It’s been another banner year for new restaurant openings in Pittsburgh.
Over the course of 2018 (and just like 2017), Pittsburgh was inundated with new restaurants, breweries, bars, coffee shops, and cafes.
Obviously, we’re not complaining.
Almost every neighborhood in the city welcomed a new spot, and we don’t want you to miss any of them. So, we scoured the city far and wide to bring you an (almost) comprehensive list of every restaurant that opened in Pittsburgh this year. Whether you’re craving paletas in Beechview, or barbeque in Garfield, we’ve got you covered. Bon appétit!
Of course, being human, we probably forgot something, so help us out and leave it in the comments below!
Still looking for more new openings? Click here to read out list of 22 New and Coming Soon Breweries in Pittsburgh.
The 88 Best Restaurant Openings of 2018:
Downtown
Forbes Tavern
There’s new spot on Forbes Avenue for lunch and dinner Downtown. This gastropub offers various burgers, beers, and sandwiches. Don’t miss their Cubano, inspired by chef Cort McCordy’s time spent cooking in Cuba.
Forbes Tavern (310 Forbes Avenue)
Molinaro Ristorante
Bringing Italian food to Market Square is Molinaro Ristorante, a new restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Poros. Stop by for freshly prepared dishes and great appetizers.
Molinaro Ristorante (PPG Place, 2)
Penn Cove Eatery
This cute little grab-and- go shop offers fresh seafood, sushi, sandwiches, and beverages. Opened in collaboration with Penn Avenue Fish Co. The space is also a bottle shop for an impressively curated selection of unique wines. Guests can eat their food in the adjoining bar (see below).
Penn Cove Eatery (245 7th St)
The Warren
This Alice in Wonderland-esque bar is aptly located next to the Benedum Center Downtown. Stop by before (or after) your show for a top-notch craft cocktail, or a menu of seafood-forward dishes from the adjoining Penn Cover Eatery.
The Warren (245 7th St)
Oxford Market
The Oxford Market is a food hall located inside of One Oxford Centre Downtown. The cafeteria-style eatery opened in February of 2018. Food is served from six stations with options such as grain bowls, pho, burgers, sandwiches, a salad bar, and more. The space also includes a bar.
Oxford Market (301 Grant Street)
Waffles, INCaffeinated
This year, the popular Pittsburgh waffle shop Waffles, INCaffeinated opened a Downtown outpost. Diners can get now these these decadent waffle creations on Fifth Avenue.
Waffles, INCaffeinated (456 Fifth Avenue)
Fogo de Chão
Downtown Pittsburgh is now home to a full-service Brazilian steakhouse. At Fogo de Chão, guests are offered unlimited servings of various meat cuts, roasted over an open fire and carved at the table. There is also a salad/sides bar. Fun experience for parties and large groups.
Fogo de Chão (525 Smithfield Street)
La Gourmandine
La Gourmandine, a popular French bakery with locations in Lawrenceville, Hazelwood, Mt. Lebanon, now has a Downtown outpost. Stop by for their famous pastries, baked goods, bread, and freshly brewed coffee.
La Gourmandine (308 Forbes Avenue)
Freshii
Looking for a healthy, fast meal when you’re downtown? You’ve come to the right place! Fast-casual concept Freshii offers fresh-made, vegetable-forward salads, wraps, burritos, bowls, smoothies, soups and frozen yogurt at their location in the Union Trust Building downtown. They’re also open for breakfast – and have a great online ordering system.
Freshii (501 Grant Street)
Bloomfield
Baby Loves Tacos
This funky taco restaurant started as a pop-up all over Pittsburgh, but the city’s demand for buffalo cauliflower and cinnamon brisket tacos was too great. Now situated on Liberty Avenue in the heart of Bloomfield, Baby Loves Tacos serves takeout tacos, burritos, and bowls for lunch and dinner. Hours vary so keep an eye on their Instagram.
Baby Loves Tacos (4508 Liberty Avenue)
Chantal’s Cheese Shop
There’s a new spot for unique artisan cheeses! Located on Penn Avenue directly across from Children’s Hospital, Chantal’s offers a carefully curated selection of cheese ranging in variety and country of origin. They also have a wide selection of accouterments, including jams, spreads, and crackers. Great for cheese plates.
Chantal’s Cheese Shop (4402 Penn Avenue)
Sugar and Smoke
Stop by Sugar and Smoke on Liberty in Bloomfield to enjoy a hearty, traditional Southern cuisine. The lunch and dinner menus includes dishes like hush puppies, Po Boys, chick & waffles, Shrimp & Grits, and more.
Sugar and Smoke (4428 Liberty Ave)
Azorean Cafe
Pittsburgh’s dining scene was fortunate enough to welcome Azorean Cafe this year. The aptly-named cafe features the food of the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Try traditional dishes from the island, as well as other Portuguese favorites like pasteis de nata.
Azorean Cafe (4715 Liberty Avenue)
Garfield
Soju
Soju opened on Penn Avenue in Garfield earlier this year and has been praised for its solid menu and beverage program. Guests can expect classic Korean dishes, poke bowls, and, of course, plenty of Soju.
Soju (4923 Penn Ave)
Spork Pit
After months of anticipation, the Texas barbecue-style sister restaurant to Spork, Spork Pit, opened in August of this year. The restaurant serves meats, sides, and craft beverages from a cafeteria-style line. They offer outdoor seating with a prime view of Penn Avenue. Great restaurant to take out-of-town guests.
Spork Pit (5349 Penn Avenue)
Fish Nor Fowl
Richard DeShantz’s most recent opening is Fish Nor Fowl, an upscale American restaurant in the former Salt of the Earth building on Penn Avenue in Garfield. Expect American cuisine with a twist, and an A+ beverage program.
Fish Nor Fowl (5523 Penn Avenue)
Millvale
Pittsburgh Food Truck Park
We now have a one-stop shop to visit all of your favorite food trucks at once. The Pittsburgh Food Truck Park is located near Millvale’s Riverfront Park and hosts a rotating selection of the city’s favorite food trucks (and beer).
Pittsburgh Food Truck Park (52 River Front Drive)
Duncan Street Sandwiches
Pittsburgh pop-up dinner series Duncan Street Dinners has opened their first brick-and-mortar venture – and it’s a success! This shop serves devastatingly good sandwiches, sides, desserts, and homemade beverages. Take out, or dine on their back patio (dog friendly and BYOB).
Duncan Street Sandwiches (543 North Avenue)
Iron Born Pizza
Iron Born Pizza has opened its first location outside of The Smallman Galley. This spot is famous for its Detroit-style pizza, served with classic and unique combinations like Broccoli & Cheddar, Kale Pie, White Pie, and more.
Iron Born Pizza (413 Grant Avenue)
Strange Roots Experimental Ales
Draai Laag Beer rebranded and expanded this year. Now known as “Strange Roots,” the brewery now offers a wider variety of beer – all with their signature funky twist.
Strange Roots Experimental Ales (501 E Ohio Street)
Shadyside
Fujiya Ramen
The recipes at Fujiya Ramen on Aiken Street in Shadyside come straight from Tokyo. The owner spent over 30 years cooking in Japan before opening a handful of ramen bars in the United States. Pittsburgh’s outpost is great for lunch and dinner.
Fujiya Ramen (815 S Aiken Avenue)
Squirrel Hill
Northeastern Kitchen
Northeastern Kitchen opened earlier this summer at 5824 Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill, featuring authentic Northern Chinese cuisine. Look for dishes like Northeastern Mung Bean Clear Noodles with shredded vegetables, Chinese cabbage & pork dumplings, and hot pot stews
Northeastern Kitchen (5824 Forbes Avenue)
Oakland
Insomnia Cookies
Late night cookies? Yes please! Popular cookie delivery service Insomnia Cookies opened two outposts in Pittsburgh this year. College students, rejoice! One is located in the heart of Oakland.
Insomnia Cookies (115 Meyran Avenue)
Pie for Breakfast
After months of anticipation, Legume/Butterjoint’s third sister restaurant, Pie For Breakfast, is now open on Craig Street. The menu offers a breakfast options, hearty plates, and plenty of pie! Open until 3:00 P.M.
Pie for Breakfast (200 N Craig Street)
Ribs N Bread
The name says it all. This BBQ house uses local, sustainably and ethically-sourced ingredients and smokes their meats low and slow! BBQ fans, don’t miss this spot.
Ribs N Bread (4707 Centre Avenue)
Lawrenceville
Poulet Bleu
A new French-inspired restaurant (with a patio) is open on Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Poulet Bleu serves classic French dishes with a (slight) American twist. Don’t miss the chocolate souffle. Bar program is exceptional. Reservations necessary.
Poulet Bleu (3519 Butler Street)
Driftwood Oven
One of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2018 was Driftwood Oven, the mobile pizzeria turned brick-and-mortar on Butler Street. If you’ve eaten this sourdough pizza, you who what the hype is about. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
Driftwood Oven (3615 Butler Street)
Stateside Vodka
Philly-based Stateside Vodka now has an office on Butler Street. On weekend nights they open their doors and invited guests in for $1 vodka shots. Cheers!
Stateside Vodka (4304 Butler Street)
Chocolate Moonshine
This popular confection company is known for their chocolate bars with funky flavors (including booze) and hot chocolate bars. Great place to buy gifts for those with a sweet tooth.
Chocolate Moonshine (3703 Butler Street)
Big Easy Dog Daze & Cafe
This new Lawrenceville venture ticks all the boxes: dog daycare, cafe, boarding, and more. Stop by with your favorite four-legged friend for bites and coffee.
Big Easy Dog Daze & Cafe (12 McCandless Avenue)
North Park Lounge Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh classic North Park Lounge has a new location in Lawrenceville, serving their homemade bar food in a charming atmosphere in the heart of the neighborhood.
North Park Lounge (4717 Butler Street)
Walter’s Southern Kitchen
This fun new spot in the heart of Lawrenceville has a menu straight from Texas. Stop by for classic smoked goods and a large front lot with games and picnic benches. Great place for large groups.
Walter’s Southern Kitchen (4501 Butler Street)
Condado Tacos
Columbus-based Condado Tacos opened its second Pittsburgh location this year (you can also find them Downtown). Great for tacos, dips, and margs.
Condado Tacos (4300 Butler Street)
Lawrenceville Distilling
This local distillery makes craft liquor in the heart of Lawrenceville. Though they’ve just opened, their “Parking Chair Vodka” is already hit around the city and can be found in many bars. Stop by the distillery to pick up a bottle (see link below).
Lawrenceville Distilling (5410 Harrison Street)
The Black Cat Market
Lawrenceville now has a cat cafe! This boutique cat cafe offers snacks, drinks, and the chance to meet a new furry friend. Hang out with adoptable cats while enjoying concessions from the cafe.
The Black Cat Market (5171 Butler Street)
FRIO Creamery
This new Butler Street ice cream shop sells Penn State’s famous Berkey Creamery ice cream. Fans of the State College creamery will be thrilled to find this delicious treat in the heart of Pittsburgh.
FRIO Creamery (4127 Butler Street)
Strip District
De Fer Coffee & Tea
This full-service European cafe offers anything you could ever need! We’re talking cocktails, wine, house-roasted coffee, house-blended teas, light bites, breakfast, appetizers, and more. Stop by for coffee and/or cocktails and a cheese plate.
De Fer Coffee & Tea (2002 Smallman Street)
Heirloom Superfood Market
Pittsburgh now has a one-stop shop for healthy and hard-to-find natural foods and ingredients. Heirloom Superfood Market is the grocery store-esque extension of Pittsburgh Juice Company in Lawrenceville.
Heirloom Superfood Market (3101 Penn Avenue)
Home (Smallman Galley)
This new spot in the Smallman Galley food hall offers upscale American cuisine. The menu is delicious, quirky, and always changing. Stop by for brunch, lunch, or dinner – you won’t regret it!
Home (54 21st Street)
Choppin’ Block
Another BBQ restaurant has come to Pittsburgh. Choppin’ Block is on Penn Avenue in The Strip. The smoky smell encompases the entire block. Great for dining in, or taking out.
Choppin’ Block (2627 Penn Avenue)
The Pennsylvania Market
The Strip has a new market! Selling a wide variety of food and goods, The PA Market is a large adaptive reuse project that transformed one of The Strip’s oldest buildings into a sprawling food marketplace. Covering two floors and a courtyard, there is plenty to eat, see, and shop. They also have three bars… just saying.
The Pennsylvania Market (108 19th Street)
East Liberty
The Bureau
The team behind The Vandal has teamed up with Schoolhouse, a Portland-based design company, to offer a coffee shop in their East Liberty store. Shop eclectic, handmade goods and sip on quality coffee. Great for both doing work, and shopping.
The Bureau (5811 Broad Street)
Bird on the Run
Pittsburgh’s fried chicken scene expanded this year with the opening of Bird on the Run on Highland Avenue in East Liberty. Dine in, or take out these freshly-fried chicken sandwiches and tenders. They also have (a variety of) alcoholic slushies.
Bird on the Run (128 S Highland Avenue)
Choolaah Indian BBQ
Choolaah offers fast casual Indian BBQ across from the Target in East Liberty. Food is delicious, fast, and flavorful.
Choolaah Indian BBQ (6114 Centre Avenue)
Kahuna Poke and Juice Bar
Located next to Bird on the Run is Kahuna Poke and Juice Bar. This restaurant is exactly what it sounds. Get “#healthyaf” poke bowls and pressed juices. Dine in or take out.
Kahuna Poke and Juice Bar (132 S Highland Avenue)
Clean Juice Eatery
More juice! Further up Penn Avenue (closer to Garfield) is Clean Juice, a grab and go juice, smoothie, and bowl spot.
Clean Juice Eatery (5829 Penn Avenue)
La Riviera Bistro
Bar Frenchman rebranded into La Rivera this year. The upstairs still offers the upscale tasting course only menu under The Twisted Frenchman name. It’s sister restaurant Downstairs, La Rivera, is one of the best places in the city to get an upscale, quality meal for an affordable price. Amazing beverage program.
La Riviera Bistro (5925 Baum Blvd)
Porked
This pork-centric restaurant offers all sorts of unique BLT and pig-heavy dishes and sandwiches. They also have a liquor license and various specials during the week.
Porked (220 N Highland Avenue)
The Milk Shake Factory
The Milk Shake Factory is at it again! The company has another new outpost, located on the corner of Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue in East Liberty. (Talk about prime real estate!) Guests will find the shakes and chocolates we love from their other locations. The next location to look forward to? Oakland!
The Milk Shake Factory (6000 Penn Ave)
Lorelei
One of my particularly favorite openings of 2018 is Lorelei in East Liberty. This European-inspired bar & restaurant has a stunning interior, incredible views, and a powerhouse team in the kitchen and behind the bar. Top notch all around.
Lorelei (124 S Highland Avenue)
South Side
Carmi Family Restaurant
The Northside restaurant we all know and love has moved to the South Side! Now located on East Carson Street, stop by for Carmi’s famous soul food. The restaurant also serves a weekend brunch with live music and crab legs.
Carmi Family Restaurant (1825 E Carson Street)
Cilantro & Ajo
Create your own arepa at this Venezuelan street food restaurant! Enjoy a fast-casual menu of dishes like empanadas, tostadas, patacones, cachapas and more.
Cilantro & Ajo (901 E Carson Street)
Insomnia Cookies
A second Insomnia Cookies outpost opened on the South Side of Pittsburgh. Stop by (or order online) for freshly baked cookies into the wee hours of the morning.
Insomnia Cookies (1734 E Carson Street)
Northside
Adda Coffee & Tea
East Liberty favorite Adda Coffee now has a location on the Northside. Located in the beautiful Allegheny West neighborhood, it’s great place for coffee and conversation.
Adda Coffee & Tea (926 Western Avenue)
Brugge On North
Now in City of Asylum bookshop/performance space: Brugge on North. The Northside outpost of the popular “Brugge” restaurant family offers a similar Belgian-inspired menu, as well as a fun bar.
Brugge On North (40 W North Avenue)
Spring Hill Brewing
A wonderful brewery opened this year in on an urban garden Pittsburgh’s Spring Hill Brewing neighborhood. Guests travel high up above the city for great views and even better beers. Many have unique flavors influenced from the farm (honey, anyone?)
Spring Hill Brewing (1958 Varley Street)
Mayfly Market & Deli
The team behind Gilligan’s Sorbet has opened a new deli and market on the Northside of Pittsburgh. Find soups, salads, sandwiches, and a market of locally made products in this quaint space.
Mayfly Market & Deli (1327 Arch Street)
Siempre Algo
East Ohio Street has a new restaurant. Siempre Algo is an impressive new dining experience offering a wide variety of dishes, from Ceviche to Roasted Spiced Cauliflower and Baba Ganoush.
Siempre Algo (414 E Ohio Street)
Burn by Rocky Patel Cigar Bar
A new popular hangout is this stunning cigar bar on the North Shore of Pittsburgh. The space is bustling during evenings, sports games, and weekends.
Burn by Rocky Patel Cigar Bar (346 N Shore Drive)
Point Breeze
Commonplace Coffee
Commonplace Coffee can now be found in the Point Breeze neighborhood! Get the coffee you know and love on Reynolds Street near a bunch of great local shop!
Commonplace Coffee (6736 Reynolds Street)
Regent Square
Scene75 Entertainment Center
Crazy good times are to be had at the new Scene75 entertainment center, near Regent Square. Games? Yes. Go karts? Yes. Laser tag? Yep!
Scene75 Entertainment Center (1775 S Braddock Avenue)
My Goodness Market
The Square Cafe team opened a small market and deli across the street from their popular cafe in Regent Square. Great for shopping for unique items, grab and go food, and local products.
My Goodness Market (1104 S Braddock Avenue)
Monroeville
Coast & Main
The Monroeville Mall got a major upgrade with the addition of Coast & Main, an elegant seafood and steakhouse. Stop by for thoughtful plates and drinks.
Coast & Main (705 Mall Cir Drive)
Hello Bistro
Popular Pittsburgh chain Hello Bistro has opened a new outpost in Monroeville. Get the dishes and salads you know and love at this location.
Hello Bistro, Monroeville (4100 William Penn Highway)
PGH Airport
Local Craft Kitchen + Bar Airport
Dine in style before your flight at Local Kitchen, which offers gastropub food and a wide selection of local beers.
Pittsburgh International Airport
Sarris Candies
Don’t forget to bring a gift to loved ones when traveling! Sarris Chocolates (the famous Pittsburgh candy company) now has a chocolate shop at the airport.
Pittsburgh International Airport
Penn Brewery
Another Pittsburgh classic now has an outpost at the airport. Guests will find an abbreviated menu from the popular Northside restaurant, as well as a selection of their craft beer.
Pittsburgh International Airport
Robinson
Stout Pub & Kitchen
The trendy Stout Pub is offering great dining in Robinson. Great for upscale pub food and delicious drinks.
Stout Pub & Kitchen (690 Chauvet Drive)
West End
Café 412
Grab a bite while enjoying the view from Pittsburgh’s West End. Great sandwiches, bites, and drinks.
Café 412 (400 S Main Street)
North of the City
Mediterra Café
Popular Pittsburgh bakehouse Mediterra (known for their breads and baked goods) now has a bakery and cafe on Beaver Street in Sewickley. In addition to great food, the space is also a marketplace for unique foods, oils, jams, chocolates, canned fish, and more.
Mediterra Café (430 Beaver Street)
Burgatory Cranberry
Cranberry now has its own burgatory location! This famous burger and milkshake joint is located on Mackenzie way in Cranberry. Customize your own patty from a huge list of toppings. Don’t forget their delicious shakes!
Burgatory Cranberry (2080 Mackenzie Way #600)
Mad Mex Waterworks
Another exciting expansion – Mad Mex now has a location in the Waterworks plaza! Get delicious tex mex and plenty of margs on the Eastern edge of the plaza, near GetGo.
Mad Mex Waterworks (1041 Freeport Road)
Calavera Tap & Taco
Warrendale is now home Calavera Tap & Taco. These are unique tacos you won’t stop craving.
Calavera Tap & Taco (400 Warrendale Village Drive)
Bakn Warrendale
Bakn, the immensely popular, pork-forward restaurant has expanded to Warrendale. All the bacon-forward dishes you know and love are available at the new location.
Bakn Warrendale (100 Fowler Road)
Revival on Lincoln
Bellevue is excited to welcome Revival on Lincoln, an adaptive reuse restaurant in a stunning building in the neighborhood. Charming and delicious!
Revival on Lincoln (366 Lincoln Avenue)
Seasons
Etna has a new upscale, trendy eatery. Foodies should try this unique dining experience on Butler Street. This tasting menu only restaurant serves seasonal interpretations of American dishes. Vegetarian options available.
Seasons (372 Butler Street)
Caliente Pizza Aspinwall
Popular pizza and drafthouse Caliente (Bloomfield, Route 8) has opened a new location in Aspinwall. Great pies and happy hour specials.
Caliente Pizza (225 Commercial Avenue)
South of the City
Enix Brewing Co.
Homestead is now home to a brewery and Mediterranean restaurant. The Spanish-influenced Enix Brewing is great for tapas, drinks, and unique fare. There is also a bowling alley and bar upstairs.
Enix Brewing Co. (337 E 8th Avenue)
The Bakery Society Pittsburgh
The region’s first bakery incubator, TBSP, is now open Mt. Oliver! Stop by for a selection of baked goods and breads from various Pittsburgh bakers-in-residence.
The Bakery Society Pittsburgh (225 Brownsville Road)
Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Ale House
Food and view? Yes please! This Mt. Washington gastropub has great American pub food (with a flair!) and plenty of drinks.
Coughlin’s Law Kitchen and Ale House (10 Virginia Avenue)
LeoGreta
Great Italian food in Carnegie can be found at LeoGreta. Try this spot for family meals and celebrating the holidays.
LeoGreta (301 W Main Street)
Musa Caribbean/Cajun Fare
This year Beechview welcomed Musa Caribbean/Cajun Fare. Enjoy dishes like tres leches cake, avocado fried in plantains, chipotle shrimp, and plenty of vegan options.
Musa Caribbean/Cajun Fare (2318 Broadway Avenue)
Alquisiras Paleteria
Beechview is also now home to Alquisiras Paleteria, serving Mexican dishes like tacos, tortas, enchiladas, tamales, and a wide assortment of paletas. These homemade ice pops that come in a variety of flavors, like coconut strawberry mango with chili, pistachio, and chocolate.
Alquisiras Paleteria (2056 Broadway Avenue)
Sub Zero Ice Cream
Food, fun, and science in Upper St. Clair! Watch as your ice cream crystalizes before your eyes at this liquid nitrogen shop. They have tons of topping options and ice cream options for many dietary restrictions.
Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream (100 Siena Drive)
Topgolf
Bridgeville welcomed Pittsburgh’s first TopGolf, a restaurant/golf entertainment facility. Similar to bowling, TopGolf is a interactive golf game that is fun for large groups. Drinks and food can be delivered to your table.
Topgolf (400 Presto-Sygan Road)
Bertrand
Now in Mt. Lebanon: Bertrand, a romantic french restaurant off Cochran Rd. The space has a patio, is BYOB, and serves both lunch and dinner.
Bertrand (1910 Cochran Road)
Steel Cactus Southpointe
Pittsburgh-based restaurant chain Steel Cactus has opened a new location south of the city. For both lunch and dinner, guests will enjoy tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, taquitos, and plenty of drinks.
Steel Cactus Southpointe (1800 Main Street, Canonsburg)
Blaze Pizza South Fayette
This is the fourth Pittsburgh location for this fast-casual pizza chain, backed by LeBron James. The menu offers various types of pizzas, and guests can also build their own pies.
Blaze Pizza (160 Millers Run Road)
Apericena Wine Bar
This European wine bar just opened in Upper St. Clair, with dozens of wine by the glass, small plates and flatbreads.
Apericena Wine Bar (100 Siena Drive, Suite 135)
Still looking for more new openings? Click here to read out list of 22 New and Coming Soon Breweries in Pittsburgh.
You left off Freshii at the Union Trust Building downtown. Opened on Jan 31 2018. Freshii will open a second location in Cranberry Spring 19.