Pittsburgh Lock And Key Singles Party For Ages 24 To 49
Bossa Nova
123 7th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 232-3030
www.pittsburgh.singlesevents.com

Date: Feb. 2 – 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $22

You never know who will hold the key to your heart until you sign up for the Pittsburgh Lock and Key Singles Party held at the Bossa Nova lounge. Lock and Key events are fast becoming the one of the hottest singles events throughout the country, giving singles a chance to socialize and meet other singles without the awkward ice breakers of traditional happy hours. Each woman holds a lock and each man a key with the ultimate goal of getting hit by Cupid’s arrow and finding the key that unlocks each lock in a new take on speed dating. During this hunt for your match, you’ll have the opportunity to win awesome prizes and meet potential matches. This event is designed specifically for singles between the ages of 24 and 49.

Doc’s Place
5442 Walnut St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 681-3713
www.docsplacepittsburgh.com

This Shadyside bar is Pittsburgh’s gem when it comes to the city’s singles scene. In fact, Doc’s Place has been consistently voted home of Pittsburgh’s best singles scene by Pittsburgh City Search for four years. Stop by this Valentine’s Day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Doc’s happy hour specials that include $1.50 off wine and mixed drinks and $3 off all pitchers. Mingle with other singles in the martini bar, The Hideaway, and share an appetizer or dessert. If you’ve got a broken heart this Valentine’s Day, Doc’s Place may have the cure for you.

Related: Best Singles Bars In Pittsburgh

Palate Partners Friday Wine Tasting
Dreadnought Wines
2013 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 391-8502
www.palatepartners.com

Date: Feb. 1 – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Price: $12 per person

Whether you’re drowning your single-status sorrows in a bottle of cabernet sauvignon or sharing a romantic evening over a glass of pinot grigio, nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like wine. Register for this two-hour class, which gives you the opportunity to sample Dreadnought’s selection of white and red wines as well as bread and the Pennsylvania Macaroni Company’s fine cheeses. If you’re looking to meet a fellow Oenophiliac, or wine lover, there’s no better place in the city. While you’re there, seek out a fellow single wine taster to help you select a bottle of wine and invite him or her to share a glass. You must be 21 years of age to participate in any of Dreadnought Wines’ tasting events.

Seviche Salsa Nights
930 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 697-3120
www.seviche.com

Date: Feb. 11 – 9:30 p.m.
Price: free

There’s nothing sexier than a man who knows how to dance, except maybe one who knows how to heat up the dance floor with salsa dancing. If you love to shake it and you’re looking for a partner that can really move, check out salsa night every Monday at Seviche. If you’re a bit nervous about hitting the dance floor, loosen up at happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and keep your eyes peeled for a potential dance partner. At 9:30 p.m., kick up your heels with Bobby D Salsa lessons for beginners where you’ll learn the basics of salsa. After you’ve worked up an appetite in class, invite your partner to enjoy some hot Latin cuisine and rhythms in Seviche’s South Beach style restaurant and bar.

Valentine’s Dinner Date
Giant Eagle Market District
100 Settlers Ridge Center Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(412) 788-5392
www.marketdistrict.com

Date: Feb. 14 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: $110

If the fastest way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart is through his stomach, you’ll have him falling for you in no time when you attend the Giant Eagle Market District Valentine’s Dinner Date. This three-hour cooking class is the perfect excuse to invite your crush out for a relaxing evening at Giant Eagle’s Robinson location where the two of you can get cozy cooking a special meal together. If cooking goes well, enjoy your meal by candlelight as well as a box of hand-dipped chocolates to go. Registration for this dinner date is $110 and can be completed by visiting the “Events” page on the Giant Eagle Market District website.

Related: Singles Only: Recipes For An Anti-Valentine’s Day Party

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh where works as a full-time figure skating coach sharing her passion with todays generation of young skaters. A graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies, Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Italy
 

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Italy has a long history when it comes to Valentine’s Day traditions, celebrating it as a Spring Festival. Couples would spend the day surrounded by the beauty of springtime in natural settings like tree arbors or ornamental gardens. Their time was spent listening to music, reading poetry or strolling through the garden. 

Another tradition in Italy’s Valentine’s Day history was the notion that the first man a girl sees on Valentine’s Day would be the man (or look like the man) she would marry within a year. Unmarried girls would wake up extra early to sit by their window to look for men who walked by. 

While the candy tradition in the United States usually consists of some sort of heart-shaped box of assorted candies, the traditional candy gift for Valentine’s Day in Italy is a chocolate-covered hazelnut called a Baci Perugina. The candy is accompanied with a small piece of paper that contains romantic poems in four different languages.

South Korea

Although the traditional Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14, South Korea celebrates similar days of love on the 14th of every month. Each monthly celebration has its own significance and traditions depending on the corresponding holiday. 

The actual Valentine’s Day holiday tradition is meant for only women to be the givers of chocolate to their significant other and the following month it’s the men’s turn. March 14 is named White Day and men are meant to give their female counterpart a non-chocolate candy. April 14 is marked as Black Day and is geared towards those who are not in a relationship. The tradition for Black Day is for single people to mourn their single lives, hence the name of the holiday. Single people are supposed to eat jajangmyeon noodles, which are black in color, on April 14. While the tradition of women giving chocolate to their partners on Valentine’s Day is a widespread tradition in Eastern Asian countries, South Korea takes the tradition a step further than other countries with a bigger amount of chocolate given.

Great Britain

Photo Credit Mark Large - WPA Pool/Getty Images

 
Britain and Italy have a few similarities in their Valentine’s Day traditions: Both had similar stories about how the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day morning will be the one they will marry. However, Britain also has traditions all its own. 

While many countries’ citizens deliver handwritten notes and poems to their significant others on Valentine’s Day, paper Valentine’s were so popular in England during the 19th Century that they gave way to the production of mass-produced greeting cards we see today. In earlier times, a tradition for women the night before Valentine’s Day was to secure four bay leaves to each corner of their pillow before sleeping and to eat hard boiled eggs with salt while removing the yokes. This tradition was meant to provoke dreams of their future husbands on Valentine’s Day eve. Women would also write names on pieces of paper wrapped in clay balls to be dropped into water and the ball that rose to the surface first would be their future husband.

Denmark

Photo Credit Matt Cardy/Getty Images

People of Denmark referred to Valentine’s Day cards as “lover’s cards” and they were once made from transparent material that reflected a picture of a lover bestowing a gift to his or her significant other when it was held up to the light. Instead of the red roses many Americans associate with Valentine’s Day, Danish people give white flowers that they call “snowdrops.” People used to give pressed white flowers to their Valentines, but these days they have switched to bouquets. While love poems and romantic notes are given on Valentine’s Day, the Danish people also write unsigned, funny poems on neatly cut paper called “gaekkebrev.” If the girl is able to guess who sent it, she will receive an Easter Egg later in the year. Denmark takes its Valentine’s Day holiday pretty seriously and many people tend to take off work or book parties to celebrate this love-filled holiday.

France

Photo Credit FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images

 
France is often referred to as the most romantic place in the world but the country’s older Valentine’s Day traditions are anything but lovey-dovey. In the past, the French custom called “drawing for” or “a lottery of love” would gather single people in houses facing opposite one another and make them call out the name of their hopeful partner through the window. Women who were jilted by their hopeful Valentine would gather to burn the images of the ungrateful lovers in huge bonfires. The bonfire events would turn pretty ugly, with women yelling and hurling abuses into the fire. Because the ritual would turn into an ugly event filled with ridicule, the French government eventually banned this practice. The St. Valentin Village located in Indre has held a festival since the 1960s to celebrate Valentine’s Day every year from February 12th to the 14th.

While traditions and customs may vary with each country, the basic idea behind the holiday remains the same. Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate romance, relationships and affection towards the special people in your life. Make sure to make the most of this longstanding holiday this year and maybe try out an interesting Valentine’s Day tradition from another country.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Dining Together

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become your own restaurant of the month club. Explore new dining-out ideas and pick the ones that sound most interesting to both of you, then make a reservation and get ready to have a night on the town. Stick to the same day every month to ensure you will always have time to dine together. This is a great opportunity to explore out-of-the-way places or new types of cuisine you’ve always been curious about but never tried. Build in a few romantic nights and feel free to embarrass other diners by making out shamelessly at the table.

Educate With Love

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Do both of you have an interest in do-it-yourself household projects or photography? Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make sushi, wood working or Italian. Adult-education classes represent a great way for the two of you to expand your horizons and knowledge base together, plus acquire a practical skill of value. Make sure to choose an interest you both share and find ways of enjoying it outside of class, too.

Have A Breakthrough 

Couples-only retreats offer you the opportunity to not only explore your relationship but also enjoy activities like hiking, boating, couple’s massage or yoga together. An added plus is being with other, like-minded couples and forming new friendships, which are healthy for any relationship. Look for weekend retreats in interesting locations either close to home or far away, then suspend your current reality and enjoy being together in a completely new environment.

Have A Ball 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Pursue a sports activity together, such as golf, bowling, paddleball or running. Make time to go to the gym or take tennis lessons. Some couples enjoy friendly competition, while others prefer to play games together as if they were little, goofy kids. Whatever your sports style might be, find physical pursuits you both can share that will help you keep both your bodies and your relationship fit and healthy.

Have An Adventure 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Become tourists in your own home town by visiting sight-seeing destinations and attractions, like boat or bus tours, museums and landmarks. Pretend you don’t speak the language and ask people to take your picture together. Re-visit your own personal landmarks, too, like the place where the two of you met or the houses you both grew up in.

Take Time Out 

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Make the world go away by closing the door, shutting off the phones and dimming the lights. Remember that the little, day-to-day moments you share are just as important as the time you plan around activities together. Be a universe of two and spend some time remembering what brought you together in the first place. Congratulate each other on how terrific you are and celebrate being a couple, in any way you choose.

For idea’s on what to get your loved one this Valentine’s Day shop at YourHolidayHints.com

Popcorn Anyone?

The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company
Downtown Store (822 Liberty)
Strip Store (209 21st)
Oakland Store (3710 5th Ave.)
PittsburghPopcorn.com

You can step outside the box a bit with some very novel approaches to popcorn. The Pittsburgh Popcorn Company makes it easy to customize a treat for your sweetheart with novelty tins and even more novelty flavors. You can fill a tin with something from their regular menu of Chocolate Caramel, Caramel Corn, Wisconsin Cheddar, Kettle Corn, Peanut Butter & Choc Kettle or Movie Style Butter. Or take a chance on one of the items from their rotating, weekly menu. Weekly offerings include hot and spicy flavors, like Mesquite BBQ and Dill Pickle, along with sweet chocolate and fruit varieties. One of the three locations should be within your range.

You can further personalize your gift with a container of your own selection. A lunchbox, with favorite cartoon characters, or a hatbox filled with a variety of favors, would be appealing.

Spicy!

Does your sweetheart love to cook? A selection of spices and herbs can make a lovely gift, especially if they are chosen with care. Peruse your love’s spice rack to see which are in the most demand and shop for replacements. (Pro tip: a relatively new-looking container that is only half full is a good indication that the spice is much used.)

The use of spices and herbs in cooking spans human history. In Victorian England, the language of flowers was formalized into significant meanings. By referencing this history of the symbols associated with herbs, you can write a love note using herbs and spices. Some of the herbs and spices associated with love are basil, clove, coriander, ginger, and rosemary.

Package your selection up in small glass jars, and be sure to label them clearly! Penzey’s, located in the Strip District, has a comprehensive selection and has containers available. The East End Food Co-op is a great source for fresh and local produce.

Chocolate!

Don’t underestimate the power of chocolate. Rich and deep, filled or flavored; assorted boxes can be a solid treat. It doesn’t have to be some standard box of creams, though. Christopher George, a recent transplant to Pittsburgh, creates chocolate bars in traditional chocolate flavors, all handcrafted for you at Sinful Sweets. A unique item is the White & Milk Chocolate bar, swirled into intricate patterns.

Even more exotic are the imported chocolate selections available at Mon Aimee. They offer a selection of artisan candies with unusual combinations of chocolate and Sage, Cayenne Pepper, Rosemary, and more. The store is packed with a wide selection of chocolates in traditional flavors that will satisfy the quest for something very finely made.

A Sweet Twist on Cake

Dozen Bakeshop

3511 Butler St (412-683-2327)
417 S. Craig St (412-682-1718)
DozenBakeShop.com

Lolly Cakes, a trendy treat that is popping up in bakeries and confectioners, are a sweetly small indulgence. Just a single bite of cake, covered in icing or fondant, or dipped in chocolate; no fussing with plates and sure to bring a smile. Vanilla Pastry has a regular Lolly menu that includes Salted Caramel, Chocolate Custard, Tiramisu and Dark Chocolate-Espresso. The desserts can be trimmed with a bow, or boxed in custom selections.

Cupcakes are a little more substantial than Lollies, but also give you an opportunity to create a customizable gift. Dozen Bakeshop has a lovely selection of cake flavors and their buttercream frosting is the best. My favorite is their Red Velvet cake; a rich deep color with a creamy vanilla frosting. Small three-layered cakes are also available, to top off that intimate dinner at home.

Susan Constanse is a painter, living and working in Pittsburgh. Examples of her work can be viewed on her website.

The newest dining trend in Pittsburgh is locally grown, seasonally appropriate, fresh, and did I mention local? Not only does this support sustainability, but it produces ever-changing seasonal menus. Mix that with a one of a kind atmosphere, and you get Salt of the Earth. A great place for a first date (the layout is a great conversation starter), as it is rarely the same experience twice. Add to that a great cocktail and wine menu, and you have a perfect night on the town to warm you up.

Stagioni in Bloomfield picks up this sustainability trend, and takes off with a menu that changes daily! They truly take fresh and local to a whole new and delightful level. Staying true to their Bloomfield roots with an Italian flair, they offer lunch, dinner, and brunch menus. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, without being stuffy or crowded. Call ahead to check for the day’s menu, and impress your date when you bring the perfect wine pairing along. It’s all about the details when your end of meal coffee comes served in a French press.

Break the ice and keep warm with a little friendly competition at Arsenal Bowling Lanes in Lawrenceville. And don’t think for a second that this is your little brothers’ bumper bowling party. Every night of the week they offer drink specials and theme nights (although, I would stay away from participating in the karaoke on Fridays if it’s your first date. No matter how good you think you are). Open until 2am on weekends and nidnight every other day of the week, this is a superbly fun pre- or post-dinner activity.

Maybe a little bit of fresh winter air is what you need to keep the magic going. Bundle up and head down to PPG Place for a romantic ice skating session. No matter your skill level on the ice, the rink at PPG place offers a dreamy setting for any date. Right next door is Market Square, where you can grab a cocktail or hot chocolate when your spin around the rink is through.

Ashley is a native of Pittsburgh with an English degree from Chatham College. She spends her time stalking the New Kids on the Block on Twitter, and making wish lists on e-commerce sites she cannot afford. She also does yoga. Sometimes. You can follow her on twitter and maybe someday she’ll say something interesting.

Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa

422 East State Street
Sharon, PA 16146
724-346-3046 or 866-345-BUHL
www.bulhmansion.com

Voted one of America’s Top 10 Romantic Inns by ILoveInns.com, The Buhl Mansion has something for everyone. The building itself is shaped like a castle and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This resort has a spa, and the rooms offer many amenities, including jacuzzis for two, deluxe bathrobes and hairdryers. The Buhl Mansion offers several different escape packages at many different price points.

Fallingwater

1491 Mill Run Road
Mill Run, PA 15464
724-438-8594
www.fallingwater.org

One of Pennsylvania’s modern architectural wonders, Fallingwater is one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most well-known masterpieces. Nestled in the Bear Run Nature Reserve in the Laurel Highlands, the home integrates the lush surrounding environment with the home itself. Tours and tickets can be purchased online.

Summit Inn Resort

101 Skyline Drive
Farmington, PA 15437
800-433-8594
724-438-8594
www.summitinnresort.com

If you’re looking for some place to stay near Fallingwater, you might try the Summit Inn Resort. This resort offers breath-taking mountain views and romantic getaway packages that include champagne and flowers. One night getaways start at $283.00.

Nemancolin Woodlands Resort

1001 LaFayette Drive
Farmington, PA 15437
724-329-8555
www.nemacolin.com

Located just 70 miles from Pittsburgh, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort has something for everyone. This resort is made up of 2,000 acres in the Laurel Highlands and offers six different lodging options — one to fit every budget. The property includes restaurants, golf, a spa and several activities, including bowling, wildlife tours, snow sports. In addition to vacation packages, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort offers seasonal packages as well.

The Priory

614 Pressley Street; North Shore
412-231-3908
www.thepriory.com

The Priory is a European-style hotel located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s North Shore. This 24 room hotel offers old-world charm with many modern amenities. The Priory is within walking distance of the Warhol Museum, and just a few blocks from PNC Park and Heinz Field. There are several different hotel packages, but their “Romance, Romance” package treats guests to a bottle of champagne, assorted snacks, a dozen roses and a late checkout.

Tara – A Country Inn

2844 Lake Road
Clark, PA 16113
724-962-3535 or 800-782-2903
www.tara-inn.com

If you loved “Gone With the Wind,” you’ll love this charming country inn. This hotel was created with the old south in mind. The Inn offers lavish guest rooms with fireplaces and jacuzzis, and each room is decorated differently to give each guest a unique experience. The Inn offers a full-service afternoon tea, as well as casual or gourmet dining options.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

777 Waterwheel Drive
Seven Springs, PA 15622
814-352-7777 or 800-452-2223
www.7springs.com

Best known for its exciting ski slopes and snow tubing, Seven Springs has much more to offer than just winter snow sports. The resort is open all year, and it’s a great place to relax with your significant other. There are plenty of dining options to please every palette. Of course, there are plenty of activities, too, including a great nightlife scene, fishing, paintball, a golf course and even full-service spa.

Caesars Pocono Resorts

Pocono Mountains – various resorts
www.covepoconoresorts.com
800-432-9932

The Poconos are a bit of a drive from Pittsburgh, but if you have a few days to kill, it’s worth the trip. There are all-inclusive resorts with in-suite pools and whirlpools, nightly entertainment, seemingly endless outdoor activities, big-name concerts and events, and golf courses. There’s even a champagne glass whirlpool bath-for-two. The Discovery Channel rated Caesars as one of the Top Ten World’s Best Sexiest Destinations For Couples.

Hidden Valley Resort

1 Craighead Drive
P.O. Box 4420
Hidden Valley, PA 15502
814-443-8000
www.hiddenvalleyresort.com

If you and your significant other love outdoor activities, this is the resort for you. Hidden Valley offers tons of things to do for outdoor fun, including golfing, skiing, biking, paddleboats and horseback riding. There are also some wonderful dining options on the property, and a whole host of seasonal activities as well.

Mt. Washington

Grandview Avenue

If your sweetheart inspires you to climb the highest mountain to declare your love, there are few better places in Pittsburgh than Mt. Washington to do so! Regardless of the season, the incomparable view combined with a host of romantic restaurants put Mt. Washington on our list of best places to propose. Start the evening off with a romantic dinner for two at LeMont or another local favorite and take a stroll along Grandview Avenue. With our beautiful skyline as a backdrop as you hold hands on the overlook, your outlook is good for a “Yes!”

Phipps Conservatory

One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213
412-441-4442
Phipps.Conservatory.org

Let your love bloom at Phipps! The Conservatory provides a beautiful backdrop for a perfect proposal to your sweetheart! Between the endless lush gardens and gorgeous flowers, there’s no shortage of places to choose from where you can get down on one knee. But if you prefer to make your grand gesture over a good meal, visit Café Phipps. The eatery is Green Restaurant Certified and offers a seasonal menu of entrées, soups, salads, pizza and more! There’s no better place to romance your significant other than in this stunning, mystical setting!

Valentine on Ice – Schenley Park Skating Rink / The Rink at PPG Place

Schenley Park
1 Overlook Drive
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15207
412-422-6523
Valentines On Ice

PPG Place
4 PPG Place
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222
412-394-3641 (In-season)
PPGPlace.com

Present your sweetheart with ice on the ice! Both Schenley Park and PPG Place offer sparkling settings where you can pop the question on the most romantic day of the year! For Valentine’s Day 2011, the Schenley Park Skating Rink is holding a “Valentines On Ice” event, while over at PPG Place’s rink there will be a Sweetheart Skate. So, get outdoors, enjoy some hot chocolate, lace up your skates and spend a romantic night under the stars with it all leading up to the ring!

Local Winter Getaways – Hidden Valley Resort / Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Hidden Valley
One Craighead Drive
P.O. Box 4420
Hidden Valley, Pa. 15502
HiddenValleyResort.com

Nemacolin Woodlands
1001 Lafayette Drive,
Farmington, Pa. 15437
724-329-8555
Nemacolin.com

If you’re looking to get away from it all to get down on one knee, then look no further than the local, magical, winter wonderland resorts of Hidden Valley and Nemacolin Woodlands. Hidden Valley is offering Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials at their Clock Tower Restaurant and romantic sleigh rides where you can cuddle up with your sweetie! At Nemacolin Woodlands, enjoying the holiday means snuggling on a ski lift and getting cozy by the fire. With all the white stuff that’s on the ground, you could even pop the question by writing it in the snow!

Buhl Planetarium

One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15212
412-237-3400
Observatory SkyWatch
BuhlPlanetarium.org

Is your love written in the stars? Then, there’s no more unique place to pop the question than at Buhl Planetarium! Some stargazing during their Observatory SkyWatch evenings can offer an out of this world setting for a proposal! Call the SkyWatch Hotline at 412-237-3327 the night of the session for the latest information on whether there will be clear skies.

Firehouse Lounge

2216 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 434-1230
www.firehouse-lounge.com

Nestled in the heart of the Strip District, this cozy lounge is one of the best places in Pittsburgh to ignite a new romance. Lined with deep velvet booths, throw pillows and candle lighting, Firehouse Lounge provides a warm and intimate ambiance, great for conversing and getting to know someone. In addition, the hand-made cocktails here are deliciously unique, with inventive concoctions like the Eggnog White Russian. While the menu is filled with great choices, you cannot miss the burgers (try the Macdaddy), which are unbelievably priced at under $10. Voted Most Romantic Bar and Best Cocktail and Lounge by Pittsburgh Magazine, the Firehouse Lounge has all the fixings for a great first date. Hours: Monday through Thursday, open at 5 p.m.; Friday, open at 4 p.m.; Saturday, open at 5 p.m.

Duquesne Incline

1197 West Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 381-1665
www.incline.pghfree.net

What is more romantic than a beautiful view of the city? Take the Duquesne Incline up Mt. Washington, where you can see unparalleled views of the Pittsburgh city skyline. This destination was voted 3rd Most Romantic Spot in America by MSN.com, and rightly so. We suggest taking the Incline at sunset and from there trying one of the many fine-dining restaurants at the top of Mt. Washington in an area named “restaurant row.” The price for this stunning view is rock bottom as one-way fare is $2, and a round-trip fare is $4. Senior citizens can ride for free, and parking is also free. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.; Sunday/Major Holidays, 7 a.m. to 12:45 a.m.

Isabela on Grandview

1318 Grandview Avenue
Mount Washington
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
(412) 431-5882
www.isabelaongrandview.com

Sit atop Mt. Washington and enjoy panoramic views of Pittsburgh while eating a mouth-watering 7-course meal. Prepared by husband and wife chefs, the food here is made with fresh, local ingredients and served in small portions, allowing you to enjoy all seven courses without undoing your belt. A complimentary selection of fine wines is also offered. The excellent quality doesn’t run cheap though, so be prepared to pay upwards of $100. However, if you have the cash to spare, we highly suggest this fine-dining restaurant, as it’s quality of service, food and views makes it one of the best places in Pittsburgh for a first date. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Hyeholde Restaurant

1516 Coraopolis Heights Road
Moon Twp., PA 15108
412-264-3116
www.hyeholde.com

Hyeholde Restaurant is built on four acres of land and is made up of several old barns. There are beautiful gardens, winding stone paths, stained glass windows and tapestries that all add to the “medieval, castle-like atmosphere,” according to one KDKA staffer. The food is inspired by both French and American cuisines. Most of the food is grown locally, and some is grown right on the property. Another staff member says that Hyeholde Restaurant is “Truly elegant in any season.”

Eleven

1150 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-201-5656
http://bigburrito.com

Pittsburgh Magazine’s readers selected Eleven Contemporary Kitchen as their pick for “Best Romantic Restaurant” in the magazine’s “Best of the ‘Burgh 2010,” (http://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/Pittsburgh-Magazine/September-2010/Best-Pittsburgh-Food/) and it’s easy to see why. Located at the edge of the city’s Strip District, this elegant eatery features an intimate setting in an urban atmosphere. Eleven also features an extensive wine list and private dining rooms.

17th Street Cafe

75 South 17th Street; South Side
412-381-4566
www.17thstreetcafe.com

This cozy cafe is a welcome respite from the South Side’s busy bar scene. The menu offers something for everybody, from seafood, to pasta, to stakes and more. One KDKA staff member raves about the 17th Street Cafe’s “intimate atmosphere,” and another loves it because it is “Private and not on the main drag. Just a few tables — never overwhelming, and great food.”

Century Inn

2175 East National Pike
Scenery Hill, PA 15360
724-945-6600
www.centuryinn.com

The Century Inn offers seasonal outdoor seating so guests can take in the great outdoors while they dine. They offer several dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks. The Inn is absolutely picturesque with a dusting of snow. If you’re looking for an overnight getaway, the Century Inn has rooms as well. One KDKA staff member says, “More than 200 years old, there’s a cozy bar with a host and a tiny keeping room with an enormous fireplace.”

LeMont

1114 Grandview Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-431-3100
www.lemontpittsburgh.com

If you’re looking for a wonderful meal with a great view, then head to Mount Washington. LeMont is Pittsburgh’s only five-star restaurant. The restaurant offers a wide range of foods from succulent appetizers, to amazing seafood, steak and chicken, and mouth-watering desserts. One KDKA staff member says, “Best view in Pittsburgh, coupled with outstanding food and amazingly great service.”

Tin Angel

1200 Grandview Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-381-1919
www.tinangelpittsburgh.com

A night out with a loved one means different things to different people. But if you’re looking for an intimate candlelight dinner, then try the Tin Angel. This restaurant is a respite for those who want to get away. It offers fine American cuisine that is perfect for any occasion. One KDKA staff member said, “We went to this Mount Washington restaurant on our 10th wedding anniversary. The view, the ambience, the food — everything was elegant and beautiful. The staff went out of their way to make it a special evening for us.”

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto

1411 Grandview Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
412-481-4414

145 Mall Circle Drive
Monroeville, PA 15146
412-374-8530
www.montereybayfishgrotto.com

If you and your significant other love seafood, head to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto for dinner. The restaurant offers everything under the sea imaginable. Monterey Bay prides itself on using the freshest seafood available. One staff member at KDKA says of the Mount Washington location, “It’s fabulous. Start your meal before sunset, then watch the city come to live under the lights.”

Casbah

229 S Highland Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-661-5656
www.bigburrito.com

Located in Pittsburgh’s trendy Shadyside neighborhood, Casbah draws a crowd from all over. One nice thing about this restaurant is that you can make reservations online on their website. One KDKA staffer says, “Just a fantastic place with great service.”

Mantini’s Wood-Fired

1209 E. Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-488-3560
www.mantiniswoodfired.com

Pittsburgh Magazine says this restaurant has “dreamy steaks, classy space and big tastes”; that just about sums up this southern-inspired restaurant. Fans of this restaurant love the atmosphere and the smell of wood smoke that wafts through the air. The portions are huge and patrons love the courteous staff.

The Capital Grille

301 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-338-9100
www.thecapitalgrille.com

With various locations throughout the United States, the Capital Grille prides itself on its steak selection and extensive wine list.

The Melting Pot

125 West Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-261-3477
www.meltingpot.com

If you’ve ever dreamed of having an entire meal made of fondue, then this restaurant is for you. From appetizers to dessert, The Melting Pot is nothing but ooey gooey goodness.