Pennsylvania’s culinary tradition is vast and diverse, molded by its historical foundations, geographic influences, and cultural tapestry. From the substantial Amish meals of Lancaster County to the spicy Cajun flavors of New Orleans, the state offers something for everyone’s taste and preference. Among its many culinary offers, Pittsburgh stands out as the perfect gastronomy destination.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s second-largest city and home to popular sports teams such as the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, has been named the number one food city in America by Zagat, a major restaurant rating site.
Zagat praised Pittsburgh’s “burgeoning hipster population, which has brought with it plenty of fine dining.” Other journals, including Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and Eater, have praised the city’s inventive and diversified culinary scene.
Why is Pittsburgh Foodie?
Pittsburgh’s food scene is a reflection of its past, society, and sense of self. As an industrial center in the past, the city drew people from all over the world, each bringing their customs and foods. Today, Pittsburgh is a mix of different tastes, with food ranging from Vietnamese pho to Mexican tacos and Polish pierogies.
Pittsburgh is open to new ideas and changes. As it changes from a steel town to a tech hub, it brings in young, creative workers who have given areas and restaurants new life. Chefs in Pittsburgh aren’t afraid to try new things with products, methods, and ideas. This leads to meals that are both unique and delicious.
Pittsburgh also cares about quality and the environment. Food from local fields and stores is used in the farm-to-table movement, which is a big trend. The city’s businesses also do a lot to help the community by holding events and supporting social causes.
Where to Eat in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has various areas filled with gastronomic pleasures, ranging from the artistic Lawrenceville to Shadyside and Bloomfield. Here are some must-visit Pittsburgh restaurants:
Cure: A quaint, rustic restaurant specializing in Mediterranean-inspired charcuterie and fresh fare. In 2012, Bon Appetit named Cure one of America’s greatest new restaurants.
Morcilla: This Spanish tapas bar delivers genuine and contemporary meals from several Spanish areas and was named one of America’s finest new restaurants by Bon Appétit in 2016.
Gauchos Parrilla Argentina: A wood-fired barbecue serving delectable steaks, sandwiches, salads, and sides with a distinct Argentine flavor. In 2015, Yelp users voted Gaucho Parrilla Argentina as Pittsburgh’s top restaurant.
Apteka: Apteka is a vegan restaurant focused on Eastern European cuisine, mainly Polish dishes. In 2017, Food & Wine named Apteka one of America’s greatest vegan restaurants.
Pigeon Bagel: A bagel store is known for its hand-rolled, boiled, and baked bagels, which are topped with a variety of spreads. In 2019, Eater named Pigeon Bagel one of Pittsburgh’s must-visit eateries.
Final Words
Pittsburgh is a great place to eat because it has a wide range of creative and interesting restaurants that show its past, culture, and new ideas. There are many kinds of food in the city, from veggies to bagels, from Argentine to Polish, and from Mediterranean to Spanish.
In Pittsburgh, there are a lot of places where you can find everything from high-class food to fast food and everything in between. The people of Pittsburgh love food and the people who make it.