It’s been a busy few months for restaurant openings in Pittsburgh, with the addition of some fantastic new options (including Nova Asian Food Hall and the return of Thyme Machine). If you’re looking for a new place to try this season, we’ve rounded up the lastest options, including a long-awaited brick-and-mortar from a popular pop-up, and a new Japanese-inspired cocktail bar inside a favorite downtown spot.
7 New Restaurants to Try This Spring
Fet-Fisk
Bloomfield
The eagerly awaited debut of Fet-Fisk, one of Pittsburgh’s most sought-after pop-ups, has finally arrived. This Nordic seafood restaurant and oyster bar opened its doors in late March, taking over the space previously occupied by Lombardozzi. Nik Forsberg and Sarah LaPonte have crafted a menu that includes many of the beloved dishes that originally made Fet-Fisk a hot ticket, such as scallop crudo, sourdough spaetzle, and whole-grilled branzino. Among the standout offerings is a plate that’s easily on its way to becoming an iconic Pittsburgh dish – a roasted half chicken paired with lingonberries and farmer’s cheese that is an absolute must-order.
Fet-Fisk is open Thursday through Monday from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The lounge area operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and stays open until 11:00 p.m. Reservations can be made online. (4786 Liberty Avenue)
Lawrence Hall
Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh’s newest food hall is now open. Lawrence Hall is housed in an elegantly-designed space at 4609 Butler Street, and offers four distinct food options, plus Leona’s Ice Cream (serving up ice cream sandwiches and scoops). Guests will be able to order from La Palapa, featuring Mexican street food, Cuddy’s Soul Food (ribs, jerk chicken), TOMA (Italian dishes), and LOADED (burgers, Korean corn dogs). The space is centered around a bar, Dear James, which features only local brews on draft, along with a full wine and cocktail list.
Lawrence Hall is open Tuesday through Sunday. (4609 Butler Street)
Third Space Bakery
Garfield
Something new is now open in Garfield. Bakery cooperative Third Space Bakery recently opened its doors, offering organic, house-made baked goods (sourdough bread, focaccia, scones, sticky buns, cake by the slice, quiche, pan pizza and more), plus a space for baking and cooking classes, including their super-popular Sourdough 101 course.
Co-owners Chloe Newman, Erika Bruce, and Beth Taylor told us last fall that they wanted to create a space where people could enjoy fantastic food, while having the chance to learn new kitchen techniques, and develop a community.
Third Space Bakery is open Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (5349 Penn Avenue)
Otaru
Mt. Washington
Offering stunning views and exceptional Japanese food, the newly-opened Otaru in Mt. Washington is one of Pittsburgh’s most exciting new restaurant openings in recent memory. Located in the space that once housed Vue 412, menu highlights include a hand roll set ($68), salmon tataki, uni pasta, and an Omakase chef selection ($108), with Chawanmushi, seasonal sushi, and roasted Faroe Island salmon.
Otaru is open for dinner daily. (1200 Grandview Avenue)
E.T.A.
Downtown
Tucked inside The Warren downtown is E.T.A, a Japanese inspired cocktail and sushi bar, that opened just a few weeks ago. With just a handful of tables available, the space was created in the style of a tachinomi, a Japanese ‘standing bar’ that encourages quick visits. On the menu, you’ll find a selection of Japanese whiskeys, plus cocktails like the Shiroi Honou (plum sake, rum, rice-washed Brezio bitter and umami bitters), and the E.T.A. Old Fashioned (with Hakushu 12-year whiskey Genmaicha tea syrup, yuzu bitters, and dandelion and burdock bitters). The food menu features snackable bites like sushi, pork dumplings, a truly fantastic panko chicken sandwich, and spiced edamame.
E.T.A. is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Wei Lai Dim Sum
Ross
Wei Lai Dim Sum just opened in the North Hills, serving up an extensive dim sum menu, including favorites like pork soup dumplings, Bao, egg tarts, wontons, Taiwanese Dan Zai Noodles, and much more. Since its opening in late March, one of the most popular dishes at Wei Lai has been its Cantonese roast duck, made with five spice, scallions, garlic, ginger, bean sauce and oyster sauce. It’s available on Saturdays and Sundays – call ahead to reserve one at 412-364-9933.
Wei Lai Dim Sum is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (3200 McIntyre Square)
Ethel’s
Downtown
There’s a new food truck on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus, with a throwback to the 1950s.
Ethel’s, a refurbished aluminum aircraft, has been turned into a mobile diner that will be parked between Hillman and Lawrence Hall in downtown Pittsburgh. The menu includes Southern-style favorites, including cheese grits, sausage and biscuits, breakfast bowls with kielbasa, apple pancakes, smothered pork chops, and chicken fried steak.
Ethel’s is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Leave a Reply