The once industrial Steel City might be well-known for its dominating sports teams and french fry smothered salads and sandwiches—but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a softer side. Take the guesswork out of where to go this Valentine’s Day. From fire-lit dining, to impeccable service, historic architecture, and of course, decadent dishes, Pittsburgh’s most romantic restaurants have something for everyone.
1. Altius
Award-winning Altius offers contemporary American cuisine served with a scenic city view. From its spectacular location atop Mt. Washington to its exceptional new dining concept created by B DeFrancis and Chef Jessica Bauer, Altius takes the dining experience “higher”—which just so happens to be the Latin translation of its name. Make reservations here.
1230 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211, Phone: 412-904-4442
2. Hyeholde
Hyeholde sits on four acres of gardens and winding stone paths. It’s easy to see why it has long been considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the region. Small dining rooms decorated with stained glass windows, tapestries, and crackling fireplaces create a castle-like setting to enjoy the restaurant’s fine contemporary cuisine. Hyeholde is owned and operated by Barbara K.S. McKenna, daughter of the original builders and owners. See more.
1516 Coraopolis Hgts. Rd., Moon Twp., PA 15108
3. The Grand Concourse
One of Pittsburgh’s premier exceptional dining experiences, The Grand Concourse is housed in the impeccably preserved Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad Station. Soaring stained-glass ceilings, marble columns, and a picturesque staircase whisk diners away to another era as they dine on signature seafood dishes, prime cut steaks, organic chicken, and fresh salads. Make a reservation.
100 W. Station Square Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Phone: 412-261-1717
4. Hyde Park Steakhouse
For an sophisticated steakhouse experience, Hyde Park is an ideal destination. Nestled along Pittsburgh’s North Shore Riverfront Park, the upscale restaurant offers perfectly grilled meats, fresh seafood, and a full-service bar complete with handcrafted cocktails. Valet parking offered in the evenings. Make a reservation online.
247 N. Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Phone: 412-222-4014
5. Le Mont
For five-star dining in Pittsburgh, it must be LeMont. The impeccable service and panoramic views of Pittsburgh have been winning diners over for more than 60 years. Select from expertly prepared classic dishes like the Delmonico, Chilean Sea Bass, or Rack of Lamb, but don’t forget to order a few tempting appetizers like the Basil Crepes with Cranberry Brie or Lobster Bisque. See the menu online.
1114 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211, Phone: 412-431-3100
6. Eddie Merlot’s Pittsburgh
Walls-lined with bottles of wine and a menu offering a wide range of hand-cut steaks including ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip steaks let you know Eddie Merlot’s is the perfect spot for celebrating any occasion. The chain specializes in prime-aged meats like bison and wagyu beef. Round your meal out with delicious appetizers, fresh salads, pasta dishes, and desserts all prepared with locally sourced ingredients and made from scratch. See the special Valentine’s Day menu served February 11-17.
Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Ave. #11, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-235-7676
7. The Back Porch Restaurant
This more-than-200-year-old house is the perfect spot to celebrate any special occasion. The cozy setting offers a menu full of traditional American cuisine with a modern twist. It’s about 30 miles south of the city, but this historic home and its delicious fare are worth a drive. Read more about its history.
114 Speers Street, Belle Vernon, PA 15012, Phone: 724-483-4500
8. Eleven
For an elegant eatery on the edge of town, look to the Strip District’s most romantic restaurant: Eleven. Set in a beautifully rehabilitated warehouse, the restaurant boasts sky-high ceilings and tons of Pittsburgh’s industrial-style charm at its best. Chef Eli Wahl crafts an ever-changing menu of vibrant, seasonal items. Check out the menu.
1150 Stallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-201-5656
9. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Take a stroll to Ruth’s Chris Pittsburgh and delight at the sight of a one-of-a-kind outdoor skating rink in the winter, or dazzling water fountain in the spring and summer. Perfectly broiled and seasoned cuts of USDA Prime beef arrive sizzling on a 500º plate. Other specialities include Stuffed chicken breast, King Salmon filet, sizzling crab cakes and more. See more menu items.
Six PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-391-4800
10. Vallozzi’s Pittsburgh
Family-owned and operated, Vallozzi’s has been a fine dining destination in Western Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. First in Greensburg, then with the addition of its Pittsburgh location about a decade ago (located just off Market Square). And what could be more romantic than traditional Italian fare like homemade pastas, Helen’s famous gnocchi, mouth-watering pizzas, fresh steaks, and seafood? It’s all expertly served with Italian (and a few Californian) wines. Check out the lunch, dinner, wine, and happy hour menus.
220 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-394-3400
11. The Twisted Frenchman
Chef Andrew Garbarino serves contemporary, inventive French cuisine on the second floor of the elegant Royal York Gallery building on Baum Boulevard. Choose from seasonally inspired four, eight, or 18-course prix fixe menus for a special dining experience. Sommeliers offer exquisite wine pairings. Learn more.
5925 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Phone: 412-665-2880
12. Spoon
Spoon has served as one of Pittsburgh’s premier dining destinations for more than a decade. They hot spot stays on top of its game by constantly reinventing the menu, using the highest quality items from renowned chefs and sommeliers. A unique cocktail selection, interesting wine list, and attentive staff make Spoon an all-out experience.
134 South Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Phone: 412-362-6001
13. Shakespeare’s
Dine like royalty in a medieval-style castle. The restaurant features American style cuisine with with a casual medieval theme. Enjoy your fare in the dark and cozy restaurant, or weather permitting, on the patio overlooking the 18th green of the world class Old Stone Wall golf course. Find out more about this one-of-a-kind restaurant. (Note: Shakespeare’s will be closed until early April 2020.)
1495 Mercer Rd., Ellwood City, PA 16117, Phone: 724-752-4653
14. Hartwood Restaurant
The Hartwood Restaurant enjoys a rich history. The original building was the headquarters of the Harmar Coal Company. In 1988, the building was purchased and transformed into a retail space for a bookstore and antiques. Cafe tables were soon added amongst the books, and over time The Hartwood became known as “the restaurant in a bookstore.” Books still line the walls of the dining rooms today creating a casual country atmosphere with plenty of library-esque nooks and crannies to get cozy on a romantic night out. See the menu.
3400 Harts Run Road., Glenshaw, PA 15116, Phone: 412-767-3500
15. The Melting Pot
A chain restaurant might not seem like the most romantic pick, but The Melting Pot makes for a fun night out. Choose from several cheese and dessert fondues. Then dip the date away! Visit online.
125 West Station Square Dr., PA, 15219, Phone: 412-261-3477
16. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Spectacular seafood is made better with spectacular views. This white-tablecloth eatery is known for its flown-in-daily fresh catches, paired with locally sourced ingredients and produce. Choose from more than 20 fresh fish dishes, and a variety of sizzling steaks, fresh salads, and decadent desserts. Make a reservation today.
1411 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221, Phone: 412-481-4414
17. Wooden Angel
Take a trip to Beaver for a unique charming, elegant night out. Family owned-and-operated since 1968, The Wooden Angel offers two settings: the Casual Café and the dining room, so you can create your own experience. See the menu or make reservations online.
Sharon Road & Leopard Lane, Beaver, PA 15009, Phone: 724-774-7880
18. The Carlton
Nationally recognized as one of the finest restaurants in the region, The Carlton, located in One BNY Mellon Center in the heart of Pittsburgh’s bustling business district, serves a highly acclaimed modern menu with seasonal American cuisine and a world-class wine menu. If you believe wine makes the meal, you’ll be excited to choose from more than 550 labels including rare vintages from around the world. For an extra romantic touch, note that The Carlton offers complimentary limousine service to all cultural events at Heinz Hall, Benedum Center, Byham Theater, CONSOL Energy Center and the O’Reilly Theater. The menu changes daily, but look here for a sample.
500 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Phone: 412-391-4099
19. Cioppino Restaurant and Cigar Bar
Cioppino Restaurant and Cigar Bar is an elegant steakhouse serving classic American fare. The warm ambiance, with its dark wood, plush leather seating, and rich mahogany decor set the mood for enjoying prime USDA cut steaks, lamb chops, fresh seafood, homemade desserts, and more. The full-service bar stocks an impressive selection of more than 300 whiskeys, and an onsite humidor houses a collection of premium cigars. For a full menu or to make reservations, visit online.
2350 Railroad St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-281-6593
20. Acorn
Cozy up to this stylish yet comfortable Shadyside spot created by Chef Scott Walton. Feast on fresh, simply prepared, locally-sourced cuisine paired with craft cocktails, global wins, craft beers, and top-shelf spirits, and microbrews. This holiday try the Tenderloin of Beef for Two, the Duck Lasagna, or sample the King Salmon. See the full menu.
5528 Walnut St., Pittsburgh, PA 15232, Phone: 412-530-5950
21. Cliffords
Journey north and enjoy the rolling farmland of Western Pennsylvania as you arrive at Clifford’s Restaurant of Evans City (40 minutes north of Pittsburgh). The daily menu offers delicious options, but pay attention to the spectacular daily specials—they make it so hard to choose! Make a reservation.
514 Upper Harmony Rd., Evans City, PA 16033, Phone: 724-789-9115
22. The Wooden Nickel
The Wooden Nickel is tucked away just off the busy William Penn Highway, but away from the noise and neon of Monroeville, you feel like you’ve been transported to somewhere else entirely. For a quiet night out not too far from home, The Wooden Nickel has been serving guests for more than 50 years. The menu offerings will make it hard to choose, but with items like Filet Oscar, Crab Stuffed Flounder, and Chicken Parmesan, you’ll happily find a way. See the full menu.
4006 Berger Lane, Monroeville, PA 15146, Phone: 412-372-9750
23. Bar Marco
This old firehouse converted restaurant could be easy to miss if you don’t know Pittsburgh well, but you would be missing out! This small, Strip District find is worth the trip. With only 15 tables, the space is small and intimate. Enjoy a seasonal menu of small plates along with imaginative craft cocktails. Above all else, Bar Marco is is really a wine bar, so don’t miss the expert pairing in The Wine Room (tickets must be purchased in advance). More info here.
2216 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, Phone: 412-471-1900
24. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
For fresh seafood, look no further than Eddie V’s. Choose from Pacific Ahi Tuna, raw oysters, daily-catch fish, and more. Hand-crafted cocktails, imported spirits, and an impressive wine menu curated by a professional sommelier, served with the sounds of live jazz music make Eddie V’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Reservations strongly recommended.
501 Grant St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Phone, 412-391-1714
25. Gateway Clipper Dinner Cruise
A quintessential Pittsburgh activity, make more of your romantic holiday than just sitting inside a restaurant. The Gateway Clipper allows you to create a memorable moment against the stunning backdrop of Downtown Pittsburgh. Enjoy a romantic dinner, changing views of the city, and your favorite 70s, 80s, and 90s, tune spun by the Gateway Clipper’s house DJ. Special cruises offered for seasonal events. Get more details.
Also see, The sweet history of the heart-shaped box of chocolates.
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