Dish Osteria Bar — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

Nestled on 17th Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, Dish Osteria & Bar is a charming and intimate eatery that serves up soul-warming Sicilian and Mediterranean fare. With a cozy yet elevated atmosphere, it's the perfect place for handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood, curated wines, amaros, and decadent cocktails. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 PM to 11:30 PM, this spot fills up quickly—definitely make a reservation! The vibe is upscale without being pretentious, and the service is warm, attentive, and welcoming. The menu changes seasonally, but a few classic dishes stick around for good reason. Went with a few friends and shared a delicious spread—starting with the Calamari alla Griglia: grilled East Coast calamari served with lemon, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and sautéed spinach. Each piece was tender and flavorful. The Melanzane e Mozzarella di Bufala was a standout—grilled eggplant with buffalo mozzarella, basil, aged balsamic, and Sicilian olive oil. Every bite was a perfectly balanced medley of smokiness, tang, and creaminess. We also split two salads. The Insalata Mista was crisp and refreshing with a blend of radicchio, arugula, romaine, frisée, mustard greens, cherry tomatoes, green onions, turnips, and radishes—all dressed in Sicilian extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic. The Insalata di Carciofini alla Griglia (grilled baby artichokes with wild arugula, radicchio, and fig balsamic, topped with Ricotta Salata shavings) was another beautifully crafted plate with bold, fresh flavors. For my main, I had the Gnocchi al Ragu di Agnello—pillowy homemade potato gnocchi paired with Elysian Fields lamb shoulder ragu, Pecorino Pepato, and rosemary. Impeccable. The gnocchi were light yet satisfying, and the lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender. Also sampled the Pappardelle ai Funghi Selvaggi and Rigatoni alla Scamorza Affumicata—both beautifully executed. We paired the meal with a featured cocktail of the week and a glass of wine and wrapped it up with a rich flourless chocolate cake—a sweet finish to a flawless night. Dish Osteria & Bar is truly a gem in Pittsburgh's dining scene—perfect for a date night, special celebration, or cozy dinner with friends. Refined, soulful, and...

Christine and I had a fantastic evening at Dish Osteria and Bar in Pittsburgh’s South Side. Opting to sit at the stunning handcrafted copper bar, we were treated to an unforgettable meal and warm conversation with our bartender, who made the experience even more special with their attentiveness and charm. The pasta and fish dishes were the stars of the show—fresh, flavorful, and bursting with Sicilian-inspired goodness. The seafood was impeccably sourced, and the pasta was cooked to perfection, showcasing Chef Michele Savoia’s dedication to quality ingredients and authentic southern Italian flavors.

I sipped on a Ukraine Mule, which was refreshing and well-balanced, while Christine enjoyed a expertly crafted rum and coke cocktail that elevated a classic to something truly memorable. The bar’s cozy, candlelit ambiance, free of TVs, fostered a perfect setting for connection and conversation, making it feel like a slice of southern Italy right in Pittsburgh.

The history of Dish Osteria adds to its charm. The building at 128 S. 17th Street began as Fisher Saloon in 1885, built by Austrian and German immigrants John and Eliza Fisher. It later became Wilson’s in 1928, then McCaan’s, a beloved Irish pub, from 1946 until 1999. Michele and Cindy Savoia purchased the space on New Year’s Eve 1999, initially running it as McCaan’s before transforming it into Dish Osteria and Bar by September 2000. After a brief closure in 2017 for a well-deserved sabbatical, they reopened in 2019, continuing to make Dish a neighborhood gem with a loyal following. This rich history, paired with the Savoias’ hospitality, makes every visit feel like stepping into a storied yet welcoming space.

We can’t wait to return for another evening of exceptional food, drinks, and that signature Dish warmth. Reservations are a must for this intimate...

We had a great experience here this week. We were invited to join a friend, which was the only reason we went. I say that because our last experience here, before the pandemic, was terrible. We had honestly sworn this place off because of the bad behavior of the owners. But since our friend was visiting from out of town, and she had a prime time reservation, we decided to go, mostly to see her.

I am glad we did. The food and service did not disappoint. Our waiter was knowledgeable and attentive.

My partner and I split a tuna carpaccio appetizer. We liked it, and there was nothing wrong per se, but it wasn't very exciting. The tuna broke apart when lifting it off the plate since it was so thin. I understand that the thin slices are appropriate for carpaccio, but maybe if it was presented differently--perhaps rolled into a tube, or served on a lettuce leaf--it might have survived the trip from plate to mouth better. As such, the small pieces of tuna were mildly frustrating to eat.

My partner had the Frutti di Mare. It was a generous serving of seafood in a nice white wine sauce over pasta. Very good from what I tasted. I had the mixed grilled seafood, and it was excellent. The grilled calamari may have been the best grilled calamari I have ever eaten. I could easily have eaten a whole plate of that grilled calamari and went without the shrimp, swordfish and scallops that, although cooked perfectly, just didn't have the same wow factor.

We enjoyed a nice bottle of wine at about $50, which was appropriate for a restaurant such as this.

So, the bad experience that we had from before the pandemic didn't carry over to this visit. We were extremely happy with this...