We ate out in Pittsburgh a lot in 2017… and, to be honest, most of it was pretty great. So to end the year, we scrolled through our phones and Instagram accounts (because who can eat a good meal without taking a photo of it first these days?), and shared the 25 best bites we ate this year.
– Emily and Madeline
Buttersquash Pudding from Provision
This pudding combines roasted squash with butterscotch to create a sweet and savory experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
Shoyu Ramen at Ki Ramen
Soy-braised chicken with cabbage, charred bean sprouts and a perfectly-prepared onsen egg, in flavorful broth – some of the best ramen in the city (and a lunch spot we keep going back to again and again).
Summer Salad at Il Pizzaiolo
Il Pizzaiolo’s summer salad is an ever-changing dish that makes its mark on the menu from May through September. Fresh greens, olives, marinated peppers, seasonal tomatoes and torn Parmigiano-Reggiano are tossed in a slightly-sweet vinaigrette. We eat it by the bowlful as often as we can when it’s on the menu.
Cannoli from Della Terra
To be honest, there’s a lot to ove at Della Terra in Harmony (like the meatballs, the fresh-made pasta, and the seriously good bread). But from the first bite of our cannoli, we knew we were in love. No matter how stuffed you are after your meal, make room for these beauties.
Winter Caramel Set from A519 Chocolate
The team from A519 has done it again with five brand new, “how do they fit all that flavor into one truffle?” chocolates. Their winter collection centers around caramel, but the secondary flavors – anything from hazelnut to peppermint – makes each chocolate completely different from the next.
Spicy Brisket Tacos from Baby Loves Tacos
Baby Loves Tacos might not be officially open yet in Bloomfield, but with so many pop-ups and events, they may as well be. Check out their Instagram page for updates, and if they have Spicy Brisket Tacos on the menu, order them (though, we’ll be honest – we haven’t ever had a bad meal there).
Freshly Baked Pies from Driftwood Oven
Driftwood Oven brings the attention back to the unsung hero of a pizza – the crust. While their flavorful toppings don’t hurt, it is their soft, yet supportive, crust that keeps you reaching for another slice.
Drink Me Juice from The Pittsburgh Juice Company
We all owe so much to The Pittsburgh Juice for making healthy easy. Every single juice from their colorful fridge is filling and tasty. However, we can’t help going back for the ‘Drink Me’ with house made cashew mylk, blue majik spirulina, dates, vanilla, coconut oil, pink himalayan sea salt.
Pierogies from the Butterjoint
Simply the best pierogies in Pittsburgh – and we know, that’s saying a lot in our pierogie-centric town. The secret is that they’re made using grass-fed cottage cheese, which makes them melt-in-your-mouth good.
Gin and Tonic from Or, the Whale
We’re not going to lie – we’d be happy with pretty much any gin and tonic. Luckily for us, Or, The Whale isn’t serving just any gin and tonic. This lethal concoction mixes housemade tonic with freshly sliced fruit, and is garnished with flowers. You basically feel like you’re drinking a garden (with a kick).
Miso Kale Salad from Franktuary
If someone goes out of their way to tell you to get the salad at a restaurant famous for your hot dogs, you better listen. The perfect accompaniment to any gourmet dog, Franktuary’s Miso Kale Salad will make anyone and everyone a fan of kale.
Lucky Lime Oysters from Merchant Oyster Company
Trust us – eat these simply with a bit of olive oil and a dash of salt and you’ll be transported to the sea in no time.
Carrots from brunoise
Majorly upgrade your typically baby carrot snack with brunoise’s tangy and crunchy carrot dish. Don’t leave the galley without ordering this dish.
In and Aht Burger from Pittsburgh Sandwich Society
We may not have any of In-n-Outs in Pittsburgh, but with the In-n-Aht Burger from Pittsburgh Sandwich Society, we are just fine with that. More hearty than the original, this burger is tangy and filling.
Pickle-Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich from Burgh’ers
When fried chicken is pickle-brined, you know it has to be good. Burgh’ers in Lawrenceville delivers on one of our absolute favorite foods – the fried chicken sandwich. Piled high with romaine, tomato and fresh onions, it’s a two-handed (totally delicious) feast.
Peanut Butter Doughnut from Just Good Donuts
If craving a donut that is also akin to a small cake… you’re my kind of person. But you should also head to Just Good Donuts to try their drool-worthy donut with whipped peanut butter. Donuts will never be the same.
Cookies & Cream Milkshake at Sarris
Nothing says summer like Sarris Ice Cream. Not only does this Canonsburg staple have the best homemade chocolate in western Pennsylvania, their mile-high milkshakes (Cookies & Cream is a favorite) are almost impossible for a single person to finish (though you’ll love trying to).
Fresh Whipped Ricotta from Scratch
Do you really need convincing that freshly whipped ricotta, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with cracked pepper, and spread over a buttery piece of bread is delicious? This indulgent appetizer a great way to start a meal at Scratch Food and Beverage.
Coconut Cream Pie from Dean’s Diner
If you’re going to get a slice of pie, make it a slice of homemade pie. Dean’s Diner in Blairsville is home to some amazing slices, but we can’t get enough of their classic coconut cream, topped sky-high with meringue.
Biscuits with Pimento Cheese & Chow Chow from Wise County Biscuits
Maybe one of the best new additions to Pittsburgh’s bursting food scene is Wise County Biscuits, makers of flaky, delicious, pull-apart biscuits. Paired with their pimento cheese and chow chow relish, it makes the perfect breakfast – if you know where to find them.
White Pie from Iron Born
As the pizza that practically broke the internet, Iron Born’s white pie absolutely lives up to the hype. Imagine melting ricotta cascading of a thick crust of oily focaccia-like bread …. I’m not drooling, you’re drooling.
Pupusa from Colonia
The Smallman Galley brought us lots of delicious bites this year, but one that we can’t stop thinking about is the pupusa from Colonia. These stuffed corn tortillas are topped with a slightly-spicy slaw and pickled red onions, and a flavor combination that we were thinking about days later.
Breakfast sandwich at Pear & the Pickle Cafe
If there’s a more perfect breakfast sandwich than the one at Pear & the Pickle Cafe in Troy Hill (our pick is with egg, cheese and sausage), please let us know. Until then, we’re making these classic sandwiches a staple of our morning routine.
Seasonal Salad from The Vandal
Though the ingredients change frequently, The Vandal’s salad is always light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Frequently featuring fennel and radishes, this salad fills you up without weighing you down.
Mojito at Hidden Harbor
Step into Hidden Harbor, and step into the tropics. Their classic mojito is one of our favorite cocktails because it’s bursting with fresh mint… and the rum doesn’t hurt, either.
What were your favorite bites of 2017? Let us know in the comments!
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