HUNGRY GRL HITLIST

By Jessica Iacullo

Does anyone remember the days of making mix CDs for friends and you could only fit about 10-12 songs on each one? Or how you could pick and choose your top 10 friends on Myspace? If I’m not dating myself, do you remember how hard it was to pick those top, select songs or people that your friends would choose to bop to per your creation, or members of the interwebs would be able to see?

Now, picture doing the same for your top 10 favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh… the struggle is absolutely real. And especially for Pittsburgh, 2019 was a year of innovation, creation, and pushing the envelope on new concepts and making them successful. Plus, not being a native Pittsburgher myself, I definitely had my work cut out for me in 2019 making sure I tried all of the city’s staples, yet stayed on top on what was new and hot.

With that being said, I’ve sat down and created my own list of what stood out to me in 2019, from new Jazz spots bringing music and ethnic cuisine to Shady Side’s forefront to my go-to spot for all things Thai, whether I’m looking for a cozy night out with friends or rolling up in sweats for takeout.

CON ALMA With live jazz music 6 nights a week, this newer spot features a Latin cuisine with Japenese influence, a delectable cocktail program, and candle-lit seating. My favorite dish is the patatas.

Where: Shadyside, 5884 Ellsworth Avenue Cuisine: Latin American Vibe: Live music, vinyl happy hour, speakeasy-like Social: @conalmapgh

POULET BLEU Though securing a reservation needs to be done in advance, the experience is well worth it. I suggest dining at the Chef’s counter and splitting everything, from the Bistro Burger to the infamous soufleé. Plus, you can’t skip the French onion soup.

Where: Lawrenceville, 3517 Butler Street Cuisine: French Vibe: Downstairs dining offers feelings like you’re in a kitchen in France, with the upstairs vibe shifting to heavy Tiki and tropical feels. Social: @pouletbleupgh

KELLY O’S Moving from New Jersey to Pittsburgh meant that I had to find a go-to breakfast spot for all of my needs, from the morning after a night out to just craving an omelette the size of my head. Lucky for me, it didn’t take me long to discover Kelly O’s and their homemade raisin bread.

Where: Strip District, 100 24th Street Cuisine: Diner, breakfast Vibe: Everything Pittsburgh, diner, good for a hangover or being hangry Social: kellyosdinerpgh

BENNY FIERRO’S To me, there are two types of pizza in Pittsburgh: artisan and sit-down versus by the slice and onthe-go. Benny’s is one of those places where I go after a night out or when I’m missing a greasy, iconic Jersey slice of pizza. Plus, these are about the size of your head.

Where: South Side, 1906 East Carson Cuisine: Pizza Vibe: Pizza with ranch, open until 3 AM on the weekends Social: @bennyfierros

SMILING BANANA LEAF Though I have a long list of Thai favorites, Smiling Banana Leaf takes the cake. If I had to pick only one soup to survive on during a Pittsburgh winter, their wonton soup would be the one.

Where: Highland Park, 5901 Bryant Street Cuisine: Thai Vibe: Quick takeout, small and eccentric dining area Social: N/A

PEAR AND THE PICKLE The steep hill that is also known as Rialto Street you have to take to get there is 1000% worth it. The homelike feel and decor provides the ideal atmosphere for an egg sandwich with friends (or even a breakfast date, trust me). They hands-down make one of the best breakfast sandwiches in the city.

Where: Troy Hill, 1800 Rialto Street Cuisine: Cafe, emphasis on sandwiches Vibe: Country-home, cozy Social: @pearandpickle

TWO SISTERS The sister restaurant of Banh Mi & Ti, these sisters are serving up all different kinds of pho, from traditional to vegetarian. Plus, their summer rolls are some of the best ever, alongside their Vietnamese iced coffee.

Where: East Liberty, 216 N Highland Ave Cuisine: Vietnamese Vibe: Sitdown or takeout, casual and friendly Social: @twosisters_pgh

Where: South Side, 2717 Sarah Street Cuisine: Coffee, Café Vibe: Great to do work in, outdoor space too Social: @bigdogcoffeeshop

BIG DOG COFFEE Whenever my car can be spotted in the South Side (which is often), it’s usually parked right outside of Big Dog. I’ve debated a move to SS just for this reason, and to sit in front of the fireplace in the winter with a giant cappuccino.

MEDITERRA CAFÉ I can’t make the trip here without ordering at least one sandwich, a slice of pizza, and baked goods to go, this is the definition of a place where you truly want to try it all. This family owned and run business brings smiles and amazing eats to those from the area and those that travel just for their pastrami sandwich (AKA me).

Where: Sewickley, 430 Beaver Street Cuisine: Café Vibe: Open & brightly lit, with homemade pizza and soup specials every day Social: @mediterracafe

DIANOIA’S EATERY I think most people would be surprised if DiAnoia’s wasn’t on my 2019 recap list, considering I essentially live here. I mean let’s be real, this spot has everything I need: great coffee, alcohol, and carbs in every size shape and form. Plus, do not sleep on their Sunday brunch.

Where: Strip District, 2549 Penn Ave Cuisine: Classic Italian with a modern twist Vibe: Fun, good for a date night, breakfast meeting, or lunch with friends Social: @dianoiaseatery