Just when you thought you were nearing the end of your new restaurant bucket list, almost 21 more spots set up shop.
Sure, it’s a good problem to have. But keeping up with the food news can be tricky. So we’re here to help you keep tabs on all the best new eateries from some of Pittsburgh’s top chefs and the next generation of restauranteurs.
Ki Ramen
After pop-ups around town, Piccolo Forno chef Domenic Branduzzi and Umami chef Roger Li decided a ramen shop was just what Pittsburgh needed. Li will be handling the broth and Branduzzi will be handling the toppings alongside homemade ramen noodles at the upcoming Lawrenceville shop.
Baby Loves Tacos
After years in the restaurant industry and countless pop-ups around Pittsburgh, Zach Shell is ready to start slinging ridiculously good tacos from his own space in Bloomfield. With roasted meats and veg-friendly options too, Baby Loves Tacos will bring its pop-up vibe to counter service, catering, and even bike delivery in Bloomfield.
Federal Galley
If you like Smallman Galley in the Strip, you’ll love Federal Galley coming to the Northside. Smallman’s team is proving to be Pittsburgh’s “food hall” pros, setting up another spot with multiple restaurant concepts under one roof. This time, they’ll occupy 5,500-square-foot on the plaza at Nova Place to create an epic food hall/beer garden/patio combination.
Mac & Toz Alehouse
Two words: Mac and cheese. Lots of it. Oh, and whiskey too. That’s what you’ll get at this new Bridgeville restaurant. From the folks who brought us Bakn in Carnegie, comes Mac & Toz Alehouse, a totally drool-worthy spot offering comfort foods and next-level menu items like the Mac Attack: Creamy cheddar cheese sauce, french fries, onion rings, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar, and more.
Lil’ Chunky’s Chicken Shack
Adam Kucenic, the owner of Muddy Waters in East Liberty is opening this fast-casual fried chicken spot right next door to his oyster bar. Simple, yet delicious eats are two things you can count on from this eatery hoping to offer a small but flavorful menu in their new space.
The Big Kahuna
The Muddy Waters crew just can’t get enough. Rounding out their restaurant trifecta, the Big Kahuna will be moving in on the other side of Muddy Waters, previously occupied by “Global Food Market”. Expect healthy poke bowls, fresh fish, and juice from this take out-style lunch spot.
honeygrow
honeygrow, a healthy food chain, is opening its first Pittsburgh location this summer. Expect a menu centered on locally- and seasonally-sourced ingredients, used to create customizable stir-fry dishes, salads, and “honeybars” (cups of fruit with toppings, like honey, coconut flakes, dark chocolate, and granola).
Plate & Bowl
Sure, we were bummed to see e2 close, but we couldn’t be more excited to see a new eatery move into Highland Park. From the folks who run Smiling Banana Leaf, Plate & Bowl is blending American and Asian fare to create a casual, family-oriented spot.
Piazza Talarico
On a stretch of Penn Avenue—one that’s easy to pass right by—Piazza Talarico is hoping you stop in for some authentic Italian eats. If the homemade food doesn’t get you, maybe the walk-up counter, outdoor patio, or wine (also homemade) will.
Pittsburgh Poke
Meal-in-a-bowl eateries are all the rage these days. The same goes for poke. Well, Pittsburgh Poke has the best of both worlds, offering create-your-own raw fish poke bowls and sushi burritos in their new spot on the fringe of Market Square, Downtown.
Burghers
The build-your-own-burger craze has been a hit in Pittsburgh and Burghers in Lawrenceville is taking full advantage. With fresh, local ingredients, a solid tap list, and modern dining space, Burghers is a welcomed addition to this hopping neighborhood.
Talia Cucina & Rosticceria
The Vallazzoi family strikes again, opening another delicious Downtown dining spot. This time, the focus is slow-roasted, rotisserie meats offered alongside your favorite Italian classics like antipasto, fresh-made pasta, pizza, and fish.
Superior Motors
Finally! Sorry, we had to get that out. Like most of Pittsburgh (and other foodies across the country), we’ve been waiting patiently to see if Sousa’s Superior Motors could kick-start Braddock after its biggest-ever Kickstarter haul for a restaurant. While that’s yet to be seen, this restaurant has actually made it to opening day. So now you can see, taste, and judge for yourself.
Onion Maiden
If you like your dinners with a side of heavy metal, much-anticipated restaurant Onion Maiden is right up your alley. The vegetarian menu isn’t just about food — themes like music and film are interwoven into cuisine planning, so every bite is a piece of a story. It’s a big step up from the pop-up tent, and pieces by local artists will populate the walls.
Merchant Oyster Co
We’ve been anxiously anticipating Butler Street’s upcoming addition — Merchant Oyster Co. Merchant Oyster Co. is going to bring much-needed seafood to Lawrenceville in the form of lobster rolls, mussels, steamers, and, of course, oysters. Also on the menu are New Jersey-inspired eats like pork roll and egg sandwiches, foot long hot dogs, and a few grilled cheese options. Wash it all down with sherry-forward cocktails or a sparkling wine perfect to pair with bi-valves.
or, The Whale
This spot inside the Distrikt Hotel downtown is about ready to open its 50-seat restaurant. The menu will focus on humanely-raised meat, sustainable seafood, and locally-farmed veggies, all cooked on a wood-burning grill (are we sensing a theme in new Pittsburgh openings here?). or, the Whale is being opened by Dennis Marron, who is also the purveyor of Merchant Oyster Co. We’re also excited for the solid wine list that is being touted by Marron, something much-needed in Steel City.
Millie’s Scoop Shop
Fact: Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream is incredible. And now, downtown can get its Millie’s fix because their second scoop shop is open in Market Square by Revel + Roost on Forbes Ave.
Spork Pit
2016 brought Penn Ave Spork, a small-plates restaurant with all ingredients made in-house. 2017 is bringing us Spork’s Texas-barbeque sister restaurant, Spork Pit, to sit on the corner of Penn and Aiken. Expect smoked jerk chicken, ribs, brisket, and lots of outdoor seating to fill in the barbeque void left by the exit of Union Pig and Chicken.
Gi-jin
The DeShantz and Racicot tag-team just can’t help themselves. Vacant storefronts in the Cultural District beware, these guys are on a restaurant rampage that will soon include a 25-seat, 1,400-square-foot space next to Butcher & the Rye set to become a gin joint and raw bar.
“A French bistro in Lawrenceville”
According to the Post-Gazette, DeShantz is also working on yet another restaurant, this time in lower Lawrenceville. Details are just trickling in, but the space at 3519 Butler Street that was once home to Tamari is set to become a French bistro. Stay tuned!
A new start in the former Salt of the Earth space
The team that brought us Pittsburgh restaurant favorites Meat and Potatoes, Butcher and the Rye, Pork and Beans, and Tako are currently developing two concepts for the former Salt of the Earth space. One is inspired by a trip to Tulum, Mexico (think wood-fired grill and open-air dining), so we know this project is going to be good.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.