We took this selfie outside of 8th and Hays on our 2019 anniversary.
Ted and I get excited about Valentine’s Day each year, not so much for chocolate, cards, and flowers, but more because it’s a great excuse for date night and a chance to discover new favorite restaurants around the ‘burgh. While we’ve lived in Pittsburgh for almost half our lives together, Ted and I actually met as kids in the foodie-town of Houston. With phenomenal global cuisine and a dispensable teenage income at our fingertips, many of our early dates focused on trying daring new foods together.
Later, as a married couple, we spent a few years less than 20 miles from New York City. We could walk two blocks from our house and experience world-class dining at more than a dozen great local restaurants.
Coming back to Pittsburgh, we have been proud and excited to see our food culture thrive. There are more great restaurants than we can possibly keep up with! In Pittsburgh, we love that exploring restaurants means exploring neighborhoods—each neighborhood has a pocket of delicious options. Here are some highlights of our favorites. If you find one you like, don’t forget to call and ask about reservations!
The Best Pittsburgh Restaurants
Full disclaimer: This wasn’t an easy list to compile! Pittsburgh is full of excellent restaurants to spend an evening with your significant other. We’ve combed through reviews and ratings for restaurants in each neighborhood while simultaneously taking into account the atmosphere at each location.
Here are our recommendations:
Edgewood: Thai Terrace
As a largely residential neighborhood, Edgewood isn’t known for its restaurants. Luckily, Edgewood has the popular Thai Terrace. This small, chic restaurant serves authentic Thai food at reasonable prices and quick speeds, but the authentic flavor and intimate ambiance make it a great date night go-to.
Address: 247 Edgewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: 412-731-0740
Website: https://www.thaiterracepittsburgh.com/
For additional restaurant options in Edgewood, visit our Edgewood neighborhood report.
Forest Hills: Roman Bistro
This is one of our absolute favorite lunch & brunch spots, and we can’t pass down Ardmore Blvd without stopping here. As the sister restaurant to Vue412 on Mt. Washington, you know you’ll find quality at Roman Bistro. Start the evening off with happy hour or stop in later for pizza and pasta.
Address: 2104 Ardmore Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Phone: 412-871-3704
Website: https://www.romanbistro.com/
For additional restaurant options in Forest Hills, visit our Forest Hills neighborhood report.
Garfield: APTEKA
APTEKA is a unique experience among Pittsburgh restaurants. First recommended to us by Julie’s carnivorous brother, this menu is surprisingly entirely vegan. Vegetarian or not, everything bursts with flavor. APTEKA is the place to go for a plant-based adventure.
Address: 4606 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Website: https://aptekapgh.com/
For additional restaurant options in Garfield, visit our Garfield neighborhood report.
Homestead: Eighth & Hays
Although Homestead is best known for many of its Waterfront chain restaurants, you’ll find some of the best bites in Pittsburgh just up the hill along 8th Avenue. There, you’ll find the Eighth & Hays’ classy wine bar and brick oven. It’s also a great place to take a break from the kids—Eighth & Hays doesn’t allow anyone under 21 inside. Eighth & Hays was our selection for our anniversary this year, and it did not disappoint!
Address: 130 W 8th Ave., Homestead, PA 15120
Phone: 412-326-0009
Website: http://www.8thandhays.com/
For additional restaurant options in Homestead, visit our Homestead neighborhood report.
Lawrenceville: Poulet Bleu
In a foodie neighborhood like Lawrenceville, it wasn’t easy picking out one single restaurant for Valentine’s Day. We chose Poulet Bleu for its cozy yet elegant options and presentation. This award-winning restaurant is an excellent choice for high-quality dining.
Address: 3517 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-325-3435
Website: https://www.pouletbleupgh.com/home
Point Breeze: Pino's Contemporary Italian Restaurant
An elegant chef- and family-owned Italian restaurant, Pino’s is consistently ranked among the best options in Point Breeze. All dishes are made by caring hands in-house from scratch—including the pasta. Ask for a wine list upon your arrival!
Address: 6738 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-361-1336
Website: https://www.chefpino.com/
For additional restaurant options in Point Breeze, visit our Point Breeze neighborhood report.
Regent Square: Thai Cottage
Thai Cottage is widely praised for having some of the best Thai food in Pittsburgh. Service is quick and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Take note: Thai Cottage is BYOB! If you’re looking for wine or a six-pack, you’ll find them on Braddock Avenue.
Address: 1109 S Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: 412-241-8424
Website: http://thaicottagepgh.com/
For additional restaurant options in Regent Square, visit our Regent Square neighborhood report.
Squirrel Hill: Ramen
Squirrel Hill is known for its diverse community, and that diversity drums up an eclectic selection of restaurants. For delicious Japanese, head to Ramen. You’ll find specialty noodle soups and customizable ramen bowls. It’s a great place to warm up while escaping the February cold!
Address: 5860 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-521-5138
Website: http://www.ramenbarpittsburgh.com/
For additional restaurant options in Squirrel Hill, visit our Squirrel Hill neighborhood report.
Swissvale: Pub in the Park
Located on the border of Swissvale and Swisshelm, Pub in the Park features classic pub food on a gourmet level. To spice up Valentine’s Day, order their wings—they were voted the best in Pittsburgh in 2019.
Address: 7034 Blackhawk St., Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: 412-241-9242
Website: http://www.thepubinthepark.com/
For additional restaurant options in Swissvale, visit our Swissvale neighborhood report.
Greenfield: Hamsah-Mediterranean Grill
Located in the southeast corner of Greenfield, Hamsah-Mediterranean Grill is praised for its friendly atmosphere, delicious meals, and generous portions. If you don’t feel like stepping outside, order from Hamsah-Mediterranean Grill through Postmates!
Address: 4371 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Phone: 412-904-1974
For additional restaurant options in Greenfield, visit our Greenfield neighborhood report.
More to Explore
For even more Valentine’s Day fun, check our list of recommendations from last year.
Regardless of whether you’re dining at one of Pittsburgh’s many Zagat rated hot spots, a picnic in the park, or a candlelit dinner in your own dining room, we wish you all the happiness with your special sweetheart!
You’ll never run out of options in Pittsburgh!
Cheers,
Julie & Ted