Pittsburgh Restaurant Week returns Aug. 7-13
They are the regulars of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week — establishments that have participated in the past and are serving up guests again for the semi-annual event that happens in January and August.
The summer edition runs Monday through Sunday.
“The timing of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is perfect,” said John King, chef and owner of Revival on Lincoln in Bellevue. “This time in August is usually slow, just like when they have it in January. We get busy during restaurant week.”
King said he continues to be part of the event where restaurants offer special pricing and often different menu items just for this week because it benefits everyone. Restaurants may also extend business hours.
“Restaurant Week is a way to introduce my restaurant to people who might not normally dine here,” he said. “It’s a good deal and some of those people return and become regular customers.”
He said he tries to give guests several options of seafood, chicken and pasta dishes as well as appetizer choices and desserts.
The summer edition also allows for outdoor seating — Revival on Lincoln has a patio.
This one will be one week long (for the past few years it had been two weeks).
Brian McCollum, director of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, said the retention of restaurants is very strong.
“Some are hesitant to join the first time because they don’t know the impact it will have, but once they join they are loyal to the program,” he said. “There are a lot of tough choices because there are so many really good menu options.”
This year, there are 48 restaurants.
That is down from the pre-pandemic number of nearly 100. McCollum said some of that has to do with the challenge of staffing at restaurants.
#PittsburghRestaurantWeek2023. Aug 8-13, 2023. We look forward to seeing you for Pittsburgh Restaurant Week. Enjoy a $45.23 three course meal featuring soup or salad, choice of entrees (Steak Diane; Salmon; Chicken Bruschetta; Veal Milanese) & NY Cheesecake or Chocolate Mousse. pic.twitter.com/U9jVPjobqE
— LeMont Pittsburgh (@LeMontPgh) August 1, 2023
One of the longest participants is the LeMont Restaurant on Mt. Washington. General manager Marco Corona said he believes they’ve been part of the event since it started in 2012. He said it gives people who may not have ever been to the restaurant an opportunity to try it and enjoy not only the food but also the view of the city of Pittsburgh.
“The view is stunning,” he said. “We love hearing comments about our view.”
He said the LeMont sees both new guests and its devoted followers during this week, so the chefs prepare unique items to entice all diners. It’s also a chance to showcase the restaurant as a venue for weddings and other celebrations.
Khalil’s Restaurant in Bloomfield has participated in a January event. This will be the first time in the summer edition, said Dalel Khalil, co-owner of the restaurant with her sister Lelia Khalil.
The plan is to offer items such as Aleppo pepper chicken with buttered rice pilaf, Za’atar chicken or lamb, and a Syrian/Mediterranean Sunday brunch option for Aug. 13. They will also have wraps and Syrian nachos for lunch.
“This is a way for people to try something new,” Dalel Khalil said. “We love to meet new customers and we appreciate seeing all of the loyal customers who come to restaurant week, too.”
The repeat business is definitely a positive to participating in Restaurant Week, according to Cheryl Stasinowsky, president and CEO of Mary’s Vine in Rankin. The place also serves brunch and will have choices such as mulled wine French toast, a breakfast plate, biscuits and gravy, chickpea skillet and desserts including deconstructed strawberry shortcake, mulled wine créme brûlée or chocolate peanut butter torte on Aug. 13.
There will also be vegan options.
“It gives more people an opportunity to check us out,” said Stasinowsky. “We don’t lessen the quality of food. Dining out is about the experience from the food and drink to the service.”
At The Porch in Oakland and Upper St. Clair, they’ve created pasta bolognese, an item not usually found on the menu.
“Guests look forward to this week,” said Janine Johnson, The Porch brand marketing manager. “It has fresh basil from our garden and fresh pasta. Restaurant week is fun and we are so excited to be part of this event and Pittsburgh’s culinary scene.”
The Porch incorporates fresh herbs it grows and honey it harvests on-site in various menu options, including cocktails. It also has outdoor seating.
The summer edition of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is Aug. 7-13. Check restaurant availability and days and hours of operation. A list of participants can be found online at pittsburghrestaurantweek.com.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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