Best Restaurants For A Pre-Theater Dinner In Pittsburgh

If you're in the Cultural District for a show you might want to grab a bite to eat as well! There are a lot of places to choose from that offer a wide-variety of cuisine. Here's a list of some of the best of the bunch! Enjoy!

Lemon Grass Cafe

124 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 765-2222

Lemon Grass Cafe On Sixth Street is located near the the Byham Theater. One KDKA staffer called it, "Downtown's best kept secret." Another said it was "authentic Cambodian in the middle of the theater district." Diners say the portions are massive and their Thai iced tea is a real treat. Outdoor dining is available during warmer months, or you can eat inside where you will find tables with white tablecloths and Cambodian art on the walls. Spring rolls, fish cakes, and a variety of skewers grace their appetizer menu. You might also want to try their namesake soup for $2.95. Entrees are all under $15 and they also offer a wide selection of Cambodian desserts.

Six Penn Kitchen

146 6th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 566-7366
www.sixpennkitchen.com

Six Penn Kitchen is located in the heart of the Cultural District. They say their goal is to provide a neighborhood bistro that focuses on relaxed but attentive service and expertly prepared food. "The staff knows how to get you in and out so you can make your show – without making you feel rushed," said one reviewer. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner. Appetizers range in price from $8-$12. Entrees can run up to $28, or try their daily prix fixe features, which include an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $34. They use local farmers for their ingredients, which makes the meal feel extra fresh.

Tambellini's

Next to the Benedum Theater
139 7th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 391-1091
www.eatzucchini.com

Tambellini's is a staple in Pittsburgh dining. Their downtown location is next to the Benedum Theater. "They know how to get you to the show on time!" said one KDKA staffer. Tambellini's has been in business for over 50 years. Their legendary zucchini appetizer is the standard against which all other dishes are measured. You can also indulge on a wide variety of pastas and seafood dishes. This is real Italian food that will fill you up before any show.

Capitol Grille

301 5th Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 338-9100
www.thecapitalgrille.com

When you are looking for the perfect place to be wined and dined, The Capitol Grille is sure to fit the ticket. This upscale steakhouse is worth a special trip. Start at the bar with drinks, before making your way to the dining room. You can order filet in a seemingly endless variety of meals. If you would rather go for a surf option, there is lobster, swordfish, salmon, tuna, and crab stuffed shrimp on the menu. It will be hard, but make sure you leave room for desserts like cheesecake, coconut cream pie, or the flourless chocolate espresso cake.

The Original Oyster House

20 Market Sq.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1822
(412) 566-7925
www.originaloysterhousepittsburgh.com

The Original Oyster House, located in a corner of Market Square, has Pittsburgh written all over it. If you want something quick, casual, and tasty, this is the place to go before a show. Staffers here say, "It is so easy to grab a bite to eat at the Oyster House, then head over to Heinz Hall or the Benedum for the CLO. It's also a great place to walk around before the show. The clam chowder might just be the best in town!" The restaurant has been around since 1870, and is even listed as a Historic Landmark. It is Pittsburgh's oldest bar and restaurant and it has been graced by politicians, sports figures, entertainers, and hundreds of thousands of other customers. Their fish sandwiches are enormous and require a special bun. The movie industry even loves this place and has shot 25 films at the location.