by Barb Hickey

Created on: March 20, 2009   Last Updated: March 22, 2009

The Best Places To Eat In Pittsburgh, PA

The City of Pittsburgh is one of the original "melting pots" of the Northeast. Even today, there are still many ethnic neighborhoods in and around the city. And, it's in these little neighborhoods that diners will find some of the best authentic restaurants in the country. Sure, Pittsburgh is also home to many of the popular chain restaurants like PF Chang's, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Lonestar, and Hard Rock Cafe, just to name a few. Pittsburgh has its share of Sonics, Subways, Moe's and Panera Breads. And, just a short hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh is the AAA Five Diamond Lautrec Restaurant located at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. While all of these places are great places to dine, the best places to eat in the Burgh are the local spots that aren't widely advertised.

For the best Italian fare in town, visit the Primadonna Restaurant located in McKees Rocks. The Primadonna features homemade pasta and sauces cooked to perfection. One of the most requested dishes is the homemade gnocchi with meatballs. If you are in the mood for German food, try Max's Allegheny Tavern on the North Side. Here you can find authentic German fare including potato pancakes, bratwurst, hasenpfeffer and schnitzel, not to mention a large selection of German beers.

If you have a taste for Mexican, El Campesino offers authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. This family owned restaurant has five locations in the Pittsburgh area. The large menu selection includes homemade burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tostados, tamales, and chimichangas, just to name a few. And, each entre comes with their authentic salsa and freshly made tortilla chips. If you like Chinese, try the Chinatown Inn, one of Pittsburgh's original Chinese restaurants located in downtown Pittsburgh. They specialize in homemade egg rolls stuffed with vegetables and your choice of shrimp, chicken or pork. General Tso's Chicken, Barbecue Spare Ribs and Won Ton Soup are some of the most popular dishes served at the Chinatown Inn.

If you are looking for a fun place to eat with a great menu, the Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville is the place to go. This restaurant is an actual renovated Catholic church complete with the long aisle, pews, confessionals and an altar that houses the microbrewery. The extensive menu features a wide range of pastas, seafood, chicken and beef. If a pizza and a few beers sound good, try the specialty Pittsburgh Pierogie Pizza with mashed potatoes, sauteed onions, garlic and cheddar cheese.

When thinking about the best places to eat in Pittsburgh, it is impossible not to mention Primanti Bros. A Pittsburgh establishment dating back to 1933, Primanti's offers Pittsburgh's signature sandwich that has been featured in Travel Magazine and on Good Morning America. There are ten Pittsburgh locations including the original flagship restaurant in the Strip District. A Primanti's sandwich starts with two thick slices of homemade Mancini's Italian bread, the meat and cheese of choice, loads of fresh cut french fries and heaping portion of coleslaw served on a piece of parchment paper. The sandwich is a must for everyone that visits the Burgh.

Pittsburgh is a town that loves to eat and is proud of its ethnic heritage. These are just a few examples of the many fabulous local restaurants in and around the city.Write your article here

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