Throw on your coziest sweater and head to one of these Pittsburgh restaurants for your next winter meal. Nothing will warm you up quite like a plate of juicy fried chicken, winter soups and other hot bites!
Cuddy’s Soul Food
Located at Lawrence Hall, Cuddy’s Soul Food serves family recipes of home-cooked goodness. After one bite, diners will immediately feel the love and soul that each dish is filled with! The menu features wings, chicken tenders and ribs, plus specialty dishes like the chicken and waffle platter, a tender oxtail, salmon and more.
Fujiya Ramen
Warm your bellies with a bowl of ramen! Shadyside’s Fujiya Ramen is owned by father and son duo, Minoru and Zen Yoshida. For over 40 years, Minoru was living in Tokyo and making delicious ramen, and we are lucky to now have him in Pittsburgh. The restaurant serves 10 varieties of ramen including the staples, plus specialties like Spicy Yuzu Ramen. In addition to ramen, the shop serves yakitori (grilled skewers) with meat, seafood and vegetables.
Coop de Ville
There’s no doubt that fried chicken is often called the ultimate comfort food. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fried chicken and its satisfying flavor and texture. Bite into crispy and juicy fried chicken at Coop de Ville in the Strip District. Whether it’s the Nashville Hot Sandwich or the fried chicken dinner plate with bourbon buffalo, the result is nourishing. Don’t miss out on ordering a side of crinkle fries and sweet cornbread! While fried chicken headlines the menu, classic southern side dishes, fresh baked pies, pastries and a coffee bar are also not to miss.
Saigon88 Express
It’s no surprise Saigon88 Express from McKees Rocks made this list! The pho and ramen served here have received so much praise from Pittsburgh foodies. The restaurant’s noodle bowls are so healing and soothing with savory and rich flavors. Choose your broth and go to town!
DiAnoia’s Eatery
Nestled in the Strip District, Pittsburghers have raved about DiAnoia’s Eatery since its opening several years ago. This friendly neighborhood restaurant offers homemade food including pasta, pasties, bread and more and sets the scene for a comforting meal. Guests will enjoy true Italian hospitality and recipes handed down through the owners’ generations of families. Tip: Order the Escarole Beans and Sausage and thank me later.
Anthos Bakery and Café
Anthos Bakery and Café bring us a taste of Athens to the South Hills. Cozy up with wholesome, authentic Greek classics. Menu highlights include their casseroles with savory combinations like eggplant, ground beef and aromatic spices, plus marinated meats, artisanal bread and other Mediterranean delights. To please your palate even more, hit up their brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
The Brinery
New-ish to the Sharpsburg community is The Brinery, known for serving massive sandwiches packed with meats like braised lamb shoulder, brined chicken, shaved ribeye and pork belly. Another solid option is their smashburgers and house cut shoestring fries. If you’re craving a good sandwich or burger, these handhelds will hit the spot!
Scratch & Co.
Every meal at Scratch & Co. is a memorable one with thoughtfully prepared dishes with seasonal ingredients. This Troy Hill restaurant hugely supports local farms, distillers and more to prepare a rotating, niche menu that will make your belly and heart happy. Some of the hearty dishes found on the current menu include a meatloaf, fusilli with hot sausage and a duck confit. I’m already hungry thinking about it! Their dinner service currently runs Fridays and Saturdays, and reservations are encouraged.
Kelly O’s Diner
For a satisfying breakfast that will leave you happy, make a visit to Kelly O’s Diner (with locations in the Strip District, North Hills and Warrendale). We’re talking big plates and the ultimate bites to start off your day. Bring a big appetite, and you can’t go wrong with what you order. Some of the crowd-pleasing dishes include the Outrageous French Toast Breakfast Sandwich (made with Mancini’s Italian Bread), Country Fried Steak and Eggs and Breakfast Burritos.
Bigham Tavern
Mt. Washington’s Bigham Tavern is not your average pub. This quaint spot whips up pub food with a twist and hits your comfort food cravings. It doesn’t hurt to start your meal with Buffaloaded Tots, Gravy Fries or Irish Nachos. Their variety of gourmet mac and cheese bowls are not to miss and neither is the homestyle chili. There’s so much goodness packed in every bite!
