19 Best Places To Host a Birthday Dinner in Pittsburgh in 2024
When you imagine popular foodie cities to plan a birthday vacation or host a birthday dinner, Pittsburgh may not be the first city that comes to mind. However, this bustling metropolis boasts dozens of delicious destinations. While the city is largely known for its industrial contributions, Pittsburgh’s culinary scene has boomed recently, earning a place on the map as a foodie destination.
You might be wondering, where is the best place to host a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh? If you’re eager to celebrate another year of life, the Steel City is a great place to be! Now is your turn to find the most delicious, exciting and elegant places to host a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
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19 Best Birthday Restaurants in Pittsburgh
1. Ritual House
Opened in 2023, Ritual House is an upscale modern restaurant located within the Union Trust Building in downtown Pittsburg. Ritual House takes inspiration from culinary flavors worldwide, bringing them together to offer a one-of-a-kind birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
This restaurant sets the perfect mood for a classy yet fun birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, with crystal chandeliers, funky monkey wallpaper and plush upholstered seating fit for a birthday king or queen. Ritual House has a flexible business casual dress code.
What to Order
Start with an order of warm fig & prosciutto flatbread while you sip on a colorful cocktail, then dig into their popular sous vide beef short rib with burgundy wine demi, pearl onions, carrots and Parmesan grits.
Ritual House | 524 William Penn Pl., Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | $$$
2. Alla Famiglia
Guided by traditional family recipes that span back generations, Alla Famiglia is one of the most prestigious and highly praised restaurants in Pittsburgh. If you want to enjoy a top-notch Italian birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, this is the place to be.
The Vibe
Alla Famiglia has a dim, moody, romantic atmosphere with white tablecloths and an elegant full bar. The dress code here is business casual, with most people preferring to wear classy yet subtle attire.
What to Order
Awaken your palate with an order of flash-fried calamari or oysters on the half shell, then treat yourself to their delicious seafood Diavola, paired with a wine recommended by your server.
Alla Famiglia | 804 E. Warrington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15210 | $$$$
3. Altius
A second culinary venture led by B DeFrancis and Chef Jessica Bauer, Altius is a AAA four-diamond rated restaurant serving a classic upscale dinner menu. Their dishes focus on wholesome and locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a healthy birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
Located within the Georgetown Inn, Altius provides the ultimate elevated dinner with a panoramic view of the city, perfect for hosting an elegant birthday dinner in Pittsburgh. Business casual attire at a minimum is required here.
What to Order
Treat the table to an artisanal charcuterie board before savoring a decadent entrée like the Australian lamb rack. If you’re feeling extra fancy, check out the luxurious caviar options too.
Altius | 1230 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211 | $$$$
4. Spork
While the name might have casual connotations, Spork is leagues above your standard greasy spoon, presenting a relaxed and unique place to host a classy birthday dinner in Pittsburgh. If you’re looking for a tapas-style birthday this place has you covered with incredible cocktails and share-worthy plates.
The Vibe
Spork has a deep, moody and slightly masculine atmosphere with leather upholstery, dark wood walls and an impressive full bar. Don´t worry,t it remains casual enough to ensure laughs are plentiful during your special birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
What to Order
Everything here is amazingly scrumptious – and photogenic – but some stand-out options include the crispy octopus with charred corn esquites, the duck confit with spiced mango ponzu or the forest mushroom ravioli.
Spork | 5430 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 | $$$
5. Texas de Brazil
A treat brought to Pittsburgh from down south, Texas de Brazil has multiple locations throughout the United States, but this meat-centric chain restaurant is still easily one of the best places for a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
With plenty of tables, a full bar and super fast and friendly service, Texas de Brazil is a casual restaurant perfect for hosting families or large groups of meat-lovers for a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
What to Order
It can be hard to choose between all the mouthwatering meats on the menu here, but you truly can’t go wrong with their popular New York strip or picanha, dripping from the skewer and sliced at your table.
Texas de Brazil | 240 West Station Sq. Drive, Ste. D1, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | $$$
6. Fig & Ash
Located in Pittsburgh’s Deutschtown neighborhood, Fig & Ash focuses on premium, wholesome comfort foods, which they cook over an authentic, custom-built wood-fired oven that sits at the heart of their building.
The Vibe
If you’re dreaming of a cozy, heartwarming birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, Fig & Ash will help your group feel right at home in their dining area filled with comfortable wood tables, live plants and a heated outdoor patio.
What to Order
Fig & Ash keeps it simple with seasonally conscious homestyle classics, so dig into the tender short rib & pork belly meatloaf or the share-worthy fettuccine alfredo. Add a tasty craft cocktail to make your birthday dinner in Pittsburgh unforgettable.
Fig & Ash | 514 E. Ohio St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 | $$$
7. Monterrey Bay Fish Grotto
Another great place for a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh with stunning city views is Monterrey Bay Fish Grotto, located in Duquesne Heights near the banks of the Ohio River. If you are seeking fresh, delicious seafood and a gorgeous vibe, this is one of the best birthday restaurants Pittsburgh has to offer.
The Vibe
With jaw-dropping window views of the city below, Monterrey Bay Fish Grotto’s vibe is unmatched, especially if you’re looking for an evening venue to host your birthday dinner in Pittsburgh to enjoy the city lights. The dress code here is business casual.
What to Order
Start with delicious heirloom tomato burrata, then try their popular and decadent Monterrey Bay crab cakes. Top off this incredible birthday dinner in Pittsburgh with an angel food grilled cheese sandwich dessert.
Monterrey Bay Fish Grotto | 1411 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15211 | $$$$
8. Cioppino Seafood and Steakhouse
For a classic birthday dinner in Pittsburgh’s lively Strip District, head to Cioppino Seafood and Steakhouse. With great menu specials, this hidden gem has been serving delicious steaks and seafood for over a decade, frequently hosting live music nights.
The Vibe
Cioppino Seafood and Steakhouse is a great place to enjoy a calming and romantic birthday dinner in Pittsburgh thanks to its plush upholstered seating, cozy wood surfaces and decadent cigar bar.
What to Order
Keep things light with a creamy lobster bisque or bleu cheese wedge salad, or go all-out and enjoy the rack of lamb served with crispy layered potatoes, green beans and a sherry reduction (it’s a birthday dinner, after all!).
Cioppino Seafood and Steakhouse | 2350 Railroad St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | $$$
9. Senti Restaurant
Located in Lower Lawrenceville, Senti Restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, signature wines and modern European dishes, crafted to excite the senses and make for a delightful birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
Senti Restaurant feels modern and upscale but never pretentious, allowing guests to relax in a soft, bright dining room with colorful abstract artwork intended to enhance your flavorful birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
What to Order
Lasagna alla Veneta and petto d’occa are two lovely choices here. Whatever you decide on, just be sure to order the tiramisu and check out the restaurant's one-of-a-kind automated wine dispenser.
Senti Restaurant | 3473 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201 | $$$
10. The Melting Pot
If you’re looking for date ideas in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to find a more fun, interactive and romantic restaurant than The Melting Pot. This refined chain restaurant has unbeatable cheese and chocolate fondue, so it’s no wonder they’re so popular for a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
The Melting Pot is a cozy and casual restaurant where you’ll be seated around a table with your own hot fondue pots, perfect for dipping, sharing and experiencing new flavor combinations with your guests.
What to Order
The four-course dinner is the ultimate experience here, including your choice of cheese fondue, a salad, an entrée and chocolate fondue for dessert – plus an assortment of dippable delights.
The Melting Pot | 242 W. Station Sq. Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | $$$$
11. Morcilla
This charming restaurant located in Lawrenceville serves unique pintxos and authentic Spanish dishes in a warm, intimate setting, ideal for a relaxed birthday dinner in Pittsburgh. Morcilla is co-owned by Justin Severino, an award-winning chef known for his incredible cured meats and charcuterie.
The Vibe
Morcilla has an atmosphere that feels very cozy, casual and almost Hobbit-like, with vibrant green tiles, brick and wood walls, and dried meats suspended above the bar.
What to Order
Costillas de la Matanza is a popular pintxo (small plate) here, featuring baby back pork ribs, harissa honey, za’atar and labneh.
Morcilla | 3519 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201 | $$$
12. Meat & Potatoes
If you are looking for special things to do in Pittsburgh, visiting the first gastropub in the city is a must. Meat & Potatoes is a great place to celebrate your birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, as it serves upscale American classics just like Mama used to make – or dare we say, better?
The Vibe
Excellent for a filling and relaxed birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, Meat & Potatoes has a warm, masculine and rustic vibe with comfortable lounge seating, a full bar and quirky taxidermy wall décor.
What to Order
Set the mood with an order of Pig Candy for the table, then dive into a savory roasted pork belly. Meat & Potatoes also offers a vegan meatloaf and other meat-free options.
Meat & Potatoes | 649 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | $$$
13. Bridges & Bourbon
With a stunning modern venue and eye-catching beverages, Bridges & Bourbon is a popular downtown spot for nights out and romantic dates. Besides cocktails, Bridges & Bourbon has an impressive dinner menu perfect for a boozy birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
Bridges & Bourbon projects a fun atmosphere for a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, with a moody color palette, tall ceilings, modern marble tables and an impressive backlit full bar that shines all the way to the ceiling.
What to Order
To get a taste of the best Pittsburgh food, the chicken supreme is a juicy crowd-pleasing option, served with charred lemon jus, asparagus and cauliflower puree. Balance the savory goodness with a sweet perfect pear cocktail.
Bridges & Bourbon | 930 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | $$
14. Grand Concourse
Built within the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station, Grand Concourse is one of the best places to host a memorable birthday dinner in Pittsburgh, where you can enjoy elegant dishes in a one-of-a-kind dining space.
The Vibe
In terms of atmosphere, Grand Concourse is one of the most awe-inspiring birthday restaurants Pittsburgh has to offer, featuring a massive dining area, great stained glass ceilings, and charming details from the building’s railroad station days.
What to Order
Celebrate your birthday dinner in Pittsburgh with the jumbo shrimp scampi or the tender slow-roasted prime rib, then satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with the decadent bananas foster crème brûlées.
Grand Concourse | 100 W. Station Sq. Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 | $$$
15. DiAnoia’s Eatery
A family-owned Italian deli, restaurant and café, DiAnoia’s Eatery is well-known for its delicious foods and beautiful desserts. Its casual yet friendly neighborhood atmosphere makes this a great place to host a low-key birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
DiAnoia’s Eatery feels like a comfortable neighborhood deli hangout: clinking wine glasses, the scent of fresh bread wafting through the air and lots of smiling locals.
What to Order
The cacio e pepe is a go-to here for a good reason, crafted with fresh house-made pasta, pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses paired with cracked black pepper.
DiAnoia’s Eatery | 2549 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | $$
16. Long Story Short
If you’re aiming for casual, kicked-back birthday ideas in Pittsburgh, head to Long Story Short, located in Lawrenceville. This fun gastropub is a great place for a guys’ night out or a low-key group birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
After you grab some scrumptious grub and a cold draft beer, head up to the mezzanine (A.K.A. “the mezz”) to play some old-school arcade games, perfect for making memories during your birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
What to Order
Long Story Short’s classic and crowd-pleasing meatball mac melt is anything but boring; try the Nashville hot chicken patty sandwich or the hearty beef chili.
Long Story Short | 3422 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60624 | $$
17. Eleven
Eleven serves a unique New American menu that changes seasonally. For an extra special birthday, book one of their nightly tasting dinners or head to the tavern side for a casual á la carte birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
The Vibe
With its elegant, warm dining areas, beautiful wine displays and business casual dress code, you would never guess that Eleven was once an old warehouse building. Now it’s a swanky place to host your birthday dinner in Pittsburgh!
What to Order
Eleven’s dinner menu changes quite often, but you can look forward to seasonal options like a tuna tartare or white asparagus and morels with Parmesan & rice croquette.
Eleven | 1150 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | $$$
18. Casbah
Opened in 1995, Casbah Mediterranean Kitchen & Wine Bar has delighted visitors for over 20 years with their authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring seasonal and farm-fresh ingredients.
The Vibe
Casbah has an indoor dining area and covered outdoor dining area, both of which have a warm and relaxing vibe and lots of live plants to make for an inviting birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
What to Order
Casbah uses seasonally available ingredients, so include choices like the casbah double-cut pork chops or the roasted Long Island duck.
Casbah | 229 S Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 | $$$
19. The Capital Grille
Nestled in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, The Capital Grille has several locations throughout the United States, and is one of the most popular seafood and steakhouses for special occasion dinners, especially a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh!
The Vibe
The atmosphere at The Capital Grille is effortlessly elegant, featuring dark mahogany walls and decadent wine displays, ideal for a refined and relaxing birthday dinner in Pittsburgh.
What to Order
The Capital Grille’s dry-aged steaks are some of the best in the nation, so treat yourself with a filet mignon with cipollini onions, wild mushrooms and fig essence or a tomahawk veal chop with sage butter, marsala jus and crispy prosciutto.
The Capital Grille | 301 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | $$$$
Other Foodie Experiences in Pittsburgh
While going out for a birthday dinner in Pittsburgh can be loads of fun, enjoying celebratory dishes at home can be just as rewarding. Learn to make your own iconic Pittsburgh foods with cooking classes in Pittsburgh or treat yourself or your friends to a unique experience with private chefs in Pittsburgh. Either way, you’ll make cherished memories and learn valuable skills that will help you celebrate birthdays for years to come.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Pittsburgh may not be the first city that comes to mind for foodie adventures, but its culinary scene is thriving and offers numerous options for hosting a memorable birthday dinner. Despite its industrial roots, Pittsburgh has emerged as a destination for gastronomic delights, making it an ideal locale to celebrate another year of life. Whether you're seeking famous local dishes or elegant dining experiences, the Steel City has something to offer for every palate and occasion. For even more ways to explore Pittsburgh and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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