17 Upscale Restaurants in Pittsburgh that are Perfect for Special Occasions

When people think of Pittsburgh, images of avid ice hockey fans, Steelers flags, and snow probably come to mind. And while Pittsburgh certainly has plenty of sports fans and cold winter weather, it is also home to a thriving restaurant scene. This friendly city is home to a wide array of upscale restaurants perfect for celebrating special events like a birthday or an engagement. So before you dismiss Pittsburgh as an average mid-western city, we encourage you to check out these 7 upscale restaurants in the city that yinzers love. 

Looking for the perfect gift to surprise your loved ones with? Send them a virtual GiftYa card! Within seconds, you can text your friends and family members a virtual gift card to their favorite restaurant. GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants in Pittsburgh, including the ones we featured below. 

1. Altius

A restaurant bringing you high quality food and an amazing atmosphere.

📍 1230 Grandview Ave | Pittsburgh | altiuspgh.com

This restaurant’s name comes from the word “higher” in Latin, which refers to both the beautiful views of the city skyline patrons can see from the balcony or windows at Altius as well as the quality of the food.

On the menu, you’ll find starters, entrees, shareable dishes, and desserts, so that you can get your fix for every stage of a nice dinner. Altius also serves classic cocktails, beers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and wine.

“I took my guy here for his birthday. They were very accommodating as on my reservation I requested window seats for the view and to have a birthday cake brought to him which made his birthday.” - Yelp Review

2. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

Award-winning seafood restaurant known for its stunning views of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline

📍 1411 Grandview Ave. | Duquesne Heights | montereybayfishgrotto.com

The Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is another popular fine dining restaurant that is located near Downtown Pittsburgh. One of the restaurant’s main appeals is the scenic skyline views of Downtown Pittsburgh from its elevated level. 

Along with a gorgeous view, guests can also expect fresh seafood and impeccable service. Classic seafood dishes like Lobster Romano, Crab Cake, and Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops are all featured on its award-winning menu. All of the restaurant’s ingredients are also sourced sustainably, allowing the restaurant to be recognized with a Gold Award from Sustainable Pittsburgh. 

“My husband and I celebrated our first year wedding anniversary there tonight and it was fabulous. All the necessary COVID precautions were taken above and beyond. We felt very comfortable! Our server Wendy was very nice and attentive. For our anniversary, a complimentary champagne toast was offered to us as well as a complimentary dessert. It was very unexpected, but appreciated!! We had a delicious meal. Let me tell you, the she-crab bisque was the best I've ever had. Highly recommend this restaurant! Also, the view couldn't be beat!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Monterey Bay Fish Grotto. 

3. Grand Concourse

Famous restaurant in the South Side that is housed inside a renovated train station

📍 100 W Station Square Dr. | South Side | grandconcourserestaurant.com

Have you ever dined inside an old train station before? Most people would say no. Grand Course is an upscale restaurant in the South Side that is housed inside a renovated train station. The restaurant’s sophisticated grandeur features cathedral stained-glass vaulted ceiling and marble columns, making it feel like you’ve been transported to a whole new world. 

Grand Concourse serves both dinner and brunch. Since the start of the pandemic, it has also started serving special family meals to-go. All family specials serve four people and come with salad and baked bread. Family Fish & Chips, Shrimp & Artichoke Pasta, and Maryland Crab Cakes are just a few to-go options they offer. 

“Best ambiance in Pittsburgh for a date or business meeting  will definitely make a good impression. We got excellent help from Herby who gave perfect suggestions  on the spot. Soup, scallops, crab cake, and sea bass were perfect.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Grand Concourse. 

4. Bonfire Restaurant

Rustic New American restaurant in South Side that houses two different floors for dining

📍 2100 E Carson St. | South Side | bonfire-pgh.com

Featuring two levels of fine dining, the Bonfire Restaurant offers a fun and refreshing dining experience for guests. The first level features a fine dining experience while the second offers a wine bar. Their delicious snacks, salads, flatbreads, sandwiches, and mac and cheese specials are perfect for people who want to enjoy a light meal. Larger entrees like Wood-Fired Salmon and Hanger Steak are also available for people who want a full meal. The upstairs bar offers an extensive wine menu for people who just want to enjoy a glass of their favorite sweet or dry wine. 

“Huge fans of Bonfire and anything Chris does. This is his newest restaurant and it's wonderful. We have only visited the main floor restaurant, the upper floor has recently reopened so that's in our to do list. Great bar, wonderful, fresh, flavorful, innovative food. We love the wood fired flatbread pizzas especially the sausage burrata pizza, the Mac and cheese is always great and the salads are fabulous.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Bonfire Restaurant. 

5. Piccolo Forno

Charming Italian restaurant known for its hearty pasta dishes and wood-fired pizza

📍 3801 Butler St. | Lawrenceville | piccolo-forno.com

Craving some hearty Italian dishes? Lawrenceville-based restaurant Piccolo Forno offers an elevated dining experience filled with delicious meals and impeccable service. Wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, tiramisu, and other classic Italian dishes can be found at this upscale restaurant. 

Piccolo Forno offers a clean and modern indoor dining space as well as a small outdoor area perfect for dining on those rare warm days in Pittsburgh. If you prefer to dine at home, Piccolo Forno also offers special Family Style Meals and Pasta by the Pound. Take note, however, that these orders require a 24 hours notice. 

“Everything is very good, but the pesto here is exceptional. If you want a pizza, I'd go with the pesto pizza. The lasagna is the staple and has a nice and surprising nutmeg taste which goes good with the meat/cheese. The pasta with the braised lamb, orange zest and kalamata olives is another great choice.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Piccolo Forno. 

6. The Melting Pot

A fondue restaurant that allows you to have a multi-course, delicious dinner.

📍 242 W Station Square Dr | Pittsburgh | meltingpot.com 

If you want to sit down around one pot of fondue or enjoy a four course meal, The Melting Pot is the place to be. You’ll start with cheese fondue, then a salad, then meat with select sauces, and chocolate fondue for dessert!

You can also order food from The Melting Pot to-go, and have some fondue in the comfort of your own home! No matter what you choose, you’re sure to leave this restaurant with fun memories and a full stomach.

Hours are from noon until 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and noon until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“First time customer and I was impressed with the restaurant decor.   Nice high ceilings and a warm atmosphere made me excited for a fun evening. The menu is daunting, but when our server explained everything, it was much easier to understand.” - Yelp Review

7. Mola

Award-winning Asian fusion restaurant that offers a unique dining experience for guests

📍 6018 Penn Ave. | East Liberty | themolafish.com

While Pittsburgh does have a nice selection of New American and Italian restaurants, we would be remiss to forget to include award-winning Asian restaurants like Mola. Mola is a popular Asian-fusion restaurant located in the East Liberty neighborhood. It is known for its fresh dishes such as the Tuna Tartar, Air-Fried Shrimp Tempura, and Handmade Pork and Chives Dumplings. 

If you stop by for lunch, you can order a special which features a free side and lets you pick two different rolls or one rice bowl. For dinner, you can order a special combo featuring a variety of different types of sushi. Rice bowls are also popular at Mola. 

“One of the best sushi places with high quality fish. We always love eating here and during the pandemic we have continued to have great experiences with takeout. We order online and then go to pick it up and the process is really smooth. I also find their Bao (especially the pork belly and crispy chicken) and mango green tea with tapioca delicious. Definitely recommend it!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mola. 

8. Eleven

Stylish New American restaurant located in the Strip District

📍 1150 Smallman St. | Strip District | elevenck.com

Located in the Strip District, Eleven offers a special dining experience for guests. Inside, you will find a contemporary rustic dining room filled with plenty of comfortable booths to help you get cozy while you peruse the menu. Eleven also offers a spacious outdoor seating area for the warm days of summer. 

As for the food, you can find savory New American dishes such as Ricotta Cavatelli, Gerber Farms Chicken, and Beef Tenderloin on its extensive dinner menu. Eleven is also open for brunch and serves popular classics like Beignets, Eggs Benedict, and Omelets. Cocktails, wine, and beer are also served. 

For those interested in enhancing their dining experience, consider exploring water soluble CBD to add a new dimension to their culinary adventures.

“I still love this place! I got the tasting menu and added the wine pairings and it was amazing!  First course duck breast, Second course sea scallops, third course braised short ribs and fourth course was some sort of apple crumble cake. So much food! I threw in the towel after the 2nd course and packed the rest to go. Super delicious and our waiter was awesome.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Eleven. 

9. Eddie Merlot’s

Upscale American steakhouse located in Downtown Pittsburgh

📍 444 Liberty Ave. Suite 100 | Downtown Pittsburgh | eddiemerlots.com

This Downtown Pittsburgh restaurant can easily be spotted whenever you drive by. Inside, you’ll find a stunning modern interior and dining area that is perfect for eating and spending time with your loved ones. Some of their most popular dishes include the Prime Ribeye, Mojo Shrimp & Scallops, and Prime Cheeseburger & Fries. Along with its extensive meal selection, Eddie Merlot’s also offers a full drink and dessert menu to complement your meal. 

“Specific to the current COVID environment this restaurant has done an admiral job of dealing with the ever-changing regulations affecting all of us. Have had takeout and dining several times over the past couple weeks and have found the great quality of service and food to still be in place. Without any personal commentary about health regulations, their staff just does their job and follows the guidelines of safety, providing excellent food and service.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Eddie Merlot’s. 

10. Alla Famiglia

Fine Italian dining at this nice restaurant in Pittsburgh.

📍 804 E Warrington Ave | Allentown | allafamiglia.com

Alla Famiglia brings traditional, homemade Italian dishes to Pittsburgh, in addition to an extensive and award-winning wine list, craft cocktails, great decor, and exceptional service.

On the dinner menu are salads, pastas, steaks, appetizers, and much more besides.

“The place, the myth, the legend. Alla Famiglia is a Pittsburgh must stop if you're in the area and have some $$$ to throw on authentic Italian food and a great bottle of wine.” - Yelp Review

11. Casbah

A Mediterranean kitchen and wine bar with great upscale dining offerings!

📍 229 S Highland Ave | Pittsburgh | casbah.kitchen

With traditional Mediterranean dishes as well as ones with a more contemporary twist, Casbah truly has a variety of options. The wine list is just as extensive as the dinner menu, but you can also come for lunch, dessert, or pick-up catering!

Enjoy appetizers, entrees, salads, or pasta, and wash it down with a red, white, or rose! The entire wine list is available for to-go order as well, meaning you can purchase a bottle on your way out the door!

“Our table was in the garden patio area which I would definitely recommend requesting over the indoor dining room. The atmosphere was lovely and it was open and airy, but also has A/C so the temperature was perfect even on an 80 degree night!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Casbah

12. Morcilla

Family-style Spanish cuisine in Pittsburgh.

📍 3519 Butler St | Lawrenceville | morcillapittsburgh.com 

Located in one of Pittsburgh’s largest neighborhoods, Morcilla’s Spanish cuisine, lively atmosphere, and beverage selection has made it very popular. The restaurant specializes in pintxos and charcuterie, and you can choose to pair it with your choice of cocktails, wine, and vermouth.

On the dinner menu are snacks, small plates and large plates, and you can also choose a coffee or dessert at the end of your evening if you’ve saved room.

“Highly recommend. Literally every dish I ordered was absolutely stunning. Would certainly list Morcilla has one of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh… Small restaurant, great for a date. Service was good too.” - Yelp Review

13. Paris 66

Award-winning French food in Pittsburgh.

📍 6018 Centre Ave | Pittsburgh | paris66bistro.com

This authentic bistro brings all your favorite French dishes to Pittsburgh, PA. Not only has their food won several awards, it’s also prepared with fresh ingredients from the area. Paris 66 strives to ensure that the ambience of their restaurant is just as appealing as the food.

The main menu offers soups, salads, hors d'oeuvres, moule-frites, sides, and a choice of main course, but there are separate menus for desserts, Sunday brunch, and wine or cocktails.

“Had the most amazing dining experience last week at Paris 66. The staff was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Chef made an appearance in the dining room inquiring how dinner was. Our meal was superb.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Paris 66

14. The Capital Grille

Popular chain on one of the most central streets in Pittsburgh.

📍 301 5th Ave | Downtown | thecapitalgrille.com

One of many Capital Grille locations, this Fifth Avenue restaurant in the heart of Pittsburgh’s bustling financial district is perfect for a night of upscale dining. Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and world-class wines are just a few of the options on the menu.

You can also order appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, shareable plates, and there are plenty of choices for dessert.

“There were 10 of us and the server and others flawlessly accommodated us with [ease]… Everyone ordered their own main dish and we supplemented with a bunch of shareable table sides as well.” - Yelp Review

15. Cioppino Restaurant & Cigar Bar

A menu that changes with the seasons in Pittsburgh’s Strip District!

📍 2350 Railroad St | Pittsburgh | cioppinoofpittsburgh.com 

Located in the historic strip district for over 12 years, Cioppino has become very popular for good reason. The restaurant is locally owned, and has a menu that’s conducive to all dietary restrictions, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. It’s also won quite a few awards!

The dinner menu at Cioppino is seasonal, with fresh seafood and steaks as well as side plates, but don’t just order food! They also have over 200 different labels on their wine list— both from the U.S. and other countries —as well as happy hour Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

While Cioppino may be closed on Sundays and Mondays, it’s open from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“This was my first time at Cioppino and I came for brunch, which I didn't know was new for them. Our waiter was great! The food was amazing too. We shared the charcuterie board for a starter; I highly recommend it.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Cioppino Restaurant & Cigar Bar

16. Girasole

Italian dishes that blend the old with the new.

📍 733 Copeland St | Shadyside | girasolepgh.com 

Named after the Italian word for “sunflower,” this Italian restaurant mixes traditional cuisine with more modern, innovative takes to create a very vast menu with something for everyone. Plus, a lot of the ingredients are locally-grown in Pittsburgh!

Girasole has been open for 21 years, and it’s become very popular over that time— for good reason! The atmosphere is upbeat and inviting, making every guest feel welcome once they step in through the doors.

“This is one of the hidden gems in the city! Nestled in the heart of Shadyside, this cute little Italian restaurant is in the basement of the building. You walk through the grotto into the restaurant.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Girasole

17. Butcher and the Rye

New American and upscale cuisine in downtown Pittsburgh.

📍 212 6th St | Downtown | butcherandtherye.com 

Butcher and the Rye is a very popular upscale restaurant in downtown Pittsburgh. It’s trendy. It’s rustic. It’s chic. If you’re a 20-something in the ‘Burgh, you’re probably here at least once a month, but the Butcher and the Rye is an excellent upscale dining option for Pittsbughers of all ages.

It’s hard to figure out what to say about this one because, honestly, the New American dishes and fancy craft cocktails speak for themselves. You won’t want to miss their fun theme events like “Spook-easy” Halloween speakeasy and the Apres Ski Bar decor around the holidays. But if you’re looking for a restaurant that can elevate mac and cheese to the level of art (and has romantic dessert options like chocolate covered strawberries to boot — delish!) look no further than 6th Street.

On the menu at this nice restaurant in Pittsburgh are:

• Soups
• Pastas
• Charcuterie
• Meat dishes
• Seafood
• Dessert

And there’s much more to choose from on the beverage menu!

“The food came out surprisingly quick, and was delicious! The fried brussels were top notch, along with the blue crab risotto and roasted duck… the portions were a great size, and I left with a full belly!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Butcher and the Rye

If none of these nice restaurants in Pittsburgh are sparking your fancy, you can try a tried and true favorite of ours— Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse! This upscale chain has a location in downtown Pittsburgh at 6 PPG Place— as well as in many other locations —and also happens to be supported by GiftYa.

What fine dining restaurant do you plan on treating yourself to next? Let us know in the comments!