Good Food Pittsburgh


  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Pittsburgh’s Daily Food News Site.

  • News
  • Guides
  • Events
  • New Openings
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy

10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Pittsburgh You Must Try

December 24, 2019 by Emily Catalano 7 Comments

You may not read a lot about these small, hidden gem restaurants in Pittsburgh, but they’re worth checking out. From a classic hot dog spot in Lawrenceville to an old-school cafeteria on a working dairy farm south of the city, these restaurants should be on your “must try” list.

10 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Pittsburgh You Must Try

Don’s Diner

North Side

Photo: Brett M./Yelp

This tiny little diner is located off-the-beaten path under a bridge in the Woods Run section of the North Side. They’re known for their breakfasts, with classic offerings like omelettes and pancakes on teh extended breakfast menu, and for lunch or dinner you can find diner favorites like burgers and over-stuffed club sandwiches.

Don’s Diner (1729 Eckert Street)

Huszar

North Side

Photo: Huszar

Hooray for Huszar! This family-owned tavern serves traditional Hungarian food, like Hungarian Goulash, Bakonyi Chicken over house-made nokedli (dumplings), and Gundel Palacsinta, Hungarian crepes. And on the weekends, they serve Lángos, a crispy Hungarian bread that you’ve got to try. Keep an eye on their social media for updates on their regular special events.

Huszar (627 East North Avenue)

Frankie’s Extra Long

Lawrenceville

Photo: jav906/Trip Advisor

If you haven’t stopped in to this small hot dog shop in Lawrenceville, you’re missing out. This no-frills spot is known for their kielbasa and sauerkraut sandwiches and their foot-long hot dogs, which you can get loaded with chili (and we definitely recommend that). The menu is super-small and they’re cash-only, but the service is friendly and you can get a filling lunch for a great price.

Frankie’s Extra Long (3535 Butler Street)

Chicken Latino

Strip District

Photo: Chicken Latino

Head to the Strip District for authentic Peruvian cuisine at Chicken Latino. This hidden gem restaurant in Pittsburgh specializes in Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, served with rice and beans, fried plantains and crispy yuca. On the weekends, they also serve Peruvian specialties, like Beef lomo saltado, slow-roasted pork and lomo saltado. And whatever you do, make sure that you try their spicy green chili sauce – it’s fantastic.

Chicken Latino (155 21st Street)

Nox’s Tavern

Blawnox

Photo: Nox’s Tavern

This unassuming tavern in Blawnox is home to some of Pittsburgh’s very best burgers. Their “steamer” menu features a dozen different varieties of their famous half-pound burger, that they “steam to perfection.” We’re partial to the Original (with which cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato), but the Spicy Blue Burger (topped with grilled onions, mushrooms, crumbled blue cheese and Nox’s own special sauce) is also great.

Nox’s Tavern (720 Blaw Avenue)

Big Jim’s

Greenfield

Big Jim’s has been serving full-portioned, delicious meals in “The Run” neighborhood in lower Greenfield since 1977. Head to this Pittsburgh favorite for their homemade soup, sandwiches, oven-baked hoagies, calzones, and massive half-pound burgers. They’ve also lost their “hidden gem” status a little bit with a (well-deserved) appearance on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Big Jim’s (201 Saline Street)

Aiello’s Pizza

Squirrel Hill

Photo: Aiello’s Pizza

Since 1978, Aiello’s Pizza has been serving piping-hot pies to Squirrel Hill. Their traditional pizzas have a medium-thick, slightly chewy crust, and their “famous” pizza sauce makes every bite extra-special. You can order whole pies or by the slice, and they also serve calzones and hoagies served fresh-baked on Mancini’s bread.

Aiello’s Pizza (2112 Murray Avenue)

The Spring House

Washington

Photo: The Spring House

Take a trip outside of the city to visit The Spring House in Washington, PA. This country market and restaurant operates out of a working dairy farm, and serves an ever-changing menu of down-home farm dishes daily, with dishes like Swedish meatballs, carving ham, and sweet potato pie casserole. They also have a full in-house bakery (hello, German Chocolate Cake!), and fresh milk (their chocolate milk is the best) to take home!

The Spring House (1531 Route 136, Washington, PA)

Jozsa Corner

Hazelwood

One of Pittsburgh’s most unique dining experiences is also one of the city’s best. Since 1988, Josa Corner has been serving “Hungarian Country Styled Family Cooking,” where guests (parties of four or more) need to call ahead to make sure that they’ll be able to serve you. Everything is made by chef/owner Alex Josza Bodner, who serves house specialties like Kolbasz Langos, Hortobagyi Pie, Haluska and chicken paprikas in an intimate setting.

Josza Corner (4800 Second Avenue)

Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine

Downtown

Photo: Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine

Known as a go-to spot for pre-theater dining, Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine is a great choice for a downtown dinner, whether you’re going to a show or not. The BYOB serves house-made Mediterranean dishes like hummus, kebab platters, falafel, and plenty of desserts, including their must-try homemade baklava and Kunefe, an oven-baked dessert made with angel hair dough and fresh mozzarella cheese.

Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine (124 6th Street)

What other hidden gem restaurants in Pittsburgh have we missed? Let us know in our comments!

Looking for more great Good Food stories to read?

  • 18 Beloved Classic Pittsburgh Restaurant to Try Right Now
  • The 21 Best Diners in Pittsburgh
  • 14 New Restaurants Opening in 2020
  • 10 New Places to Get Brunch This Fall

Filed Under: Guides, News, Popular

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates!

Enter your email below to get weekly updates delivered straight to your inbox!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Comments

  1. Brianne says

    December 28, 2019 at 10:51 am

    Markook Authentic Mediterranean Eats in Washington, PA close to the meadows. Sooo good!!

    Reply
  2. Valerie says

    December 28, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    YOU ARE MISSING AL ‘AN RUBENS IN WASHINGTON PA! Best hidden gem ever!! You must try it!!

    Reply
  3. Ray says

    December 30, 2019 at 7:17 am

    You left out DeLucas diner on the strip. Also Milanos pizzeria by ppg center and Mineos pizza by Homestead…

    Reply
  4. Neil says

    January 11, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    Christos right next door to Alihan’s is the best Greek/Mediterranean restaurant in Pittsburgh hands down.

    Reply
  5. Stuart says

    February 24, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    You missed House Of Soul Catering their in Munhall PA not to far from Kennywood. Super tasty and really really good soulfood and other authentic flavors italian, Caribbean and chinese foods..finger licking good..and they were in the Forbes magazine 🤗🤗

    Reply
  6. Patrick says

    December 26, 2020 at 3:17 am

    Our Place Homemade in Wilmerding is a hidden gem you need to check out. It’s family owned and they serve big portions of homemade food and baked goods, all very reasonably priced.

    Reply
  7. Cheryl says

    December 27, 2020 at 10:48 am

    ISLAND SPICE in Homewood has the most delectable Jamaican food in the city of Pittsburgh. It’s chef and staff are Jamaican, cooking dishes like Jerk chicken, curry chicken, brown stew ( with chicken and veggies), rice with beans/ peas, to die for sauteed cabbage, plantain and other dishes and sweets. It’s all take out. Cards accepted. This TRULY IS a HIDDEN GEM!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

The Ultimate Guide to Western Pennsylvania Farmers Markets 2022

10 Bakeries to Find Delicious Croissants in Pittsburgh

Where to Order Pączki in Pittsburgh For Fat Tuesday

East End Brewing Opening Mt. Lebanon Taproom

10 Fantastic Chocolate Chip Cookies To Try Right Now  

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Pittsburgh’s Daily Food News Website

Site Map

  • News
  • Guides
  • Events
  • New Openings
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy

Advertising

Interested in advertising on Good Food Pittsburgh?

Learn More

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates and news from GoodFoodPittsburgh.

Archives

© 2022 GoodFoodPittsburgh · All Rights Reserved