Editor's Note: Are you eagerto explore restaurants again in new places,but unsure where to go? Here are some suggestions from Eric Fontana, a Hopewell Township native, and author of "The Hidden Restaurant Gems of Pittsburgh: An Insider's Guide"
As we embark upon the spring season, nature the feeling of new life and hope.
The past year has been a challenge, to say the least, as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. As the restaurant restrictions start to lift, you are probably wondering where to go.
Let me show you some places you must try and some notable honorable mentions worth your consideration, too:
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina
146 Sixth St., The Strip District, Pittsburgh
Rated on Yelp’s 2015 list of the top 100 places to eat in the U.S., believe the hype. This place is for real. Gaucho features Argentinian-style wood-fired meats, sandwiches, saladsand other menu items. The secret to the taste and flavor? Meats are cooked at high heat with special salts, creating rich and smoky flavors. For the quality of the food, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Give this place a try if you are in downtown Pittsburgh. You are in for a treat.
The Sports Grille at Cranberry
1294 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp.
At first glance, you may think this is just your ordinary sports bar, but that's not the case. The food at The Sports Grille is unique, well thought out, and seasoned to perfection. The result is food that is full of flavor. The goal here is that every item on the menu is unique and is just as flavorful in its own way as the others. The Sports Grille has a diverse menu, which features chicken wings, ribs, sandwichesand unique, main course entrees such as the gluten-free filet mignon quesadilla or teriyaki-glazed salmon. The theme is a relaxing and invitingfamily atmosphere, which showcases sports memorabilia from local and professional sports teams and athletes.
Central Diner & Grille
6408 Steubenville Pike, Robinson
Central Diner & Grille features top quality ingredients, generous portionsand very reasonable prices. Specializing in Mediterranean and American cuisines, this place also has a huge breakfast menu. Lunch and dinner selections include platters, wraps, panini, burgers, sandwiches, Greek specialties and a vast selection pf creative entrees. Hungry yet?
AL’an Ruben’s Bar & Grill
2390 Jefferson Ave., Washington, Pa.
Featuredchef Al Collins has had a renowned career as one of the Steel City’s premier chefs, and understands the concept of taking high-quality ingredients combined with fresh herbs and spices and a ton of creativity to createtruly magicalcuisine. This not only includes specialty dishes, but basic ones, as well. Emphasis is on Italian and American cuisine. AL’an Rubens has creative appetizers and entrees that are sure to please. Located just off the beaten path, in the Washington County seat, you will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food and reasonable prices.
Ginny’s Neighborhood Pizza Joint
5549 Old William Penn Hwy., Murrysville
Upon entry, you immediately feel welcome with the bright lighting, spaciousnessand finished, high-top wooden tables. It is one thing for a restaurant to say ituses the best ingredients, it is another to use the best that money can buy. At first glance of the pizza, you can tell each ingredient was chosen deliberatelyand bursting with flavor. The crust is thick, airy, buttery, yet extremely light. A must-try item is the "Meatatarian'' pizza, which takes a meat lovers pizza to a whole new level. Ginny’s also features creativehomemade pastas, salads, sandwichesand appetizers to share. The menu is easy to read, yet very descriptive, highlighting the variety of specialties.
Sienna Mercato
942 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh
Sienna Mercato is in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, and uniquely featuresthreefloors that give you a variety of dining and drinking options. Floor one, Emporio, offersgourmet meatballs. Floor two, Mezzo, features brick-oven pizzas, charcuterie boardsand creative pastas. Floor three, Il Tetto, features the famous Rooftop Bar, which offers co*cktails and craft beer with a unique view of downtownPittsburgh that has an ambience second to none.
Honorable Mentions:
• Franklin Inn,2313 Rochester Road, Franklin Park.
• Napa Prime Chophouse,101 Fowler Road, Wexford.
• The Blue Goose Saloon,605 Mt. Royal Blvd, Shaler Township.
• ShuBrew, 205 S Main St., Zelienople.
• Domenico's Ristorante, 20550 Rte 19 #1, Cranberry
• The Starlite Lounge, 364 Freeport Road, Blawnox
• Angelo’s Restaurant, 2109 N. Franklin Drive, Washington
• Breakneck Tavern,273 Mars Valencia Road, Mars
• Luciano’s Italian Brick Oven,161 Scharberry Lane, Mars
• Monroe Hotel,400 E Jefferson St, Butler
• Sunny Jim’s Tavern, 255 Camp Horne Road, Kilbuck.
Don't worry, Fontana's "Hidden Restaurant Gems" gives plenty of love to Beaver County restaurants includingBiba, Bowsers, Front Door Tavern, Kendrew’s Lounge, Harold’s Inn, Harry’s Place, Luanne’s Route 68, Mac’s Donut Shop, Metro Grill, New Sheffield Café, Philly Originals, Police Station Pizza, Ricky Dee’s Pizza, Sal’s Ristorante, Scooch’s Pizza, Two Chefs Catering, Vic’s Oven, Villa Di Pizza and Zooky’s Sports Tavern.
Beaver Co. restaurant news:Get Out: To Rochester for new sit-down BBQ and lounge
More Beaver restaurant news:Beaver County restaurants, music sites look to rebound from a tough year
Follow Eric Fontanaon hisFacebook Page – "Meat & Potatoes of The Steel City” Purchase a copy of hisbook on Amazon orwww.bitly.com/hiddengemsofpittsburgh
