Best Cozy Restaurants in Waterfront

51 restaurants available nearby

1. Golden Gai

4.8

Exceptional(45)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Point Breeze

Booked 7 times today

Welcome to Golden Gai, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Pittsburgh’s East End, conveniently located in Bakery Square. Step inside and embark on a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Japan with our Izakaya-style dining experience.As you enter Golden Gai, you’re greeted by the warm ambiance of traditional Japanese decor fused with modern touches, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both chic and cozy. The soft glow of our stunning light fixtures over the intimate dining space, where the wooden bar top that spans the length of the space, and slate accents evoke the charm of Tokyo’s iconic Golden Gai district.At the helm of our kitchen is Executive Chef Michael Taylor, a master of Japanese cuisine renowned for his innovative approach to flavor and presentation. With a background honed at the esteemed Gi-Jin, Chef Taylor brings his passion for culinary excellence to every dish, infusing each bite with creativity and precision.

2. Casbah

4.8

Exceptional(5321)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Shadyside

Booked 23 times today

Casbah is a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar located in Pittsburgh’s East End. From theyear-round garden patio to the dining room, from the cozy bar to the wine cellar, each visit canfeel like a new and special experience.Casbah offers a broad menu focused on northern Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from Italy,Spain, France and Greece that emphasizes local ingredients. All meals start with warm, housemade bread from Eleven’s kitchen. A cheese plate followed by appetizers, a bowl of fresh pasta,or a four-course meal are all possibilities for an evening at Casbah.

A photo of Carmella's Plates and Pints restaurant

3. Carmella's Plates and Pints

4.8

Exceptional(700)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

Carmella’s Plates & Pints is the first restaurant for co-owners, Carmella Salem and Michael Alberter. Our kitchen creates upscale comfort cuisine.Our dining room has a warm and cozy feel due to the wood- beamed cathedral ceiling, open fireplace, taxidermy and stained glass windows that adorn the dining room. Our guests feel as though they are tucked away at some destination lodge that exists in the heart of the Historic Southside. Local meats are delivered daily with Wild Game plates on the menu such as our staple plates like the Bison Burger and Smoked Wild Boar Meatballs. We do have an intimate 60 seat dining room and ask that guests please call us for parties of 6 or more to make a reservation. Our expansive Whiskey Bar boasts over 500 Selections. Enjoy 11 Wines on Tap / 27 Craft beers on Tap / 11 Cocktails on Tap.

4. Ritual House

4.7

Exceptional(1382)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 30 times today

Spirited food and drink in an atmosphere designed for the senses. Ritual House was inspired by the world travels of friends who also have a passion for Pittsburgh. Inspired art, devilish details, and comfortable, luxurious surroundings, are just the start of the experience. Located in the iconic Union Trust Building in Downtown Pittsburgh, Ritual House features innovative modern American food with global flavors and artfully crafted cocktails imagined by Lisa & Herky Pollock. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Saturday and Sunday brunch.

5. Butterjoint

4.7

Exceptional(2912)

Price: Moderate

• French American • Oakland

Booked 10 times today

Butterjoint is a comfy bar and restaurant located in North Oakland. Our welcoming and eclectic atmosphere is appropriate for almost any occasion - whether it be meeting a friend for a drink, celebrating an important event, or relaxing after work. Our menu is a mixture of familiar Pittsburgh foods (think pierogies, hamburgers, French fries) and French bistro classics (beef tartare, raclette, mussels), and seasonal classics that come and go throughout the year. We put care into our vegetarian dishes too, including making our own tempeh, falafel, and veggie patties from scratch. Menu items change frequently--usually every day--and reflect many long-standing relationships we have with farms and breweries in our region. In addition to reservations, we also have a thirty seat bar that is first come, first serve. We don’t know exactly how old the bar is, but it’s at least seventy years old (probably older) and very cozy. Our friendly bartenders are here to make something you like.

6. Morcilla

4.9

Exceptional(1815)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • Lawrenceville

Booked 10 times today

The Morcilla team brings contemporary Spanish influenced cuisine to the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Enjoy a mix of pintxos, house made charcutería and large plates meant for sharing from our family-style menu. End your experience with churros and chocolate hazelnut fondue to round out the evening. Our beverage program features craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, a deep sherry and vermut selection and local craft beer. Our dining room is intimate, perfect for celebrating your next special occasion with your favorite person. If you prefer bar seating, the full menu is available there too. We do recommend reservations, but hold a few bar seats for walk-in diners. Refer to www.morcillapittsburgh.com for our current menu.

7. The Commoner

4.6

Exceptional(2395)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

The Commoner in Downtown Pittsburgh is open for business!At our gastropub, we don’t distinguish between commoners and kings; we just want to feed the good people of Pittsburgh. In the restaurant, seasonal menus add a modern flair to classic comforts, complemented by a robust selection of local beers and craft spirits. It’s all served in an industrial-inspired setting in downtown Pittsburgh. Come and join us for an uncommonly good time.

8. Lucca Ristorante

4.2

Awesome(1653)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Oakland

Booked 12 times today

Pittsburgh's best kept secret, nestled on South Craig Street in Oakland. Explore Italy in a cozy casual setting. Lucca offers all pasta made in house fresh daily. All dishes are skillfully created with fresh ingredients. Weekly Lunch and Dinner features, created with seasonal ingredients. Enjoy your experience on our outside terrace, where Apertivo specials are offered daily. Our wine menu offers Italian wines from all over the region, along with some of your favorite domestic wineries. We specialize in large or small private gatherings. We truly believe you will enter as friends, and leave as family. Saluti!

9. Emerson’s

4.6

Exceptional(344)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

A lounge with a focus on quality ingredients, well-made cocktails, as well as natural & small production wines. Located off of Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. Our front door is to the left of the entrance to Market St. Grocery.If you are unable to find a reservation for your party please email info@marketstreetgrocery.com or call (724) 249-7657. For reservations of 8 or more persons please call (724) 249-7657 to reserve. For further inquiry about private events email info@marketstreetgrocery.com.

A photo of Mezzo at Sienna Mercato - Second Floor Only restaurant

10. Mezzo at Sienna Mercato - Second Floor Only

4.2

Awesome(303)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Downtown

Booked 8 times today

We welcome you to Mezzo, an Italian restaurant, bar and prohibition inspired cocktail lounge that is located in the heart of the cultural district in downtown Pittsburgh. Under the culinary expertise of Chef Adam Neal, the menu specializes in woodfired pizza, charcuterie and a creative twist on classic Italian dishes. Mezzo is the perfect choice for any occasion - whether it be a family dinner, romantic date night, or just cocktails and small plates in a cozy setting.PLEASE NOTE: This is a reservation for Mezzo, located on the SECOND floor of Sienna Mercato. The third floor, Il Tetto Rooftop Beer Garden does not take reservations. WHERE TO PARK: We are located in the Cultural District, just steps away from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Street parking is available and the two closest public parking garages to us are: 1. the David L. Lawrence Convention Center Garage2. The Garage at 1162 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA

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From verified diners like you

C
Christinavip
Pittsburgh / Western PA •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Another beautiful restaurant by DeShantz. The salad had a delicious citrus ginger dressing and was beautifully prepared. The rolls, nigiri and sashimi were all wonderful. Outstanding items were the gyoza and yakimeshi. Would love to see more gyoza options in future offerings.
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Golden GaiPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Point Breeze
•
4.8
J
John
Pittsburgh / Western PA •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Food was good, service was good and friendly. A little disappointed by our seat option; the restaurant was aware that we were there for a special occasion and we were still seated on the “patio” right next to the door. Overall, I can’t make any real complaints. At the same time, I wasn’t exceedingly impressed so it wouldn’t be my first choice for our next special occasion meal
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CasbahPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Shadyside
•
4.8
K
Kenvip
Pittsburgh / Western PA •64 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
My wife and I had a great experience at the Ritual House. We started at the bar before dinner with a generous, well made, gin martini. We were seated upstairs for dinner which is beautifully decorated. Our server Leena, was fantastic from start to finish. This was not our first time here, but I had never ordered a steak. I had the filet with the brown butter bearnaise and butternut squash purée. It was truly one of the best meals I have had in a few years of dining out in Pittsburgh. We’ll definitely be back soon!
More info
Ritual HousePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
R
Rachel
Pittsburgh / Western PA •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Cozy and charming. Beautifully decorated for the holidays. Very attentive staff. Highly recommend.
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Carmella's Plates and PintsPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.8
R
Raymond
Pittsburgh / Western PA •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 21, 2024
The fancy crispy chicken sandwich was delicious but very messy to eat as a sandwich. I'm not sure I would change anything but perhaps offer a wet nap to patrons. 😊
More info
ButterjointPrice: Moderate• French American• Oakland
•
4.7

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Waterfront

Best Cozy Restaurants in Waterfront

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51 restaurants available nearby

1. Golden Gai

2. Casbah

3. Carmella's Plates and Pints

4. Ritual House

5. Butterjoint

6. Morcilla

7. The Commoner

8. Lucca Ristorante

9. Emerson’s

10. Mezzo at Sienna Mercato - Second Floor Only

See what locals rave about

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