10 of Our Favorite Restaurants Near the Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh, PA

The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh have the greatest collection of fine art and historical artifacts in the city! From beautiful scenes painted by some of the world’s most iconic classic artists, to a collection of dinosaur fossils and an entire hall dedicated to geodoes -- this museum offers the best of everything you want to see at a museum. If you want to take the kids on a fun and educational day out, this is one of the best places to go! The museums are connected and entry can be bought for both at the same time. This makes for a fulfilling few hours. 

Whether you want to go bright and early or later in the day, we’ve picked the best selection of restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All of these restaurants are within walking distance, or are a short one-two minute drive from the museum. This selection offers the best of both worlds depending on the time of day you’ll be going -- no matter if it’s full bellies before visiting the museum or a late lunch, you’re sure to find a great option!

Looking to make a day out of your trip to the Steel City? After touring the contemporary and classic art museum and seeing what lies in the natural history museum, that will surely leave you feeling ready to eat! With GiftYa, an electronic gift card service, you can purchase a gift card to one of these restaurants ahead of time, send it to your phone, and pay for your meal this way! This eliminates the need to bring a backpack or heavy purse and you can have a hands free tour of the museum. They offer much more than gift cards to restaurants -- retailers, recreation and activities, hotels, personal, pet, and automotive services and more. These can be used at over 1.5 million locations across the United States -- nearly every city imaginable. Your next birthday or holiday gift has been solved!

1. The Porch 

Unique dining with a view of Schenley Plaza 

221 Schenley Dr | Oakland | dineattheporch.com

Distance to museum: 4-minute walk

The Porch is a unique little restaurant that can be found in Schenley Plaza, right next to the museum. This restaurant largely reflects the location that it’s in -- meaning the service changes as the day progresses. The morning hours look like grab and go breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and a variety of caffeinated options. Lunch is DIY service -- grab a menu, order at the counter, take a number, sit down, and once your food is ready, servers will find your number and deliver your meal. Dinner is full service and looks like most restaurants. 

The menu is seasonal and features items made from local producers. The atmosphere is casual and laid back -- the experience is what you make of it! Whether it’s summertime and you want to eat outside, or it’s winter and you want to cozy up to the heat of their wood-fired pizza ovens, the choice is yours. The menu includes unique options that you won’t find anywhere else and a variety of healthy and vegetarian choices.  

“I can't believe after all our times in Pittsburgh this was our first time eating here. The food was AMAZING and a great price! They were very busy and still had us seated quickly.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for The Porch 

2. Stack’d Oakland 

Build your own burger and complete the meal with a milkshake 

3716 Forbes Ave | University of Pittsburgh | stackdburgers.com/oakland

Distance to museum: 9-minute walk

Milkshakes, wingers, customizable burgers, what’s not to like? If you’re looking for greasy comfort food, this is your new favorite spot -- serving all-American classics. On top of these options they have soups and salads, quesadillas, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and a list of entrees. 

When ordering your customizable burgers, the list is longer than beef -- choose from chicken, turkey, and veggie burgers. That’s not to mention the endless options of buns, plethora of cheeses and sauces, and more toppings than you can imagine! So, grab the burger of your dreams and accompany it with one of their many french fry options from classic to curly, sweet potato fries, tater tots, old bay and cajun fries, and more! This spot has everything you could ever want and is sure to leave the kids feeling like happy campers!

“Very tasty and delicious options here.  I got a veggie burger and I loved how I could have basically an unlimited number of rolls and toppings. Love the selection of toppings!! Indoor dining service was friendly and attentive.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Stack’d Oakland 

3. Pamela’s Diner 

Hearty breakfast meal or sweet french toast -- and everything in between 

3703 Forbes Ave | University of Pittsburgh | pamelasdiner.com

Distance to museum: 10-minute walk

Looking to get to the museum right as it opens? Don’t miss out on the most important meal of the day! Pamela’s Diner is a renowned breakfast favorite among Pittsburgh natives that has been serving delicious eats since the 80’s. There’s nothing more comforting than a hot stack of pancakes and home fries tossed with caramelized onions and peppers. 

This place will have you and the family leaving with fully bellies, ready to explore all the museum has to offer. If you want a full breakfast complete with eggs, toast, meat, and home fries -- look no further. They also have sweet options of pancakes and french toast. There are more unique menu items for those looking to have an unconventional breakfast. If you love breakfast, this spot will not disappoint!

“Favorite Breakfast/brunch in Oakland! My favorites are: Tex Mex omelet and Banana walnut hot cakes. I recently dined in-door and got their take-out. Staff wore masks and every other table was open for customers to dine in.” - Yelp Review 

5. Ali Baba

Family-Owned Mediterranean Restaurant Serving the 'Burgh Since 1972

404 S Craig Street | Oakland | alibabapgh.com

Distance to museum: 3-minute walk

Ali Baba is the quintessential Oakland restaurant, and here's why: it was founded by a struggling grad student in the 70s, looking to make some money to finish out their education. Since then, Ali Baba has grown into a local institution, the family-owned spot known for amazing food, excellent service, and reasonable prices. Enjoy a fresh take on classic dishes... and definitely don't skip the vegetarian grape leaves!

"Amazing food and phenomenal staff. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. You can't beat Ali Baba's for Mediterranean food in Pittsburgh, and in particular it's a nice break from the pizza places and Chipotle locations in Oakland. The vegetarian grape leaves are amazing and super lemon-y. The hummus is similarly delicious. Highly recommend." -- Yelp Review

6. Crêpes Parisiennes

Enjoy Authentic French Crepes in Le Cafe or Le Petit Jardin

207 S Craig Street | Oakland | crepesparisiennes.com

Distance to museum: 4-minute walk

Killing some time before the museum opens? Grab breakfast at Crepes Parisienne! With savory and sweet crepes, waffles, and pastries on the menu, there's something for everyone.

Keep in mind that if you're visiting during the academic year, you might hit a wait. It's a pretty small (and very popular) restaurant sandwiched in between Pitt and CMU's campuses, so it's not uncommon to encounter a line. However it's very much worth the wait for a decadent breakfast that leaves you pleasantly full, but not so full you'd rather crawl back in bed for a nap than explore Pittsburgh's most iconic cultural institution.

"Crepes are delicious! This spot is crazy popular, especially when the CMU and Pitt students are in Oakland. It's not uncommon to see a line backed up to the door, so definitely stop in close to opening if you don't have time for a leisurely brunch." -- Yelp Review

7. Butterjoint

Top-Rated Restaurant About Two Blocks from the Museums

Distance to museum: 11-minute walk

208 N Craig St | North Oakland | butterjoint.com

Butterjoint repeatedly shows up on lists of Pittsburgh's best restaurants -- and in such a foodie-friendly urban area, that's pretty impressive.

Try the burgers. Try the pierogies. You're welcome.

"I was really impressed with everything about Butterjoint. I liked the drink options and wine menu, the food and the atmosphere. I especially liked the waitstaff. I fell in love with their burger! And it paired fabulously with their orange wine option. Although it was fall, we got to enjoy the outdoor dining space. That was just lovely!Hope to get back soon." -- Yelp Review

8. Ege Mediterranean

Pizza Has Never Been So Healthy (???)

190 N Craig St | North Oakland | toasttab.com/ege-mediterranean

Distance to museum: 10-minute walk

Healthy pizza might sound like an oxymoron, but take one bite of the Cheesy Bread Salad from Ege Mediterranean and you'll understand. This is my top food hear me out, and I'm begging you to try it: cheesy pizza bread topped with arugula, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, dates, freshly shredded parmesan, and balsamic dressing. Perhaps not a traditional combination, but a very tasty one... and it makes for a much more balanced option than your go-to pepperoni pie (which, by the way, you can get at Ege too.)

"Had a great meal from Ege a few months back, and since then I often find myself thinking, "hey, I could get one of those salad pizzas and I wouldn't even have to feel bad about indulging this weekend!"But today, indulge we did. The salad bread was excellent, once again. If you love pizza and cheese but wish you could pack more veggies onto your pie, it's the meal for you. Fresh tomatoes and arugula add another level of flavor and texture to what is already a delicious pizza pie." -- Yelp Review

9. BAO - CMU

Newcomer in the Location of Lulu's Noodles

400 S Craig St | Oakland

Distance to museum: 3-minute walk

Lulu's Noodles was an Oakland institution for decades, and when it closed its doors circa 2023 many locals were wondering what could possibly take its place. Luckily for anyone who's tired of seeing new taco joints open up in every other Oakland storefront, the answer is another Asian fusion restaurant.

There is another Bao location in central Oakland on Pitt's campus, but the Craig Street location is steps from the museum. Don't skip the soup dumplings or bubble tea!

"We are in-restaurant. Excellent dumplings and gyoza. Everyone had something different and it all looked beautiful. No skimping on ingredients. Fresh steamed dumplings were amazing. Huge family style portions." -- Yelp Review

10. Union Grill 

American traditional cuisine serves in a casual atmosphere 

413 S Craig St | Oakland | uniongrilloakland.getbento.com

Distance to museum: 2-minute walk

The Union Grill is a short walk from the museum, in fact it’s right across the street, less than one block away! It's a popular spot for visiting parents looking to take their students at nearby Pitt or Carnegie Melon out for a non-dining-hall meal. They've had a bit of controversy over the year surrounding everything from delivery apps to their attitude toward hiring to removing negative reviews from their website, but it's hard to deny that it's still a bustling spot just steps from the museum. And unlike the other restaurants on South Craig street that seem to come and go every semester, they have been around for years.

The menu looks something like American traditional style food, with mostly homemade recipes. Famous for its French onion soup, fish tacos, burgers, and waffle fries -- and even a French onion soup burger, this spot never disappoints. If you’re new to the area, be sure to give the pierogies a try! These are made in house, filled with potatoes and cheese, and topped with caramelized onions and sour cream -- a true Pittsburgh delight. Whether you want to go before or after your trip to the museum, they offer lunch items and dinner choices. Don’t miss out!

“Many years later, still great! So glad they're open for dine-in.  Came last night and had pierogies and a salad because they didn't have the veggie burger.  Tasty and still love the huge tumbler for soda!” - Yelp Review 

If you’re looking for a big breakfast to kick off your day or a lunch to fill hungry bellies after touring the museums, both options can be found on this list! The museum should take you a few hours to visit, so be sure to eat before or after at one of these places that’s easily within walking distance of the Carnegie Museums!