For upscale dining within walking distance of the Theater District and Heinz Hall, try Opus, inside the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel at 107 6th St. (tel. 412/992-2005; www.dineatopus.com). The warm, intimate restaurant features a Continental menu with Mediterranean influences and a very impressive wine list. On the Strip, Lidia's, 1400 Smallman St. (tel. 412/552-0150; www.lidiasitaly.com), serves homemade pasta and northern Italian specialties created by Lidia Bastianich, hostess of the PBS cooking show Lidia's Italian Table. For excellent German beer and food, visit Deutschtown's Penn Brewery, 800 Vinial St. (tel. 412/237-9402; www.pennbrew.com). The Pastorius family, descendants of the oldest German family in America, brews award-winning beers and serves them alongside bratwurst and sauerbraten in a fun beer-hall atmosphere appropriate for the whole family.
Don't miss Pittsburgh's culinary original, Primanti Brothers, a 70-year-old institution famous for putting the fries and coleslaw inside their sandwiches, right along with the chopped meat, cheese, and sliced tomato. (Open wide!) The restaurant still churns out sandwiches in its original location in the Strip at 46 18th St. (tel. 412/263-2142; www.primantibros.com), but you'll find Primanti's at a dozen locations around town, including PNC Park and Heinz Field.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
