Top Chefs in Pittsburgh Fuel Culinary Explosion - Pittsburgh Article
Best Pittsburgh Restaurants Downtown
The dining options in Pittsburgh's downtown area truly represent a multi-national tour of some of the nest cuisines and recipes to found anywhere. Latin, American, Mediterranean, Italian and other combinations of world class dining are only a few steps from your hotel. We recently asked several downtown restaurateurs for their opinion and experience with the ever-expanding dining options.
Kevin Joyce of The Carlton shared: “When The Carlton opened in 1984 there were very few ne dining op ons in Downtown Pittsburgh. Downtown did not have a true "Steakhouse" before we opened our doors with the tag line of "Purveyors of Fine Meats and Fish." The more recent dining explosion in the past five years has really changed our culinary scene. Pittsburgh is now a tourist and dining destination. We have locally-grown talent using their entrepreneurial instincts to develop and grow great new concepts.”
David Montanez, of Las Velas, offers his perspective from Market Square, “To watch the growth of the downtown restaurant scene from Market Square these past seven years has been a privilege. I believe it was the change in Market Square that began ushering in the new downtown restaurant scene. Operating a restaurant in this ever-expanding restaurant scene is a blessing and I’m confident the next five to ten years will bring even more growth and eclectic options for the city.”
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Chef Sang Woo from the South Side’s famous Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar has a unique perspective. He was born in Korea but his family moved to Pittsburgh when he was ve years old. “I consider Pittsburgh to be my home. The people are so friendly and loyal. We continue to see the same faces in Nakama along with new faces of those who typically become our new followers. The scene in Pittsburgh is changing daily. We’re so fortunate to have such a diverse population which lends to the demand for new and innovative choices. It keeps the rest of us on our toes!”
Chef Jessica Bauer from Altius, high atop Mt. Washington, began cooking as a necessity while her mom worked nights as a nurse. After making Thanksgiving dinner for her family at the tender age of 12, she was hooked! She especially loves cooking in Pittsburgh. “I love pleasing people. The easiest way for me to please people is with fabulous food. I love the Steelers. I love the people of Pittsburgh and how real they are. I want to be part of the ever-growing industry. My favorite parts are the little guys, the small ethnic restaurants, that are always educating me and entertaining my palate.”
Chef Edwin Smith from the Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, also on Mt. Washington added his thoughts: “The food scene in Pittsburgh is coming into its own right now. We are seeing new and old restaurants focusing more on sourcing the highest quality products possible. The attention to detail is extending not only to menu items, but also hand crafted cocktails for a even more well rounded experience!”
While you’re here, start with your favorite cuisine and then try to experience as many restaurants in Pittsburgh as you can and enjoy these fine meals in a wide variety of settings, both indoor and outdoor, with all types of views whether from the street or the mountaintop. And for you return visitors, there will certainly be a new destination to try that wasn’t here on your last trip!
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Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
In an effort to showcase Pittsburgh’s dining destinations, Pittsburgh Restaurant Week has evolved as a concept throughout the city. Twice a year, both in January and then again in August, Pittsburgh restaurants offer special menus highlighting some of their best dishes at special prices that encourage you to visit as many as you can during the week-long festivities.
Click Here for More information About Pittsburgh Restaurant Week!
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