WHERE TO EAT + WHAT TO DO IN PITTSBURGH | MY LOCAL FAVORITES
Updated: 3 days ago
People always ask me where they should eat in Pittsburgh — and honestly, it's one of my favorite questions to get.
Pittsburgh doesn't always get the credit it deserves as a travel destination, but the food scene here is seriously good. Between gorgeous restaurants, a food hall made for groups, quirky festivals and breweries just outside the city, there's so much more here than most people expect.
Since I spend so much of my time here, this is the list I send friends when they're visiting — the restaurants I'd book, the spots I'd bring a group to and a few things to do in between meals.
Here's my guide to Pittsburgh — where to eat, what to do and the places I keep coming back to.
WHERE TO EAT IN PITTSBURGH
Let's start with the most important part.
PUSADEE'S GARDEN
Best for: The one reservation you absolutely need to make
When people ask me for the one restaurant they need to book in Pittsburgh, Pusadee's Garden is always at the top of my list.
This upscale Thai restaurant in Lawrenceville opens into a lush garden courtyard that feels worlds away from the city. It's the kind of place I'd seek out while traveling — where the setting is just as memorable as the meal itself.
The menu draws inspiration from Thailand and Southeast Asia, and the dishes are made for sharing, so bring a group if you can and order a lot.
My favorites? The Kee Mao was easily one of the best dishes of the night, and the Pork Belly Hung Lay Pumpkin Curry had a subtle sweetness that worked so well with the tender pork belly.
THE VIBE: Lush, beautiful, special occasion.
ORDER: Kee Mao, Pork Belly Hung Lay Pumpkin Curry, Yellow Curry with Roti, Grilled Humboldt Giant Squid, Tuna Laab and the Crispy Shrimp.
TIP: Reservations can be hard to come by, so book well in advance.
UMAMI
Best for: Date night + Japanese
Umami is the kind of place that keeps you lingering long after the last bite.
The space is warm and intimate with moody lighting and a really fun energy — perfect for everything from date night to dinner with friends. And the cocktail menu is just as thoughtful as the food.
The seafood is the star here. The chutoro was rich, buttery and incredibly fresh, and the chirashi came out looking absolutely gorgeous.
THE VIBE: Moody, intimate, lively.
ORDER: Takoyaki, Umami Ribs, Chutoro, Hamachi Tiradito, Chirashi and the Tempura Udon.
NOVO TERMINAL
Best for: Groups + a tasting tour of the Strip District
We celebrated a family birthday at Novo Terminal in the Strip District, and it's such a fun spot for a group.
It's a food hall, so everyone can order something different. We ended up with a huge spread of sushi, an eel bowl, boba tea and a couple of Japanese beers — which is exactly why I love places like this. It basically turns into your own little tasting tour.
THE VIBE: Casual, social, great for groups.
TIP: Pair it with a day exploring the Strip District.
WHAT TO DO IN PITTSBURGH
SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT THE PITTSBURGH ZOO & AQUARIUM
Best for: Families (and anyone who loves animals)
We spent Father's Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and forgot just how much there is to see.
The zoo is home to more than 8,000 animals, with exhibits ranging from the African Savanna and Tropical Forest to the aquarium's sharks, sea turtles and jellyfish. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here and still feel like there's more to explore.
A few highlights from my visit:
Watching the giraffes, zebras and rhinos on the African Savanna
Seeing the elephants up close
Spotting the lions and tigers
Visiting the gorillas and orangutans
Exploring the aquarium's sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and tropical fish
When we went, the Jurassic Adventure exhibit had dozens of life-sized animatronic dinosaurs tucked throughout the paths, which made the whole visit feel like a scavenger hunt.
TIP: Check the zoo's website for current special exhibits before you go.
GO TO PICKLESBURGH
Best for: A uniquely Pittsburgh experience
If you're visiting in July, add Picklesburgh to your list.
Between giant pickle displays, live music and creative pickle-inspired food (yes, there's way more than just pickles), it's one of those events that's as fun to walk around as it is to eat and drink your way through.
Pickle lover or not, it's an only-in-Pittsburgh event that's worth planning a trip around.
A DAY TRIP JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY
FERMATA BREWING COMPANY, AMBRIDGE
Best for: A lazy weekend afternoon
If you want to explore beyond the city, make the drive to Fermata Brewing Company in Ambridge.
We grabbed an Ovation, ordered a pizza from Black Dog Wood Fired next door, got a little too competitive over the games and ended up staying for live music.
It's the kind of place where you stop in for one drink and somehow the whole afternoon disappears.
THE VIBE: Laid-back, local, live music.
ORDER: An Ovation + a pizza from Black Dog next door.
MY IDEAL PITTSBURGH WEEKEND
If a friend were visiting for a long weekend, here's how I'd plan it:
DAY 1: Arrive → explore the Strip District → dinner at Novo Terminal
DAY 2: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium → dinner in the garden at Pusadee's
DAY 3: Drive out to Ambridge → Fermata Brewing + Black Dog pizza → dinner at Umami
Visiting in July? Swap one afternoon for Picklesburgh.
QUICK PITTSBURGH GUIDE
EAT: Pusadee's Garden, Umami + Novo Terminal
DO: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium + Picklesburgh (July)
DAY TRIP: Fermata Brewing Company in Ambridge
DON'T MISS: Dinner in the garden at Pusadee's
BEST FOR: Food lovers, groups, families + anyone who thinks they've already seen Pittsburgh
PLANNING A TRIP TO PITTSBURGH?
Not sure where to stay or how to fit everything into your trip? I can help plan it for you.
From choosing where to stay to restaurants, activities and a personalized itinerary, I'll take care of the research and help create a trip that actually fits how you like to travel.
#Pittsburgh #PusadeesGarden #NovoTerminal #Umami #PittsburghZoo #PittsburghAquarium #FermataBrewingCompany #Ambridge #BlackDogPizza #StripDistrict
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