Pittsburgh | Zhou's Kitchen: A Cozy Shanghainese Gem in Squirrel Hill

Tucked away in the vibrant Squirrel Hill neighborhood, Zhou's Kitchen has quickly become one of the area's most popular Chinese restaurants — and for good reason! Specializing in authentic Shanghainese cuisine, this spot delivers consistent quality and rich flavors. A friendly tip: stick to their signature dishes listed on the menu — you really can’t go wrong. 🍛 Personal Favorites & Must-Tries 🍖 Braised Pork Meatballs Juicy, tender, and deeply flavorful — these meatballs are simmered in a rich savory sauce that’s perfectly balanced and not overly heavy. An absolute rice killer — you’ll want to order an extra bowl of steamed rice! 🥩 Black Pepper Beef Short Rib As a black pepper lover, this dish truly won me over. The beef is tender, and the black pepper sauce is aromatic and well-spiced without being overly hot. Even if you’re not big on spice, you’ll enjoy this one — I’ve ordered it for delivery and it held up great! 🦀 Crab Roe Tofu Silky tofu in a luxurious crab roe sauce — this dish is a dream when paired with rice. I used to be a loyal fan of Pin Jiang Nan’s version, but Zhou’s version totally holds its own — creamy, delicate, and deeply satisfying. 🌟 The Vibe & Location Located in Squirrel Hill — easily accessible by bus 🚍 Part of a new wave of solid Chinese eateries in the area, alongside Xi’an Noodle House and Xin Fu Yuan Great for weekend gatherings, casual dinners, or when you’re craving a taste of home 💬 A Little Context Fun fact (or not-so-fun): this location used to be Dagu Noodle — a spot known for underwhelming food and service. Thankfully, Zhou’s Kitchen has brought warmth, flavor, and heart to the space! Whether you're a CMU student, a Pittsburgh local, or just passing through — Zhou’s Kitchen offers comforting, well-executed Shanghainese classics that hit the spot every time. #ZhouKitchen #PittsburghEats #ShanghaineseFood #SquirrelHill #CMU #PittsburghChineseFood #ComfortFood #FoodieFavorites