Enjoy Those Extra Carbs With the 12 Best Italian Restaurants in Pittsburgh

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!

Girasole

Dive into some authentic Italian dishes in Shadyside with a taste you’ll never forget!

733 Copeland Street | Shadyside | girasolepgh.com

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

Buy a GiftYa gift card for Girasole 

Piccolo Forno

This restaurant prides itself in Italian food done right for you to enjoy!

3801 Butler Street | Lawrenceville | piccolo-forno.com

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

‍Buy a GiftYa gift card for Piccolo Forno 

Alla Famiglia

You’ll feel like one of the family at this spot where the customers are treated with the utmost service!

804 East Warrington Avenue | Allentown | allafamiglia.com

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

‍Buy a GiftYa gift card for Alla Famiglia

Sienna Mercato

You won’t be able to contain your excitement after biting into one of their Italian dishes!

942 Penn Avenue | Downtown | siennamercato.com

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

Calabria’s

If you love grandma’s home-cooked Italian meals, then you’re going to love this restaurant!

3107 Library Road | Pittsburgh | calabrias.biz

‍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

Vivo Kitchen

A great spot for Italian food in Sewickley to sit back and relax!

432 Beaver Street | Sewickley | vivokitchen.com

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 a nice selection of starters and main (with seasonal accompaniments). Whole atmosphere is farm to table.” -Yelp Review‍

Joseph Tambellini Restaurant

A name synonymous with great Italian food in Pittsburgh does not disappoint!

5701 Bryant Street | Highland Park | josephtambellini.com

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

La Tavola

A local favorite on Mt. Washington that you’re bound to keep coming back to!

1 Boggs Avenue | Mt. Washington | latavolaitalianrestaurant.com

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

Garbarino’s

Italian food on Baum Boulevard may be just what you need!‍

5925 Baum Boulevard | East Liberty | garbinos.com

If you’re looking for some authentic Italian food right in East Liberty, then you need to stop what you’re doing and try out Garbarino’s! Garbarino’s is a fourth generation Italian restaurant that not only serves Italian dishes, but some of the best steak around. 

Make sure to stop by and try out the burrata caprese salad, rigatoni, veal parm, cavatelli, rigatoni and meatballs, gnocchi bolognese, and so much more. Why not try out Garbarino’s for yourself today and enjoy some authentic Italian dishes!

“Their menu is chock full of your favorites - the short rib ragu and the rigatoni calabrese are my favorite! Their Sicilian pizza was a nice new addition to the menu over the Summer, and really  hit the spot!!” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for Garbarino’s

Mercurio’s

Support local at this family-owned eatery that serves homemade gelato and Neapolitan pizza!

5523 Walnut Street | Shadyside | mercuriosgelatopizza.com 

There is nothing tastier than some authentic Neapolitan pizza and then some Italian gelato on the side. The only place where you can get this good of a meal is at Mercurio’s in Shadyside! Mercurio’s is a family-owned restaurant that is proud to serve some of the best Italian dishes, including pizza, and even their homemade gelato too. 

Stop by and try out the margherita pizza, panzanella salad, bruschetta, white pizza, a truffle spread pizza, and much more. If you love Italian food, then you need to try out Mercurio’s today!

“I LOVE LOVE LOVE their gluten free pizza and am so happy they offer it. And I am here to tell you, GF pizza usually does not reheat well, but when I got home I popped it in the toaster oven and it was perfect!” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for Mercurio’s 

Buca Di Beppo

If you love family-style Italian food, then this restaurant is for you!

3 Station Square Drive | South Side | bucadibeppo.com

There is nothing better than family-style food, and if you have a large family and want to treat them to something special, then make sure to try out Buca Di Beppo today! Buca Di Beppo is a chain restaurant known for their family-style serving of their classic Italian dishes that everyone in your party will enjoy.

From baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, chicken carbonara, spicy chicken rigatoni, chicken marsala, and much more, you can pick and choose lots of tasty Italian food. Come experience Buca Di Beppo with your family today!

“Ordered take out, Large Lasagna, Cheese Garlic bread, Antipasto and Cannoli's  Everything was great.  Couldn't ask for a better take out meal. Portions were great as well, Food was great tasting. Will definitely order again.  I always go there for My Birthday, Great Food & Great Service.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for Buca Di Beppo 

Olive Garden

Enjoy the classic chain restaurant with unlimited breadsticks and much more!

971 Greentree Road | Greentree | olivegarden.com

There is nothing wrong with going with the classic chain restaurant Italian food from Olive Garden. Olive Garden is full of tasty dishes that you will definitely enjoy at a low price, but you get unlimited breadsticks with it, so you really can’t pass up that deal!

If you’re feeling Olive Garden tonight, make sure to stop by and try out the minestrone, chicken alfredo, fettuccine alfredo, chicken parm, and so much more. There’s nothing better than Olive Garden, so make sure to try it out today!

“Service and food have always been great at this location. Clean restaurant with a ton of seating - good option for large groups and parties.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for Olive Garden 

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!