The Most Delicious Specialty Food in Pittsburgh

Wild Purveyors

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6) • $$$

"Woah, I dont think anybody else has reviewed what this business has become here in the last couple weeks. They are crushing it selling quality meats, veg and such to the general public and it looks like they are doing it in a safer manner than any grocery store I've seen.I took some of the chicken feta and spinach sausages, gave them a real quick sear in cast iron and then a light drizzle of olive oil wrapped in tin foil. Basically a confit/braise. It was a beautiful thing. The leftover cheese fat was borderline life changing drizzled over some roasted potatoes. All the sausages and cheeses have been amazing so far.Some of the meats I know are the same things that places like Burgatory and Morcilla have sold. Not sure what all other restaurants they were selling to until recently but it seems like a lot. I havnt grabbed a veg box yet, but plan to on Wednesday. It looked like the people in front of me got that and oat milk. I guess that's cool for the vegans, but not my thing.Anyhow, all in all I'm super stoked about this service and will be using it extensively for the foreseeable future."

The Market on Bridge Street

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"This place has the freshest ingredients and almost always has bouquets stocked from fonta flora co. It is a bit pricy in terms of food and juice being that all of this was $32 casually. However you get what you pay for and definitely fresh ingredients are worth the price for sure! Definitely coming back again."

Wavie and Jane's Emporium

★★★★☆ 4.2 (9)

"The owner is extremely friendly and their food and baked goods are good. I'm a local and they are a small business that always supports and gives back to their community. During the pandemic one of the owners drove around to businesses selling lunches and baked goods and even staple grocery items. He was the highlight of our day some days because he has a great sense of humor. I watched my coworkers chuckle for the rest of the day because of something he had said or done during their interaction with him. Pandemic days were stressful, as we all know, and his comic relief and delicious food brought to our door was appreciated. I often times ordered comfort food dinners for home too. They weren't always my taste but nothing that would ever make me give them a low rating. They support their community. When they have leftover meals they have put posts out that anyone in need can have them or they contact local outreach charities to get the food out to people in need. During pandemic they prepared meals (for free) for local seniors and delivered them, along with groceries if needed. I've heard they have done the same thing for first responders and the local hospital (Facebook posts thanking them). They also know their community and know the people who struggle and who don't have anyone and they kind of adopt those people. During a pandemic they went to the people when the people couldn't come to them and that is admirable. I won't forget it. It's a great local, small business that is trying to make their community better. They are definitely a local gem!"

DeLallo Italian Marketplace

★★★★☆ 4.2 (150) • $$

"This is a true Italian marketplace with DeLallo products, a nice deli, a huge bakery all in one.The sandwiches were very good (pre made to go), some of the deli items were available for them to heat up (some wings, meats, pasta salads, etc.). Not what I thought I would be getting into when we stopped after a quick search while on business day trip.Wish I could have brought some items home, there was so much goodness there.The servers were very helpful and friendly. The store had a marketplace energy to it, it was great! Very clean as well. Wish it had specific made to go hot food trays/items (that was what we were going for).Ample parking, and easy to get to off the main road.A very nice find"

Two Rivers Olive Oil Company

★★★★★ 4.8 (12)

"I've stopped in this shop a few times with my aunt who lives in Beaver. They have a great selection of specialty olive oils, vinegars, olives, dishes, and more. The workers/owners are SO friendly. We stopped in for Beaver Light Up Night and were encouraged to sample oils and vinegars. I like that they have a sheet that lists out which oils pair well with which vinegars. I sampled a bunch, but decided to purchase the denissimo balsamic. It is aged for 20+ years in barrels and has that thick syrupy texture that good aged balsamic has. I got a small bottle that I will use sparingly on my caprese salads. I also have the truffle olive oil and truffle salt products of theirs at home. It was fun to look through all the seasonings they had that you could add the olive oil to for an easy dipping sauce. They had dried pastas and other specialty food items. The store is located right on the main street of Beaver."

Jule's Italian Market

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Stopped in to see the shop. They were having a soft opening and offered all kinds of tasting samples! Everything is so fresh and delicious. I tried the roast beef, the ravioli, and even a bowl of the Italian Wedding Soup. Now, despite my heritage. This is a soup that I had not previously cared for. But Jule's soup was so good, I can't wait to get some more! Do yourself a favor and try out @Jule's Italian market! It's near Virginia behind the Laundromat. Across Kearsarge from Coen (formerly CoGos) and catty-corner from Slater."

Feast Gourmet Market and Eatery

★★★★★ 4.9 (25) • $$

"Still love them! Love them even more that they expanded and have indoor seating and even more products. They have a kids sandwich that is reasonably priced and comes with goldfish that was a hit. Every salad I get from there is delicious. They also often have piebird desserts and so many other tasty treats."

Alto Markets

★★★★☆ 4.2 (14)

"Travis runs an amazing business, they have catered several events for us. I also stop in for dinner take out, again delicious."

TKO Gyros,Fries & More

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Call and order before you go down! They are so good about giving an accurate wait time. Food is always fresh and correct! Tonight we had chilli dogs, chicken fingers, and cheese sticks."

Handmade Pasta by Yvonne

★★★★☆ 4 (5) • $

"We finally were able to take the advanced pasta making class. Yvonne never disappoints. We loved every minute. First we created the dough. Then we rapped it and let it sit. That's when the fun began. Yvonne made all kinds of delicious appetizers (look at the pics to see what I mean you'll be drooling). Everyone got their own individual antipasto platter that had traditional and unique delicacies. She also made regional delicacies from all parts of Italy. We loved every bite. She let us share the leftovers and take them home. It's BYOB so you can do that and enjoy some prosecco and lemoncello she provides at the end. For this class, you use her kitchenaid machines and extensions to make the pasta dough extend. She also had a little form to make the ravioli or little cutouts to do it free form in a little shapes. I love the hearts. Then she cooks up your pasta for you to try it in one of her olive oils or sage butter she made. Absolutely delicious!We ended the night with dessert. Everything was delicious. Tuesday is my husband's birthday (I mentioned it in passing when booking) and she got him a balloon and cupcake to celebrate. Yvonne is a wonderful, generous person and super talented. If you're looking for a fun night out, call Yvonne and schedule the basic and advanced pasta making class. You get a lot for your money and will love every minute."

Mayfield At The Capitol Hotel

★★★★★ 4.9 (8)

"Lunch was delicious and our server was top notch. She helped with recommending what we should have, which did not disappoint. The pendulum room has a great feel, including some fun wall decor. Give it a try!"

Sunseri Jimmy & Nino

★★★★☆ 4.4 (93) • $

"Don't miss out on lunch at Sunseri's during your next trip to the Strip! I recently stopped by for their eggplant parm sandwich and it was the best I've ever had - fresh bread, perfectly cooked eggplant with melted cheese, and onions & peppers to top it off. I've been dreaming about it ever since. I was also excited to see their deli and collection of take home items, including an amazing looking spinach roll. Can't wait to go back!"

The Pickled Chef

★★★★☆ 4.2 (20)

"Although I have not been at their physical storefront location I've met with "the pickled chef" on a number of occasions during my recent farmer's markets visit.I had purchased three of their popular items, apple bourbon maple jam, raw fermented ginger beet kraut, and pickled red beets. These items have been outstanding. The jam as described has real apple chunks in it and when spread on bread it tastes like an apple pie. Made with quality ingredients including the maple syrup from Paul's family farm it is worth the investment.The kraut is red pink due to the beets but you can taste the pickle in it. It makes a great side dish and will keep in the fridge for some time. My understanding is that it is one of their more popular items.With the markets winding down for the season you can still shop for their products on their website or you can purchase their products at East End food coop or Shenot's farm and market in Wexford. It is my hope to visit their Latrobe brick and mortal location when I'm in the area to stock up on more of their "farm to jar" as they call it products. Even if you are looking for pickles you won't be disappointed."

Batch

★★★★★ 5 (12) • $$

"While I was reading today's paper for Mother's day gifts I saw that an usual but delicious gift would be monkey butter. Since I had planned on going to Saxonburg anyway I thought I would give it a try.They have their own parking lot in the back with a handicapped accessible entrance. If you prefer you may street park on Main St where it is located for up to two hours. There are a few steps to take to enter.This is a very charming gift shop that carries specialty foods along with big toss pillows, baby gifts, tea towels, and some other items. Everything is made on the premises and the menu varies from day to day. On Tue and Thurs they make their own homemade soup which can be frozen and sold the next day. The soup always varies.On Wed the day of my visit they were busy making all types of breads and jellies. Among their specialty breads are a salted loaf, plain loaf and biscuits. They have quite a number of jelly and jam selections and they do permit you to sample before buying. The monkey butter is made with bananas, pineapples, coconut, lemon juice, and spiced rum. Once I took a sample I knew it was love at first sight! All jellies come in both small and regular size jars. If you decide to bring your empty jar back then they give you $.05 refund on the jar.For lunch today they were making foccacias along with large filled bread rounds. Your choices today included ham and cheese, red pepper and cheese, pepperoni and cheese, or kielbasa and cheese. Cost is only $5.00 and they are a very big size.Also among the breads they sell a sweet potato loaf which I bought and froze. I got to speak to Meghan who runs the place. She explained to me that everything including the brown eggs are locally sourced from various counties. Among the other grocery items you can buy here are pancake mix, pure maple syrup, honey. They also sell soaps, candles, hand lotions, T shirts, and even lip balms. It is not an extensive gift shop but the local sourced foods as well as their own made in house foods is the big draw.Located in the back of the store is a "window" where you can see the original brick that is part of this building. In the front area is a counter where you can order food to eat in or take out and a table for your convenience.Megan also told me that in addition to their homemade soups they specialize in small quiches. On occasion they will make a vegan soup and from time to time will give vegetarian options. On Fridays they prepare an entree that varies from week to week. I decided to buy a the stuffed pepper soup and sweet potato quiches from yesterday, a sweet potato loaf, and loaf of salted bread, 3 jars of the monkey butter, and a lip balm. I learned the monkey butter is also very versatile. The staff is very warm, friendly, and outgoing. I also learned that on occasion they will come to Market Square on Thurs for their lunch farmers market.When I got home I cut into the salted bread and it was outstanding! I am saving the soup and quiche for lunch tomorrow but I am sure I won't be disappointed. Likewise I froze the sweet potato loaf until I finish this one. This is by far the best food I had so far in Saxonburg and is definitely a must visit if you are in this area. Cards are accepted as well as cash.They are a small business and they support other small businesses as well. Located on W. Main St across from the coffee, tea, and ice cream shop, it is a great place to pick up something different for that special someone in your life."

The Enchanted Olive

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6) • $$

"Incredibly friendly and helpful and so many options! Be sure to stop in, they have a rewards card too!"

Prestogeorge Coffee & Tea

★★★★☆ 4.4 (131) • $$

"This was my first time at this coffee/tea shop and I will definitely be here again! They have so many different flavors to choose from for both tea & coffee!I ordered a hot butter pecan latte with almond milk (wasn't even extra!) and it was delicious, perfect for a chilly fall afternoon of walking down the strip. My sister got a hot rose latte and my husband got a vanilla almond tea. Everything was very good. They have so many different teas to choose from, my husband took forever to decide on just one! We were there on a Saturday so it was pretty crowded but our drinks were ready very fast. There's no seating, only to go orders."

Squirrel Hill Farmer's Market

★★★★☆ 4.3 (7)

"The Squirrel Hill farmer's market is back open on Sunday mornings and I want to spotlight one particular vendor that drew my interest in coming here.Ulric and Jen Joseph operate a Trindad vegan prepared food stand known as Shado Beni. Shado Beni which means "culantro" is a seasoning used in East Indian dishes, widely used in Trindad and happens to be the name of the owner's father. I had the opportunity to interview him and learned about the business.This is his 2nd year doing farmer's markets which are Pittsburgh based and the first year he is preparing everything for take out due to CoVid 19 restrictions prohibiting eating in farmer's markets. His menu is extremely limited but you can preorder your food on his website shadobeni412.com the Wednesday before the scheduled market you wish to attend. He also has the same food for sale at his booth. His main staple is called "deconstructed doubles" which consists of spiced chickpeas placed between two pieces of fried dough known as barra. It comes with various toppings you can add to make it as hot and spicy as you like or sweet with cucumber chutney and tamarind sauce.Each week he has a "special" entree. In my case it was pastelles. Trindad pastelles are a cornmeal pie filled with season lentils and vegetables. They are sealed in a banana leaf which is used for steaming your delicacy. They also come with pretty much the same toppings. Ulric explained that although it is a Christmas delicacy in Trindad they have become year round favorites. I had purchased a 4 pack completely frozen and when I cooked one for lunch it was literally to die for! It was so good and very filling! While chatting with the couple I had a "sorrel" tea. It is a Caribbean drink made from the red hibicus flower and brewed with other spices. It was a refreshing drink and he sells the leaves in a ready made packet where you can create up to a gallon of your own at home.Although the business does not have a storefront yet it is his hope that one day he will open up one on the Northside where they are situated. Everything is 100% vegan and tastes great! The Squirrel Hill Farmer's market is one of three city operated farmer's market going on throughout the summer and fall. This market is open on Sundays from 9-1. Restrictions are in place for Co-Vid 19 which include mask wearing, one way directional signage, and capacity limits. Get here before it opens to avoid waiting to get in.The lady at the gate explained to me that although you follow a certain path there are breaks in the dividers so that you can make a "u turn" if you are after a particular farmer. The market had a good selection of farms represented as well as other products for purchase. I was thrilled with the fact that there was a good fruit selection and that some of the vendors helped me find the best I needed since they have a "no touch" policy. Prices are pretty much on par for farm food but you get good quality. I already dug into fresh blueberries and an evercrisp apple and they were delicious! I was very thrilled with the opportunity to try a very new concept I had read about for some time now and ShadoBeni was indeed an outstanding vendor. Am looking forward to a future visit to try his coconut baked bread and the deconstructed doubles.Located in the Beacon/Bartlett parking lot in Squirrel Hill, metered parking is free on Sundays."

Bedillion Honey Farm

★★★★☆ 4.3 (6)

"Bedillion Honey Farm is a local family-operated apiary that has numerous beehives throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. This address is for their store that sells products including honey, beeswax, pollen, soaps, beekeeping supplies, other bee-related products, and maple syrup. Their honeycomb was unfortunately sold out, but I have in the past purchased it from a grocery store, and the honeycomb tasted delicious. Today at the farm store, they had jars and sticks of honey in stock. I bought several jars of honey, a bar of soap, beeswax food wraps, a honey nut bar, and maple syrup. I selected flavors of honey such as black locust, raspberry blossom, Japanese knotweed, orange blossom, and wildflower. Other flavors were basswood, spring blossom, goldenrod, blueberry blossom, and buckwheat. With so many flavors of honey from which to choose, you are likely to find ones that you enjoy! The cost per jar of honey was about several dollars. I bought mostly 8-ounce jars, but some flavors had only 16-ounce jars, so I will have a lot of honey to eat in the coming months! I believe that the cashier was one of the owners, and she had a friendly personality."

Cake Is Us

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"Ordered a birthday cake over the phone. German chocolate for my dad's 60th. Tom met us in cranberry to deliver the cake. Everyone loved it and it was a great value, asked for a cake for 20 people, could easily have served 35-40. Price was very reasonable. Definitely would recommend and will use them again."

Avalon Downtown Pizzeria

★★★★☆ 4 (97) • $

"I love grabbing a pizza here from time to time because they are one of the rare establishments that offer VEGAN CHEESE!! Oh how I wish more pizza places had it, but Avalon does! Their crust is amazing and the pizza itself never disappoints. The folks that work there are always nice, too. It's a bit loud honestly if you dine in, but that's to be expected with a pizza place and it was never so bad that it bothered me. Will definitely be back again and again!"

Ricci Italian Sausage

★★★★☆ 4.2 (20) • $

"Just an update since they moved a couple of years ago. Still the best Italian Sausage in the Burgh! Best Italian Sausage in the Burgh! Great to use for sandwiches, spaghetti or grilling. They also have sandwiches (sausage, meatballs) to eat in or take out. Of course I had to get a sandwich to go since it was lunch time, my Stuffed Banana Peppers sandwich was out of the world. Sausage is not greasy with natural casings. Bought a 5 lb ring to cook for our BBQ this week. You may have seen Ernie Ricci on Cooking with Chris Fennimore on Qed. Many restaurants in Pittsburgh use Ricci's sausage. Some days you can watch them make the sausage thru a window."

Smokey City's 412 BBQ

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Definitely good bbq.. love the Cajun bbq sauce. The "hot slaw" was tangy and had the right amount of heat to it.. loved it. The name is no doubt catchy and hard to forget. Way to go 412 BBQ!!!"

Peight's Country Store

★★★★☆ 4.4 (18) • $

"Peight's sells bulk foods, fabrics, kitchenware, and housewares; they also have a small deli section selling meats, cheeses, and candies.But that's all superfluous to me. I come for the packaged bulk section. It's rare that I am vising my central PA home via car, but this time I am, and consequently walked out of Peight's with a huge box of goods.We're talking about two pounds of chocolate-covered pretzels for $5.35; pudding mix for $2.29/lb; chocolate chips for $1.59/lb; bean soup mixtures for $1.55/lb...and so forth. Muffin mixes, dried blueberries and dates, fig bars, chocolate wafers, and on and on. They have nearly an entire aisle of every generic candy under the sun.Cheap, quality, locally unique--what's not to love about this place? A true Mifflin County gem."

Squirrel Hill Market

★★★★☆ 3.5 (15)

"We did a road trip to try the pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. They were amazing. Had a great conversation with the owners/staff. The pictures can't describe how delicious these were. Definitely worth the trip. We would absolutely recommend."

Manpasand Spice Corner

★★★★☆ 3.5 (6) • $$

"This is nice Indian grocery store which has all the basics and some surprise finds too! The vegetables are fresh depending on which day of the week you go. They have a good collection of snacks, masalas, various lentils, frozen items and vegetables. Good Indian ice creams too! They also sell freshly made snacks and entrees where you get the food to go."

Windy Ridge Dairy

★★★★☆ 4.4 (7)

"Drop what you are doing and get to Windy Ridge. The ice cream here is amazing, so delicious and satisfying. We were kayaking at Moraine, and I noticed that Windy Ridge was just 15 minutes extra time on our trip home. I saw it was mentioned in Pennsylvania Magazine, so I was intrigued. All of their ice cream is made from the milk of the cows on their farm. It's a beautiful drive in the countryside, and we loved sitting outside on the porch eating their ice cream. Check their Facebook page for the latest flavors."