Emporio: A Meatball Joint

942 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh
(412) 281-2810

Recent Reviews

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Emily Pryor

Walked in and waited - wasn’t too long. Came here for my husband’s birthday. It was very busy (Saturday evening) food was delicious - I was pleasantly surprised! We ordered several different meatballs and the buffalo appetizer was happy hour priced! Drinks were delicious, too! Great experience. Will definitely return!

Kid-friendliness: Kids menu- daughter loved the food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Crack Sauce, Meatball Panini

Jeanelle Robledo

The food taste/quality was good however the portion size for what you are paying is not at all what it should be. I’ve been to plenty of other places that gave me double the portion for the exact price I paid here (I got a pasta bowl and so did my boyfriend). Also both of our meals were cold on the top by the time they brought it to us. Overall, don’t recommend coming here if you care about getting the most bang for your buck.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Ron Bender

The service was top notch. We didn’t like the chicken meatballs because the parm cheese was so strong. That was our opinion so others may enjoy them. Crack fries as an appetizer were very good. Great beer selection and we had a good time

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Fátima Guevara

After waiting over an hour for our food, I finally got the pesto chicken meatballs and pasta, but it wasn’t worth the wait and price. Meatballs were hard, cold, and dry and the pesto was tasteless. They forgot my water and when I finally got it they never refilled it. They even forgot to bring my check after I asked for it, it was like begging them to pay for a terrible experience. I do not recommend this place at all. Terrible customer service.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

John Matta

What happened? This was my favorite place in the greater Pittsburgh region. New ownership? It's been a hot minute between visits now that I'm out of state, but wow. The prices, the menu, the quality...

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Chop Shop

Holy meat balls!!! Never did I Ever think I would find food and a drink for under $20 this close to the buss stop!!! But the happy hour specials had me full and buzzed before my trip!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Big Bucks Travel (BBT)

Proof that anything in a ball form is worth it! The traditional beef was fantastic and adding it to a bowl of mashed potatoes and some mushroom gravy! It was amazing.

Everyone in the group had something different and everyone was highly satisfied. One item was incorrect and they didn’t even hesitated to fix is and give us the incorrectly made item.

Perfectly located for some downtown activities if your in the Golden Triangle. Definitely make this an option if you want good food that isn’t your normal type restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crack Sauce, Mashed Potatoes

Tammy

Food was delicious and a great atmosphere. We shared the short rib appetizer and it was amazing. So tender and tasty. For dinner I had gnocchi that I really enjoyed. Large portion, so I brought some home. Highly recommend!!

Mike

We had a large group and they accommodated all of us to be able to sit together. Our waitress Stacey was super sweet and efficient. Everything was great! Food was delicious . Definitely will go back.

Marie H.

Last Friday night we dined outside on a beautiful evening here. Our service was very prompt and friendly upon arrival with being seated outside which was our request. Our server was very prompt as well with taking our drink and meal orders. It was fantastic sitting outside which made for a wonderful date night! I ordered one of the Saucy Ball Bowls, Atomic Balls, which was out of this world and really hit the spot! The prices are so good at this restaurant that I had to check the bill twice to ensure it was correct! This restaurant was a short stroll from Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where we saw a Candlelight Concert by Fever. We will definitely be back to dine in near future!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gov't Mac N Cheese

Claire Forte

The spicy pork meatballs were amazing and I loved the marinara sauce that went with it! The salad was very fresh.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Parmesan Fries, Meatball Slider, Meatball Panini, Marinara, Side Salad

Greg Free

Walked in because it was across the street from our hotel and it was packed. Happy hour runs til 9 on Friday so that was a huge plus. Our bartender Bella was exceptional and combined a welcome to my home vibe with a professional and efficient twist. The meatballs were moist and large and the Wedge Salad and Cheese Bread were perfectly prepared and large quantities.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gavin S. McNally

Excited about a meatball based restaurant. Beautiful location. Staff had to be found and sent to the table by manager. Meatball sampler I ordered was disgusting. I know it was my fault for continuing to eat them, thinking one of the different varieties might taste better. Long story short I got food poisoning. Please don't go there. I haven't been able to leave the bathroom for longer than 30 minutes for the last 24 hours.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Caitlin

When we arrived, we were informed that Mezzo has been closed for repairs despite my being able to make a reservation online that same day we arrived. We instead ate at the first floor Emporio meatball joint and it started a little rough with the server spilling water (luckily not on anyone), then the food being average at best. The chicken meatballs had no flavor and the marinara was not more than Aldi jar quality. The tomato basil sauce was downright delicious, however! But if you're gluten free, skip the GF pasta and just get an extra meatball — beef only for best taste.

Brian McKain

I wasn't sure about a place that specializes in meatballs. But now it's a must-go every time I'm in Pittsburgh. Do yourself a favor and try this place.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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