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Best Food Destinations In Pittsburgh Locals Love

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Pittsburgh, and the diverse nature of its cultural and ethnic background, lends itself wonderfully to an almost unending variety of places to find great food all over town. It would be difficult to choose just 50 places for great eats without leaving out somewhere special, so it was quite a task to boil the list down to just five. Given the competitive nature of restaurants and markets, this list concentrates on the places that have been around long enough to become Pittsburgh institutions. Here are five of the best food destinations in Pittsburgh that locals love.


Robert Wholey and Co.
1711 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 391-3737
www.wholey.com

Robert Wholey and Co. has been supplying Pittsburgh with the absolute freshest fish, seafood and meats for almost 60 years. What started out as a poultry market in Market Square has expanded, relocated and holds a cornerstone role in the city's Strip District. It's the "go to" spot for the best prices on beef, poultry, pork and the absolute widest variety of fish and seafood at prices that are unbeatable. Wholey offers free shipping on orders of $200 or more. Orders can be submitted through the website which also showcases everything carried in the store.

Pamela's Diner
3703 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 683-4066
www.pamelasdiner.com

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, even when it's served at three o'clock in the afternoon. With six locations around Allegheny County, Pamela's has been serving up what is considered by many to be the best breakfast in the 'Burgh. Among the long list of favorites at all of the Pamela's Diners are the famous crepe hotcakes served with bacon, ham or sausage. With more variations on pancakes and omelets than you can shake a stick at, and a full luncheon menu complete with mouth-watering burgers and BBQ favorites, Pamela's Diner is a food destination that Pittsburgh locals love.

S&D Polish Deli 
2204 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-2906
www.sdpolishdeli.com

Ethnic markets play a major role in the cultural and culinary make-up of Pittsburgh. And when it comes to authentic Italian markets, few places are as beloved as S&D Polish Deli. Offering the best pierogies, kielbasa, borscht and potato pancakes, if you didn't know better, you'd think you were in the Olde Country.

Tessaro's
4601 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 682-6809
www.tessaros.com

Tessaro's American Bar and Hardwood Grill is the quintessential "burger and a beer" joint with a heavy emphasis on taste. Anyone that has driven through the Bloomfield region of Pittsburgh with the windows open, or strolled along its streets in the afternoon, has been subliminally subjected to the "Pavlov's dog" phenomenon that permeates the air when the burgers are grilling in the Tessaro's kitchen. Like ringing a bell, it calls to anyone that appreciates a truly great burger to step inside. Whet your appetite with a pint at the bar and then prepare yourself for a little slice of heaven on a bun.

Related: Best Food Trucks in Pittsburgh

Groceria Italiana
237 Cedarville St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 681-1227
www.groceriaitaliana.com

This small, "authentic" Italian market is located, appropriately enough, right in the heart of Pittsburgh's Little Italy section of town in Bloomfield. A visit to its website, which is under construction and has been for a while now, still provides the essentials of the address and phone number. You have to step inside to appreciate what makes Groceria Italiana so special and well-loved in Pittsburgh. To find the best ravioli, meatballs, lasagna and baked goods, you need look no further.

Related: Pittsburgh's Best Ethnic Grocery Stores

Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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