LOVE AT FIRST BITE
Pittsburgh restaurants pledge their affection for Valentine's Day
Nothing whispers love better than an exquisite meal, and restaurants know that. With Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday this year, restaurants are rolling out romantic-themed menus from Friday through the weekend. One is even offering a “Morning After” brunch Monday. From prix fixe and multiple-course dinners to delicious desserts and specials, chefs are whipping up heartwarming meals. If you are in the anti-Valentine camp, there are special dinners for you as well. But remember, restaurants will be busy, so reservations are strongly recommended anywhere you go this weekend.
DINNER AND TASTING MENUS
Braddock’s Pittsburgh Brasserie
Three-course dinner with such choices as Maine stuffed lobster and blue cheese and bacon-stuffed petite filet, plus champagne toast. Monthlong dessert special is a red velvet cheesecake pierogi topped with Oreo crumbles and cream cheese drizzle. Valentine prix fixe menu available Friday through Sunday. $59.99 per person. Renaissance Hotel, 107 Sixth St., Downtown. 412-992-2005; braddocksrestaurant.com.
Butcher and the Rye
Valentine specials include beef carpaccio with cauliflower, oysters, lamb belly confit with burnt wheat tagliatelle, and seared duck breast. 5 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday. 212 Sixth St., Downtown. 412-391-2752; butcherandtherye.com.
Casbah
Four-course “Land & Sea Tasting Menu” with Chilean sea bass or roasted veal strip loin and red velvet molten cake and chocolate eclairs for dessert. Friday through Sunday. $65 per person; wine package $35. 229 S. Highland Ave., Shadyside. 412-661-5656; casbahpgh.com.
The Commoner
Three-course prix fixe menu Friday and Saturday. $120 per couple. 458 Strawberry Way, Downtown. 412-230-4800; thecommonerpgh.com.
Cure
Five-course tasting menu Friday and Saturday. $85 per person; optional $45 beverage pairing. 5336 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 412-252-2595; curepittsburgh.com.
Della Terra Italian Bistro
Valentine menu features such entrees as pan-seared duck breast, chocolate chili beef short ribs and Lake Erie walleye, plus dessert of sweet potato doughnuts with bourbon caramel. 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday. 100 Perry Highway, Harmony. 724-473-0630; dellaterrapgh.com.
Dish Osteria
Opening on a Sunday for the first time in years, offering favorites from the regular menu plus a few chef creations. Sunday. 128 S. 17th St., South Side. 412-390-2012; dishosteria.com.
Eleven
Four-course meal of black sea bass and hanger steak with lobster risotto, or a vegetarian option with multigrain risotto and roasted maitake. Friday through Sunday. Omnivore dinner is $75; vegetarian is $50; optional wine pairing is $30. 1150 Smallman St., Strip District. 412-201-5656; elevenck.com.
Habitat
Dinner specials and wine pairings in addition to the regular dinner menu, plus a special dessert: chocolate shuffle cake with thyme ice cream, raspberry meringue and raspberry mousse dome filled with tellicherry pepper chocolate brulee. Friday through Sunday. The Fairmont Pittsburgh, 510 Market St., Downtown. 412-7738848; habitatrestaurant.com.
Hartwood Restaurant
Four-course dinner with entree choices including grilled filet mignon, salmon and scallops, smoked pork loin, lobster ravioli or wild mushroom and asparagus risotto. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $50 per person. 3400 Harts Run Road, Indiana Township. 412-767-3500; hartwoodrestaurant.com.
Kaya
Four-course menu with New York strip steak and Korean fried trumpets or vegetarian option. Friday through Sunday. $39 per person; optional wine pairing $19. 2000 Smallman St., Strip District. 412-2616565; bigburrito.com/kaya.