Sometimes you just have a craving for some delicious Italian food.
Luckily, Pittsburgh has a lot of options for you to choose from. Whether you want something family-style-- or would prefer something more upscale-- there is no shortage of Italian restaurants in the ‘Burgh. Make sure to visit any of the amazing locations below for some top-notch food-- and feel like you’re a part of the family!
There’s no better way to experience all the Italian food that Pittsburgh has to offer than by sending a GiftYa electronic gift card to a friend or family member. They can try any restaurant on this list-- as well as many others-- with their GiftYa personalized gift card. It makes for a fantastic gift that can’t be lost or forgotten at home!
Authentic Italian in Shadyside
733 Copeland St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-682-2130
Tues-Thurs 11:30am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm
Sun 4pm-9pm
Girasole is one of the most popular places in Pittsburgh to get authentic Italian food. Pittsburghers love the intimate setting-- and especially like to sit on their bistro patio in the warmer months.
Located in trendy Shadyside, this spot is close to great shopping and a wonderful place to take an after dinner walk.
Their menu is always changing to reflect the fruits and vegetables that are ripe and in season at the time. This makes for some very delectable dishes!
“Atmosphere is so great. Perfect for an intimate date night. Wine selection is always on point and homemade sauce gets me every time.” -Yelp Review
Italian food done right
3801 Butler St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412-622-0111
Tues-Thurs 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
The name Piccolo Forno translates to small oven-- and that’s exactly the type of atmosphere that this place strives to keep.
Since 2005 they have been making wood fired pizza, classical Tuscan fare, and wonderful cocktails-- all in small batches and by hand.
Located close to eclectic shops and specialty stores in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, Piccolo Forno is the type of neighborhood bistro you might see all over northern Italy.
Known throughout Pittsburgh as some of the best Italian food, they have been consistently rewarded with wonderful reviews and lots of customers!
“Of all the cuisines this city has to offer, there is none quite as satisfying as Italian fare done right.” -Yelp Review
You’ll feel like one of the family at this spot
804 East Warrington Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
412-488-1440
Mon-Sat 5pm-11pm
Alla Famiglia seeks to make you feel like just one of the family-- a big family that includes anyone that walks into their restaurant!
Since 1997, this family-owned business has been operating out of the Arlington neighborhood of Pittsburgh-- and has consistently made it a point to engage their community.
Their meals are all hand made and the family relies on traditional recipes to keep their customers coming back for more. The quality is evident in their food-- everything tastes homemade and fresh. The family also strives for impeccable service to accompany their delicious meals.
“Wow! The amount of food, the food quality and the service here is exquisite. It is hard to imagine an all-around better experience than this place.” -Yelp Review
You’ll find multiple levels of amazing at this Italian restaurant
942 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-281-2810
Mon-Tues 11am-10pm
Wed-Sat 11am-12am
Sun 11am-10pm
Sienna Mercato has not one-- but two-- amazing restaurants all in the same place.
Located in downtown PIttsburgh, it’s close to all the best shopping and cocktail places. There is the meatball spot on the first floor-- Emporio-- that serves all kinds of intriguing dishes. Then there is the traditional Italian restaurant on the middle floor-- Mezzo.
Here you can find pizza and all your Italian favorites. There’s even a roof-top bar that offers excellent views of the city. It’s a one stop shop for amazing food! Make sure to get their early, especially for their happy hour specials.
“I've been to Sienna Mercato a number of times, and always had a great experience.” -Yelp Review
Home-cooked Italian favorites
Image courtesy of Calabria’s. If you need some Italian comfort food, look no further than Calabria’s!
3107 Library Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
412-885-1030
Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm
Sun 3pm-8pm
If you just go a little south into the suburb of Castle Shannon, you’ll find Calabria’s family restaurant.
This spot has been serving delicious Italian comfort food to the residents of Pittsburgh-- and offering amazing service as well.
They are known for creating a full dining experience-- which includes great food, amazing service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Their customers all agree that they seem to be doing something right!
“Coming here for years! Pasta, fish, wine, and all Italian specialties are delicious!!! The service is always friendly and prices are reasonable!!!” -Yelp Review
A great spot for Italian in Sewickley
432 Beaver St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15143
412-259-8945
Wed-Thurs 5pm-9pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm
Vivo Kitchen is just a short drive west of Pittsburgh and located in Sewickley. This gorgeous spot is full of interesting restaurants and upscale shopping.
They offer Italian fare with a continental twist-- their chefs are always busy in the kitchen creating a new and exciting dish. Make sure to browse the hand-selected wine list to find the perfect choice to accompany your meal.
Their menu changes with the seasons, so make sure to stop by often and try all that this hidden spot has to offer!
“Fantastic wine bar with nice selection of starters and main (with seasonal accompaniments). Whole atmosphere is farm to table.” -Yelp Review
A name synonymous with great Italian food in Pittsburgh does not disappoint
5701 Bryant St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-665-9000
Tues-Thurs 4pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm
Sun 4pm-9pm
Joseph Tambellini Restaurant has been in business for over 11 years-- and it seems to have become a much loved part of the Highland Park community.
As a member of the Tambellini family that had so many successful Italian restaurants throughout Pittsburgh-- Joseph Tambellini struck out on his own and created this restaurant serving everyone’s favorite Italian-American cuisine.
Make sure to visit in the summer when the beautiful outdoor patio is open and dine al fresco!\
“Amazing and excellent. The chicken parmigiana was perfect. Sauce tasted homemade and was very rich. The ravioli was superb and the meat sauce was rich and tasty.” -Yelp Review
A Strip District staple for Italian food
1400 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-552-0150
Mon 5pm-9pm
Tues-Thurs 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9pm
Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-10pm
Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:30pm-9pm
Lidia’s has some of the best Italian food in Pittsburgh-- and it’s located right in the heart of the Strip District!
If you’re looking for authentic Italian, look no further-- these recipes all come from the cookbook of Lidia Bastianich-- who is a chef and founder of the restaurant. She strives to keep the dishes served here as fresh as possible, and uses lots of local ingredients.
Everyone is made to feel welcome here, it’s like you’re already a part of a big, happy family! Be sure to check out their pasta making classes as well-- so you can make some of her famous dishes at home!
“Honestly one of the best meals I've had. Cocktails were amazing as well the Polipo being the best seared octopus I've ever had.” -Yelp Review
A local favorite on Mt. Washington
Image courtesy of La Tavola. Stop in and taste the delicious, authentic Italian cuisine of La Tavola.
1 Boggs Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-481-6627
Tues-Thurs 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
La Tavola is a favorite for Pittsburghers who are craving some homemade Italian food. This family-run business strives to make their food as authentic and delicious as possible-- by using original recipes and fresh ingredients.
They also want to keep you coming back for more-- their welcoming atmosphere and casual style make for a wonderful evening with friends and family. As a BYOB restaurant, they encourage you to bring along your favorite wine as well!
“Awesome authentic food, amazing pizza, and a family environment!” -Yelp Review
No matter what type of Italian food you’re in the mood for, Pittsburgh has plenty of choices to satisfy your appetite. Any of the restaurants on this list offer a guaranteed delicious, home-cooked meal. Did we leave out your favorite Pittsburgh Italian restaurant? Let us know in the comments!
