Pittsburgh is renowned for its robust culinary scene, and lunchtime is no exception. From classic American fare to innovative international cuisines, the city offers a diverse array of options to satisfy any craving. This comprehensive guide showcases the best lunch spots in Pittsburgh, catering to various dietary preferences and culinary adventures.
Classic American Delights
The Strip District
Primanti Bros.: A Pittsburgh institution serving legendary sandwiches piled high with meats, cheese, fries, and coleslaw.
Kelly O’s Diner: A retro-style diner serving classic American comfort food like burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Franktuary: Known for its gourmet hot dogs with a wide selection of toppings to choose from.
Downtown Pittsburgh
The Commoner: A contemporary American restaurant offering a modern take on classic dishes, including wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails.
Eleven: A stylish restaurant with a seasonal menu featuring sophisticated American cuisine and an extensive wine list.
McClelland’s Crossing: A historic tavern serving traditional American fare like fish and chips, burgers, and salads.
International Flavors
Lawrenceville
Kaya: A vibrant restaurant serving authentic Indian street food, including flavorful curries, tandoori dishes, and street snacks.
Park Bruges: A cozy Belgian bistro offering a delightful menu of mussels, frites, and delectable desserts.
La Palapa: A lively Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, serving classic dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.
South Side
Soba House: A Japanese restaurant specializing in freshly made soba noodles, tempura, and traditional Japanese dishes.
Spoonwood: A modern Vietnamese restaurant with a creative menu featuring pho, vermicelli bowls, and flavorful salads.
Siema: A contemporary Eastern European restaurant serving traditional dishes from Poland, Russia, and Ukraine with a modern twist.
Healthy and Dietary-Friendly Options
East Liberty
Eleven 22: A vegan restaurant with a diverse menu of plant-based dishes like salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
Roots Natural Kitchen: A health-conscious restaurant offering a wide variety of organic and gluten-free options, including soups, salads, and wraps.
Saladworks: A salad bar chain with a customizable menu of healthy salads, wraps, and soups.
Shadyside
Fuel & Fiddle: A cozy cafe serving nutritious breakfast and lunch options like granola bowls, smoothies, and fresh sandwiches.
Regent Square Cafe: A local gem known for its delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Kaya: In addition to its Indian street food offerings, Kaya also provides a selection of vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Tables for Comparison
Type
Establishment
Neighborhood
Classic American
Primanti Bros.
The Strip District
Classic American
The Commoner
Downtown Pittsburgh
Belgian
Park Bruges
Lawrenceville
Healthy
Eleven 22
East Liberty
Dietary Preference
Establishment
Neighborhood
Vegan
Eleven 22
East Liberty
Gluten-Free
Roots Natural Kitchen
East Liberty
Vegetarian
Kaya
Lawrenceville
Indian
Kaya
Lawrenceville
Neighborhood
Establishment
Cuisine
The Strip District
Franktuary
Hot Dogs
Lawrenceville
Spoonwood
Vietnamese
South Side
Soba House
Japanese
East Liberty
Saladworks
Salads
Price Range
Establishment
Neighborhood
Under $10
Kelly O’s Diner
Downtown Pittsburgh
$10-$20
Fuel & Fiddle
Shadyside
$20-$30
Eleven
Downtown Pittsburgh
$30+
McClelland’s Crossing
Downtown Pittsburgh
Conclusion
Pittsburgh’s vibrant lunch scene offers an eclectic array of options to satisfy every palate and dietary preference. Whether you crave traditional American comfort food, authentic international flavors, or healthy and dietary-friendly offerings, the city has something to offer. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best lunch spots in Pittsburgh, empowering you to make an informed choice to elevate your midday dining experience.
