Eat & Drink

Butcher and the Rye Review – Whiskey and Modern Cuisine

Butcher and the Rye is a whiskey bar and meat-forward restaurant located in downtown Pittsburgh in the heart of the cultural district. Shuttered during COVID, the restaurant recently reopened with a revamped menu. The massive wall of whiskey remains the focal point of the space, while the food is perfectly designed to pair with the spirit-forward drink list.

We made it in to Butcher and the Rye during their re-opening week and were happy to see that the space still has multiple dining nooks acoss each of its levels, creating a cozy and intimate feeling. We were seated on the second level in front of the den-like library complete with a giant stuffed black bear. The menu matches the vibe – think bourbon-focused cocktails, dry aged meats, lots of game dishes, and other hearty fare.

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Vieux Carre Brings Prohibition Vibes to the Strip District

We always have to give a hand to the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, because when they go big for a project, they really lean into it.

After opening their club/lounge Strip District venue, Sea Monkey, we caught wind that they were also transforming a backroom space into a high-end speakeasy, aptly named Vieux Carre.

As we are always delighted to take a trip back in time to an appropriately themed speakeasy, we knew we had to get into this one right away and were not disappointed.

Vieux Carre is a darn fine cocktail bar in Pittsburgh, albeit at a price to match!

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Winston’s Grilled Eats & Frozen Treats Review – Classic Fare

We've been fans of Pittsburgh Sandwich Society for many years, from their early food truck days to their permanent kitchen menu at Strange Roots in Millvale.

When we heard they were leaving the brewery in June 2026, we were at first quite sad about the news. But this one comes with a silver lining, as the crew behind the stellar food was not only bringing their mobile food truck back (hooray!) but also taking over the former Crazy Cones spot in Millvale for a new custard and grill concept- Winston's Good Eats and Frozen Treats!

Naturally, we had to go check this one out shortly after it opened, and it was everything we hoped it would be.

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Jillian’s Review – Farm to Table Perfection in New Kensington

Jillian's in New Kensington is a fine dining farm-to-table restaurant with a menu that changes daily, showcasing all the best produce and proteins from across the region. The unassuming brick exterior belies the hospitality and delightful chef-driven food that's going on inside the cozy space. It's the kind of spot perfect for bringing a group of friends, sharing a little bit of everything, and lingering with good conversation and a bottle of wine.

We'd heard lots of good things about this fine dining haven in an unlikely location, so we knew we had to check it out. The space is pretty small with just a dozen or so tables, so a reservation is essential. Around the timeframe that we visited, they were offering a burger night on Wednesdays, with their regular chalkboard menu on other nights Thursdays through Sundays.

Although the burgers sound great, we knew our first visit had to be to experience the entire menu- and oh are we glad we did.

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Vinoteka by Apteka Review – Wine and Casual Vegan Dining

Apteka has long been one of our favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh, so when they added another day of the week to their business hours, we jumped for joy. We were even more excited to learn that there is a twist to their service on this extra day.

On Thursdays Apteka transforms into Vinoteka, offering a more focused food menu with casual bites like sandwiches and salads, with an expanded, carefully curated wine list. It's Apteka's even cooler, even more chill, wine-focused little brother.

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Senyai Thai Kitchen Review – Classic Thai in Shadyside

Senyai Thai Kitchen in Shadyside is a modern Thai spot serving up classics as well as lesser-known dishes in a comfortable atmosphere. Although you'll of course find popular options like pad thai and curries, we'd recommend sticking with dishes on the Chef's Recommendations section of the menu for more unique flavors.

Be sure to snag a reservation if you want to sit inside the converted house with clean, modern decor, or walk in and enjoy patio seating.

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Okane Sushi Review – Omakase Dining in Downtown Pittsburgh

As big fans of all things Japanese cuisine, we have been thrilled to see many higher-end restaurants open up in the city serving sushi and other regional specialties.

Okane in downtown Pittsburgh is one such restaurant, and focuses on a prix-fixe omakase experience with 16 to 20 courses. We have had many omakase dinners like this during our travels in Japan, and it is one of our favorite dining styles to try chef-curated bites over the course of an evening.

So we booked a reservation for my birthday and made our way downtown to try this one out shortly after it opened!

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Titusz Review – Hungarian Cuisine at Its Finest

Titusz in Lawrenceville is an Austrian-Hungarian restaurant serving up comforting but elevated cuisine in an inviting atmosphere. With classic dishes, seasonal specials, and an outstanding wine and cocktail menu, there's a lot to love at this highly anticipated spot. The attention to detail here in everything from the decor to the printed menu itself seals the deal and makes Titusz an all-around gem.

If you've been following the Pittsburgh dining scene over the past decade, you're well aware of Chef Csilla Thackray's past success at beloved restaurants like The Vandal and Legume Bistro. So it should come as no surprise that the buzz around Titusz's opening was real. The spot finally gives Thackray a chance to showcase the food of her Austrian-Hungarian background.

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Cork and Crust Review – Premium Italian in Oakland

Cork and Crust is a high-end Italian restaurant inside The Oaklander Hotel in Oakland, featuring shareable dishes, pasta, and flavorful pizzas made by a James Beard-nominated chef, plus a large cocktail and wine program to go along with it.

We were fortunate enough to check this one out as a guest of the restaurant shortly after they opened (partially hosted), and had a pleasant evening out with some delicious pasta and pizza.

But while we enjoyed this one and are particularly glad to see more chef-driven hotel restaurants opening in Pittsburgh, the menu prices gave us pause. This one really is premium dining in Pittsburgh through and through.

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8 Star Cuisine Review – All You Can Eat Asian Buffet

In recent years, there has been a rise in higher-end, themed all-you-can-eat Asian buffets opening in the Pittsburgh metro area.

In Gibsonia, 8 Star Cuisine came onto the scene with immediate popularity, and naturally, we had to go check it out with our friends Alex Eats Too Much and The Indian Somm for a lunchtime feast.

Although this one doesn't stray too far from the popular buffet mold, the ample variety of cuisines and a reasonable lunchtime price point made for a delicious meal out, with a few dishes standing out as favorites.

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