Restaurants in Pittsburgh: Key Takeaways
- Pittsburgh has approximately 506 restaurants distributed across multiple neighborhoods and suburbs.
- Full-service restaurants are the most prevalent, with about 300 establishments serving sit-down dining experiences.
- Pizza and Traditional American cuisines are highly popular, featuring more than 800 and 600 venues respectively, based on food type listings.
Pittsburgh's dining scene features about 506 restaurants citywide. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown by area, category, and cuisine, while discussing why exact restaurant numbers can vary.
Explore the restaurant distribution in Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and types such as full-service and fast food, along with diverse cuisines from Pizza to Japanese reflecting its vibrant culinary atmosphere.
If you’re exploring restaurant operations or considering opening a venue in the city, understanding Pittsburgh restaurant owner responsibilities is essential for long-term success.
Restaurants in Pittsburgh: Key Takeaways- Breakdown of Restaurants in Pittsburgh by Area
- Breakdown of Restaurants in Pittsburgh by Category
- Breakdown of Restaurants in Pittsburgh by Cuisine
- Official Pittsburgh Records and Registered Restaurant Businesses
- Restaurants in Pittsburgh Listed on Google and Other Online Platforms
- Why Restaurant Counts in Pittsburgh Vary and Conclusion
Breakdown of Restaurants in Pittsburgh by Area
Here is a detailed view of Pittsburgh's restaurant counts by key neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.
| Area | Number of Restaurants |
|---|---|
| Downtown | 100 |
| Strip District | 24 |
| South Side | 34 |
| Squirrel Hill | 26 |
| Lawrenceville | 19 |
| Shadyside | 30 |
| Bloomfield | 16 |
| East Liberty | 15 |
| Upper St. Clair | 4 |
| Monroeville | 15 |
| Mount Lebanon | 12 |
| Sewickley | 12 |
| Bethel Park | 1 |
| Oakmont | 5 |
| Oakdale | 1 |
| Robinson Township | 3 |
| Ross | 8 |
| West View | 4 |
| Wexford | 10 |
| Whitehall | 1 |
| Wilkinsburg | 3 |
| Wilmerding | 6 |
| Cranberry Township | 47 |
| Murrysville | 26 |
| Pittston | 26 |
| Carnot-Moon | 25 |
| Stroudsburg | 25 |
| Dickson City | 24 |
| Indiana | 24 |
| Greensburg | 22 |
| Sandy | 22 |
| Washington | 22 |
| Shamokin | 21 |
| Shippensburg | 21 |
Downtown Pittsburgh leads as the busiest area with 100 restaurants, showcasing a centrally concentrated food scene. Cranberry Township follows as the most active suburb with 47 establishments.
Neighborhoods like South Side, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill each have between 26 to 34 venues, reflecting their importance in Pittsburgh’s local culinary fabric across diverse communities.
For those managing food venues in such high-traffic areas, our guide on ways to increase restaurant revenue can provide actionable strategies to maximize business potential.
Breakdown of Restaurants in Pittsburgh by Category
Next, an overview of Pittsburgh's restaurants based on their operational style or service type.
| Category | Approximate Count |
|---|---|
| Full-Service Restaurants | 300 |
| Fast Food and Quick-Service Restaurants | 100 |
| Cafes and Coffee Shops | 50 |
| Bars and Pubs | 30 |
| Food Trucks and Street Food Vendors | 10 |
| Pop-up Restaurants | 5 |
| Ghost Kitchens and Virtual Restaurants | 5 |
Full-service restaurants dominate Pittsburgh’s dining options with about 300 venues, supporting a rich variety of sit-down meals and varied menus. Fast food and quick-service outlets also hold a sizeable share with 100 restaurants.
The city’s vibrant culinary scene is further enriched by cafes, bars, and modern concepts like pop-ups and ghost kitchens which cater to evolving consumer tastes.
If you're looking to staff your venue, check out our actionable resources on how to find the best staff for your restaurant and how to hire restaurant staff fast.
Breakdown of Restaurants in Pittsburgh by Cuisine
The following table summarizes Pittsburgh’s food establishments by cuisine type.
| Cuisine | Approximate Number |
|---|---|
| Pizza | 866 |
| Traditional American | 609 |
| Burgers | 466 |
| Italian | 349 |
| New American | 253 |
| Mexican | 245 |
| Chinese | 207 |
| Seafood | 154 |
| Barbecue | 110 |
| Japanese | 92 |
| Thai | 60 |
| Indian | 51 |
| Mediterranean | 75 |
| Korean | 19 |
| Vietnamese | 16 |
| Greek | 38 |
| Cuban | 3 |
Pizza emerges as an extraordinarily popular cuisine with about 866 listings, followed by Traditional American dishes with 609 restaurants. Italian and burger venues are significant players as well.
Pittsburgh’s culinary diversity extends with vibrant Mexican, Chinese, seafood, and more specialized cuisines including Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean, and even Cuban restaurants, reflecting a cosmopolitan flavor.
For those seeking to specialize, it is important to understand the restaurant manager job description and role in guiding teams to successfully run diverse kitchen concepts and menus.
Official Pittsburgh Records and Registered Restaurant Businesses
The City of Pittsburgh maintains official records of food establishments through its health department and business registrations, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
These data represent the most reliable source of counted and licensed restaurants, reflecting venues legally operating and registered within the city’s jurisdiction.
For a breakdown of the different restaurant positions and descriptions, check out our comprehensive resource on staff roles in the hospitality industry.
Restaurants in Pittsburgh Listed on Google and Other Online Platforms
Online platforms such as Google Maps show actively operating and publicly listed restaurants in Pittsburgh. These listings may differ from official counts due to user contributions and business status updates.
The dynamic nature of listings means some restaurants may be omitted or newly included, causing fluctuations between digital platform data and government records.
Managers and owners who want to streamline roles for efficiency may want to review the server job description for best practices in staffing and defining front-of-house duties.
Why Restaurant Counts in Pittsburgh Vary and Conclusion
The variation in reported restaurant numbers in Pittsburgh arises from differing methodologies, source definitions, and timing of data collection.
Ultimately, Pittsburgh’s food scene is a dynamic and evolving ecosystem with over 500 venues, showcasing a rich and diverse culinary landscape that continues to grow.
If you’re interested in insightful analysis on restaurant industry trends and how they impact cities like Pittsburgh, visit our spotlight resources for up-to-date guidance.
