Have ya heard?! Pittsburgh is always adding new food & drink concepts & 2025 is starting out with a BANG. From new spots in town, to existing businesses expanding, to nationwide spots landing in Pittsburgh – I have the scoop! I will be updating this post throughout the year so make sure to bookmark it 😉 These are some of the places that are new to the Burgh or are coming soon…
Camino
OPEN NOW: From the owners of beloved concepts Tocayo & Totopo, comes Camino! This fast-casual Mexican spot has been a work in progress for what seems like forever, but they are officially open! If you’re local to Bloomfield like me, you probably remember this building being seemingly under construction for years as it was briefly Sugar & Smoke (tbh I have no idea what that place even was or if it was ever even open to the public LOL). As Tocayo in Shadyside & Totopo in Mt. Lebo have quickly become staple Mexican joints for sit-down dining in the Burgh, it is no doubt this concept from Juan and Danielle Grimaldo is going to be serving up incredible cuisine & cocktails.
One By Spork
OPEN NOW: Calling all lovers of multi-course fine dining! The long-standing Pittsburgh restaurant in the Garfield neighborhood, Spork, closed briefly at the end of 2024 to bring us a new concept. One By Spork is a true culinary experience where the menu changes based on the inspiration of the chefs & availability of high-quality local produce – anyone else getting The Bear vibes?? As a 10+ course experience with pairings (NA & alcoholic available), the price tag can seem intimidating at $275 + tax & gratuity, but this is a special & very unique offering in the Pittsburgh area. Some current courses listed (subject to change) are a smoked bass charcoal tartelette, lamb tartare, chicharrones, miso halibut & sticky toffee. I personally cannot wait to see what will come with the new chef’s tasting menu at One by Spork, but this will have to be a special occasion meal for me. Led by Chef Christian Frangiadis, the new tasting experience is offered at 6pm each day they are open for service which requires a reservation.
Villagio: Boutique Hotel, Fine Italian Dining & Luxury Cigar Bar
OPEN NOW: The northside is dare I say the current hot spot for new businesses. A new boutique hotel, fine dining restaurant & cigar bar are coming soon to the popular Western Ave. From what Villagio has teased on their socials, each suite in this mansion-turned-boutique hotel will be inspired by an Italian city. The Rome Room, The Venice Room, The Sardinia Room, the list goes on & the details do not miss. From the color palettes to the furniture, each room is being transformed into a true slice of Italia!
Villagio has also announced their restaurant concept, Rocco’s Ristorante, an upscale Italian dining experience set to open 7/30!!! With a focus on authentic Italian & Romanian flavors as well as elegance fit for weddings & special events, this restaurant will certainly be on my list to try. Their cigar lounge, The 1864 Club is set to serve classic, sexy cocktails/mocktails & of course offer a selection of cigars. Three membership tiers will be available & can be requested via DM on their Instagram page linked above.
Kyuramen
OPEN NOW: Social media has been POPPIN with the arrival of Pittsburgh’s first Kyuramen location in East Liberty. Set next door to Condado Tacos in the East Side Bond apartment community, this restaurant focused around Japanese ramen is a must-visit. Unique menu items such as their Yinyang Bowl which serves two different ramen dishes in a special dual bowl, are part of the reason this spot has become an instant hit. Also can we talk about their Tonkatsu Omurice?? I have dreamt of trying this dish ever since seeing it on TikTok & now we finally have a place in the burgh that serves it. If you’ve never heard of Omurice it is a fluffy omelet egg on top of chicken fried rice, topped with choice of curry sauce or demi glace. So basically my ideal meal. Our server recommended trying both sauces since it was my first time having omurice & what a freaking pro move. It was amazing. I also couldn’t get enough of the lobster & chashu salad balls. What a wild combo that took my tastebuds for a delicious ride. The atmosphere is also a stunner with the honeycomb-themed layout. Set to open a second location soon in Cranberry Twp., this spot is looking to become a new favorite. Follow along on their local Instagram account!
Smashed N’ Fried
OPEN NOW: With the GRAND OPENING of their brick n mortar on 2/1, Smashed N’ Fried is bringing some flavor to the Greenfield neighborhood. Previously, Smashed N’ Fried was operating solely as a food truck/catering business, but they have found their home right along Greenfield Ave. If you’ve never heard of them before, as their name suggests, the menu boasts smash burgers, smoked queso fries, quesadillas & more. The space is already serving incredible yinzer vibes with nods to Mac Miller & Wiz Khalifa, hometown greats.
Bae Bae’s Bar & Supper Club
OPEN NOW: For those of you who aren’t familiar with Bae Bae’s, they were a downtown spot for all sorts of fast casual Korean food. The community was SHOOK when they announced the closing of their eatery, but they were taking time to relaunch with this new concept. As of 2/14, Bae Bae’s Bar & Supper Club is now your go-to spot for late night eats & cocktails. Open Wednesday-Saturdays with the bar serving from 8pm-2am & the kitchen chefing up from 9pm-3am, this spot is gonna be HOT. Popcorn chicken, fries, sliders, hand rolls, dumplings, deviled eggs – the menu does NOT disappoint. Not to mention DJ tunes make this the vibiest late night spot.
Titusz
COMING SOON: Taking over the location previously occupied by Merchant Oyster in Lawrenceville, comes Titusz. This restaurant concept headed up by Chef Csilla Thackray will have a focus on Hungarian cuisine as an ode to Chef Csilla’s upbringing. With her experience & involvement in other well-known restaurants in the burgh (Bar Marco, The Vandal, etc.), there is no doubt Titusz will be a huge hit in an already hot culinary neighborhood! Opening is slated for late 2025, but stay tuned for updates & follow along on their Instagram page here.
Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings
OPEN NOW: With their soft opening on 2/24, a new dumpling spot from the NYC area has landed in Southside Works! Specializing in soup dumplings, you KNOW I’ll be hitting Nan Xiang up frequently. I am heavily in my dumpling era & I love a soup dumpling, so I’m pumped for this addition. After their first location in Flushing, Queens quickly gained recognition for having “the city’s best soup dumplings”, Nan Xiang also received the honor of winning a Michelin Guide recommendation for 9 consecutive years from 2009-2017! With a menu centered around authentic Southern Chinese cuisine, Nan Xiang’s menu goes beyond soup dumplings to Siu Mai, scallion pancakes, stir-fried udon noodles & more. My favorites were the panfried pork buns & chicken & shrimp siu mai. Check out the chef-recommended faves on their website!
The Forgotten Flour
OPEN NOW: Calling all gluten-free kings & queens!! The Forgotten Flour is a 100% gluten-free bakery on Liberty Ave. along the main strip in Bloomfield. With their grand opening on May 18th from noon to 4pm, this is a spot you know I’ll be checking out with my sister who is gluten-free! Their menu offerings highlight traditional cookies (think your peanut butter, chocolate chunk, snickerdoodles, etc.), specialty cookies featuring the cutest peanut butter & “jilly” thumbprints named after the owner Jill, cheesecake bites, cupcakes, chocolate dipped treats, cakes & more that will satisfy all of your baked goods cravings. If you also happen to be dairy-free, there is a special section of their menu for gluten-free & dairy-free customers! Bloomfield is just the cutest little neighborhood, so it will be a perfect stop on an afternoon strolling down Liberty.
Shibam Coffee Co.
OPEN NOW: A new Yemeni coffee shop has landed in the burgh, Shibam Coffee Co. Not only are the vibes great with stunning decor, but the coffee & desserts are also incredible. First off, milk cake. Have you heard of this ??? Because it is my new favorite thing. The rich caramel, the light spongey goodness of the cake drenched in milk WOAH.
Also, a moment please for the reason we are here, the coffee. I tried the Pistachio iced latte & the flavor was so unique & spot on. My roomie got the Lotus iced latte which is a cookie butter-esque latte after the lotus biscoff cookies, yummmmmy. Biscoff is definitely a sneak flavor I’ve been enjoying a lot of lately. As the first Pittsburgh franchise location of Shibam Coffee, staff from their Dearborn, MI shop came to town to train up our local staff on the practices that celebrate the heritage of the “oldest skyscraper city” Shibam, Yemen. Go & experience the historic coffee culture with a modern twist at Shibam in North Oakland!! ps: I know Oakland can seem inconvenient, but it is truly only 6 mins from Lawrenceville & Bloomfield areas!! Location is great & ya girl will be adding this to her regular coffee shop rotation!! To stay up to date on our Pittsburgh location, follow them on instagram at @shibam.pittsburgh.
Sushi-I
OPEN NOW: A new sushi spot has landed in downtown Pittsburgh! Sushi-I has taken up residence in the space previously occupied by Harris Grill on Fourth Ave. With a rooftop terrace & summer ahead of us, this will be the perfect spot for a lunch bite or evening out. Classic appetizers, nigiri, sashimi, chef specialty rolls, hibachi, fried rice & more fill their menu. Sushi-I is also the first recipient of the Downtown Rent Abatement Grant, a program that offers financial assistance to businesses actively seeking to lease or rent a space in the downtown area. As a minority-owned business, this will be one I will be jumping at the chance to support the next time I have a day downtown.
Hey Babe
OPEN NOW: Hey Babe is a new craft cocktail-driven bar set in an upscale lounge filled with moody lighting, vibey music & a fun atmosphere. Located in the historic YMCA building in East Liberty (formerly the Ace Hotel), Hey Babe is sure to be a stop on your next chic night out.
Lead by the duo of Danielle Cain & Rob Hirst, expect not only delightful cocktails, but zesty seasonal bites. Hey Babe offers a variety of bright & flavorful sandwiches, salads & shareable apps, highlighting seasonal & local produce, which I’m obsessed with. This duo brings along experience from restaurants & catering groups that may sound familiar….. Casbah, Soba & Kaya to name a few. All this to say, know that I am absolutely ready to meet for a cocktail & bites at this chic hangout ASAP. Plus, with keeping the menu seasonal there is always a reason to come back & check out what is new!
Dad’s Dog & Burger
OPEN NOW: Dad’s is officially open for lunch!!! Why choose between a when you can have both?? This new lil spot in Bloomfield on the corner across from West Penn is an absolute mood. Burgers, dogs, fries, onion rings & shakes to satisfy that old school diner craving. Plus they have free matches & stickers too, FUN. I sat at the counter & enjoyed my cheeseburger made with shredded lettuce, tomato, onion, special sauce & pickles & my hot dog with ketchup, relish & onions. Gotta go back for a chili cheese dog though made with Brothmonger chili, another Bloomfield favorite.
Hours are wed-fri 8am-3pm & sat-sun 9am-4pm. They do indeed have breakfast sandwiches too, but you can also get a hot dog at 8am I am not here to judge! Breakfast & lunch menu both available all hours. Add this to your list of lunch spots asap!!!
Whisper
OPEN NOW: As the name suggests, Whisper snuck up on the Pittsburgh restaurant scene! A sexy high-end wine & dessert bar in downtown? Yes, please. As a sister bar of the well-known Bridges & Bourbon, their reputation precedes them. A luxurious experience awaits as you indulge in small plates, shareables, dessert & of course world-class wines & stunning cocktail classics. Open daily at 5pm with the kitchen closing at 11pm & last call for drinks & dessert at 11:30pm, Whisper is a perfect stop to start off or cap the end of your evening downtown. This would also be a great place to add as a stop before or after dinner downtown since it is conveniently located on Penn Ave. among a handful of larger dining options. I can’t wait to check it out for myself!
AVVA
OPEN NOW: AVVA, a restaurant offering modern mediterranean cuisine, has recently opened in Aspinwall taking over the space formerly occupied by Luke & Mike’s Front Porch. This spot has been transformed into a restaurant that offers a meeting place for a casual lunch, romantic dinner, or a private special event! Just by looking at the photos of some of their menu items, I can tell their claim that “every dish is crafted with attention to detail and a focus on freshness” is true. The plating itself is stunning, not to mention the vibrant colors & variety to their menu items. Another place I am eager to try as a lover of Mediterranean cuisine!
Palm Palm
OPEN NOW: Oh Palm Palm, you are one of a kind! If you haven’t yet heard, Palm Palm (named for their cuisine inspired by coasts from Palm Beach to Palm Springs), is the newest must-visit restaurant in the burgh. Located in East Liberty, Lisa & Herky Pollock have created a stunning culinary escape from Pittsburgh’s dreary days.
With a heavy focus on small plates & their brilliant cocktail menu, this is the perfect dining experience for the girlies, couples & even solo bar dining! We started with the Passionista & Can’t Elope cocktails. Anytime cantaloupe is involved, I’m absolutely sold & the Can’t Elope cocktail was perfectly executed with refreshing flavors. For small plates, we ordered the Shrimp Ceviche, Pommes Frites & Caviar, Truffle Spaghettios, Mini Lobster Roll & Tuna Sushi Tots. My favorite bites were the Mini Lobster Roll, which had the absolute perfect ratio of shrimp & lobster to brioche roll & the Truffle Spaghettios which provide the nostalgic experience of eating spaghettio shaped pasta, but with an elevated twist.
For our main, we shared the 8oz Prime Fillet with a tarragon Parmesan crust. All of the steaks come pre-cut to the table which makes it incredibly easy to share. We sipped on glasses of their Malbec while enjoying our fillet cooked to medium rare perfection. Our meal concluded with the Panna paradiso, their coconut panna cotta with mango compote, passion fruit foam & coconut meringue. This was the perfect light finish to our experience.
With the planning & opening of their upscale East Liberty restaurant, Lisa & Herky have created something beautiful. They have a range of price points on the menu, members of the East Liberty community on staff & have executed the Palm Palm theme in the most chic, yet approachable way. This is truly a special space & I cannot wait to go back for dinner again & to try their brunch menu. Reservations can be made using this link. They also have 2 private rooms available with views of the kitchen stations & pastry area, but those reservations will be harder to snag at the moment.
Mr. Friez
OPEN NOW: If you’ve found yourself walking down Butler Street in Lawrenceville recently, you may have noticed a window display that catches the eye. On the corner of Butler & 43rd, Mr. Friez, a Belgian fry joint, is officially open for all of your daytime & nighttime fry cravings. The window display is filled with decorative bags of potatoes & cones of fries with mustaches on them teasing a fun & casual spot. Their offers authentic Belgian fries (fresh cut & double-cooked) + over 15 different housemade sauces!
Sea Monkey
COMING SOON: From the Richard DeShantz group comes a new concept, Sea Monkey. Located next to Coop DeVille, Sea Monkey is set to bring some new life to the Bar & Lounge scene in the Strip District – think “upscale sips & lowkey vibes” as their bio says. With swanky textures, moody lighting & stunning cocktails, this spot will quickly climb to the top of the nighttime destination list in the burgh. If you want to be one of the first people to know when they are set to open plus receive exclusive updates on bottle service, events & more, sign up for their VIP List linked here.
Shore Thing
CLOSED FOR SEASON: Shore Thing is Pittsburgh’s newest summer experience courtesy of Riverlife Pittsburgh & Brew Gentlemen! This pop-up brings bites, sips & fun to the north shore right beneath the Clemente bridge. Enjoy beers, cocktails, bbq sandwiches, Hawaiian mac salad, catamaran net lounging, board games, music & more. They even have fitness classes on select mornings! Whether you want a chill vibe to enjoy a book or a place to share a drink amongst friends, this is the spot. The food menu is limited, but there are tons of beers, refreshing cocktails & nonalcoholic options like an Arnold Palmer to enjoy (& yes, kiddos are welcome)! The hanging shell art installation by Fran Ledonio Flaherty that jingles & sways with the breeze is also an absolute vibe. Shore Thing will be sticking around until October so be SHORE to stop by! Hours are the following: Monday closed, Tuesday-Thursday 3-10pm, Friday-Sunday noon-10pm.
The Distillery
OPEN NOW: Down along the South Shore of Pittsburgh on South 2nd Street is a complex that “blends historic charm with a modern twist”. The Distillery Complex has taken a landmark from the late 1800s & has turned it into a 6-floor entertainment space featuring a stunning panoramic rooftop. On the first floor you’ll find a Big Springs Spirit Bottle Shop & their second distillery location. On the fourth floor, you’ll find a members only cigar club, The Drawing Room. The Drawing Room has different membership tiers featuring Founder, Executive, Associate & Corporate levels. To learn more about memberships or become a member, visit their site here.
Floor five is home to The Reserve, a dynamic event space that provides stunning views of the city. The Reserve offers 3 different floor plans for events ranging from 120 to 300 people. They also will be working exclusively with Common Plea as their catering partner. This space will be a great fit for weddings, conferences, holiday parties & galas along with smaller events like baby showers, bridal showers, birthday celebrations & more. Now, up to the top floor of the Distillery Complex. On the sixth level you will find The Finch, a rooftop bar & restaurant. With vibrant small plates, a signature cocktail list, chic vibes & unforgettable views of the skyline, I can guarantee you’ll want to stop by this rooftop. *Floors 2 & 3 are still under construction.
Corner Taco
OPEN NOW: A quick service Mexican concept from our friends at Caffe Mona La Bistro has joined the scene in downtown Pittsburgh. Aptly named, Corner Taco can be found on the corner of Forbes & Wood Street steps from Market Square. Their menu isn’t anything crazy, just your typical tacos, quesadillas & burritos perfect for a quick stop. I’m unsure if they have plans to expand their offerings to include more substantial sides like rice or beans, but if they do I will be sure to update this post! They are open Monday through Friday for lunch from 10:30am-2:30pm. This is definitely going to be a great spot for peeps who work downtown & I can’t wait to check it out for myself.
Nine Two Five
OPEN NOW: From our friends at Dancing Gnome comes a new(ish) concept! I say newish because it is actually the reopening of their original taproom in Sharpsburg, 925 Main Street. Nine Two Five opened earlier in October & is a 21+ space (don’t worry the location at 1025 Main Street still allows all ages). They naturally are serving up Dancing Gnome brews as well as rotating guest taps & a beer brewed specially for the 925 location. Not a beer person? You don’t have to miss out on the fun as they will also be serving up house cocktails with their fully stocked bar, wines & NA options. They currently have some stunners on their cocktail list including a Lemon Drop Highball, a Negroni & their take on an Old Fashioned with Lustra Hops. They are open Wednesdays-Saturdays from 5pm to midnight!
F&F Pizzeria
OPEN NOW: F&F Pizzeria, a slice shop & restaurant out of Brooklyn, is expanding to our beloved Pittsburgh! Situated in Mt. Lebanon on Beverly Road, F&F is already poised to be a new go-to for that coveted New York slice. They had a soft opening for neighbors to check out the joint & by the looks of social media, this one is a hit. The duo of Frank Castronovo & Frank Falcinelli kicked off this venture together in 2019 with a focus on quality ingredients, especially in the naturally fermented dough. They serve up classics like pepperoni pizza & unique flavors like Cacio e Pepe. I personally cannot wait to stop in to have a slice!
Grist House Command
OPEN NOW: Our beloved brewery, Grist House has a new spot in TAHN. Out in Collier approximately 25 mins from their home base is Millvale is this MASSIVE space that is going to be a hub for brewing their craft beer faves! Grist House Command has 3 huge pup-friendly decks with scenic views of Pennsylvania’s wooded hills as well as their indoor space where the food counter is located. Something unique about this location is they have an in-house kitchen whipping up burgers & hot dogs, among other bites. This means no outside food is allowed at Grist House Command, which is different from the Millvale location. With the large space, this is a great spot to watch Steelers & Penn State games with your crew!
For more info, follow me on Facebook & Instagram at @the412franimal!
The 412 Franimal 