Pittsburgh is king. Here are some of my favorite Pittsburgh spots, restaurants, activities, and quirks. I will be adding to it periodically.
Restaurants
Kaya – This is truly my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh. When the Caribbean-fusion perfection touches your lips, it’s a euphoria I can quite capture in words. They know spice so well; no dish is overly spicy. Just enough to “get-cha” right in the back of the throat. It’s perfect in every way, shape, and form. Their Yucatan Bean Dip is one of my favorite appetizers, so I veganized the recipe for you!
Tamari – Asian-mexican fusion is at the heart of this restaurant. I highly recommend the Kale and Pintos salad – I have gone to Tamari and ordered this dish twice. In one visit. It’s a great place for Happy Hour; I can eat & drink there for under $10. Stellar. Sad to report that Tamari has since closed. One of my favorite dishes from Tamari was their Kale and Pinto Beans, which I recreated for the blog!
Pho Van – Vietnamese! I love it. Their vegetarian pho has the most beautiful broth. Pair that with crisp and fresh veggies and a mountain of bean sprouts? Fuhget about it.
Sienna Sulla Piazza – I recently went here with a friend from high school (Hi, Adam!), and I was in a state of jovial delight the entire visit. Not only is it scenic – it’s located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh -, but their food is top-notch. Their menu changes to reflect the seasons (a sign of a winning restaurant, as far as I’m concerned), but when I was there, I ordered their beet salad with goat cheese (you can find my copycat recipe here!) and their melon gazpacho. The gazpacho was one of the most perfect items I have ever had the delight of devouring. It is definitely something I will try to master here on the blog.
Eden – Eden is a hip gluten free and mostly vegan restaurant located in Shadyside. I highly recommend this spot for anyone interested in eating a little healthier because Eden specializes in whole foods. Because my friend (Hi, Mark!) and I went to Eden in the fall, I got their pumpkin curry, which was delicately flavored with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and served along with brown rice. Mark got truffle mac-n-cheese, which was made with a cashew-coconut cheese. Eden’s menu frequently changes with the changing seasons, so we will definitely be trying Eden at different times of the year.
Verde – If you ask me what type of cuisine I’m hungry for, I’ll almost always say “Mexican.” I adore the crisp, fresh flavors of Mexican cuisine, and I believe that Verde delivers some of the best in the city. Their guacamole and chips are on-point, and I can’t get enough of their smokey salsa chipotle. They’re also very in-tune with recent dietary trends, as most of their menu is gluten free. I had the pleasure of trying their vegan jackfruit tacos, and, while incredibly spicy, I adored the flavor and kick. It was a sad, sad day when I found out that my beloved Verde closed its doors. Luckily, I nailed the recipe for their best dish!
Spots
The Strip District – This is my home away from home. I feel so much like a Pittsburgher when I walk through the streets of the Strip, it’s almost poetic. Definite must-hits: Penn Mac, La Prima Espresso, Pittsburgh Popcorn Company, Marty’s Market, Enrico’s Biscotti… just go. Go do everything.
Point State Park – A spot to take in the stunning convergence of Pittsburgh’s three-rivers. It’s beautiful at any time of day. I’d suggest going when there’s a concert happening at Stage AE – there’s nothing better than sitting by the water, listening to a band, and taking in the charm of the city.
PNC Park – It has been rated as one of the most beautiful ballparks in America, and I must agree. While the stadium itself is stunning, the view of the city from inside the park is truly breathtaking (although it doesn’t do it justice, check the picture at the top of this post).