The Pittsburgh restaurant scene is a little different than most cities. In many neighborhoods, they can be difficult to find and are often patronized mainly by locals. The hills and rivers make the roads tricky. So, if you're from out of town your best bet is to call for directions, fire up Google Maps, or take a taxi.

Each district has its unique restaurants, but the main districts for eating are Mount Washington, the Strip District, South Side and, of course Downtown.

Listed below are some especially interesting Pittsburgh restaurants. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh provides a comprehensive list of restaurants as well as references to reviews and comment.

 • Primanti Brothers, 46 18th Street in the strip district, which is open 24 hours, 412-263-2142, and numerous other locations around town (not all are open 24 hours). This restaurant is different; they serve famous sandwiches with the french fries and coleslaw right in the bun with whatever else you order: deli meat, hot sausage, meatballs, and ... you get the idea. They have a bar too of course. It was founded in 1934 to serve the truckers that brought vegetables to the Strip District. They now have numerous other locations around the city as well. $8 (sandwich and a soft drink).

 • Le Pommier 2104 E. Carson Street, 412-431-1901. Authentic Country French menu. Located on East Carson street in the South Side. Here is a Review from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review newspaper.

 • Louis Tambellini Restaurant  860 Saw Mill Run Blvd (Rt. 51) Pittsburgh, PA 15226. Phone: 412-481-1118. A large, classic seafood and meat restaurant in the "Italian-American" manner. Open for lunch and dinner except on Sunday. This gem is a favorite of the local "over 40" crowd. No rock and roll here, just excellent food and a good wine cellar.

 • Mallorca  East Carson street at 22nd street. Phone: 412-488-1818. From Downtown you can take the 22nd street bridge south across the Monongahela river and you will run right into it. This restaurant specializes in authentic Spanish and Portuguese food, lots of seafood dishes but also very large steaks and chops. Hope you like garlic. In pleasant weather you can be seated outside on the terrace. It has possibly the best wait staff of any restaurant in Pittsburgh.

 • Orient Kitchen 4808 Baum Boulevard. Phone: (412) 683-3300. A popular restaurant among Pittsburgh's college students and Asian-American community.

 • Eat 'n Park  1816 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill (412-422-7203) and various locations around town. Family-friendly local chain. Fair prices, friendly service, and their trademark smiley cookie. Many only eat here when they have to (i.e. After the Bars close) but others eat here by choice.

 • The Grand Concourse in Station Square on the South Side. Site of the former train station hosts a huge Sunday brunch and a beautiful view of the city.

 • Gullifty's Restaurant  1922 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill; (412) 521-8222. A varied menu and Pittsburgh's Best Desserts 22 years running.