar
Fashionable dining ambiance with a new wave of cooking techniques from different cultures. Rich in diversity, it’s American, with flair. Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, 112 Washington Place, Downtown. 412.394.3474. thesteelhead.com.
The Terrace Room
Award-winning restaurant, serving refined American cuisine, featuring fresh, organic, and seasonal fare from Executive Chef Jacky François. The Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place, Downtown. 412.281.7100. omnihotels.com.
East Liberty
Abay Ethiopian Cuisine
Enjoy Pittsburgh’s first Ethiopian restaurant in an authentic atmosphere, which captures the warmth and zest of Ethiopian culture while adding diversity to Pittsburgh’s cultural landscape. 130 S. Highland Ave., East Liberty. 412.661.9736. abayrestaurant.com.
Paris 66 Bistro
An eatery focused on “everyday French cuisine” in a traditional bistro-style setting that brings a bit of Paris to Pittsburgh. 6018 Centre Ave., East Liberty. 412.404.8166. paris66bistro.com.
Pizza Sola
Offering gourmet pizzas, a colorful array of spring mix salads with homemade dressings, Pittsburgh’s best crisp roasted wings with homemade sauces, and coming soon to the Oakland location, a variety of beers. 6004 Penn Circle South, East Liberty. 412.363.7652. pizzasola.com.
Plum
Provides diverse menu, featuring cuisine inspired by multiple Asian countries, with a sushi bar and creative desserts. Plum will satisfy any palate. 5996 Penn Circle South, East Liberty. 412.363.7586. plumpanasiankitchen.com.
Tana Ethiopian Cuisine
Tana Ethiopian Cuisine offers authentic dining experience with traditional hospitality. Enjoy the extensive menu, Ethiopian beers and honey wines. Ask our coffee ceremony to your dining experience. 5929 Baum Blvd., Shadyside. 412.665.2770. tanaethiopiancuisine.com.
Fox Chapel
Jimmy Wan’s Restaurant and Lounge
1337 Old Freeport Road, Fox Chapel. jimmywans.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Walnut Grove
Upscale, casual dining with a chef-driven menu and a progressive bar. Patios are large and with nine HDTVs. You can’t miss a game. Waterworks Mall, 911 Freeport Road, Fox Chapel. 412.696.0141. walnutgroverestaurant.com.
Gibsonia
La Casa Narcisi Winery
Producing 28 different varieties of fabulous wines, from an array of dry reds all the way to a mouth-watering selection of sweet fruit wines. 4578 Gibsonia Road, Gibsonia. 724.444.4744. narcisiwinery.com.
The Pines Tavern
Restaurant and catering company offering fresh, local, and seasonal menus. Jazz on the patio Saturday evenings, weather permitting. 5010 Bakerstown Road, Gibsonia. 724.625.3252. thepinestavern.com.
Pizza Fusion
Proudly serving delicious, gourmet pizza in its purest form — untainted by artificial additives, like preservatives, growth hormones, pesticides, nitrates and trans fats (to name a few). 5513 William Flynn Hwy., Gibsonia. 724.502.4160. pizzafusion.com.
Greensburg
One Eleven
New to Downtown Greensburg, One Eleven offers favorites such as seared steak au poivre and gnocchi with Jamison lamb and mint ragu in an urban and sophisticated setting. Open for dinner Monday through Saturday. 113 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Greensburg. 724.420.5711. oneelevengreensburg.com/.
Solstice
Award-winning chef Gary Klinefelter looks to the season to pull together his island-inspired menu. You’ll find local cheese, poultry and lamb to complement the wholly made-from-scratch dining options. Open Monday through Saturday and for special events on Sunday. 911 Green St., Greensburg. 724.691.0006.
Spitfire Grille
Redefining American regional cuisine, Spitfire Grille offers upscale dining in the small neighborhood town of South Greensburg. 1517 Broad St., Greensburg. 724.850.4676. spitfiregreensburg.com.
Highland Park
Joseph Tambellini Restaurant
From the herbs and spices to the meat and fish, even the salt and pepper are specially selected by Chef Joseph Tambellini to ensure that only the highest quality ingredients are used to create the exceptional offerings. 5701 Bryant St., Highland Park. 412.665.9000. josephtambellini.com.
Latrobe
DiSalvo’s Station
Once used for the arrival and departure of rail passengers, it now serves as the most unique passage to culinary treasures of any restaurant in America. 325 McKinley Ave., Latrobe. 724.539.0500. disalvorestaurant.com.
Lawrenceville
Tamari Restaurant and Lounge
Combining the finest Asian and Latin flavors, creating a hugely unique, complex, and satisfying experience. 3519 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 412.325.3435. tamaripgh.com.
McMurray
Bado’s Cucina
A unique experience with a warm, comfortable atmosphere and dining like no other restaurant. Chef Sam Badolato cooks for guests over a fruit wood-fired grill like they’re at his own table. 3825 Washington Road, McMurray
724.942.3904.
Damon’s Grill & Sports Bar
Food, drink, fun, and lots of televisions to watch all of the games! Open daily for lunch and dinner. 102 McDowell Lane, McMurray. 724.969.6929. culinaryconceptspittsburgh.com.
Sesame Inn
Authentic Chinese cuisine, gourmet style. 2975 Washington Road, McMurray. 724.942.2888. sesameinn.net.
MillVale
Pamela’s P&G Diner
Serving the best breakfast in Pittsburgh since 1980. Try the famous crepe style hotcakes. 232 North Ave., Millvale. 412.821.4655. pamelasrestaurants.com.
Monroeville
Damon’s Grill
The home of the NFL Ticket, NCAA College Gameplan, and the NHL Center Ice Hockey package. 4070 William Penn Hwy. Monroeville. 412.858.7427. damons.com.
Mad Mex
4100 William Penn Hwy., Monroeville. 412.349.6767. madmex.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Fresh fish daily, flown in from a number of locations on the East and West Coasts and the Hawaiian Islands. The region’s premier seafood restaurant also features USDA prime steaks and gourmet chicken dishes. 146 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville. 412.374.8530.montereybayfishgrotto.com.
Mt. Lebanon
Amigos Restaurante & Cantina
Delicious Mexican and traditional American food and drinks. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 1500 Washington Road, Galleria of Mt. Lebanon. 412.344.5253. amigospittsburgh.com.
Bravo Cucina Italiana
1500 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. 412.343.3366. bravoitalian.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Cammie Sin’s Tea Boutique
A tea shop for both tea connoisseurs and those just discovering the pleasure of a good cup of tea. 190 Castle Shannon Blvd., Mt. Lebanon. 412.571.9900. cammiesins.com.
Iovino’s Cafe
Neighborhood BYOB cafe with casual fine dining and an emphasis on fresh fish and pasta. 300 Beverly Road, # A, Mt. Lebanon. 412.440.0414. iovinoscafe.com.
Pamela’s P&G Diner
427 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. 412.343.3344. pamelasrestaurants.com.
(More locations! See MILLVALE for description.)
Pazzo Ristorante
Featuring family-style Italian cuisine, from pizza to pasta to homemade tiramisu. 1535 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. 412.341.5555. pazzopittsburgh.com.
Sesame Inn
715 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon. 412.341.2555. sesameinn.net
(More locations! See MCMURRAY for description.)
Mt. Washington
Alla Famiglia
Traditional and regional Italian cuisine with Sicilian specialization. 804 E. Warrington Ave., Mt. Washington. 412.488.1440. allafamigliapittsburgh.com.
Isabela on Grandview
Locally focused seven-course seasonal menu, made with only the freshest, finest foods available, including fresh breads and desserts. 1318 Grandview Ave., Mt. Washington. 412.431.5882. isabelaongrandview.com.
LeMont
Celebrating 50 years of fine dining, the area’s only five-star restaurant, featuring continental cuisine, impeccable service, and an unsurpassed view of Pittsburgh. 1114 Grandview Ave., Mount Washington. 412.431.3100. lemontpittsburgh.com.
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
1411 Grandview Ave., Mount Washington. 412.481.4414. montereybayfishgrotto.com.
(More locations! See MONROEVILLE description.)
Tin Angel
Overlooking the city of Pittsburgh, high atop Mt. Washington, featuring fine American cuisine in a gracious intimate candlelit setting away from life’s Interruptions. 1200 Grandview Ave., Mt. Washington. 412.381.1919. tinangelpittsburgh.com.
North Side
BoxSpring Cafe
Offers delicious soups, salads, specialty entrees, pizzas, and sandwiches from M Catering, along with unique desserts from Vanilla Pastry Studio. Mattress Factory, 500 Sampsonia Way, North Side. 412.231.3169. mattress.org.
The Grand Hall at the Priory
Offers a breathtaking space for weddings, banquets, parties, charity events, and gatherings. 614 Pressley St., North Side. 412.321.7270. thepriory.com.
La Crème Catering
A fully licensed and insured full service catering company with professionals experienced in orchestrating catered affairs of every size and scope, from intimate, personal dinners and storybook weddings to large non-profit gala events. 1650 Metropolitan St., North Side. 412.325.3300. lacremecaters.com.
Priory Fine Pastries
A place where locals can come for a good cup of coffee and pastries, and businesses can go for large orders for pastries, cookies, and cakes. 528 E. Ohio St., North Side. 412.321.7270. prioryfinepastries.com.
Serendipity Bistro
Hip American cuisine and casual dining in the speakeasy lounge or fine dining in the main dining room. 422 Foreland St., North Side. 412.918.1496. serendipity01.com.
North Hills
Bravo Cucina Italiana
4976 McKnight Road, North Hills. 412.366.3556. bravoitalian.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Mad Mex
7905 McKnight Road, North Hills. 412.366.5656. madmex.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Sesame Inn
711 Browns Lane, North Hills. 412.366.1838. sesameinn.net.
(More locations! See MCMURRAY for description.)
Willow
Contemporary American cuisine and tree-lined views play host to the restless palate. 634 Camp Horne Road, North Hills. 412.847.1007. willowpgh.com.
Oakland
Lucca
Contemporary Northern Italian cuisine, served in an elegant setting with a daily menu that boasts the highest quality organic meat, produce, fresh seafood, and imported products. 317 S. Craig St., Oakland. 412.682.3310. luccaristorante.com.
Mad Mex
370 Atwood St., Oakland. 412.681.5656. madmex.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Pamela’s P&G Diner
3703 Forbes Ave., Oakland. 412.683.4066. pamelasrestaurants.com.
(More locations! See MILLVALE for description.)
Pizza Sola
114 Atwood St., Oakland. 412.681.7652. pizzasola.com.
(More locations! See EAST LIBERTY for description.)
Tamarind Flavor of India
Serving authentic north and south Indian food in elegant surroundings with exceptional service to match. 257 N. Craig St., Oakland. 412.605.0500. tamarindpa.com.
Tandoor Indian Grill
Authentic Indian cuisine, featuring house favorite chicken tikka masala. 4519 Centre Ave., Oakland. 412.688.8383.
Oakmont
Mirabelle
Presenting high-quality, flavorful fare in a seasonally progressive style. 215 Allegheny Ave., #106, Oakmont. 412.517.8115. mirabelleoakmont.com.
Regent Square
Calli’s
American Contemporary Cuisine. 7606 Forbes Ave., Regent Square. 412.242.8281.
Square Café
1950s tables, surrounded by colorful modern paintings, with an entertaining, comedic staff serving breakfast and fresh coffee with flair. 1137 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square. 412.244.8002.square-cafe.com.
Robinson
Bravo Cucina Italiana
211 Summit Park Drive, Robinson. 412.809.9115. bravoitalian.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Mad Mex
2 Robinson Plaza, Park Manor Drive, Robinson. 412.494.5656. madmex.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Jacksons Restaurant-Rotisserie-Bar
Doubletree Hotel, 8402 University Blvd., Robinson. 412.329.1405. experiencejacksons.com.
(More locations! See CANONSBURG for description.)
Shadyside
Casbah
Friendly flavors of Italy, France, and Spain lightly accented by exotica from the deeper Mediterranean. 229 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside. 412.661.5656.bigburrito.com/casbah.
Girasole Restaurant
Upbeat European ambiance with an innovative, modern-Italian menu based on the freshest and highest quality products available. 733 Copeland St., Shadyside. 412.682.2130. 733copeland.com.
Pamela’s P&G Diner
Also featuring Pamela’s Peruvian La Feria Cafe & Crafts. 5527 Walnut St., Shadyside. 412.683.1003. pamelasrestaurants.com.
(More locations! See MILLVALE for description.)
Pangea
Offering samples of several great cultural cuisines and influences. 736 Bellefonte St., Shadyside. 412.621.3152. pangea-shadyside.com.
Shady Grove
Where anyone and everyone is welcome to great food, delicious drinks, and a never-ending good time. 5500 Walnut St., Shadyside. 412.697.0909.eatwalnut.com.
Soba
From Lobster Shu Mai and Pad Thai to Korean-scented Soba Seared Rare Tuna, bold flavors and thrilling textures are the hallmarks of Soba’s menu. 5487 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. 412.362.5656.bigburrito.com/soba.
Umi
Experience the essence of Mr. Shu’s cuisine with the multi-course omakase meal. Chef will create a unique meal using only the freshest items. 5849 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside. 412.362.6198. bigburrito.com/umi.
Walnut Grill
A place to watch your favorite sports team on high-def flat screen TVs or just sit and relax with your cocktail of choice and enjoy half-price appetizers during happy hour. 5500 Walnut St., Shadyside. 412.688.8220. eatwalnut.com.
Sharon
Tara, A Country Inn
Featuring Ashley’s Gourmet Dining Room, offering a seven-course gourmet meal by candlelight with white glove service, and Stonewalls Tavern, nestled in the foundation of the 1854 mansion, featuring steaks and seafood in a more casual setting. 2844 Lake Road, Clark. 800.782.2803, 724.962.3535. tara-inn.com.
South Hills
Amici Banquet and Meeting Center
Accommodating birthdays, receptions, showers, holiday parties, and fundraisers. 860 Saw Mill Run Blvd., South Hills. 412.481.1118. amicipittsburgh.com.
Damon’s Grill & Sports Bar
1595 Washington Pike, Collier Township. 412.278.2115. culinaryconceptspittsburgh.com.
(More locations! See MCMURRAY for description.)
Jasmine Mediterranean Restaurant
Mediterranean food with a Lebanese flair. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. 1928 Cochran Road, Scott Township. 412.344.1001. jasminepittsburgh.com.
Mad Mex
2101 Greentree Road, Scott Township. 412.279.0200. madmex.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for description.)
Tamarind Savoring India
A bright south Indian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and hot food, served by the cheery staff, would make anyone happy. 2101 Greentree Road, Scott Township. 412.278.4848. tamarindpa.com.
South side
Dolce
A Las Vegas-style ultra lounge and restaurant. 2829 E. Carson St., South Side. 412.586.7422.thedolcelounge.com.
Elixir
An intimate lounge with a drink menu offering an impressive selection of premium cocktails, wine, and Champagne. 1500 E. Carson St., South Side. 412.481.1811. elixirpgh.com.
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
Traditionally decorated rooms, beer that is brewed on-site, and excellent German fare. 2705 South Water St., SouthSide Works. 412.224.2328. hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com.
LePommier
Award-winning, renowned French cuisine and wines. Open for dinner Monday-Saturday. 2104 E. Carson St., South Side. 412.431.1901 lepommier.com.
Pizza Sola
1417 E. Carson St., South Side. 412.481.3888. pizzasola.com.
(More locations! See EAST LIBERTY for description.)
The Wine Loft
Offers trays with small amounts of meats, cheeses, soups, and breads for patrons to nosh on while enjoying their drinks, and several entree items for larger appetites. SouthSide Works, 2773 Tunnel Blvd., South Side. 412.586.533. thewineloftpittsburgh.com.
The Wine Loft
Offers trays with small amounts of meats, cheeses, soups, and breads, and several entree items for larger appetites. SouthSide Works, 2773 Tunnel Blvd., South Side. 412.586.533. thewineloftpittsburgh.com.
Squirrel Hill
Pamela’s P&G Diner
5813 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. 412.422.9457. pamelasrestaurants.com.
(More locations! See MILLVALE for description.)
Station Square
Sesame Inn
125 W. Station Square Drive, Station Square. 412.281.8282. sesameinn.net.
(More locations! See MCMURRAY for description.)
Strip District
Cioppino — Seafood, Chop House, and Bar
Savor a delectable meal in one of our spacious dining areas, or enjoy a “small plate” while sipping cocktails in the alluring bar. 2350 Railroad St., Strip District. 412. 281.6593. cioppinopittsburgh.com.
Common Plea Catering
Executive Chef Thomas Dunne will design and prepare menus to make any occasion the “Talk of Pittsburgh.” 2945 Smallman St., Strip District. 412.281.5140. commonplea-restaurant.com.
Eleven
Contemporary American flavors combined to create a fresh and original menu. The kitchen, the center of Eleven’s high-energy urban atmosphere, is where indigenous and seasonal ingredients provide inspiration for the chef. 1150 Smallman St., Strip District. 412.201.5656. bigburrito.com/eleven.
Kaya
Incorporates the culinary customs of the Caribbean Islands, South America, the Pacific and beyond, using only the freshest herbs and spices combined with the excitement of a sizzling grill to create food that is exotic and lively. 2000 Smallman St., Strip District. 412.261.6565. bigburrito.com/kaya.
Pamela’s P&G Diner
60 21st St., Strip District. 412.281.6366. pamelasrestaurants.com.
(More locations! See MILLVALE for description.)
Washington
Bistecca Steakhouse and Wine Bar
A strong emphasis on Italian and American wines with more than 150 selections by the bottle and more than 20 offerings by the glass, each offering a perfect match with our wine-loving steaks and seafood. 210 Race Track Road, Suite 200, Washington. 724.503.1510. bisteccapittsburgh.com.
Waterfront
BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA
250 W. Bridge St., Waterfront. 412.461.1444. bravoitalian.com.
(More locations! See CRANBERRY for descriptions!)
Wexford
Blue Water Tavern
Whether you visit us for a business lunch, dinner with the family, “date night — sans kids”, or an outdoor party for up to 75 people, Blue Water Tavern will have a delicious warm meal, friendly service, and drinks waiting. Pine Tree Shoppes, 12087 Perry Hwy., Wexford. 724.831.9998. eatbluewater.com.
Walnut Grove
12599 Perry Hwy., Wexford. 724.933.8410 walnutgroverestaurants.com
(More locations! See FOX CHAPEL for description.)