Another year in the Burgh means another year of new dining concepts! 2026 already is poised to be an awesome year for new restaurants & bars & I’m here to give you the scoop. From new spots in town, to existing businesses expanding, to nationwide spots landing in Pittsburgh – I am covering the best! I will be updating this post throughout the year so make sure to bookmark it to come back for all the info. Now without further ado, these are some of the places that are new to the Burgh or are coming soon…
La Grassa Pizza Company
COMING SOON: If you’re a pizza lover, you may have already heard of La Grassa, a pizza pop-up concept by The Vandal. Currently, you can find La Grassa at Field Day Cafe in Lawrenceville on Tuesdays paired with tiramisu for dessert, but they are opening their own shop in Upper Lawrenceville this spring! They will be located at the corner of Butler & 54th in what was previously home to LaVia Trattoria. What makes La Grassa unique is that every slice is a corner slice since they make their pies in a square with 4-cuts. I haven’t yet tried their pizza, but I’ve heard great things!
Sea Monkey
OPEN NOW: From the Richard DeShantz group comes a new concept, Sea Monkey. Located next to Coop DeVille, Sea Monkey has already brought some new life to the Bar & Lounge scene in the Strip District since their opening on New Year’s Eve. With swanky textures, moody lighting & stunning cocktails, this spot will quickly climb to the top of the nighttime destination list in the burgh.
Make dinner reservations to gain access before 10pm, or if you just want to soak up the DJ tunes & craft cocktails, you’ll have to wait until 10pm to be let in. The drinks are a little pricier than a typical bar with their featured cocktail menu starting at $16, but they are something special. My favorite sips are the Last Dragon & City of Angels, both bourbon-based. For bites, think light & chic. The food menu carries a theme of Mediterranean & raw fish, making for the perfect light sharable bites – give me all the toro & scallops. As the vibes of Sea Monkey are upscale, there is a dress code in effect so be sure to dress to impress. DJs will be spinning every Friday & Saturday with a heavy focus on house music. For me, this will be more of a special occasion stop, but if you want to be a regular, you’re going to have a fab time if house music & sexy cocktails are your vibe.
Moonlit Burgers Garfield
OPEN NOW: Moonlit Burgers, Pittsburgh’s beloved smash burger chain is opening a 4th location in the Garfield neighborhood. They will be situating in the old Primanti’s location right across from the Pittsburgh Glass Center. With existing locations in Dormont, Uptown (Duquesne’s campus) & Sewickley, the east side of the burgh was in desperate need of a Moonlit. As a Lawrenceville resident, I personally am so so excited for this. With all Moonlit locations, there will be a selection of cocktails, beer & wine available for those wishing to sip on an adult beverage. Moonlit is currently accepting takeout orders ONLY, but will be open for dine in beginning Wednesday 1/21.
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 Austrian & 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 early spring, but stay tuned for updates & follow along on their Instagram page here.
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The 412 Franimal 