The Most Romantic Restaurants In The Pittsburgh Area
Whether you are looking to impress a new love interest or plan something extra special for a longtime love, there are few better ways to begin an evening of romance than with dinner at the perfect restaurant. From sweeping views of the city to cozy, fire-lit dining, Pittsburgh has some restaurants with a lot to offer in the romance department. Here are some of Pittsburgh's most romantic spots for you to enjoy this Valentine's Day. Remember, though, Valentine's weekend is a very popular time for dining out, so be sure to plan ahead and make reservations.
Eleven
1150 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 201-5656
www.elevenck.com
Located in the strip district, Eleven offers pleasing views of the city and a modern, elegant dining atmosphere. Known for its excellent service, the Eleven menu is also a delight to the senses. Enjoy dishes such as prime strip steak or grilled swordfish. You can also impress your date with the decadent chef's tasting menu with perfect selections from starters to dessert.
La Vite Ristorante
4578 Gibsonia Road
Gibsonia, PA 15044
(724) 444-4744
www.narcisiwinery.com
Located within Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia, La Vite Ristorante offers delicious Italian fare in a quaint winery atmosphere. You and your date can enjoy a wine tasting before dinner and then sit down to dishes such as grilled salmon or rack of lamb in addition to classic Italian dishes. Order a bottle of your favorite wine from the tasting to be served with your meal and take some home to enjoy on a future date.
Il Pizzaiolo
703 Washington Road
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
(412) 344-4123
www.ilpizzaiolo.com
Located in Mt. Lebanon, Il Pizzaiolo is a classic Italian bistro with a well-kept secret. In a separate building in Il Pizzaiolo's back garden is the Enoteca wine bar. It is a cozy, intimate bar and dining room where a few couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner along with a fabulous selection of Italian wines. Enjoy pasta dishes such as pappardelle al funghi, made with wild mushrooms, garlic, white wine and olive oil, or Branzio, a dish of sea bass, fennel, onions and tomatoes.
Isabela On Grandview
1318 Grandview Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
(412) 431-5882
www.isabelaongrandview.com
With beautiful, sweeping views of downtown Pittsburgh, Isabela On Grandview, located atop Mt. Washington, is certainly a favorite of Pittsburghers for a romantic dinner date. Isabela's elegant atmosphere and upscale service is sure to please your date and the chef's tasting menu is sure to please your palate. Enjoy a five-course tasting menu with choices of starter, fish course, meat course, salad and dessert for you and your date to choose and share your favorites.
Willow
634 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 847-1007
www.willowpgh.com
Located in the north hills, Willow is surrounded by beautiful woodsy scenery for outdoor dining in the summer and cozy indoor dining in the winter. The large stone fireplace will have you in the mood to cuddle up to your date for a delicious dinner. Enjoy full meals such as steak, lamb and salmon or share some small plates or snacks and great conversation. The casual atmosphere will have you wanting to linger for after-dinner drinks.
Jennifer Stockdale is a native of the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. She is a restaurant marketer and wine enthusiast and one of the hosts of the East Coast Wine Geeks Podcast. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.