The Best Things to Eat in Pittsburgh Right Now

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

As much as I love going out to dinner with a group, solo dining holds a different kind of magic. 

There’s a real luxury in slipping onto a barstool, and ordering exactly what you want — no small talk, no negotiations, just you, a glass of wine, and something delicious. 

It’s also one of the best strategies for getting into some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Over the past few weeks, I’ve leaned into dining alone, and restaurants in Pittsburgh have rewarded me well.

At The Vandal in Lawrenceville, solo dining feels almost like a secret advantage. The tiny bar, with just a handful of coveted seats, is often easier to snag when you’re on your own. 

Start with a glass of wine and don’t hesitate to ask questions; the staff is exceptionally well-versed and eager to guide you through their carefully curated list. From there, you can build your own experience. A recent solo visit included a beet salad that struck the perfect balance of earthy and bright, followed by a really-well-seasoned beef tartare. 

But if you’re in the mood to indulge, the hangar steak is one of my favorite dishes in the city right now. Mine was perfectly prepared, served with crisp frites, and finished with a rich, melting “hotel butter” that makes each bite feel decadent.

PHOTO COURTESY GI JIN

For a different kind of solo experience, Gi-Jin Downtown offers a calm, almost meditative atmosphere that pairs perfectly with dining alone. The menu is ideal for one, allowing you to curate a progression of flavors at your own pace.

A few pieces of meticulously prepared nigiri can easily become the centerpiece of your meal — I loved the Hamachi and the King Salmon; add a hand roll or two (Shrimp Tempura and Spicy Tuna are great) for contrast. 

If you’re sitting at the bar, ask the bartender for their recommendations based on your tastes, and you won’t be disappointed. 

Morcilla is another one of my favorite places to slip into for a late solo dinner. The bar is lively without being overwhelming, and the cocktail program alone is worth the visit. 

On a recent snowy evening, I ordered the Pulpo a la Plancha, and it was nothing short of exceptional. The octopus was perfectly tender with a crisp char, set against a silky brown butter potato fondue that added richness without heaviness. 

If you add another small plate (the artichokes are always a winner), it’s the perfect amount of food for one. 

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

If your evening takes you to the North Side, Fig & Ash offers a cozy, welcoming bar that feels tailor-made for solo diners. There’s something comforting about the space that makes settling in alone feel completely natural. 

The menu leans toward shareable plates, which, when you’re dining solo, simply means more variety for you. On my visit, I leaned into that philosophy, starting with the heirloom carrots, and the crab cake. Generously portioned, it was served with roasted jalapeño, bacon jam, and red pepper aioli that added layers of flavor. 

To round things out, the beet panzanella brought brightness and texture, with marinated mozzarella, pomegranate seeds, and grapefruit vinaigrette that tied everything together in a vibrant finish.

At its best, dining alone is less about solitude and more about presence. It’s an opportunity to engage fully with what’s in front of you — the food, the atmosphere, the small details that can get lost when you’re with other people. 

And right now, there’s no shortage of places where you can have an experience that’s not just comfortable, but really exceptional.