THE FOLLOWING DINING LISTINGS ARE RESTAURANTS RECOMMENDED BY CITY PAPER FOOD CRITICS
Under New Management. Look for our new menu in September.
DINING LISTINGS KEY
J = Cheap K = Night Out L = Splurge E = Alcohol Served F = BYOB
CUCINA BELLA. 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., Bridgeville. 412-257-5150. This casual eatery offers an unassuming menu of pizzas and pasta that are prepared with a commitment to fresh ingredients and an openminded, thoughtful approach to flavor profiles. For instance, pizzas range from traditional tomato and cheese to arugula and prosciutto to the adventurous rosemary and pistachios, ricotta, sausage, and green olives. KF
FREE* event parking when you purchase $25 in food at Pittsburgh Grille! *
EL BURRO COMEDOR. 1108 Federal St., North Side. 412-9043451.A casual Southern Californiastyle taqueria offers a variety of tacos, burritos and Cal-Mex specialties, such as carne asada fries, Tijuana dogs and chilaquiles (a homey casserole). Tacos are come with a variety of fillings, including mahi mahi and shrimp, and burrito fillings run from standard to breakfast and French fries and steak. JF
Parking pass is only valid in the U.S. Steel Tower Garage, Monday-Friday, during any concerts, games, or events held at the Consol Energy Center.
600 Grant Street
Downtown Pittsburgh
412-434-0800
www.pghgrille.com
We’re tapping our Rocktoberfest Bier!
Wednesday, September
17 6pm-9pm
A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to the Special Olympics of PA.
Live music, German food, Raffles and a guest beer from Penn Brewery.
171 E. BRIDGE ST. • AT THE WATERFRONT 30
PITTSBURGH CITY PAPER 08.27/09.03.2014
GRAN CANAL CAFFÉ. 1021 N. Canal St., Sharpsburg. 412-7812546. The menu here is classic coastal Mediterranean. Even dishes rarely seen at other Italian restaurants — such as snails and penne stuffed with seafood — are traditional, not made up to satisfy eclectic contemporary tastes. The cannelloni alone merits a visit to one of Gran Canal’s cozy, familyfriendly dining rooms. KE
Off the Hook {PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL} by China, India and the Middle East, but still remains distinctive. The menu spans appetizers like the crispy street-food pancake martabak and fish cakes to entrees such as Javanese fried noodles and spicy curry-like stews. J THE LIBRARY. 2304 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-381-0517. The entrée list at this bookishthemed bistro is short, usually a good sign that the chef is focusing on the strengths of his kitchen and the season’s freshest foods. Dishes revolve around the staples of meat, seafood and pasta, but in fearless and successful preparations that make the menu a worthwhile read. KE
HARTWOOD RESTAURANT. 3400 Harts Run Road, Glenshaw. 412-767-3500. This restaurant, situated in a charming reclaimed Victorian building, pulls off being both upscale and casual, with a fresh and original seasonal menu. Appetizers are as varied as Chinese-style pot stickers and scallop tacos, while entrees include pastas, fish and chops. There is also a selection of burgers and sandwiches. KE HOT METAL DINER. 1025 Lebanon Road, West Mifflin. 412-462-4900. This new-oldfashioned diner with a Harley theme offers a traditional menu with super-size portions. The thick, fluffy “mancakes” hang off the platter, and the huge breakfast burrito is like a Spanish omelet wrapped in a tortilla. For lunch, there are burgers, sandwiches and fresh pie. J KUSUKA INDONESIAN CUISINE. Ponsi Plaza, 13380 Lincoln Highway, North Huntingdon. 724-382-4968. At this humble Indonesian restaurant, diners will find fare that has been influenced
{PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL}
Kusuka Indonesian Cuisine LOLA BISTRO. 1100 Galveston Ave., Allegheny West. 412-3221106. This is a neighborhood bistro with an atmosphere you’d like to experience every night, and food good enough to do the same. The menu here offers “contemporary comfort cuisine” — it hews toward the familiar (meat and fish, pot pie, pasta Bolognese) while applying upto-the-minute sensibilities to
the details: house-cured meats, infused oils, coconut milk in the Moroccan vegetable stew. LF NAKAMA JAPANESE. 1611 E. Carson St., South Side. 412-3816000. Pittsburghers are crazy about this sushi bar/steakhouse, and every weekend pretty people crowd inside to watch the knifewielding chefs. Presentation is key for customers and restaurant alike: The interior is smart, the chefs entertaining, and the food is good, if pricey. LE NU MODERN JEWISH BISTRO. 1711 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. 412-422-0220. This modern take on the traditional Jewish deli makes the argument that such Eastern European cuisine deserves to be served alongside the world’s favorites. Stop in for matzoh-ball soup, egg creams, blintzes and classic deli sandwiches, including one made with “Montreal meat,” a sort of Canadian hybrid of corned beef and pastrami. JF OFF THE HOOK. 98 Warrendale Village Drive, Warrendale. 724-719-2877. This fine-dining fish restaurant features a menu almost exclusively from the sea; even the pastas are seafoodcentric. The fresh-fish section has a variety of suggested preparations, from classic (almondine) to modern (finished with chimichurri). Off the Hook also offers a fresh-oyster bar, expertly curated wine selection and impeccable service. LE PLUM PAN-ASIAN KITCHEN. 5996 Penn Circle South, East Liberty. 412-363-7586. The swanky space incorporates a dining room, sushi bar and cocktail nook. The pan-Asian menu consists mostly of well-known — and elegantly presented — dishes such as lo mein, seafood hot pot, Thai CONTINUES ON PG. 32