Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Pittsburgh

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Pittsburgh? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Balvanera- Pittsburgh

4.8

4.8 (445)

$31 to $50

Argentinean

Downtown

About the restaurant

BALVANERA is an Argentine-style brasserie founded by celebrated Argentinian Chef, Fernando Navas, and Meredith Boyle, who is originally from Pittsburgh. It honors its European heritage and embodies the lifestyle and cuisine of Buenos Aires. BALVANERA offers a carefully chosen collection of South American wines, aperitifs, and beef, all presented with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Since its opening, the popular and vibrant restaurants have become a leading spot for Argentinian food and wine in the U.S. Chef Navas, officially recognized by the Argentine government as a Culinary Ambassador, uses BALVANERA to share his culture through events, collaborations, and special menu items.

Top review

geraldine

Dined 3 days ago

The food is really delicious, and the service flawless.

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Eddie V's - Pittsburgh

4.7

4.7 (4417)

$50 and over

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic and creative cocktails, and enjoy signature appetizers against a backdrop of live music trios.

Top review

MicheleGold

Dined 3 days ago

Always a delicious and beautiful place to eat. With personalized service. Bravo!

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Georges Bank Scallops

Carmella's Plates and Pints

4.7

4.7 (877)

$31 to $50

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Carmella’s Plates & Pints is co-owned by , Carmella Salem and Michael Alberter. Our kitchen staff create upscale comfort cuisine.
Our dining room has a warm and cozy feel with a wood- beamed cathedral ceiling, open fireplace, taxidermy and stained glass windows that adorn the dining room. Our guests feel as though they are tucked away at some destination lodge that exists in the heart of the Historic Southside. We do have an intimate 60 seat dining room with a Unique Fireplace Table in the center that can be dined at. If you are looking to host a special event such as a Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower, Engagement Party or Business Meal, look no further, Carmella's can Host all of your Special Occasions. Our expansive Whiskey Bar boasts over 700 Whiskies and Tequilas. Enjoy 14 Wines on Tap and 14 Craft beers on Tap.

Top review

ChristinGold

Dined 3 days ago

We always come here for the city's best burger and great bourbon selection!

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Experience

LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY AND SUNDAY EVENINGS!

Vieux Carré Speakeasy

4.7

4.7 (49)

$50 and over

Speakeasy

Switzer

About the restaurant

Hands that know. Craft that shows.

Every cocktail begins long before the pour — in the history, the ritual, the respect for what came before. It lives in the quiet precision of practiced hands, in the balance only experience can teach, and in the understanding that every sip carries a legacy.

This isn't just a drink. It's a continuation.

Top review

marcGold

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

Luke was awesome. So were the bartenders. So was the bartender at Sea Monkey. Everyone was incredibly awesome.

Con Alma - Downtown

4.6

4.6 (89)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Downtown

About the restaurant

Con Alma, located in the heart of the cultural district downtown, offers a unique experience whether dining pre-theater, visiting for early or late happy hour, or joining us for dinner accompanied by world class live jazz. Locally owned, Con Alma's chef driven seasonal menu and wine list highlights global influence and their award winning cocktail menu is just as diverse. Expect to find locally sourced ingredients and house made dishes with soul in an eclectic and inviting atmosphere with the sounds of vinyl in the background. Outdoor seating just across from Heinz Hall and one block from the Benedum offers a city experience to sip on seasonal libations and dine al fresco. The dinner/jazz experience offered nightly makes any special occasion , out of town visit, or night out something to remember while the bar/lounge offers a more casual experience during vinyl or live music hours- perfect for post game visits, meetups, or conversation with knowledgable welcoming staff.

Top review

Michelle

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

Delicious food and even tastier live jazz - world class!

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Experience

Holiday Cocktail Class with Aaron

Experience

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Live Jazz @ Con Alma

Experience

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Vinyl at Con Alma Downtown

Alfabeto

4.6

4.6 (933)

$30 and under

Italian

Northside

About the restaurant

Cucina Alfabeto is a seasonally inspired Italian restaurant proudly serving the vibrant Northside of Pittsburgh, just steps from the historic Mexican War Streets. At our core, we are committed to sourcing the freshest organic produce, wild-caught seafood, and ethically raised meats to create a 100% scratch-made, ever-changing menu that celebrates the best of each season.

Located inside the home of the celebrated nonprofit City of Asylum, our guests often enjoy more than just dinner, with live music, poetry readings, and literary events adding cultural richness to the dining experience.
Whether you're planning a special celebration, an intimate evening, or a casual night out, Cucina Alfabeto offers an elevated, yet approachable dining experience rooted in community and creativity.

We are proud to be part of the fabric of Pittsburgh’s Northside, and honored to welcome our neighbors, and new friends, to the table.

Top review

Gina

Dined 3 days ago

Great dinner spot on the North Side - easy on street parking. Menu is small but everything is really good.

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Experience

The Art of Cocktail Creation

Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh

4.6

4.6 (66)

$30 and under

International

South Side

About the restaurant

Add a Bavarian flair to your next dining experience at Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh! From live music and entertainment to authentic fresh brewed Hofbrauhaus Biers, we offer a classic Bavarian atmosphere that lends itself to fun, daily. We offer authentic recipes that are made fresh daily featuring traditional Bavarian dishes, as well as American favorites, along with a variety of Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches. We are sure you will find something to please your plate!

Top review

Linda

Dined on Oct 25, 2026

Hello! Our group had a wonderful meal today. I had the Wurst platter and it was delicious! For dessert the cream puff and it was delicious. 2 of the guests had the shrimp and loved it, they got the apple strudel to go. Another guest had the Pgh Steak salad, he said it was delicious, another had a reuben, she loved it and got an apple strudel to go, and the last guest had the salmon, she felt it was baked too long but she got an apple strudel to go. Cheers to Us!! We only get-together twice maybe three times a year, Pgh Hofbrauhaus was the location we went to!!

Houlihan's - Mt Lebanon

4.4

4.4 (703)

$30 and under

American

Mt. Lebanon

About the restaurant

Comfortable, lively, and a little bit unexpected — we’ve been welcoming guests since 1972 with handcrafted dishes made from quality ingredients and a menu that balances beloved originals with playful twists like our stuffed chicken breast, prime rib eggrolls, ahi tuna, beloved seared scallops or our famous KC burger – we’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to be out - our seasonal features, attentive service, and relaxed vibe make every visit feel right. Reservations recommended for weekend nights — walk-ins always welcome.

Top review

Krista

Dined 4 days ago

We thoroughly enjoyed our food and drinks at Houlihans in the Galleria mall. It’s a very nice restaurant with an expansive American menu. I tried the crab stuffed shrimp with asparagus risotto. It was delicious. I always start with the Tuscan Bean Salad, my favorite. I also enjoyed their mandarin martini. Our server, Melissa, was fabulous as well. The manager was clearly supporting the staff to keep all food coming out timely and checking in with guests. We continue to enjoy this restaurant, it is one of our favorites!!!

Tapville Social - Pittsburgh

4.2

4.2 (112)

$30 and under

American

Bentleyville

About the restaurant

Sip, taste, and explore at Tapville. From handcrafted flights and self-pour beer & wine to craveable dishes, every visit is an adventure in flavor — made to be shared with friends. Enjoy free parking Sunday through Thursday in the Vision Garage (1378 Waterfront Place) for up to 2 hours when you spend $20 or more at Tapville Social. Simply bring your parking ticket with you and ask a team member for validation during your visit.

Top review

monet

Dined on Nov 1, 2026

Overall GREAT AND FUN experience. Our server was Chase and she was GREAT. Very friendly and welcoming. It was our first time and she gave plenty of recommendations. We came after the Browns vs Steelers game. Unfortunately the Browns lost the game but the good food made up for it!

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Experience

Build Your Own Beer Flight - 50% Off Beer

4.2

4.2 (148)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Switzer

About the restaurant

Sea Monkey Restaurant offers a fresh take on fusion cuisine that's both vibrant and modern. The amazing culinary team behind Sea Monkey, led by RDRG's culinary director, Chef David Racicot, Culinary Sous Chef, Ryan Hart, and Golden Gai's Chef-Owner, Michael Taylor, have teamed up to explore the bold, savory flavors of Asia and Mediterranean.

Top review

Chris

Dined 3 days ago

This is our second visit for dinner. We loved it. The food was great and our service was very attentive. Love the decor and huge aquarium screen. Highly recommend it.

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