My favorite dish in Pittsburgh

As we head into one of the biggest nights of the year for eating out, we thought we'd find out some of Pittsburghers' favorite dishes, not just their favorite restaurants.  Many answered the call from our Facebook question; others we asked along the way. Got a favorite dish you'd like to share? Post it here at the end of the article or email us at info@popcitymedia.com.
 
Main dishes
 I LOVE the chicken Shis Tawouk with Mujaddara, and the Fattoush from Mediterranean Grill in Squirrel Hill.  They are an amazing family owned restaurant on Forbes Ave just a few doors down from Littles...yum!
Dina Clark, YWCA

I sing the praises of one particular dish because it's done so expertly and it's vegan: it's the Meatless Stroganoff at Double Wide Grill. The seitan is perfectly cooked and not too greasy or tough as some other places. It's mixed with roasted peppers, portabella mushrooms and comes with a side of rice and beans. Double Wide definitely gets it exactly right. I feel that it can truly make the meatless and the meat eaters happy. I think it's a good introduction to veganism for meat eaters who believe that vegan means devoid of taste because it is anything but. 
Bridget Little

My favorite dish is the stuffed Lobster at Mallorca on the South Side.  The owner is the ultimate host and the food is absolutely incredible!  My fiance, Michael Toretti, always gets the wild boar at Mallorca. He loves it.
Andrea Carrelli, PNC

 Torrejitas de frijolitos at Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen—pan-seared legume cakes served with collard greens and ripe plaintains!  The presentation is amazing, the balance of flavors superb. Finish it off with their tres leches cake.http://almapgh.com/menu
   
The veal meatballs at Sienna Sulla Piazza.
Kate Dewey, The Forbes Foundation
     
Korean tacos at Aseoma! Hugely awesome dish for takeout or dining in. Total California dreaming. 
Andrea Longini
 
IBlanquette de Veau at Brasserie Bridge Ten.
Karla Boos, Quantum Theatre
 
My favorite food in Pittsburgh is the spicy chicken sambussas at Abay. Oh, I have dreams about them! Hot (temp) and hot (spicy), the filling of ground chicken and fiery peppers stokes a lasting burn, and the tiny dice of peppers give it just the right crunch. A perfect start to an always perfect dinner at Abay. My husband likes the beef sabussas, which are not spicy at all.
Gwyn Cready, novelist
 
I think my favorite thing right now is the brisket at Union Pig & Chicken. It's divine!
Eric Shiner, director of the Warhol Museum
 
My most favorite dish (not just in Pittsburgh, but in all of the world) is the miso black cod at Umi. I've eaten at Morimoto's famous restaurant in NYC, Katsuya in LA, but nothing and I mean nothing compares to that dish. It's the best!
Ellen Goldberg

Arugula-horseradish pesto and lamb meatballs over pasta at Stagioni.
Rich Engel
 
Slam Paragon at Silk Elephant and the Rainbow Roll at Little Tokyo, so incredibly fresh!
Debra Smit, innovation news editor, Pop City
 
Pad Thai at Soba and  Potato Gnocchi in their tomato cream sauce with fresh mozzarella at Girasole.
Michael Yoho
 
So many: One of them has to be Chicken Marsala at La Tavola.
Ben Schmitt
 
The mushroom bisque at the Silk Elephant – Silky smooth and dolloped with sour cream.
Anne Caffee
 
My favorite dish in Pittsburgh is the tête de cochon at Cure in Lawrenceville ,unusual and probably frightening to some, but I swear it is some of the most delicious pork I've ever tasted!
Aimee St. Germaine
 
Pamela's famous crepe pancakes.  Been going here for about 15 years when we'd stand outside waiting for a seat in the old Squirrel Hill location. You can’t beat their unique crepe-style pancakes with the crispy outer edge and inner yummy pancake center.
Krissy Guttendorf

Lamb Shank or vegetarian couscous at Kous Kous café (Mt. Lebanon)
Lori Miller
 
Virtually any and all pasta at Il Pizzaiolo but especially the puttanesca and bolognese dishes, which are perfect!  Salumi at Cure; always interesting and scrumptious!  Hand rolled sushi--Little Tokyo, the best in the city. Nachos Grande at Mad Mex---perfectly done, a complete meal and the best value anywhere by far.
Jim and Gloria Blint

Eggplant and mozzarella scallops at Dish
Beth Marcello, PNC
 
"The Thick" is the best burger I've ever had. OTB Bicycle Cafe is a great place!
Wally Paciorkowski, Jr.
 
The elk at the Hyeholde.
Bill Stein
 
The truffled gorgonzola fries at Burgatory.
Jeff Lonsinger
 
The carnitas tacos at Reyna's outdoor stand in the Strip and the locavore dog with chopped onions and Miller's Mustard at Franktuary (it's perfect!). Also, the dragon roll and rainbow roll at Little Tokyo (also perfect).  Oh, one more: the antipasto misto at Il Pizz has always been one of my faves -- the fagiolli on that plate is an 11!
Elaine Labalme, Pop City contributing editor and all around foodie
 
Meaty Mac at Union Pig and Chicken is delicious!
Elizabeth Cook
 
A favorite appetizer among me and my family is the potato balls from the Pleasure Bar in Bloomfield. I have never had anything like them anywhere else; hell, I've never seen them on a menu anywhere else. They could be a meal all on their own. They are delicious and unique!
Marcy Gates
 
Chocolate bread pudding at Dish... sigh
Michele Q. Margittai
 
Caballero brisket hash with sweet potatoes at Verde. Great value, too!
Peggy Outon, director, Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management

And From Twitter...
 Pulled pork tostadas at Casa Rasta
Erra creations
 
The hot dogs at D's Six Pax and Dogz
@TendoReview
 
I will always be partial to @PGPamelasDiner's blueberry pancakes. I'm craving them right now and wish I could get them in Ohio!
Kaija Nealon, student and former Pop City intern

Got a favorite? Let us know.


 
 
 


Photographs copyright Brian Cohen