I'm curious about Del's all-you-can-eat Italian on Monday nights.

I'd recommend Tessaro's. Best service in Pittsburgh.

Fancy Mallorca is fun.

Chaya sushi is the best sushi ever.

Sushi Two (or is it Too?) on the Southside is good. I'd be interested in reviews of Pittsburgh's all you can eat sushi nights.

And the new Mexican place on Murray Ave is getting reviews that claim its authentic.

I too have been saying for awhile that we should try out Del's. I'm not sure what all is on their menu though. I guess there's only one way to find out.

Mexican place on Murray? Awesome, I didn't even know. I love me some mexican.

I believe he is talking about Taqueria Mi Mexico... the place that serves tongues and stuff.

Thai place upstairs on Forbes is a nice place to eat, but the food is weak.

Thai Cuisine on Liberty used to great, but is going through a mediocre phase. I wonder if it is over.

Curious about Vietnamese on Penn Ave and is there a place on Liberty too?

As for the tounges, well, it ain't Subway. But then again, who the hell knows what they put in their cold cuts.

hello again . . .

Del's is cheap italian. pizza is good and the antipasti is neat. a mound of tasty veggies, including marinated carrots (worth trying once and if you like them, worth eating regularly and since i can't eat carrots raw, this is nice). problem with this mound of tasty veggies is that it comes on top of a layer of cold cuts. so you have to be a vegetarian who eats with omnivores and touches meat . . .

another thought, when you get it fixed so you can paste links in these comments (or if you can paste links in your entries) you (or i, for that matter) could link to other pittsburgh blogs' restaurant reviews. upsidedown pear and green jackfruit seemed like recipes more than restaurants, but i think it was important to be warm that had a neat review of Taqueria Mi Mexico . . .

and hello again,

i've been buying bagels by the dozen at the Bagel Factory on forbes (inside the store w/Ben and Jerry's) this summer. the hours are more convenient than other, possibly more authentic, bagels in squirrel hill.

and the bagels are better than bruegers and panera.

but i'm always the only one buying bagels to go. everyone else is having sit-down breakfast. the breakfasts look better than Pamelas, and there is no line . . . so i'm curious. any experiences there?

ps. why is the einstein's on centre incapable of making iced coffee? the products of these chain restaurants verge on the bizarre . . .

hi, just stumbled across this site. i don't know if yinz have cars, but you should try more restaurants out of the east end. ;)

// suggestions:
-restaurant maya in beechview: 1600 broadway (mapquest it.) also try 'taco loco' on the south side for 'real mexican.'
-cafe du jour, & gypsy cafe: south side
-kaya: strip district
-max's allegheny tavern, james street tavern (more for the entertainment!): north side
-pierogies plus (take-out): mckee's rocks

// other east end-y joints:
-people's india: penn ave., garfield/friendship
-gelato at grasso roberto: liberty ave., bloomfield
-thai gourmet: libery ave.
-and yes, RUN run run to the vietnamese joints on penn ave. pho minh, for example. tasty!

Pittsburgh Restaurant Micro-Reviews seems to cover very similar territory. But the link to the passionate and year-long PF Chang's debate is really something.

Wait, I'm not sure the link works. Cut and paste http://kvdpsu.org/pgh-restaurants.html. Yum.

hey guys, me again.

if you want to see del's antipasto in all its technicolor glory, visit me at http://ihatethenyer.blogspot.com/2005/09/dels-antipasto.html for a tasty photo.

ps. do you guys use coupons?

and i went to mi mexico. if i hadn't just got back from LA, i would have raved. as was, its authentic and tasty but not to die for. happy eating!

Hi, please post a thread for "Sushi Too" of Walnut street. My boyfriend and I eat there once in a while. The service is poor to average, but they charge you a waaping service fee to the check. The last time we went there, the fat waiter just pointed a table with her index finger and told us to sit "there" while others were walked hand in hand so to say. The fat waiter dumped all our food at once. The salads, the appatizer and the main course. She didn't give us a chance to finish. When all was done, she brought the check and mentioned that the service charge was added..out loud..We didn't hear any of that garbage coming from other waiters directed at their party. Sushi too, if you're reading this, please fire the fat waiter.

You must review Say Cheese (Pan Pizza) in Oakland.
I don't understand why no one knows about this place!?!?! It is one of the best places in Pgh.
People say it tastes like Mineo's I think it is better!
Thanks

Please review the new Irish place in the south side works. I had a bad experience there. I wonder if others have had the same

Maharaja is conspicuously absent from your list of restaurants, especially with other Indian locations listed. Many of my friends and I agree: they have the best lunch buffet in the city. (I've tried both Taj Mahals, India Garden, Taste of India, Peoples, Namaste India, Indica, etc.). I'd even choose Maharaja over the esteemed Sree's and Udipi (although they don't do buffets). Really, you have to check it out. Ignore that it's in the Days Inn and enjoy.

How about the Chipotle in Robinson? Yeah, I know it's a national chain, but it may be one of the best fast-mex chains around (Better than Qdoba or Moe's for sure). Plus they should have a location open in Oakland before years end.

Plenty of veggie options, and they try to use naturally raised meats and organic beans.

Try it!

I'm not so sure I am interested in giving Chipotle a whirl, due to their affiliation with McDonald's (I'm not a fan). Maybe one of the other reviewers?

Sunset Pizza & Grille at 38 E. Main in Carnegie... Grilled Kebobs are real good and finally a place with pizza that is worth eating.

This is a great site for restaurant reviews in the 'burgh. Most of the reviews are spot on. I would like to suggest the following restaurant for your restaurant review:

Mediterranean Grill
Forbes Ave, Squirrel Hill

It serves awesome Lebanese food and the service is fast and excellent.

It's not particularly vegetarian, but they do have a veggie burger and good fries. Can I suggest you try Peter's Pub in Oakland?

Thanks.

with the many sushi restaurants you've reviewed, I'm surprised you've not tried Sushi Tomo on McKnight across the street from the North Hills Village Mall. Some of the best I've had with super fast service.

Beth-Ann we tried Sushi Tomo and it was great! - We reviewed it for you.

Glad you liked it! I just moved to Pgh from Florida, and was unsure if I'd find tasty sushi up here in the mountains...thank goodness I did, and thank you for all your reviews! They're spot on!

There is a place called Lucianno's (on Route 48) in White Oak. They have most excellent Italian food at reasonable prices. They can get pretty crowded on the weekends, but they are worth it. They will melt cheese on top of your plate of spaghetti (YUM!) They also have good pizza.

Although I think the BEST pizza is Papa Rock's in Monroeville (in the Haymaker Village where Haymaker Road meets Route 130). So soft and chewy and when you ask for extra cheese, they don't skimp!

Oh, and since sushi is on your list, try Taipei Tokyo near the Monroeville Mall.

Has anyone been to Salsarita's yet, either at the Waterfront or Cranberry? Just curious as to how they stack up compared to Chipotle or Moe's?

http://www.salsaritas.com/

I would like to try them out, but am curious about what others think before I go.

Beth-Ann ... I totally agree ... Papa Rock's in Monroeville is the spot for pie now that Mama G's (in Pitcairn) is under new ownership. You may also want to try out Scalamunza's in N. Versailles ... they're kind of new but they make some serious homemade pies.

While we're talking about sushi, Taipei Tokyo is killer and is close to home if your in the eastern suburbs, but I also recommend trying out Kiku in Station Square if you are into home style Japanese food. Check them out the 1st and third Tuesday of every month for all you can eat sushi and tempura.

I tried Salsaritas a few weeks back. Defineltely not worth a trip back. I am a huge Moes fan and consider Chipotle my back-up to Moes. They had a ton of coupons in a local discount book, so I gave them a try. Food was bland and the place has nothing going on...dead at 6:00 on a Thursday night. I'm glad I had a coupon too, the prices were crazy for what you got. Stick with Moe's, great food and prices, I don't need a coupon to make me want to go there.

Well, I broke down and went to Salsarita's in Cranberry yesterday. I had a pork burrito with chips and salsa. The burrito was nothing special, but it was acceptable. One good thing is that the toppings are included (such as quacamole at no extra charge, unlike Moe' or Chipotle). But, the quacamole was nothing to write home about either. The salsas seemed like they came from a can. I didn't care for the tortilla chips either, thay had a sprinkling on them that resembled generic Dorito-type flavoring. I didn't like that. I'd probably go there again if I was in the area, but I wouldn't make a special trip to go back.

I wonder how many of these types of Mexican-Style restaurants can we have in one area before the market is saturated? Some might think it is already saturated. There is a Moe's right across the street from this Salsarita's.

Well, that's my report for today, Happy Cinco De Mayo everybody!!

This is really a kewl site.

Most Chinese would like to go a place called "China Star", an authentic Sichuan cuisine, If you like spicy food, thats place you should go. you will find more information from their website www.chinastarpgh.com.
also you will find a lot of information from Chinese business website-- www.chinatownpgh.com. There is a section called Authentic Cuisine.

please check it out

How about:
Charlie's, in Oakland (cheesesteaks, yum!)
Zarra's, Bigelow Blvd (italian)
Mojobistro, Lincoln Ave (awesome coffee and food!)

I've recently noticed that you've never reviewed one of our so-called "Pittsburgh Institutions" of fine dining . . .

How come yinz never written nuthin' about no Primanti Brothers n'at?

Not a complaint, just curious?

P.S. Another suggestion is the Sarris Candy store and old-timey ice cream parlor in Canonsburg. They have my boy, Troy Polamalu's, autographed pro-bowl jersey (and a few other steelers and other celebritie's stuff, like Myron Cope's Steeler Harley Motorcycle . . .double Yoi!!) on display.

The banana split is big enough for three or four people (although two can do it if you skipped your dinner). They got all kinds of interesting treats on the menu . . . yummers!

You should check out Silk Pagoda. Great Chinese place, and good prices. They deliver, and are seriously fast with that, but the actual restaurant is a must-visit place. The restaurant is just so nice, well decorated... and eating there has always been great. I usually get delivery when I'm alone, or sick, but otherwise I like to go there.

Cambridge Center in Greenfield (next to Bruster's and across from Cogo's)
4070 Beechwood Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (exit 5 on Highway 376)

412-521-8620

Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm
Friday-Saturday 11:30am-11pm
Sunday Noon-10pm

We just discovered a relatively new place in Pittsburgh that serves, can you believe it, Nicaraguan food!

This little family run taqueria seems a bit out of place in downtown Carnegie, but the food and service were very good.

Nicaraguan is similar to Mexican food, but is has a few unique differences, like sides of plantain or yuca (a root vegetable) along with rice and beans.

Although they specialize in meat and seafood items, they also have three vegetarian items on the menu. Don't know if they could be made vegan or not.

This place is closing down temporarily on Nov. 30 2007 so the family can go back to Nicaragua, and will be having a grand re-opening celebration on January 20th, 2008 with a new menu.

They are worth checking out, and for the adventuresome, they also offer salsa dancing lessons on Friday and Saturday night!

Rivas Restaurant
319 W. Main St., Carnegie, PA
412-429-7482

Here are two reviews of the place . . .

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07242/813128-46.stm

http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A36142

how about trying two small restaurants:

Green Mango/Noodle Hut, S. Braddock Av, Regent Square - great Thai food, lots of options

Piccolo Forno - 38th and Butler, Lawrenceville. Italian - pizza, pasta, really good salads. Long wait sometimes on weekend eves.

Both BYOB - good, fresh, simple food - they know how to let the ingredients speak for themselves. Currently my two favorite restaurants in the Burgh.

For the record: Salsarita's at the Waterfront is CLOSED. Tried it today, and the sign on the door said CLOSED - Please try our Cranberry location.

Turned around (I was biking on the trails in the city) went down river, and went to "Thai Me Up" on Carson Street. Good Green curry with tofu (Although I thought I tasted fish in it, so it may not be vegetarian). You should review it . . .

Thai Me Up
1925 E Carson St
South Side, 15203
412-488-8893
M-Th: 11-10; F-Sat: 11-10:30

I just discovered your site! Very informative and entertaining, by the way.

There are several restaurants that I was looking for your opinions on.

East End:
Aiello's (my fave pizza)
Sun Penang (good atmosphere, good selection of entrees, but Sweet Basil is still my favorite for Thai food-- benefit is that they deliver for free)
Orient Express (by CMU, around corner from Union Grill): very fresh ingredients, good General Tso's Tofu, very , VERY quick service
Umi (I haven't been there, but I'm curious if it's worth the high entree prices)
Thai Place (always a big winner in my book)

Downtown:
Mexico City (authentic Mexican food, currently my fave in the 'Burgh; I hear they sneak meat into seemingly vegetarian entrees, though)
Six Penn (strange but good food combinations; I like their emphasis on local foods that are in season)
Buon Giorno (a big winner for the Downtown lunch scene)

South Side:
Tusca (it's in South Side Works-- very good place for tapas, but can add up $$)
Little Tokyo (they're actually in Mount Lebanon, but I hear they're opening a second location on Carson Street)

scalamunza in North Versailles,I think i feel sick. the fact that they couldnt take the time to peel the stickers off the peppers before the chopped them for my hoagie makes me feel a bit un easy.

Hey, you should check out Kassab's. It's a middle eastern restaurant in the South Side. I've been there a couple of times. Lots of veggie options too.
Abby

O.K., O.K., it has been exactly THREE months since you last did a review or an update to the site.

Nothing new since LAST YEAR!!

What's wrong? Web site burnout?

There are six of you aren't there? I'm sure at least one of you has been out to eat in the last three months.

Please, pick a restaurant, any restaurant, and write something about it!! Pretty please, with a vegan cherry on top?

THANKS!!

Suggestion for review . . .

Hoi Polloi Vegetarian Cafe & Coffeehouse

(412) 586-4567

North Side
1100 Galveston Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

"Hoi Polloi an organic experience!!"
March 20, 2008 - Heard lots of good things about this place, had to check it out for myself so I made my way to the back streets of Pittsburgh's North Side to eat here . . . FINALLY!
Today the Aviary was free in honor of Mr. Fred Rogers, so in-between the morning and afternoon bird shows, my vegetarian Daughter and I walked through West Park, next to Lake Elizabeth and down West North Street two blocks to Hoi Polloi (This word means "Common Folk"). It was easy to find and an easy walk from the Aviary.
Lunch consisted of her and I splitting an excellent bowl of coconut carrot soup, and a meditteranian wrap (kind of like a feta, veggie and rice burrito), along with coffee and a vanilla latte. Everything was AWESOME and tasty and healthful and YUMMY. For dessert, we split a grilled nutella and banana sandwich . . . MMMMMM this was the best, and I don't even usually like nutella!!
THANKS HOI POLLOI . . . what a wonderful treasure you have hiddden away back in that neighborhood.
Best wishes for success and prosperity!!

For good pizza try Pizza Shack in the South Hills(Take out only). Pretty standard pizza with a sweet sauce. $10.50 for a 16-cut plain large square

Vegan-friendly ice cream place: Oh Yeah! Ice Cream - www.customswirl.com - They also do breakfast(With ice cream, of course!)

Soft-serve ice cream stand place - Page Dairy Mart just outside of the South Side(Go up E Carson to the corner of Beck's Run) - Lots of ice cream, only open during the summer months

I can second a review of Taqueria Taco Loco - Now on E. Carson street a few blocks from the Works - Be sure to get the Watermelon Fresh Fruit water. The dessert is also very good(sopapillos)

Those are all I can think of that you don't have reviewed for now