Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Pittsburgh has plenty of romantic restaurants to make your night unforgettable. Whether you’re after stunning views, cozy vibes, or fine dining, there’s something for every couple. Here’s our list of the best spots for a memorable Valentine’s dinner!
Fine Dining with a View
Altius
Budget: $$$ | Mount Washington
Perched atop Mount Washington, this award-winning restaurant provides an upscale dining experience with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pittsburgh skyline, making it an ideal spot for a romantic night out.
Altius is known for its contemporary American cuisine, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that elevate classic dishes to new heights. From perfectly seared steaks to innovative seafood creations, every dish is artfully presented and packed with flavor. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for toasting to your love.
Be sure to request a window seat when making your reservation to enjoy the best views of the city lights twinkling below. It is a popular spot, especially on Valentine’s Day, so be sure to book well in advance to secure your ideal table.
The Twisted Frenchman
Budget: $$$ | East Liberty
Located in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood, this upscale restaurant is known for its innovative take on classic French dishes, blending traditional techniques with bold, contemporary flavors.
Dining here is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The restaurant offers carefully curated tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients and showcase the chef’s culinary artistry. Each course is exquisitely plated, making every dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate. From delicate seafood to expertly prepared meats, every bite is crafted with precision and elegance.
For a truly unforgettable experience, opt for the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which offers multiple courses paired with expertly selected wines. This option allows you and your partner to savor a variety of flavors while enjoying an intimate and leisurely dining experience.
Don't forget to specify any dietary needs when making your reservation, as the team is pleased to accommodate special requests.
Le Mont
Budget: $$$ | Mount Washington
Situated on Mount Washington, this fine-dining institution has been a go-to for special occasions for decades, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers.
Le Mont offers refined American and Continental dishes, showcasing skillfully crafted steaks, fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts. Renowned for its classic elegance, the restaurant features white tablecloth service, tasteful décor, and live piano music, setting a romantic and sophisticated mood.
Request a window seat to fully enjoy the breathtaking city views, particularly when the skyline illuminates in the evening.
Vallozzi's Pittsburgh
Budget: $$$ | Downtown Pittsburgh
Located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, Vallozzi’s offers a refined yet inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends traditional Italian flavors with a modern touch.
Their menu is a love letter to authentic Italian cuisine, featuring handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an impressive selection of meats and seafood. Signature dishes, such as the house-made gnocchi or the decadent burrata, are prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients that transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Pair your meal with a glass from their extensive wine list, which includes a carefully curated selection of Italian and domestic wines to complement each dish.
For an especially intimate experience, consider booking a table in their cozy wine room, where you can enjoy a more private and romantic setting. And don’t skip dessert—their house-made cannoli and tiramisu are the perfect sweet ending to a perfect evening.
Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Budget: $$$ | Mount Washington
This upscale restaurant offers sweeping panoramic views of Pittsburgh’s skyline, providing an unforgettable backdrop for a romantic evening.
Monterey Bay is renowned for its expertly prepared seafood dishes, flown in daily to ensure the highest quality and freshness. The menu features a variety of options, from delicate scallops and tender lobster tail to their signature Chilean sea bass, all prepared with thoughtful seasonings and elegant presentations. For those who prefer something beyond seafood, their land-based dishes, such as the filet mignon, are just as impressive.
To make your evening even more special, arrive a bit early to enjoy a cocktail in the restaurant's lounge, where you can take in the spectacular sunset over the city before sitting down for dinner. Also, be sure to ask about their seasonal specialties, as the chef often introduces new dishes inspired by the freshest ingredients available.
Spork
Budget: $$$ | Garfield
Nestled in Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood, this trendy yet intimate restaurant offers an inventive take on American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship.
What sets Spork apart is its commitment to in-house preparation—everything from the bread to the pasta is made from scratch, ensuring each dish is bursting with flavor and originality. The menu changes seasonally, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Popular dishes include their house-made pastas, expertly cooked proteins, and creative small plates that are perfect for sharing.
Spork’s cocktail program is just as impressive as its food, featuring handcrafted drinks made with house-infused spirits and unique flavor combinations. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails to complement your meal, and if you're a whiskey enthusiast, their extensive collection is worth exploring.
Cozy & Intimate Spots
Girasole
Budget: $$ | Shadyside
This family-owned trattoria offers a rustic yet elegant dining experience, with exposed brick walls, candlelit tables, and an ambiance that transports you straight to the Italian countryside.
Girasole’s menu is a celebration of classic Italian flavors, featuring homemade pasta dishes, rich risottos, and fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring each plate to life. Their signature dishes, such as the spinach and ricotta ravioli or the seafood linguine, are beautifully prepared and perfectly portioned for sharing. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wines, with a focus on Italian varietals that pair seamlessly with their dishes.
Due to Girasole’s cozy atmosphere and limited seating, it’s a good idea to make a reservation well in advance—especially for Valentine’s Day. If you're planning a surprise, let the staff know; they’re known for their personalized service and can help make the night extra special.
Pusadee's Garden
Budget: $$ | Lawrenceville
This beloved restaurant is renowned for its artfully presented dishes and lush garden courtyard, creating an intimate and unforgettable dining experience.
Pusadee’s Garden serves an elevated take on traditional Thai flavors, with dishes that balance bold spices, fresh herbs, and authentic ingredients. Their menu features a variety of options, from fragrant curries and perfectly grilled meats to delicate noodle dishes, all crafted with precision and care. Popular favorites include the tender short rib panang curry and the flavorful pad see ew, both of which highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity.
If the weather permits, request a seat in the restaurant’s stunning outdoor garden—it’s a beautifully lit oasis that adds a magical touch to your evening. Since Pusadee’s Garden is a sought-after spot, especially for special occasions, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table for your romantic night out.
Lola Bistro
Budget: $$ | North Side
Tucked away in Pittsburgh’s North Side, this locally loved gem is known for its creative fusion of global flavors with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Lola Bistro’s menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes that highlight the chef’s artistic approach to comfort food with an upscale twist. From beautifully plated seafood entrées to hearty, flavor-packed meat dishes, every bite is thoughtfully prepared. Their house-made pastas and expertly curated charcuterie boards are perfect for sharing, making it an ideal spot for a romantic night out.
Since Lola Bistro is a smaller, intimate space, securing a reservation in advance is key, especially for Valentine’s Day. For an extra special touch, ask about their tasting menu or chef’s specials, which often feature exclusive dishes not listed on the regular menu.
Café Du Jour
Budget: $$ | South Side
This charming, European-inspired bistro offers a cozy and romantic ambiance, perfect for a quiet evening with your loved one.
What makes Café Du Jour truly special is its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple yet elegant dishes. The menu features a blend of French and Mediterranean influences, with thoughtfully crafted options such as seared duck breast, fresh seafood, and beautifully composed vegetarian dishes. Each plate is designed with precision and care, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
One of the highlights of Café Du Jour is its enchanting outdoor garden patio. If the weather is mild or if you're willing to bundle up, dining outside under the twinkling lights adds an extra touch of romance to your meal. Since the restaurant has a small, intimate setting, making a reservation ahead of time is highly recommended—especially for Valentine’s Day.
APTEKA
Budget: $ - $$ | Bloomfield
Apteka, situated in Pittsburgh's Bloomfield area, is a contemporary, plant-based eatery that brings a fresh perspective to vegan dining. Its distinctiveness lies in its imaginative, artistic presentations and robust flavors that even appeal to non-vegans. For those unfamiliar with Apteka, it merges Eastern European and global influences, creating dishes that are both unexpected and delightful.
The ambiance is trendy and intimate, with a minimalistic yet stylish decor that’s perfect for a romantic night out. Their cocktail menu is equally impressive, with expertly crafted drinks that complement the food beautifully.
One tip for a memorable evening is to try the chef's tasting menu – it allows you to sample a variety of their best dishes, making it a great way to experience all that Apteka has to offer in one sitting.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially around Valentine's Day, as this popular spot tends to fill up quickly.
Trendy & Fun Spots
Sienna Mercato - II Tetto
Budget: $$ | Downtown Pittsburgh
This is a lively and vibrant spot known for its Italian-inspired cuisine, with a special focus on pizzas, pastas, and craft cocktails. The outdoor seating area, featuring cozy fire pits, is perfect for a romantic evening under the stars.
For Valentine's Day, the setting is ideal for couples looking for a chic yet relaxed atmosphere. One of the highlights is the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails while taking in the panoramic view of Pittsburgh’s downtown.
The service here is known for being attentive and friendly, ensuring that you feel welcomed and taken care of throughout your meal. If you're planning a Valentine's Day dinner, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time, as II Tetto is a popular spot, especially during the colder months when the indoor seating fills up quickly.
Meat & Potatoes
Budget: $$ | Downtown Pittsburgh
As the name suggests, the restaurant takes comfort food to the next level, focusing on high-quality meats and hearty, flavorful dishes. With a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy yet sophisticated Valentine's Day dinner.
What sets Meat & Potatoes apart is its inventive twist on classic dishes. For example, their "Potato Chip Crusted Chicken" or "Braised Short Ribs" offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that you might not find at other restaurants. The menu is thoughtfully designed, blending comfort with fine dining in a way that surprises and delights.
A great tip when visiting for a special occasion is to start with one of their craft cocktails, which are creatively named and beautifully presented. If you're a fan of rich, savory dishes, be sure to try one of their steaks or seafood options—both are cooked to perfection and known to be crowd favorites.
Interactive Dining
The Melting Pot
Budget: $$$ | Station Square
The Melting Pot is a fondue-style restaurant located in Pittsburgh's South Side, offering a fun, interactive dining experience that’s perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. The concept is simple: you dip various foods into melted cheese, chocolate, or broth, making each bite customizable and delicious. It’s an experience that encourages conversation and connection, making it ideal for couples looking for something beyond the typical dinner.
One of the highlights of dining at The Melting Pot is the fondue options. They have a wide selection of cheeses, including classic Swiss fondue, as well as decadent chocolate fondues for dessert. Their "Big Night Out" four-course dinner is a great choice if you want to sample everything the restaurant has to offer, from cheese fondue to a variety of meats and seafood, and finishing off with rich chocolate fondue for dessert.
Be sure to ask for a private booth if available—these offer a more intimate setting, making your evening feel even more special. Also, for a memorable touch, the restaurant can even add a personalized message or special decorations for special occasions, like Valentine’s Day.
Farm-to-Table and Locally Sourced
Whitfield
Budget: $$ | East Liberty
Known for its seasonal dishes and upscale ambiance, it’s a great choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. The restaurant features a stylish yet cozy atmosphere with a mix of contemporary design and vintage touches, making it perfect for couples seeking both intimacy and sophistication.
What sets Whitfield apart is its focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes. Their menu changes seasonally, offering a unique experience each time you visit. A standout feature is their wood-fired meats, which bring a smoky depth of flavor to their dishes. One of the must-tries is their "Roast Chicken"—cooked to perfection and full of flavor, it’s a crowd favorite.
A personal tip for a special Valentine’s Day experience: Whitfield offers a fantastic cocktail menu, so be sure to try one of their signature drinks or ask the bartender for a personalized recommendation based on your preferences. If you're a wine lover, their wine list is carefully curated to complement their food offerings, with plenty of excellent options for pairing.
Casbah
Budget: $$ - $$$ | Shadyside
Casbah, situated in Pittsburgh's Shadyside area, is a Mediterranean-inspired eatery celebrated for its elegant yet welcoming ambiance and emphasis on fresh, premium ingredients. It's an ideal choice for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, providing a sophisticated environment with candlelit tables, warm wooden accents, and an intimate atmosphere that feels both cozy and upscale.
The menu at Casbah features Mediterranean and North African-inspired dishes, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vibrant vegetable dishes. The flavors are bold yet balanced, with plenty of options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. One standout dish is their "Grilled Lamb Chops," which is a customer favorite for its tenderness and rich flavor. The wood-fired oven adds a unique depth of flavor to many of their dishes, from the seafood to the flatbreads.
A personal tip for an extra special experience: don’t miss their wine list, which is thoughtfully curated to pair perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors. You can even ask the knowledgeable staff for a wine recommendation if you’re unsure about what to choose.
Final Thoughts
Choose the experience that matches your style, and ensure your Valentine’s Day in Pittsburgh is truly memorable!
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