Pittsburgh is home to many long-standing restaurants and a history of international cuisines. Not all restaurants are trend chases. The ones noted below are establishments that have been around for some time and carry on their families’ legacies. Rediscover these three Pittsburgh staples today!
Khalil’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
Khalil’s is a family-run restaurant led by second generation sisters, Dalel and Leila Khalil. The restaurant was founded by their parents in the 1970s and has been a popular name in Pittsburgh since!
Located in their garden outside the restaurant is a beautiful water fountain commissioned from Syria dedicated to the sisters’ parents. Their family recipes are featured on the menu including an array of Syrian kebabs and vegetarian options, plus creative drinks with modern twist, like the winter pomegranate fig martini with rose syrup.
Pro tip: order a few mezza items (small plates) to share with your group before indulging in the dinner. The restaurant is located off Baum Boulevard near Bloomfield. Make a reservation here.
Alla Famiglia
This Italian gem in Allentown has been a popular name in Pittsburgh since 1997. The restaurant has long been known as the place to go to for special occasions, and that’s even more of a reason to get back to All Famiglia now for fun!
There’s something for everyone off the traditional Italian menu from prime aged steaks and veal to homemade pastas and seafood. Portions are typically big and leftovers are common!
Some of the menu standouts include the classic Greens and Beans with house sausage, the Seafood Diavola with a mix of seafood bites, and the can’t miss Cacio e Pepe prepared in a Locatelli Romano cheese wheel. See the menu here.
Chengdu Gourmet
Get a group together for family-style dining at Chengdu Gourmet. There are two extensive menus, American-Chinese and Sichuan specialties, so enjoy lots of dishes to dig into!
Chengdu Gourmet is a must revisit restaurant for Pittsburghers because you can always try something new-to-you. Crowd pleasing dishes include the Pecking Duck, Pepper Steak, Chengdu Spicy Cold Noodles, and a Chengdu Style Kung Pao Chicken.
The restaurant has two locations: Squirrel Hill and McKnight Road. Learn more about Chengdu Gourmet and Chef/Owner Wei Zhu on their website.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
