Pittsburgh winter dining guide: Six spots not to miss

By Jessica Iacullo | Guest Contributor, Hungry Girl Big City

‘Tis the season for bundling up and exploring what Pittsburgh has to offer! For those who are both new and old to the 412, there’s an endless array of activities, coffee shops, and restaurants to check off your to-do list in the midst of these long winter months. With food always on my mind, I’m also constantly thinking about the best ways to make the most of my budget and how to best handle dining expenses. After all, if there’s a time of year to commit to spending more quality experiences with the people I love, this would be it! Which is why this New Year, I’ll be utilizing cash back rewards to make the most out of my budget while I dine and shop my way through the city. As an avid explorer and diner in the city, I’ve been keeping up with my fair share of Pittsburgh gems through my brand, Hungry Grl Big City, and I’m excited to share six of my favorites with you as we enter the first month of the new decade!

As you go through this guide, you can refer to this key:

$ - budget

$$ - moderate

$$$ - splurge

Is there anything better than getting warm with a bowl of soup the size of your head? Two Sisters, located in the East Liberty neighborhood, is the perfect answer to your soup needs. This cozy little spot is known for their pho, available in vegetarian and meat options so all can enjoy.

If pho isn’t your thing, Two Sisters also serves an array of rolls and dry noodle bowls to fulfill your Vietnamese cuisine craving. Plus, if you’re a coffee lover, don’t skip their Vietnamese iced coffee! The sister duo is bringing their authentic family recipes to a neighborhood otherwise lacking in Vietnamese influence, and if spicy food is your thing, there’s plenty of sriracha to be had. Spice is basically my middle name, so I love being able to customize my pho and pack it with as much heat as I can handle! 

If you’re looking for plans after lunch or dinner, Lawrenceville is a neighborhood full of fun bars, shopping, and coffee shops. And FYI, Round Corner Cantina is the home of my favorite margarita in all of Pittsburgh. From their indoor seating to year-round patio, it’s the perfect spot for all of the guac lovers in your life. The chips and tortillas are made in house, and I recommend keeping an eye on all of their different Happy Hour specials during the week. I always suggest this spot to friends looking to celebrate the weekend or just get together on a random weeknight!

One of my mottos is usually something along the lines of bathing in queso, and Round Corner’s is not to be missed. Plus, splitting queso and guac with friends is basically a meal in itself!

I am an avid lover of spice … so much, in fact, that my phone case is a bottle of hot sauce! Ki Ramen is one of my fave local neighborhood spots for all things slurping’ and sipping’ with friends. I could order an entire plate of the pork dumplings for myself, no joke, and the spicy tonkatsu ramen gives me life even on the coldest of days. This is the perfect spot to refuel and recharge in the midst of shopping or celebrating on busy and bustling Butler Street!

Pro tip: Always check to see what the “Butter Bomb” of the day is … it’s my favorite addition to any ramen bowl I dive into. The flavors burst in your mouth with every spoonful. And if chopsticks aren’t your thing, don’t hesitate to ask for a fork — the staff is more than happy to accommodate your noodle-eating needs.

Being self-employed and always needing to stay caffeinated has resulted in me spending most of my days in coffee shops. Luckily, in Pittsburgh there’s definitely no short supply of flowing coffee and warm, freshly baked croissants with plenty of WiFi surrounding me. One of my favorite spots also happens to be nestled into the cutest furniture store in Pittsburgh!

The Bureau, who shares ownership with another local gem, The Vandal, provides one of the best oat milk lattes I’ve had in the city — not to mention pastries that make me want to buy the whole case. I always suggest this spot to friends looking to catch up over a good cup of coffee or even to businesses and clients who need a spot to catch up on work or meet for the first time. With The Bureau being located conveniently in Schoolhouse, a popular home decor destination, you can utilize sipping some cold brew and shopping for new throw pillows at the same time.

This is, by far, my absolute favorite restaurant to splurge at. Warning: a reservation at Poulet Bleu is 100% needed! If you can, try to secure a seat at the chef’s counter, where you can have a close-up view of the magic that goes into each savory, French-inspired dish. From the French onion soup to the bistro burger, each dish is carefully crafted and the flavors explode in your mouth over and over again.

If dessert is your thing, I highly recommend pre-ordering the chocolate soufflé as soon as you sit down. Plus, if you consider yourself a wine expert, their wine list is the perfect addition to a meal you most certainly will not forget. 

Who doesn’t love pizza?! At Pizzeria Davide in the Strip District — which is attached to infamous Italian eatery DiAnoia’s — you can indulge in pizza by the slice or get a pie for the whole group. In the warmer months, Pizzeria Davide is the perfect place to hang out, order some Peronis, and catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in a while.

But even with no indoor seating area, Pizzeria Davide is a must-try no matter the time of year. Their to-go window is ideal for a game-and-wine night at home, or the perfect spread for when you’re home for movie night. Besides the pizza, make sure you snag one of their Philly cheesesteaks —  it may sound farfetched, but it’s one of the best in Pittsburgh, and they only make 50 per day!

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Hungry Grl, aka Jessica, is a Pittsburgh-based food blogger with a passion for bagels, travel, and writing, A self-proclaimed Guy Fieri meets Carrie Bradshaw, Jessica graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017 and has spent her post-grad life working at companies like Forbes and Business Insider in NYC. Today, she has moved back to the 412 where she runs her own business and writes for local news outlets. Her favorite food is Thai and she is always on the hunt for the next big thing. With the exception of direct quotes, any advice and opinions are of the guest writer.