Although sometimes difficult to get in, the 17th Street Cafe is worth the wait. This small restaurant serves a variety of entrees at a reasonable price. If possible, you should get a seat in the backroom as it is more romantic and usually less smokey.

1902 Landmark Tavern -- Market Square/Downtown -- 471-1902
Find excellent food and a nice atmosphere in this turn of the century establishment offering American style food. This is an excellent choice for those who enjoy meat and potatoes as opposed to the lighter dinners often found at nicer restaurants.

The Balcony -- Walnut Street/Shadyside -- 687-0110
Enjoy excellent food while listening to live jazz musicians. Check out the Thursday special, two entrees, salads and an appetizer for the price of one meal.

Cafe Azure -- Craig Street/Oakland -- 681-3533
Fine dining and excellent service, but don't go there hungry as the portions are small. Mostly French cuisine, everything I've had there has been good.

The Carlton -- Mellon Bank Center/Downtown -- 391-4099
The best fine dining restaurant downtown. Portions are moderate to large and always excellent. They offer complimentary parking and limousine service to all Benedum Center and Heinz Hall performances. You can't go wrong here.

Christopher's -- Grandview Avenue/Mt. Washington -- 381-4500
Christopher's features an excellent view of downtown Pittsburgh from atop Mt. Washington matched by excellent food and First-class service. Check the Pirates schedule for games followed by fireworks and watch them from above!

Cross Keys Inn -- Dorsyville Road/Fox Chapel -- 963-8717
My favorite restaurant in the Pittsburgh area. Located in an old Inn from the 19th century, each dining area named after the original intent of the room. Cross Keys offers a wide range of superb cuisine. You can't go wrong here!

Froggy's -- Market Street/Downtown -- 471-3764
A great place for seafood and steaks. Slightly noisy, but the food is excellent. If you like seafood try the 1-lb of Cajun shrimp or the surf-n-turf lobster and steak combo.

Jamie's on the Square -- Market Square/Downtown -- 471-1722
Good dining at a reasonable price can be found at Jamie's on the Square. They serve mostly Italian and American dishes.

Kiku's -- Station Square/Downtown -- 765-3200
All you can eat sushi on the first and third Tuesday of the month, reservations required.

Mama Pina's Pizza -- Market Square/Downtown -- 562-0725
Serving great pizza in the downtown area. Try the Four Seasons or Mushroom, Spinach and Tomato white pizza, my personal favorites.

Papa J's -- East Mall Plaza/Carnegie -- 279-7272
Looking for great Italian food? Try the Papa J's in Carnegie, my favorite location, or their location Downtown. For a different atmosphere and style of dining, check out the Papa J's Mercato in the Strip District.

Pido's Pub -- Ravin Street/Homestead -- 461-9540
Pido's is a friendly neighborhood bar, nothing fancy, and offers a variety of food. Try their garlic wings!

Top of the Triangle -- USX Tower/Downtown -- 471-4100
Located 62 floors above downtown, Top of the Triangle offers a spectacular view and wonderful assortment of food. The food may not be as good as some of the other fine dining restaurants in Pittsburgh, but the view all but makes up for that.