The Most Delicious Italian in Pittsburgh

Alla Famiglia

★★★★☆ 4.3 (482) • $$$$

"BEST ITALIAN IN PITTSBURGH!Alla Famiglia has been on my list to try for about two years now and I finally had the opportunity to check it off my list. GREAT decision! Alla Famiglia is the best of two words - classic old school Pittsburgh Italian and modern Italian cuisine. Your meal comes with bread and dipping oil, house salad, & pasta a la vodka and that's all before your main entree arrives! The food is classic and comforting but also fresh and incredibly delicious. I got the seafood Diavolo as my main - the sauce was incredible, spicy but not too spicy and the seafood was cooked perfectly - no rubbery lobster here. Also don't skimp on the appetizers or dessert (although it helps if you have people to share with because it's a lot of food) our table ordered the Giant Meatball and Smoked Provolone which were both incredible as well as the Raspberry Tiramisu for dessert which was a refreshing change up from the classic (and I love the classic!) Overall our service and experience couldn't have been better so whether you want a nice date night out or are celebrating a fancy occasion add Alla Famiglia to your must-try places in 2025!"

Pizzaiolo Primo Market Square

★★★★☆ 3.8 (419) • $$

"The food was excellent. The front-of-house was a little less than welcoming though. We got there 5 mins early and they told us (party of 5) to come back at our reservation time. So we did and they still didn't have seating ready for us. Just not an awesome way to start the meal. Once we were seated everything turned around. Great server and excellent food. Definitely recommend. I should caveat that we were there Christmas Eve so everyone probably wanted to be elsewhere, except for us. Cannot beat the location that time of year though."

Juliano's Restaurant & Pizzeria

★★★★★ 4.5 (269) • $$

"Meh. Ordered a small buffalo chicken pizza and half a steak hoagie, came out to almost $36. (!!!) Got to the shop 25 mins later and still wasn't ready despite 4 customers in the restaurant. Food was fine, nothing special."

Roman Bistro

★★★★☆ 3.7 (396) • $$

"Wine tasting dinner last night. 2/2/25WowGreat pairing of wine and food. From soup to dessert food was excellent. Very interesting flavors from the wines. We enjoyed it."

Olives & Peppers

★★★★☆ 4.3 (293) • $$

"Really love the family-friendly vibe here. We were seated at the time of our reservation and the server was quick to take our drink orders. We ordered beans and greens and the fried zucchini appetizer which were both sizable and good. Dinners were eggplant parmigiana; chicken parmigiana; Tortiglioni and meatballs; and vodka cavatelli. Most of us added a side salad for an up charge. The salad was great too but honestly, by the time dinner was served, I was full so I'd not recommend adding the salad. All of us took home the leftover food. A common site you will see is people carrying a large paper bag containing leftovers on their way out after dinner. Everything was beautifully plated and delicious. We will be back!Check out the awesome bar too!"

Pasta Too

★★★★☆ 3.7 (395) • $$

"I do love Pasta Too. My favorite restaurant Italian and otherwise. I've never been dissatisfied with my food. I do agree though with another reviewer though that it would be nice if you didn't feel like you're having dinner with the table beside you. It's very tight in there and that can get quite annoying. I did get my usual linguini and white clam sauce last night which I get every single time I go. The white sauce seemed off and very heavy last night. I didn't even finish eating it because it just was not per usual. I've used them for catering several times and it was chefs kiss"

Emporio: A Meatball Joint

★★★★☆ 3.8 (368) • $$

"Food was good. Glad they brought back the meatball hoagie. Staff is still Great. Bartender Brett - Warm and friendlyAmbiance bar area is the best area to eat and hang."

Big Jim's Restaurant & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (313) • $$

"This restaurant is a hidden treasure in Pittsburgh! Parking was a breeze, and you almost wouldn't even notice it if you weren't looking for it. It doesn't seem like much from the outside, but boy were we pleasantly surprised. The service was phenomenal, and we were served quickly. I got the lasagna with meat sauce, which was loaded with layers and smothered over the top with the meat sauce. It was amazing and a huge portion. My husband got the veal parmesan sandwich, which was humongous! It was bigger than his head. The veal was fried to perfection, the cheese melted and oozing, and the cherry on the top was the crunch crispiness of the bread. We will have leftovers for days, and we only spend about $16 for each dish. Huge portions, low prices, and amazing quality. You literally cannot ask for anything more. Hands down 5 stars to this restaurant and a must visit in Pittsburgh."

Arlecchino Ristorante

★★★★☆ 4.3 (242) • $$$

"Arlecchino is an amazing restaurant. Really cool vibe inside and top notch service. If you are going for a full dinner, be prepared for a long experience. My wife and I were there for around two hours when we went. It was well worth it though!They start you off with their homemade bread, which is excellent. I wish I would have only had one piece though because they keep the food coming. We then had Caesar salads. Incredible dressing and super fresh. Then come the main dishes. You are given the options between a Cacio e pepe, which comes made table side in a big cheese wheel, or a pasta dish with vodka sauce. My wife and I got one of each and both liked the Cacio e pepe dish better, but both were very good. For my meal I had the stuffed lobster tail. By the time it came however, I was so full I could barely eat any. What I did have was delicious. It made for great leftovers the next day.Overall, a great meal and experience."

Aviva Brick Oven

★★★★☆ 3.9 (279) • $$

"Delicious, fast and perfect for our 3 toddlers. We were in and out within the hour. From the hostess to the server everyone was attentive and efficient. We had the white pizza, vodka pizza (yum!), meatball and a side of butter noodles. Kids were happily covered in sauce by the end of the meal, scooping every last bit of the sauce by hand and finishing all of the crust. Such a great experience while passing through cranberry. Only wish there was a location closer to our home. Recommend 10/10."

Alta Via

★★★★☆ 4.2 (237) • $$$

"We had a fantastic dinner tonight. Alta Via is one of my favorites for Italian! The drinks are always good and the service is top notch. Tonight we shared the Little Gem salad (not pictured) and we each got a small portion for our main course. I normally get the Bucatini, but tonight I went with the Ricotta Ravioli in a Lemon cream sauce with sweet corn. 5 stars! My husband had the Rigatoni and meatballs. The meatballs were tender and you could tell they were slow cooked in the sauce. Dessert was the Chocolate Torte. This was a miss for me just because of the density of the chocolate. The flavor was amazing just too rich for me."

Shelly Pie

★★★★☆ 4.1 (245) • $$

"Absolutely love Shelly Pie! Doing a job in Turtle Creek I've become a bit of a regular at this fine establishment. The Pizza, hoagies, soups, daily specials are remarkable at unbeatable price. Great selection of beer and they have their own cocktails. The service is always amazing Brittany and Tabby always do an A++ job! The atmosphere is cool an old VFW turned into a modern day pizza restaurant perfect mix of the old meets the new. If you are ever in Turtle Creek or passing through I couldn't recommend this place anymore!"

Bella Notte

★★★★☆ 3.8 (267) • $$

"Service was great, monster slice of pizza is a good deal and pizza is delicious. Pittsburgh cheesesteak not so great, it lacked cheese and very little peppers and onions, the antipasto salad was ok. I always stop here whenever I'm in the Burgh , good beer selection and always quick friendly service."

Angelo's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.9 (243) • $$

"Angelo's was very busy but our service was excellent. I ordered the fried zucchini for our table of 4 to share and it was crispy and delicious. My husband and I split our main course of chicken Marsala to save room for dessert. I love the walnut farina cream cake. It's luscious."

Armstrong's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.8 (249) • $$

"Armstrong's used to be m parents place to eat! They loved this restaurant. They have excellent food and service and was where many happy memories of my late parents were made."

Zarra's A Taste of Southern Italy

★★★★☆ 3.8 (240) • $$

"Went to Zarra's for the first time. I had met their manager at an event, and he recommended the food (of course)! So I went and I was not disappointed. Very thick slices of italian bread came with olive oil and spices. I don't know what spices were used, but the taste was unique and delicious. We started with the banana peppers stuffed with sausage and topped with marinara sauce. Everything, including the sausage, is homemade. They were really tasty, and you could catch bits of fennel seed in the sausage. Yum!!! The marinara was smooth and not too bright with a hint of sweetness. My entree was the Italian sampler with lasagna, large meatball, sausage, spinach, and eggplant. Everything was very good and a pretty large serving. Had tiramisu for dessert. Will definitely come back again."

Figaretti's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (211) • $$

"Great food and excellent service. Huge glasses of wine, and don't skip dessert. The stuffed banana peppers were great but a bit spicy. The homemade tortellini were like little purses of ricotta. Got it with vodka sauce 10/10 recommend but save room fir amazing lemon cake!"

Station Square Ristorante

★★★★☆ 3.9 (217) • $$

"We attended a special event on the patio here. Beautiful potted herbs surround the railing. Comfortable seating and fairly quiet outside. Buffet was fantastic. Included smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, salmon, collard greens and Mac n cheese (truffle) and garlic mashed. All was very tasty but the brisket was a stand out favorite. Easy and full bar service. Attentive old world type service. There was a band inside and a good crowd at the bar. Easy parking and right off the highway."

Garbarinos

★★★★★ 4.5 (160) • $$

"We have wanted to try this place for quite some time so after a very long week...we went for it! I'm so glad we did. When we sat down at 5:30 there were only 2 other people eating, but by the time we left it was packed. The place itself is very old school family Italian decor and dimly lit, but quiet and comfortable. The portions are HUGE so be prepared to have a lot to take home.Starters: Meatballs - these were the best I've had in a long time. Super tender and flavorful with the perfect amount of garlic. They had a nice consistency.Aroncini: PERFECTION. Crispy outside and creamy inside. Entrees: Veal chop parmigiana (16oz) - these veal was incredibly tender and delicate.It came with a generous side of pasta too!Rigatoni with creamy red sauce and crispy chicken breast. I'm not a big fan of rigatoni, but they make their pasta in house and I have to say...fresh rigatoni is quite delightful.We left with enough food to have dinner for two nights!"

Joseph Tambellini Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (189) • $$$

"Everything about this place is great! From service, ambiance, and food all is over the top. The food was phenomenal! We started out with the greens and beans which were plentiful and delicious! They give you bread and oil for the table as well. I got the cheese ravioli that comes with a meatball and sausage and everything was so yummy! The veal parm was out of this world good! I can't rave about it enough. I will be back and will be brining friends!"

Zuppa's Delicatessen- Wexford

★★★★★ 4.7 (143) • $

"Fabulous food and service. Went there during the lunch rush and was able to get a seat. Had the veggie panini and shrimp and corn chowder."

Caporella's Italian Ristorante

★★★★☆ 4.1 (186) • $$

"I've been here a couple times, and loved it every time. Had pizza once, and pasta a couple times. Everything that comes out of the kitchen looks fantastic. It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.."

Armstrong's

★★★★☆ 3.6 (237) • $$

"Have eaten here & done Take Out. Usually order their Italian Hoagie & Fried Zucchini or a Meatball Hoagie either one is a Good Choice.From what I understand it is Still Takeout only"

Steamers Stonewall Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.3 (156) • $$

"The portions are HUMUNGOUS and the meal was delicious! I also got the crepe dessert and it was yummy. I asked the bar tender to surprise me with a fruity mocktail and she delivered, super appreciative as I rarely find bartenders that will accommodate mocktails."

Monte Cello's

★★★★☆ 4.1 (170) • $$

"A great restaurant. Whether you sit down and eat or place an order for pick up, you still get a high quality dinner. Since Covid started, pick up orders are efficiently part of this restaurant's business. Their computer system has your past info as well as an accurate system for placing your order. Today the restaurant was packed. I called in an order, they said 30 minutes, and they were right. Pizzas are excellent. Calzones are made to order. I had the Shrimp Scampi. Complete with salad and bread. Hot and super garlicky. The only downside is I must remember to request 1/2 garlic."

Pino's Contemporary Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (206) • $$

"We have been trying to get here for a couple of years. We were in the neighborhood and stopped in to see if we could get a table. Pinos was completely booked but found a bar seat for us. The bar tender Rachel was our server. I can't recall when we have received better service. She was attentive and lovely. The food was delicious. We enjoyed. The wine and drink list were great. The only downside was that the food was a bit pricy. I would definitely come back."

Senti Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (176) • $$$

"Honestly, who can afford to eat out anymore? Well if you're gonna plunk down the dough you might as well make it someplace worthwhile. Some place you haven't tried before.So Marla (my best friend since childhood) were looking for something to do on a girl's night out. Niether of us had been to Senti before, so we thought we'd try it. I tried the "Brodetto di Pesce" Brodetto di Pesce, which is calamari, shrimps, clams, etc. The pasta is fresh and w-a-y above what you'd get someplace else. Marla went for the gigli pasta in a vodka sauce and said it was amazing. And of course one must top off one's dinner with tiramisu!"

Jimmy's Italian Food Specialties

★★★★★ 4.7 (126) • $

"THE BEST last minute road trip stop. Came across this place when traveling along 80 and it far exceeded our expectations. With a mini van full of toddlers through grandparents - all left full and happy!A salad bar, sandwiches, hot pizzas and pastas ... and the bakery!We easily could've spent $300 and had no regrets, but sadly we had to get back on the road. Amazingly nice staff and even better food. Would gladlyGo back!"

Toscana Brick Oven

★★★★☆ 3.8 (184) • $$

"Let's start off by saying the food was delicious and I would love to give a 5 stars. Sadly the food took a long time to come out and no complaint against the service it just seemed a little chaotic in terms of communication on the severing side. Staff were very friendly though and they handled it well. The feel of the restaurant is very quaint and if you get the chance sit outside it's a very nice little patio area for any size group!"

Storms Restaurant & Byob

★★★★☆ 4.2 (149) • $$

"Went for my sister's bday and it was soooooo good!! Love the zucchini and mussel appetizers - big heaping plates of both - zucchini is the best in the city!! Service was amazing and everyone loved their meals!!! My eggplant parm - molto bene!!!!"

Mambo Italia

★★★★☆ 3.5 (206) • $$

"Have heard from a friend about the pizza and pasta and met them for a nice dinner. The menu has some other items too. It is BYOB and they do charge $12 per bottle, a little high compared to other places.Nice place with a garage door that opens onto the sidewalk. Our waitress was so good. Very patient and good with descriptions and recommendations. We started with the Polpette al Sago, traditional meatball, and the Pane tritato, focaccia with some roasted tomatoes and other toppings. Both were a nice start and went well with the Insulate Caprese, a really good mozzarella with a tasty oil glaze. We had a variety of pasta and one person raved about the Chicken Parmigiano. The Pasta all Norcina was a creamy dish of garlic pecorino Romano cheese and Italian sausage, very rich and the homemade noodles were perfectly cooked. We had a nice leisurely dinner."

Spritzery

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (242)

"Drinks were great! Dirty Santa was basically a twist on a dirty shirely - so yummy! Was busy but still was able to get our drinks in a timely manner so deff recommend this place for a fun festive drinks night! A little on the pricey side though, you're definitely also paying for the experience."

DeBlaze at 131

★★★★☆ 3.7 (174) • $$

"I took the little ones here for a really nice dinner treat after camp one day. Most of the diners were on a date with significant others so we were the odd ones.The service was really speedy and efficient. And the food was quite delicious. The restaurant has a lot of crosses and Christian symbolism. If you're in the mood for a meal sparing no details, check it out."

The Back Porch Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (135) • $$

"Great food, service and ambience. We've been going there since it opened and it's always excellent."

Hoffstot’s Cafe Monaco

★★★★☆ 3.6 (183) • $$

"Family style restaurant with friendly ambience and a varied menu. Monthly early-bird specials are usually tasty and a good value."