UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#3. Pittsburgh
Just as the economy in Pittsburgh, Pa., transitioned from industrial to technological, the city’s food scene has gone from bland to bold. Restaurants in Pittsburgh play a big part in what makes the city attractive to companies like Google and help draw in talented, young professionals. Inside former factory buildings that once churned out construction materials and textiles are innovative kitchens and hip, trendy restaurants and bars that anchor the city’s entertainment scene. Pittsburgh residents’ preference for local restaurants over fast food and a push by local farmers and health advocates to make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible further cements the Steel City’s status as one of the Top 10 Best Foodie Cities.
Restaurants in Pittsburgh continuously receive good reviews from both local and national food critics, and several have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Primanti Brothers, which first opened as a sandwich cart in the 1930s, received the designation of “American Classic” from the JBF in 2007. While Primanti Brothers has expanded to include more than 20 locations from Florida to New York, the original location in Pittsburgh’s Strip District retains a unique feel.
Find out where Pittsburgh ranked as one of the Best Places to Retire 2013.
Examine the highest rated Pittsburgh restaurants on Yelp, and you’ll see that foodies crave authentic flavors and diverse meals. Near the top of the list is the Latin-inspired menu found at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina. Then there’s Cafe Du Jour French Bistro, a restaurant serving French cuisine in a small, cozy atmosphere that’s made all the more intimate with the BYOB policy. Istanbul Sofra allows diners to taste the Turkish delights such as kebabs, falafel and kazandibi. With two locations in Pittsburgh, Waffallonia tempts diners with the Liége waffle, Belgium’s most popular fried dough. These waffles aren’t just for breakfast, they’ve become a popular treat any time of day.
Don’t Miss: a cocktail at Tender Bar + Kitchen, treats at La Gourmandine Bakery & Pastry Shop, the Big Hop IPA at East End Brewing Company.
See where Pittsburgh ranked on our list of the Top 10 Best Downtowns 2015.