Restaurants near East Pittsburgh

“Tugboats is everything you want in a neighborhood spot: friendly people, a welcoming vibe, and amazing food. Jimmy's pizza is hands down the best I've had in Pittsburgh so far and I'm from Philly and have eaten pizza all over, including New York. But you have to get down there early because they sell out of pizza often.
Momma Jackie and the staff treat everyone like family, and they absolutely adore my dog Freya with water, treats, and plenty of love. The deck is the perfect place to sit back with a slice, a drink, and your pup.”

“We were there first time yesterday. Food,drinks and service was very good. Will definitely be back. Only negative comment is that the front steps handrails need to be replaced or repaired. I'm partially handicapped and had a tough time getting in and out.”

“For six years I have been looking for a new favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh since my old favorite one closed. I have never found a place that had the perfect food and atmosphere I was looking for until I entered Lilith last night. Everything about this restaurant is phenomenal. The service from being greeted to the absolutely awesome server we had was excellent! The food had a wow factor rarely found in Pittsburgh. I’m not usually a huge fan of how vegetables are cooked most places and the veggies in my dish just blew things out of the water. You could tell they were fresh and local too. The fish I had was just amazing. It was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Needless to say I will be back again and again now to experience more culinary delights!”

“A group of 5 of us visited Dish last night and the meals were amazing. Grilled Squid, the best I have ever had. Where else can you find it not breaded and fried? Add to that their amazing sardines so fresh and good. Pasta Funghi another high. Exquisite detail to taste in every dish. The owners go way out of their way to make you feel welcomed and happy and very satisfied. A must visit when you are lucky enough to get a reservation though other friends have happily sat at the bar for dinner just to be there!! Kudos to Dish!”

“This restaurant came highly recommended and requires reservation several weeks in advance as it is usually booked up. Can confirm this one is worth the extra effort to get a reservation early. Great experience from the ambience and food to the service. Really a five star experience.”

“Great service, and the food was really good!”

“thank you for your generosity in giving pizzas for the holidays..God bless”

“I love the amount of real spices they use in their curries. I can tell that the restaurant has a great quality of food. I am very sensitive to (hot) spices, but I want to enjoy the flavors of Indian food. If I ask for a 0 the spice level feels too hot for me. Last time I came, I asked for them to adjust the spice level to be milder than 0. They were able to reduce the heat in the dish to levels I could handle without reducing the flavor. I have not dined in at this restaurant, but enjoy the ambience of the place. It is clean and the decor is eye catching.”

“This is a special place. Liege waffles are very different than anything I've ever had. They are made from a yeast dough, with caramelized brown sugar inside, smallish, and served warm in a napkin so that you can take it with you while window shopping. Please note: these are not meant to be served with ice cream on top. The ice cream and waffles are both very good by themselves. The owner only serves them together because people ask for that, but I think they ask for it because they think that's how it's meant to be served. (At least, that's what we thought!)”

“Great food. Friendly efficient staff. Highly recommend.”

“To start the food was great! As soon as we sat down the service was amazing! Our server Emily was outstanding and knew exactly how to help us. The food came out quickly, hot and fresh.”

“Nestled in a modest plaza at 226 Center Road in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Big Rig’s BBQ is the kind of place that turns barbecue lovers into regulars. Owned and operated by the warm and welcoming husband-and-wife team of Josh and Susan Toney, along with their talented chef, this local spot has quickly become a standout in the Pittsburgh-area BBQ scene since opening a few years ago. What sets it apart? It's chef-driven smoked meats using a blend of hickory, cherry, and apple woods, creative sides, craft sandwiches, and an unwavering commitment to quality. But let's get to the heart of it—the food, the people, and the vibe that make every visit feel like coming home. If there's one item that defines Big Rig’s BBQ, it's the brisket. This Texas-style brisket is nothing short of exceptional. Smoked low and slow daily, it arrives at your table with a beautiful bark, a perfect smoke ring, and tenderness that rivals the best pits in the country. You can order it lean or fatty (I always go for a mix), and it literally melts in your mouth. Fork-tender, juicy, and packed with deep, smoky flavor, it's the kind of brisket that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. Reviewers from North Carolina to Texas have raved about it, with many calling it the best they've had outside their home states. Pair it with one of their house-made sauces— the sweet house sauce, tangy Carolina mustard, or spicy variant—and you've got barbecue perfection. Whether sliced on a platter, stuffed into a baked potato, or melted into their famous Brisket Grilled Cheese sandwich (a gooey, indulgent masterpiece), the brisket is consistently outstanding and the reason many drive from across the region. But Big Rig’s isn't just about classics; their creativity shines in the Burger of the Week, a rotating special that drops every Wednesday and keeps things exciting. Each new burger is a stroke of genius, blending premium ingredients with BBQ flair in ways that surprise and delight. One week, it might be a double smash burger topped with chopped brisket, crispy onions, and a tangy sauce that elevates it to legendary status. Another features bold flavors like jalapeño cheddar, bacon, and raspberry honey mustard slaw on a pretzel bun—sweet, spicy, smoky, and utterly addictive. I've tried several, and every single one has been phenomenal: juicy patties cooked to perfection, fresh toppings that balance textures and tastes, and portions that leave you satisfied but plotting your return. Diners frequently call these burgers the best in the Pittsburgh area, with one declaring a brisket-topped version "the BEST burger I've had." The anticipation for each new creation builds community buzz on social media, and it's easy to see why— these aren't ordinary burgers; they're innovative, flavorful triumphs that showcase the kitchen's talent. Beyond the stars of the menu, the supporting cast is equally impressive. Sides like the creamy mac and cheese, smoky pit beans with burnt ends, sweet vinegar coleslaw, and melt-in-your-mouth cornbread are generous and house-made with care. Other meats—fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich pork belly burnt ends, pulled pork, and even smoked kielbasa—round out platters that feed families effortlessly. There's a kids' menu with favorites like grilled cheese and chicken tenders, making it easy to bring the whole crew. What truly elevates Big Rig’s is the owners and staff, who are incredibly friendly and genuinely passionate. Josh and Susan are often on-site, chatting with guests, recommending pairings, and ensuring everyone feels welcome. The service is attentive yet relaxed, with staff going above and beyond—whether explaining the sauces at the table or accommodating special requests. It's clear this is a family-run operation built on love for great food and community. The environment is perfectly family-friendly: clean, casual, and cozy with ample seating, including space for larger groups. It's not a fancy spot, but it's inviting—think warm ligh”

“Love this hidden little gem! Always loved chatting with the owners and workers, but always just passing through and got my coffee to go. Today my internet went out at home and I got to work there for a few hours - just the nicest people and great coffee!”

“The Market in Verona is so awesome. It is so great to go in and get good quality food that you can reheat at home. I recently got the Eggplant Parmesan, pasta and risotto balls. Everything was so delicious and enough for another dinner. My husband got the Chicken Parmesan and really enjoyed it also. The service at the Market is outstanding and it was so nice to also meet Andrew the owner. I am looking forward to coming back again and getting more of this high quality and delicious Italian Food that reminded me so much of what my Mommy used to make. I highly recommend them.”

“The Forge is a staple for us for date nights and special occasions. They consistently update the menu with new food and drink items that make us excited to return, while keeping some favorites that have been there since the restaurant opened. The ambiance and decor are classy yet fun, definitely instagrammable. The staff is very knowledgable, attentive, and warm. Can't wait to see their future food and cocktail creations.”

“Absolutely delicious! Everything from the cocktails to the food and atmosphere is perfect!”

“This location was recommended for a medical school reunion in Pittsburgh by our alumni association. The food was excellent and the portions very generous. We did the family style dining for a large group, and it was very well received. One of my Italian classmates sate the the Cacio e Pepe was the best that he had tasted outside of Milan. I would strongly recommend this location for really first rate Italian food and a great atmosphere”

“My wife's grandparents are from the hill country of Lebanon, and her "Sittee" made phenomenal food. I haven't had anything even close to her cooking until I went to Babylon. Friendly, courteous owner and staff, great service, and food that is out of this world. What more could you want?”

“If you love good food and a tremendous beer selection, look no further. The Bloody Mary’s are pretty good too.”

“Wife and I shared a giant Polish Plate. Perogies were great. The stuffed cabbage was even better. Carl is a gracious host too. Highly recommended!”

“Tapas are amazing and atmosphere is fun! Come check it out.”

“First time dining at Senti. Not a big menu to choose from, but what you do get is quality. The apps were very good to start the evening and the dinners were excellent. Nice portions and very tasty. Drinks are very good and paired nicely with dinner. We will definitely be back.”

“What a wonderful experience eating here! As a person with a strict gluten free diet, I loved being able to find a restaurant that not only offered gluten free items but items that could be made gluten free! Everything I have tried has been amazingly prepared, the staff is excellent, and the atmosphere relaxed and beautiful. I'll definitely be making this a favorite dinner place!”

“I tried 1:11 Juice Bar at the August Wilson Birthday Block Party. It was the drink everybody wanted. It was so fresh and good. I bought 4 and took a picture with my family drinking ours. I mean it was THAT fresh. And the flavors were unique. I’ve been looking for the page and now I found it! Just wanted to thank you guys and get some more juice!”

“We had the best time for my cousins Bachelorette tea party! The atmosphere was so cozy and all of the staff were friendly! We had the best time blending our own special tea! Danielle was the best host and so knowledgeable about all of the herbs we could pick from. Booking the event was easy and Danielle was able to answer any questions that we had before the event and during it as well. Would definitely recommend Abeille Voyante Tea for their tea party and amazing loose leaf tea!”

“The most special and incredible bakery in town! Especially love the raspberry danish, giant, chocolate chip cookie, cinnamon roll, and the sandwiches! The sandwiches”

“Best ice cream shop in Pittsburgh. Huge milkshakes for reasonable prices. They don't skimp on the ice cream. Their tornadoes are amazing - get them with extra toppings. The turtle sundae is also great; the caramel they use is so good. All their portions are massive and reasonably priced.”

“Where can I begin… the food was delicious! Friendly service and real conversation. My family and I are from Indiana visiting for the weekend and we wanted to try Grandma B’s. Went on Saturday morning and it was so impressive we said “We’re coming back tomorrow before we leave!” Only to return Sunday morning and they had standing room only! Sadly my party and I were just going to head back to Indiana, hungry when they called us back in and said”We’re going to make room for you all up top.” They proceeded to prepare another area upstairs to accommodate our party! Hands down best food in service in Pittsburgh!”

“Very welcoming place. Great food and friendly people”

“Love this place, great atmosphere, great ingredients that make great smoothies. I recommend the brewed awakening smoothie, very very good. Would add pictures to this review, but I drink my smoothies from here way too fast and forgot :)”